Anyone expecting Newcastle United to go out and start buying the world's leading players right away might be disappointed. 

While the club are now backed by pretty much unprecedented wealth in the game, the Mike Ashley era has led to a decline in every area of the club. From the training ground and academy system to the state of the iconic stadium, the new owners have a long way to go before they can turn the club into a realistic destination for the top stars in the game. 

Indeed, outside of signing Robinho on their first day, the incoming regime at Manchester City appeared to focus on strengthening their squad by largely weakening the teams around them.

James Milner, Craig Bellamy, Shay Given, Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry all arrived to compliment the signings made from abroad. 

Although the architects of the Newcastle project will have their own vision, it seems reasonable to assume something similar will happen at St James' Park. 

With that in mind, GIVEMESPORT have looked at a realistic XI for Newcastle post-January window. Long-term, it might look much more eye-catching but, for now, supporters shouldn't expect the world. 

GK: Martin Dubravka 

No change needed here. At least in the short-term. 

RB: Kieran Trippier 

A man levels above Newcastle before Thursday's takeover, it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see him return to England with this kind of move. Understood to want to return during this summer's links to Manchester United, Trippier is surely now within the club's price range, although potentially winning another league title with Atletico Madrid must be appealing. 

CB: James Tarkowski

Hugely experienced in the Premier League and coming towards the end of his contract with Burnley, the stoic defender seems like a no-brainer signng in order to improve a leaky Newcastle backline. 

CB: Jamaal Lascelles 

Jamaal Lascelles might not be the Vincent Kompany-like figure City had upon their takeover but, for now, the club captain looks solid enough to continue in the side. 

LB: Jamal Lewis 

The notion of Jamal Lewis reclaiming his spot from Matt Ritchie might not seem that exciting on the face of it. Still, presumably, Newcastle will soon have a new manager who could coax the best out of him, something Steve Bruce has been unable to do. 

After all, the club spent £15m on the player. They have to get a return on their investment. 

CM: Isaac Hayden 

A popular figure amongst the fanbase and a midfield general, there are other areas of the squad that need improving before Hayden's position is considered. 

CM: Aaron Ramsey 

Ok, so this one is a bit out there and somewhat indulgent. 

It's important to stress that, were Ramsey to be starring for a strong Juventus side, it's almost imagine him swapping the black and white of the Turin giants for the Toon Army. 

That isn't the case, however. 

Reduced to just one start this season, the financial problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic saw Juventus desperately trying to join the European Super League, so the idea of selling a player in his 30s to a newly-rich side isn't out of the question. 

RM: Allan Saint-Maximin 

The club's star man, there is simply no need to upgrade on the Frenchman. 

CAM: Jesse Lingard 

The Manchester United star has already talked about his need to play first-team football more regularly and, with his contract expiring next summer, those at Old Trafford would surely consider selling him amid their vast array of attacking talents. 

LM: Ryan Fraser 

Going forward, there will likely be much more in the way of attacking signings but - right now - more needs to come from Ryan Fraser. Under a new manager, perhaps Newcastle could see the best of him. 

ST: Callum Wilson 

Providing he stays fit, Newcastle already have one of the best strikers in the bottom of the Premier League.