Newcastle United have been tipped to resist temptation to dip into the January transfer market for a new centre-back despite worries over Sven Botman's form.
The Dutchman has had a difficult start to the current campaign and could find himself out of the starting XI with captain Dan Burn now nearing a return to fitness.
For many fans, a new central defender was on the shopping list in the summer transfer window but with other priorities to act upon, the money was spent elsewhere.
Injury and form raise questions
But injury to Burn and the form of Botman as well as Malick Thiaw has raised the question about a potential move for a centre-back in the winter window.
However speaking on The Everything is Black and White, in a special episode about Botman, Newcastle's likelihood to spend in January on a defender was played down by John Gibson.
"I think what Newcastle will do is try to be cute - they know it's a bad month [to buy] as you've only got a month as opposed to a whole summer. They'll know that clubs don't want to sell you players because they haven't the time to get a replacement in like they have in the summer.
Realistic approach to winter window
"Newcastle will look at the situation and try to be realistic - they'll say: 'what have we got left for the rest of the season?'
"Now if we are within a chance of winning one of the two domestic cups - and we'll still be in the FA Cup at the beginning of January, but are we still in the League Cup? If we are within a chance of winning something, and we could win a place in Europe [through the league] which would be terrific, if we're in with a chance of that then maybe you look at January.
"But if we're not - then you don't do your business in January. You do it in the summer and you get through with what you've got for the moment so that you've got a better option in the summer of getting who you want.
Options and potential sales
"If injuries allow you, you look at Thiaw and Burn to get us through, and Botman and Schar providing the back up until the summer."
It is understood that the club have some room to manoeuvre in January should they wish to do so but that sales would be required for a major outlay.
With both Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy heading into the final months of their deal at United, a winter exit could be tempting, with interest in Joelinton once again expected to be there.
Many fans would like to see the club add to their ranks at left-back to compete with Lewis Hall.
