Newcastle United have been tipped to make one ‘big-money signing’ in January, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Magpies are the richest football club in the world thanks to their Saudi owners, and they could look to bring in their latest acquisition over the upcoming winter window.

What is the latest news involving Newcastle?

In October 2021, a consortium completed a £300 million takeover of Newcastle, ending the 14-year ownership of Mike Ashley and restoring hope of a successful future.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund’s purchase of the club is not without controversy due to the nation’s poor human rights record, but director Amanda Staveley is determined to guide Newcastle to the very top.

"Newcastle United deserves to be top of the Premier League. We want to get there. It will take time, but we will get there," Staveley said.

"We want to see it get those trophies, obviously. At top of the Premier League, in Europe, but to get trophies means patience, investment, time. We want everybody to work with us to build the club towards what it needs to be."

What has Downie said about Newcastle?

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been backed in the transfer market off the pitch and is delivering results on it, and Downie believes he could be handed another star player over the coming months.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I just feel that they'll look at January, and because it's a difficult window, I can see maybe one signing arriving in January, one sort of big-money signing arriving.

“And maybe potentially using a loan if they can, if there's a player that's out of favour at another club.”

Who could Newcastle sign?

Back in July, The Telegraph reported that Newcastle had ended their pursuit of Moussa Diaby due to Bayer Leverkusen placing a £60 million asking price on their prized asset.

However, a recent update provided by The i stated that the North East outfit are continuing to monitor Diaby’s progress as they scour the market for attacking reinforcements.

Leicester City’s James Maddison, who Newcastle had two bids turned down for over the summer, was also named as a potential target for Howe.

Bringing in either player would significantly bolster the attacking options currently available to Howe at St James’ Park and provide an indication of the direction that the club is heading in.