Newcastle United are looking to bring in 'two serious signings' in the January transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Magpies have strengthened their squad considerably since the PIF takeover of the club, but may opt for some new recruits to accelerate their bid for Champions League football.

What is the latest news involving Newcastle?

Newcastle are on a very good run of form in the Premier League, undefeated since a trip to Anfield at the end of August, a sequence that has put them right in the mix as contenders to qualify for Europe's most prestigious competition.

To make sure that this comes to fruition, Eddie Howe is looking at improving in the January market, and Spanish reports have linked Real Madrid's Eden Hazard with a move to Tyneside, as he has fallen out of favour in Spain.

Another option on the wing is Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby, with the Telegraph reporting that the 23-year-old was a target in the summer, and Dean Jones recently indicating that the club may 'revisit' the German side over a January swoop.

What has Jones said about Newcastle?

Jones believes that Howe may strike while the iron is hot, and bring in some quality reinforcements to his Newcastle team in the upcoming market.

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, Jones said:

"To be in a Champions League position right now rather than just chasing a Champions League position is probably beyond expectation, and knowing that you're almost halfway through a season and you've just got to go through that again means they probably will hammer home the message that they are serious contenders for Champions League football.

"I think they will put their hands in their pockets again and that they will make two serious signings."

Do Newcastle need new additions?

Newcastle's season so far has surpassed expectations, even when considering the large sums of investment that the PIF have made in the club, but to mount a serious challenge for Champions League football, they need greater squad depth.

The aforementioned Diaby would be a perfect signing for Howe, weighing in with 12 goal contributions in 21 games this season, including two goals in the Champions League, so the 'electrifying' winger is at the level required to turn the Magpies into a serious threat.

While current options on the left wing Joelinton and Jacob Murphy have impressed at times this season, it is questionable whether they are at the level required to take the Tyneside club to the next level, and a marquee signing may be the crucial factor in starting to compete for major honours.