Our Newcastle fans here in the Transfer Tavern will be hoping Rafa Benitez can find some firepower to kick-start Newcastle’s season and avoid a relegation dogfight.

The Magpies have struggled for goals this season and it’s not a surprise to our regulars in the bar, that they find themselves near the bottom of the Premier League table. However, with the right type of recruitment in this winter window, Benitez could find the firepower required to secure a mid-table spot on their return to England’s top flight.

It seems that Benitez finally knows his budget and this final week of the transfer window, he can go gung-ho on his targets, much to the relief of the Geordies in the back room.

With a host of players looking to make moves to better their careers and help push for spots in each individual’s national team for the World Cup this summer, our landlord takes a look at three out fo favour strikers that could certainly do a job for the Magpies…

Javier Hernandez

The West Ham forward seems to be open to a move away from the Hammers despite only transferring there in the summer. Since new manager David Moyes came to the club, Chicarito has barely got a look in, which was a similar tale to his time at Man United under the Scot.

‘Little Pea’ comes with Premier League experience and, if the right service is fed to him, he will fire Newcastle to safety. There’s no doubt in our local Toon Army-mad punters minds about that.

Danny Ings

The Liverpool man is way down in the pecking order at Anfield and chances have been limited during his injury-laden time there. Danny Ings has a great goal-to-game ratio during his time at Burnley and the handful of games he’s had at Liverpool, suggesting that, if he was given the chance of regular action Benitez, everyone would benefit immensely.

Ings would be relatively cheap in the market also, which could enable Benitez to strengthen in all the areas he needs to this window.

Daniel Sturridge

Former Chelsea and Man City striker Daniel Sturridge has had a very successful time at Liverpool and nearly helped them win the league with his blistering partnership with former favourite Luis Suarez.

However, since that season, Sturridge has been hit with injuries, bad form and now sits down the pecking order alongside Ings in the search for first-team football. With the World Cup coming ever closer, the England international will be desperate to be on the plane to Russia, and that motivation alone should see Benitez get the old Sturridge back.