Newcastle ensured they'll sit top of the Championship over Christmas following the weekend's victory over Burton Albion and the Magpies are looking on course to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

There's still a lot of football to be played though and Brighton are hot on the trail of Rafael Benitez' side, just one point behind, whilst the likes of Reading, Huddersfield and Leeds are all enjoying superb campaigns.

Benitez' side cannot afford to slip at any stage of the season and the Spaniard will be aware that he may need to strengthen in the January window, increasing the ability of his squad for the push next year and also ensuring his side is competitive for a return to the top-flight of English football.

Here, we've identified two top targets who Newcastle should have on their January shopping list as these two talents can significantly bolster the title-chasing Tyneside outfit.

Andre Silva

The 21-year-old striker will not stand out as a player who can fill a void within the squad, as Newcastle already boast Dwight Gayle and Aleksander Mitrovic within their ranks, but he could present a superb option to Rafael Benitez' side.

Capable of becoming a star on Tyneside and also presenting decent sell-on value for the future, Silva is an investment that could see Benitez' side reap the rewards and push on to further glory once they achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Rob Holding

Another option for Newcastle, and only a short-term one, is Arsenal youngster Rob Holding. The defender has impressed this term, deputising in the Premier League and the Champions League, but his football will be reduced in the second-half of the campaign upon Per Mertesacker's return.

It's been reported that Arsenal will look to send their summer signing out on-loan and Holding would bolster an already capable Newcastle defence, increasing the depth within the squad for the busy stages of the season- including April's huge test of seven matches in the space of a month.