Barring the slight blip when they lost 1-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers last weekend, Newcastle United appear to be taking the Championship by storm.

The Magpies, under the guidance of experienced Spaniard Rafa Benitez, sit at the summit of the second tier and are six points clear of third placed Reading.

Before this weekend's disappointing loss to struggling Blackburn, Newcastle had won eight league games in a row and looked a force to be reckoned with.

They are still widely tipped to go on and win promotion back to the Premier League but their recent results - including an EFL Cup loss against ten man Hull City - are maybe proving that Newcastle are not as good as many people think.

Benitez might use January to dip into the transfer market and strengthen his side and with the pull that Newcastle have on prospective signings, he could target another "marquee" player.

Here are three optimistic suggestions for Newcastle to look at in January.

Charlie Taylor

Taylor

Leeds left back Charlie Taylor is one of the best full backs in the Championship but he might be leaving Elland Road this January.

The 23-year-old's contract runs out at the end of the season so they might sell this January to avoid losing him in the summer for nothing.

West Brom are interested but Newcastle could do with a new left back to upgrade on Paul Dummett - who is competent but unremarkable.

Anthony Knockaert

Anthony Knockaert Anthony Knockaert

Anthony Knockaert is one of the most talented attacking players in the Championship and Brighton would be devastated to lose him.

The 25-year-old is a left-footed right winger who has plenty of end product to his game as well as flair, skill and pace.

Newcastle could tempt the Frenchman to join their promotion charge by being able to almost guarantee Premier League football next year.

Callum Wilson

Callum Wilson

Newcastle managed to tempt Matt Ritchie to leave Premier League Bournemouth in the summer and are reportedly looking to bring his former colleague Callum Wilson to the club.

Wilson is a fast, strong handful of a forward who would undoubtedly thrive in the second tier as he causes enough problems in the top flight.

Whether Wilson would want to leave is another question, and he would probably cost a lot of money but his goals would pretty much guarantee Newcastle's promotion.

 

Newcastle fans - would you take any of these players? What could they add to your squad? Let us know in the comments below...