Premier League 2018-19: Top 5 loan signings by clubs in the January transfer window

#2 Antonio Barreca - Newcastle United

Newcastle United's newest loan signing Antonio Barreca

Newcastle United this season are facing a relegation battle and not fighting for European aspirations. So the need for recruitments was never more intense. Rafael Benítez and the supporters have always complained about lack of transfer activity, but this season the board was compelled to provide some off-field help so that the on-field results could improve.

Newcastle United broke the club record by signing Miguel Almirón. But it was their defence that was struggling more than the offence. Benítez always craved for a player who can make the left back or left wing back position his own. The Spaniard was left frustrated with Paul Dummett's hamstring injury and the inability to replace him. Matt Ritchie was forced to play in that position and in doing so deprived the side of his attacking capabilities.

Antonio Barreca was one of the names on the list for Newcastle. But the situation at Monaco, parent club of Barreca made matters easy for both the parties. He joined Monaco last summer from Torino but just made nine first-team appearances for them. The talent which showed a lot of promise at Torino was warming the bench at Monaco and more recently was made to play for the second team.

Pace is going to be Barreca's biggest strength and he could provide a lot of dangerous deliveries to target man Salomon Rondon. His versatility to also play as a wide midfielder could also be an upgrade over Dummett.

The Magpies also have an option to make Barreca a permanent signing at the end of the campaign.