It’s been a topsy-turvy start to the season for Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe’s men have been really inconsistent and yet they find themselves one point adrift of third-placed Chelsea.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 3 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  ChelseaChelsea | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 19 |
| 4 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  ArsenalArsenal | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 19 |
| 5 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 19 |
| 6 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  BrightonBrighton | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 19 |
| 7 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  FulhamFulham | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 18 |
| 8 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  NewcastleNewcastle | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 18 |
| 9 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  Aston VillaAston Villa | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 18 |
| 10 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  TottenhamTottenham | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 16 |
| 11 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  BrentfordBrentford | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 16 |
| 12 | Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  B’mouthBournemouth | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 15 |
Newcastle have started to find their rhythm again in recent weeks and look well-placed to challenge for the top six.
Heading into the festive period, their main concern should be keeping their star players fit after the injury crisis they had this time last year.
And to support them in that, it’s just emerged that they’re looking to bolster their ranks during the January transfer window.
Newcastle have been scouting a highly-rated playmaker on the continent.
Clik here to view.
Newcastle scouting Ibrahim Maza
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Hertha Berlin playmaker Ibrahim Maza.
West Ham United, Leicester City, Wolves, Southampton, Brentford and Fulham are also keeping tabs on Maza.
The 18-year-old has registered six goal involvements in 14 appearances so far this season and is considered one of the most promising teenagers in Europe.
It’s understood Maza doesn’t have a release clause in his Hertha contract, so the German outfit are set to demand up to £16m for their prized asset.
Maza plays like Dominik Szoboszlai
According to talent scout Jacek Kulig, Maza is of a very similar profile to Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai.
Kulig also awarded the teen a 9/10 potential rating, which is glowing praise indeed and amplifies what a coup he’d be if Newcastle were to land his signature.
Howe doesn’t really have a specialist number 10 in the squad at the moment, either, so his potential arrival would bring a new dimension to the attack.