With a fortnight of the January window remaining, we've given him a helping hand with a few possible targets.

OLOF MELLBERG

With the Swede's future at Aston Villa still not sorted, several clubs have been sniffing around the versatile defender. His committed attitude, physical presence and defensive instincts would be a welcome - and cheap - addition to the Magpies' squad.

DANIEL VAN BUYTEN

The Belgian defender, who can also play in midfield, won many admirers during a loan spell at Manchester City. Struggling to get a game at Bayern Munich and likely to be available for the right price.

MATHIEU BODMER

French midfield all-rounder who joined Lyon in the summer and has done well in Ligue 1, but is not necessarily indispensable to Alain Perrin.

RIO MAVUBA

Newcastle must make the midfield a priority with both a holding player and playmaker needed. Steely, energetic French midfield enforcer Mavuba signed for Villarreal from Bordeaux in the summer but has found opportunities limited.

DAVID ALBELDA

Gritty Spanish defensive midfielder out of favour with Valencia boss Ronald Koeman, currently being hawked around most Premier League clubs.

RAFAEL VAN DER VAART

Hugely-talented Dutch playmaker impressing this season for Hamburg, where he is club captain. Probably eyeing a move to a more illustrious club than Newcastle, though.

DECO

Deco's stock has fallen significantly at Barcelona, so Newcastle could undoubtedly afford him, and with the Premier League's top sides already catered for in that department, Newcastle could be his best option in England.

DAVID BELLION

Manchester United and Sunderland flop who has finally started to show signs of delivering on his potential for Bordeaux in France, scoring 11 goals so far - second only to Lyon's Karim Benzema.

EWERTHON

Brazilian forward who can play as an attacking midfielder, striker or out wide. He joined German champions Stuttgart from Real Zaragoza in the summer but has not really managed to fit in with their workmanlike style of play.

GEOVANNI

Another Brazilian, Geovanni is rumoured to be on his way out of Manchester City despite only arriving in the summer. Versatile in several forward positions, he would sate Keegan's appetite for flair players.

LUIS JIMENEZ

Flamboyant Chilean winger who has not been a regular for Inter Milan despite his immense talent. On loan at the San Siro before a permanent switch from Ternana at the end of this season, his current situation is therefore complicated but would certainly be worth an enquiry.