Newcastle United are expected to make a “significant” signing in January, according to Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s transfers

Newcastle have spent big in the two transfer windows they’ve had under their current owners, with €136.35m (£118.9m) spent in the summer following on from €101.1m (£87.9m) 12 months ago.

Eddie Howe has previously remained coy on the possibility of adding to their ranks this month, with ChronicleLive reporting him as saying: “We have a strong group of players, but we will assess what we need in January. There are no intentions imminently to improve the squad, but that may change.”

The Magpies have had an unimaginable turnaround over the past year from relegation battlers to Champions League chasers in the Premier League heading into the second half of the campaign.

The Latest: “Significant” signing

With their league position and huge resources in mind, it could have been set to be a busy January window in the north-east, but as of yet, there has been no definitive progression on any targets.

However, Jones has told GiveMeSport that he’s expecting considerable movement at St James’ Park before the deadline.

He said: “The underlying fact here is that Newcastle are determined to keep upgrading the squad every window in a way that means their starting XI will be improved, and that will happen.

“How it comes about, I don’t know, but by the end of this window, I would expect Newcastle to have made a significant signing.”

The Verdict: Movement expected

Given the Magpies' incredible season and the aims of their new owners, you’d be shocked not to see them delve into the winter window.

With a potential case to add to their midfield and forward areas before the window slams shut, it would seem crazy that an opportunity isn’t taken.

Newcastle’s pack has become thinner in midfield, with a fresh injury to Jonjo Shelvey leaving them light in the middle of the park, and with Joelinton pushed out to the left wing due to his current form, that leaves just Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock as the engine room options.