Newcastle legend Alan Shearer says it will be “very difficult” for his former club to finish in the top four again unless they make two big signings before the transfer window closes.

Speaking on his The Rest is Football podcast (quotes via GeordieBootBoys), Shearer said that manager Eddie Howe needs to bring in, at least, “two big hitters” to ensure Champions League qualification:

“It’s going to be very difficult for Newcastle to go again and finish in the top four. I know they have signed a quality young midfielder in [Sandro] Tonali.”

“I think they will have another very good season. In terms of doing what they did last season, I think it will be very difficult for them unless in the last 10 days of the transfer window, if they go and get another two big hitters.”

In terms of who those two signings could be, Shearer suggested a new striker and a left-back, although he didn’t mention any names.

A left-back should be top of Newcastle’s agenda

While many have suggested that Tino Livramento could fill in at left-back, the truth is that he has never played the position in his professional career.

Recruiting a natural left-sided fullback should be a priority for Newcastle between now and September 1st. Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney may be an option. Despite Oleksandr Zinchenko’s injury, the Scottish international did not start for the Gunners in the Community Shield, increasing speculation about his future at the Emirates. A cheaper alternative could be Chelsea’s Lewis Hall, with a loan move a possibility but he is also attracting interest from Crystal Palace.

Shearer’s calls to sign a striker are likely to go unheeded

There hasn’t been a lot of talk about signing a new number nine this summer. A few rumours from Italy circulated, regarding Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, but things have been pretty quiet other than that.

Howe is likely to rely on Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak to lead the line for most of this season.