NEWCASTLE UNITED tried a variety of transfer targets to add to Steve McClaren’s defensive options before the window closed last Monday, but the head coach insists nothing could have prepared him for losing three defenders in midweek.

The Magpies boss has come under pressure in the aftermath of Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat at Everton, where things seemed to go from bad to worse when he lost Paul Dummett and Chancel Mbemba through injury before Jamaal Lascelles was sent off.

All three will miss this afternoon’s visit of West Bromwich Albion and McClaren is struggling to come up with a back four because of the extent of the injury list plaguing the club.

He has 12 players ruled out through injury, plus the suspended Lascelles, and he does not have a left-back available to face the Baggies, so winger Rolando Aarons is favourite to play there again after appearing at Goodison Park.

The situation has revived old suggestions Newcastle were in desperate need of reinforcements at the back during the month long window when midfielders Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet arrived along with winger Andros Townsend and striker Seydou Doumbia.

Newcastle are known to have tried to sign left-backs Guilherme Sequeira, who joined Valencia, and Argentine Lucas Orban in the days building up to Monday’s deadline but came up short.

McClaren said: “It certainly wasn't through a lack of effort and wanting. Going out there and seeing suitability, not being available. But believe you, me, in terms of centre-backs we had four.

“Priorities were elsewhere. We were always looking for a left-back, as cover, short term. I think five or six were tried for at the weekend but for various reasons it didn't work out for us.

“And we felt Dummett trained for five or six days so should be OK, Kevin Mbabu could be back for the Chelsea game next week. Massadio Haidara could possibly be right for Stoke. We'll have that 18-day break to get people back into the squad. It wasn't the case to think we'd get three injuries in one game. That's crazy.”

It is an indication of the size of the predicament Newcastle are in that McClaren is looking ahead to a game on March 2 against Stoke at a time when his team are two points adrift of safety with 14 matches remaining.

"I can't sit here and be positive about the injury list and I can't sit here and be positive about losing three defenders and all that happened on Wednesday,” said McClaren.

“You generally try to keep upbeat but it's difficult with the amount of injuries. The only thing to be positive about is that in three weeks’ time we've got about five important players coming back.”

After today’s visit of West Brom, Newcastle travel to Chelsea next Saturday but then have 18 days off until the trip to Stoke because of a free FA Cup weekend.

The situation means McClaren will have to turn to Steven Taylor earlier than he would have liked after his return from a hamstring injury which has kept him out since August.

"Stevie Taylor's OK and he'll play because he's the only centre-back we've got left along with Fabricio Coloccini,” said McClaren, who also allowed Mike Williamson to join Wolves.

"It's probably earlier than we'd envisage after playing only 60 minutes. It's a good job we arranged ‘that’ (Sunderland v Newcastle friendly) game and played him for 60 minutes!"

Newcastle also have players carrying knocks so Under-21s players Liam Gibson, Callum Williams, Dan Barlasar and Jamie Sterry have all been included in the squad and are likely to be involved.

But it is at the stage where McClaren wants his players to push their bodies to the limits to try to get a result at a time when Newcastle are in desperate need of the points to climb clear of relegation trouble.

"They have to push themselves, to get results, you better get it,” said McClaren. “The only thing that will get us victories and out of the bottom three is to play as a team. We'll, generally, at this stage of the season, all clubs, will be like that. It's the level of risk we take. That comes into the attitude and character of the individual."