Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear admits they need to BUY BIG in January to avoid becoming embroiled in the relegation battle.

The stand-in Toon boss said: "Does the squad need strengthening? Without a shadow of doubt.

"I would say we need five players. We are starting now, for the first time since I've been here, to analyse and make a list of areas we need to improve.

"We are also getting players back, key players, and might have a bit of competition for places.

"The squad more or less picked itself because of the backlog of injuries when I arrived.

"I would be happy to stay here for life if I could. I would love to be part of it.

"It is the biggest club I have been in charge of. I am going to enjoy it and stake a claim for the future."