Newcastle United No2 Paul Simpson says they'll be active in the January market.

Simpson admits that Newcastle's coaching staff have identified the areas of the squad that need improving and fully expects Mike Ashley to further invest during the January transfer window.

When asked whether he could reveal any of Newcastle's January transfer targets on BBC Newcastle's Total Sport, Simpson responded: “No (I can't say anything publicly) at this moment. Not at this moment.

“We've had a good chance to look at the squad so far, we know there's areas (to improve) but the one thing I would say is that so far the owner has backed us fantastically well and I'm sure if Steve goes to him in January and recognises areas that we need to strengthen again, I'd be very surprised if he (Ashley) doesn't back us again.

“We all want the same thing, don't we? Regardless of what the perception is of Mike (Ashley), he is desperate for success with Newcastle United and I'm sure he'll do it (invest) again."