Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has backed Newcastle United to spend big in the January transfer window as they look to steer themselves away from the relegation zone.
The Magpies have had a dismal start to the Premier League season and are the only side who have failed to win any of their opening 11 matches, picking up just five points in the process.
However, Eddie Howe's appointment last week has given supporters a renewed sense of optimism that they can climb the table, with Newcastle currently 19th heading into an important game against Brentford on Saturday.
Football Insider reported that the former Bournemouth boss is keen to strengthen his squad with three key additions, which includes two centre-backs and a central midfielder.
James Tarkowski and Aaron Ramsey are among those to have been linked with a move to Tyneside following the club's Saudi-led takeover in October.
Nevertheless, Hutton believes that Newcastle may have to spend up to £100m to ensure they have enough quality to stay up and admitted they must sign the 'right players' for the task at hand.
"It’s such a big window, it’s all about staying up," Hutton told Football Insider.
"You have to get the right sort of players through the door. It’s about identifying where you’re at your weakest. I think defensively, that’s where they’ve struggled. That’s where I’d be targeting.
"The thing that you need to be wary of is there’s going to be a premium, I think, when Newcastle are coming in for players.
"It’s a case of: ‘Okay, they’ve got new owners with a lot of money. The price is going up £10million’. That’s something they’re going to have to deal with as a club.
"Howe will be in there now, identifying exactly what he needs. I think we’re talking £80million, £90million, £100million. We’re talking up there to really get away and out of that relegation zone.
"You need to pick the right players. That’s the biggest thing."
Newcastle made just one signing in the summer, with Joe Willock arriving from Arsenal.
The lack of business put increased pressure on Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley who have both since departed the club as the Magpies get set to embark on a new area.
With Brentford to come in Howe's first game in charge this weekend, the Magpies also face Burnley and Norwich City in their next four fixtures and that run could prove to be vital in their pursuit of survival.
