NEWCASTLE UNITED are keeping an eye on the transfer market in the hope of bolstering the squad before the end of the month – even though the search for a new manager remains ongoing.

Caretaker boss John Carver will spend this week gearing the players up for the visit of high-flying Southampton, while managing director Lee Charnley attempts to finalise plans to replace Alan Pardew.

Despite making contact with former Lyon boss Remi Garde for the role of head coach, other candidates are in the frame. Derby boss Steve McClaren, St Etienne’s Christophe Galtier and Real Madrid No 2 Paul Clement are among those to have been considered, along with Ajax’s Frank de Boer and ex-Stuttgart chief Bruno Labbadia.

But sources close to the Newcastle boardroom are suggesting an appointment is not imminent, so there is every chance that Carver will be still in charge for this Saturday’s match with the Saints at St James’ Park – and his temporary reign could even be longer.

Carver has indicated he would love a chance to manage long term, although it would seem the best he can hope for at this stage is to take the reins until the end of the season when it would be easier for Newcastle to make an outside appointment.

Dutch full-back Daryl Janmaat said: "It doesn't affect us. But it will be good when the club makes a statement to say 'this is the new coach'.

"If it is (John Carver), it's good. We like him. I think he can do a good job. We like him, but it will be better when the club makes a statement. It will be better for everyone. Then everyone knows."

Charnley has had discussions with chief scout Graham Carr centred on possible signings to boost the playing squad. Burnley’s Danny Ings remains on the radar, and he has just six months remaining on his contract at Turf Moor.

With the likes of Siem De Jong, Rolando Aarons and Mehdi Abeid due back from injury, the squad should soon be boosted. Papiss Cisse and Cheik Tiote might only miss three more games – even if Senegal or Ivory Coast reach the Africa Cup of Nations final on February 8.

Newcastle would be willing to listen to offers around their asking price for any of their players, but are reluctant to cash in before the end of the month, so Cisse and Moussa Sissoko could remain until the summer at least.

While Swansea, boosted financially to the tune of around £28m, are looking for a replacement for Manchester City-bound Wilfried Bony, the South Wales club is in no rush to sign anyone and are prepared to wait until the close-season.

That could mean Cisse stays at Newcastle, which is where supporters will hope Sissoko will be on February 2. The French midfielder has been the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Paris St Germain and has regularly indicated his willingness to stay.

However, over the last 48 hours the former Toulouse midfielder has hinted he could be interested in a move to London to join up with the Gunners.

Sissoko said: “If Wenger calls me, I’ll have a man-to-man talk with him and we will see what happens. Arsenal have always been the club of my heart.

“The transfer window is open, so things can happen. It’s not doing my head in too much. I’m focused still on Newcastle. If something happens or something doesn’t happen, so be it. I hope to sign for a big club one day but I don’t know when. Staying in England is my priority.”

Hatem Ben Arfa, who moved to Nice last week, must wait before he can make his bow for his new club.

Ben Arfa signed an 18-month deal with the French club, but it was reported in France that the deal has had to be delayed because he has already played for two sides – Hull City and Newcastle’s development squad – this season.