Newcastle United have missed out on a host of transfer targets this summer and their former striker Alan Shearer has offered up advice as the new season looms large
Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United should respond to missing out on Benjamin Sesko by signing not one but two forwards. The Magpies could end the summer losing last season’s top scorer Alexander Isak and failing to land potential replacements including Sesko, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ektiike.
Newcastle had a bid accepted for Slovenia striker Sesko, but he is poised to choose Manchester United instead. Isak could yet remain at St James’ Park amid interest from Liverpool, but isn’t back in Eddie Howe’s good books just yet.
Now, Shearer believes now is the time for manager Howe to step up his pursuit of Ollie Watkins and long-time target Yoane Wissa. Brentford star Wissa has returned to training, just like Isak, but could similarly find himself getting a move before August is up.
“The Wissa situation sounds very similar to the Isak situation where they’re both pushing for a move to get what they want,” Shearer told Betfair. “Ollie Watkins has been heavily linked with other clubs – Man United being one of them. Whether a deal between Newcastle and Aston Villa could be done, I don’t know.
“I am an admirer of Ollie, but I suspect the Aston Villa fans and the manager won’t appreciate me and other people talking about their centre-forward going to different clubs.” Indeed, Watkins’ Villa are due to play Newcastle on the opening weekend of the season, and the England striker scored in the opening minute when the two teams last met.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Sesko agrees Man Utd deal, Grealish’s next club, Nunez’s Liverpool exit, Isak latestREAD MORE: Eddie Howe statement on Alexander Isak as decision made on Liverpool transfer target
Newcastle qualified for the Champions League after a fifth place finish last term, but the teams above them have all strengthened. Howe’s side have been relatively quiet in the window so far, though, and Shearer recognises this could end up harming them.
“It’s a merry-go-round at the minute,” he continued. “When you look at the chasing pack, with the business and astronomical fees that have been paid out by the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, when you look at the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa, Brighton and others, that’s how difficult it’s going to be to break into the top four. This merry-go-round will continue until the end of the window.”
Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale have already completed moves to Newcastle this summer, bringing Premier League experience. And, while Sesko may have a higher ceiling than other targets, a league-ready option could end up suiting Howe.
“If Newcastle were to get Yoane Wissa and Ollie Watkins, I think that would be two really good signings but I don’t think Aston Villa and Brentford fans would appreciate me talking about their players like we are,” Shearer added. “If those deals could be done, it’d be a huge plus for Newcastle and they need it. Even if Isak stays, they still need another centre-forward because they’ve lost Callum Wilson.
“I’ve seen Sesko in the Champions League and I know he’s very young but he is raw. There’s definitely talent there but he’s in no way the finished article and will have to improve a lot. I’d say the same if he came to Newcastle. Whereas Wissa and Watkins know the Premier League and are proven in the Premier League.”
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