Keith Downie has revealed that Newcastle United are now eyeing other central defenders whose names have not yet been reported.

The Lowdown: Who's been linked so far?

Following the arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood at St. James' Park, it looks as if the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now looking at bringing in a new centre-back as their third signing in the January transfer window.

The names that have been linked the most seem to be Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Benoit Badiashile, but as the window ticks down it may be that the new owners now look at other targets to bring in, with crucial games against both Watford and Leeds United in the Premier League coming up.

The Latest: Alternatives eyed

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Sky Sports journalist Downie has revealed that the North East club are now eyeing alternative targets in the centre-half position, outside of the names already reported:

"I think they're just juggling a few names at the moment.

"I mean, if I'm honest I was given two other names yesterday that I have not reported yet, because I'm trying to stand those up."

The Verdict: Get one in now

Whoever the player is, the Tyneside outfit simply need to get a central defender in now.

They currently have the second-worst defensive record in the top flight, and so freshening up the backline would really help Eddie Howe and his team going forward.

Looking at their current options, Ciaran Clark is currently rated as the division's worst centre-back (to have played at least five games) so far this season, while Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles all rank inside the worst eleven (WhoScored).

It is clearly an area that needs improving, and so a new centre-half must now be the priority for the Magpies.

In other news, find out which six-foot-one 'phenom' NUFC are now 'most interested' in signing here!