Eddie Howe confident Newcastle will uncover X factor

Eddie Howe believes that Newcastle, currently struggling with goals, will find their "X factor" while getting used to life absent their star forward Alexander Isak.

The 26 year old Swedish player transferred to Premier League title holders Liverpool for a record British fee of £125 million ($169 million) on the final day of the transfer period, bringing an end to a drawn out transfer story.

Howe filled the major void in his attack with a club record £69 million signing of German international Nick Woltemade towards the close of the transfer window, while Yoane Wissa came over from Brentford in a £55 million agreement.

The 23 year old Woltemade is still settling into Premier League football, and a knee problem has stopped the 29 year old DR Congo striker Wissa from appearing in his first match.

"In a perfect scenario, you get a complete pre season to sort out any problems," said Newcastle boss Howe on Tuesday. "You build your player connections and squad bonds so they are ready by the seasons start.

"We are in a spot where we must build them during matches. I am fine with that approach, as I have handled it previously."

Newcastle, who begin defending their League Cup title on Wednesday, have secured only one victory from their six outings across all competitions, with four shutouts but only four goals scored.

The Magpies sit 13th in the Premier League standings after five games with a single win.

Ex Stuttgart striker Woltemade netted on his debut in a 1 0 win against Wolves on September 13, but failed to score in Sundays dull 0 0 stalemate at Bournemouth, where clear opportunities were scarce.

"I do not believe any player benefits from being compared to Alex," Howe stated. "I avoid such comparisons in other roles too. Each player has their own qualities, and Nick definitely possesses them.

"The key aspect is that the base is strong. The squad shows resilience in play, just lacking that X factor which I am sure will emerge."

Howe, who rotated seven players from the team beaten 2 1 by Barcelona in the Champions League the previous week for the Bournemouth game, is expected to make further alterations for Wednesdays League Cup third round match against lower league Bradford.

Newcastle triumphed over Liverpool in last years League Cup final to secure their first major honour in 56 years.