Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort has hinted they're ready to spend in January to cover the absences of their African Nations Cup players.
The tournament lasts three weeks in total, from January 20 until February 10 - and players are expected to link up with their respective countries a fortnight before the big kick-off.
Mort told the Evening Chronicle: "They are very important players to this team, and Sam and I have talked about just how we will get through that period.
"We are developing a squad that should be capable of dealing with absentees, whether this is because of the African Cup of Nations or something else.
"Inevitably, we will have our fair share of injuries and we are trying to put together a squad that can cope.
"Some teams are affected more than others. Portsmouth have a big African contingent too, while Chelsea will lose the likes of Drogba, but most Premier League teams will suffer."
