Alan Pardew admits he is planning for life without defender Jonny Evans as he strives to give his side renewed attacking impetus during the January window.
Ideally, the West Bromwich Albion boss would keep his best centre back but he needs to add a striker and must sell before he can buy.
Pardew's position is made more desperate by news that forward Nacer Chadli is expected to be out until March with a recurrence of a hip injury.
Evans drew major interest last summer, with Manchester City bidding £18million, Leicester £23m, and Saturday's opponents Arsenal submitting a £25m offer on deadline day.