Steve Bruce's focus this transfer window is strengthening Newcastle United's midfield rather than his options up front, journalist Liam Kennedy has told The Transfer Tavern.

It has been a frustrating window for Newcastle with little transfer activity, though things are starting to pick up a little bit.

In what will come as a welcome development to the St. James' Park faithful, Joe Willock is close to signing for the club from Arsenal following an excellent loan spell on Tyneside last season.

Newcastle have also been linked with other midfielders such as Jens Cajuste of FC Midtjylland and Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury. And Kennedy expects that theme to continue, with that area of the pitch being a priority for Bruce in this moment of time.

"I don't think it [striker] is an area that they're really focusing on," the Shields Gazette reporter said.

"I think they want a revamp in the midfield, which has been long overdue. Willock is the key to that and I think they want one other."

All things considered, Newcastle could probably do with revamping their attack as well. An injury to their first-choice No.9 Callum Wilson, something they did have to deal with last season, and the Magpies suddenly look very light up front.