Enrique makes Magpies appeal

Enrique: Magpies appeal

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Jose Enrique believes Newcastle's promotion hopes rest on their January transfer activity.

The Magpies defender believes it essential that the club employ a number of recruits for the second part of the season in order to maintain their top-of-the-table status.

Chris Hughton's side have enjoyed a superb season to date and are the only Championship side that can boast an unbeaten home record this term.

Set to take on promotion rivals West Brom in the coming weeks, they could go eight points clear at the top - standing them in good stead for a return to the top flight via automatic promotion.

Essential

Enrique believes his side are by no means certain of going up, especially if they don't add to their depleted squad.

Marlon Harewood and Zurab Khizanishvili have already returned to their parent clubs, and Danny Simpson's current loan deal is set to expire next Monday, meaning the Magpies are already short on the pitch.

"We need new players, some have already gone," he told the Newcastle Chronicle.

"We've got a good squad, but when people go then we need to get replacements.

"I am sure that Chris has this situation already in hand - if he wants my recommendations I hear that Lionel Messi and Ronaldo would be great signings!

"But I think Chris has done an excellent job so far in adjusting the team for this division, and I'm sure he will continue to do that."

Enrique concedes that Newcastle have limited funds available, meaning they could be forced to delve into the February loan window.

"We are in the Championship now and it's different to the Premier League," he added.

"There is less money to spend for transfers."