Steve McClaren has made it clear that Newcastle United will pursue a new striker this winter.

The Magpies have struggled to find regular goals this season, hitting the back of the net on 19 occasions in their 19 Premier League fixtures at the halfway point of the season.

Georginio Wijnaldum leads the club with seven league goals this term, with Ayoze Perez next on four, sparking calls from the St James' Park faithful for some more attacking options.

Despite the impending return of Emmanuel Riviere, who McClaren referred to as a new signing, the Toon are desperate for striker reinforcements as the boss echoed in his pre-match press conference for Saturday's clash with trip to Arsenal.

"Absolutely. Absolutely," said McClaren when asked if he understands the fans frustrations regarding Newcastle's lack of goals.

"I understand fully where you're coming from, believe you me. I think I've said enough to say that we do need more goals and that we're working behind the scenes to address that.

"We have always known that January was coming up, but as normal at this football club, we like to do things privately. We are discussing it behind the scenes. Inside the four walls. Hopefully it will remain there.

"At the present moment, we've only got (Aleksandar) Mitrovic who's fit. (Papas) Cisse is injured and Manu (Riviere) will take a few weeks to get up to match fitness so we have to keep working hard.

"The key is: Keep working - keep working hard on the training field, keep believing in them, and give as much confidence as we can and hope they deliver on the field."