Newcastle boss Eddie Howe downplays January transfer window amid Kieran Trippier links and insists ‘main focus’ is on staying up with current squad

Manager Eddie Howe insists Newcastle are not reliant upon the January transfer window to stay in the Premier League.

The Magpies are currently three points adrift of safety after just one win in their opening 16 matches.

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A 4-0 defeat at Leicester emphasised the task at hand, and with their next three matches against Liverpool, Manchester City and Man United - they could be in seriously deep trouble by January.

However, many expect their fortunes to improve once the winter transfer window opens.

Following a recent takeover, Newcastle are now backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, making them the richest club in Europe.

The new owners are expected to splash the cash next month to ensure they haven't spent more than £300million on a club bound for the Championship.

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talkSPORT understands Atletico Madrid and England right-back Kieran Trippier is the club's top target.

However, Howe is fully focused on the players currently at his disposal, with no guarantees of successful business in January.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Howe said: "January is notoriously a very difficult window to sign players in.

"The group of players we have here have been my main focus and continue to be my main focus.

"Getting the best out of every single one of those players is the key to us staying up."