Norwich City boss Dean Smith believes it will be hard for Newcastle United to 'buy' their way out of trouble this January.
With the winter window to open in just over a month's time, there's a lot of speculation on how United will strengthen - even though Toon boss Eddie Howe has played down the level of expectation.
That hasn't stopped the countless rumours that have seen big-name players linked with a move but Smith, whose Norwich side face the Magpies on Tuesday in a relegation six-pointer, says January is a difficult month to buy reinforcements.
Speaking to reports ahead of the trip to St James' Park, Smith said: "It's always difficult to think you can buy your way out of or into any position because you bring players into the squad who first of all have to settle in, there's a little bit of an integration they have to get into.
"If they are not British or haven't experienced the Premier League before there's a newness about everything.
"The Premier League is a very talented league and every club gives you a challenge so it's very difficult to buy yourself a place in the top six or out of the bottom three."
With Newcastle rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and without a win this season, losing to Norwich is unthinkable. The Canaries lie one place above United but a victory for Smith's side would see the gap go from three points to six.
With United in such a precarious position, it may be difficult for them to attract top plays in January. Smith believes the focus could like on Howe encouraging his current crop of players.
"January is always difficult for any team," Smith added. "Prices are overinflated but that probably won't matter to Newcastle at the moment if they do have the riches were are told about.
"But they have got to have a good plan because people are already talking about January and what they are going to do but they have six or seven games like ourselves before then and they have a squad of players who are playing for them and playing their hearts out to win football games.
"It's normally about firing up the players who are already there because they want to play their part in Newcastle staying in the Premier League."
