Strugglers braced for window shopping

IT was not simply the Arctic weather which was causing shivers in the St James’ Park stands on Saturday.

Both these clubs have good reason to fear the impact of the January transfer window, with cash-rich vultures circling for their prize assets, just as the relegation battle is starting to take shape.

West Ham appear the more vulnerable, with the club up for sale, but Newcastle will be grateful — and surprised — if February arrives and Shay Given, their consistently impressive goalkeeper, is still in situ.