Newcastle: Shearer tells ‘concerned’ Howe to sign ex-Man Utd star as two transfer ‘priorities’ emerge

The legendary Alan Shearer of Newcastle United has urged his old team to get a striker and a goalie in the next January transfer window.

Eight of the Magpies’ past twelve games in all competitions have resulted in losses, and Eddie Howe—who is currently the fourth-most likely manager to be fired in the Premier League—is feeling the heat.

Nick Pope, Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper, has been sidelined for several months due to a major shoulder injury.

To replace Pope, backup goalie Martin Dubravka has been called up. Howe, who is “concerned” about Newcastle’s continuous downward trend, was adamant at the beginning of this month that the former Manchester United loanee is capable of taking the England international’s spot.

Howe told reporters, “We really believe in Martin and I’ve always had that high opinion of him.”

“Yes, we added Nick because we wanted to create competition for spots and assemble a team that we thought would be able to lead us to tremendous success, but Martin is a top-notch goalie.

It was a no-brainer to add Martin to the team; he’s an excellent shot-blocker himself and has excellent footwork and distribution. I hope he performs incredibly well.

Newcastle have been linked with former Man Utd goalkeeper David De Gea of late and he is reportedly open to signing for the Premier League side. 

The Spain international has been without a club since leaving Man Utd in the summer upon the expiry of his contract. He has been linked with several European clubs and Saudi Pro League outfits but he is yet to find a new home.

Shearer reckons De Gea would be an ideal signing but he also wants his former club to sign a new centre-forward.

Shearer stated on BBC Radio 5 Live, “I would agree that the two main priorities would be goalkeeper and center forward.”

“However, good luck in your search for a quality center forward you can acquire for a respectable sum of money.”

Opinion: Eddie Howe will be fired once Newcastle suffers a humiliating loss, and Liverpool and City are waiting.

Shearer responded, “Yeah, I would,” when asked if he would sign De Gea to play for Newcastle.

“I believe De Gea is a goalkeeper that Newcastle needs.” They wouldn’t have to pay a fee for him, even though I know the income would be enormous.

Jamie Redknapp, a fellow pundit, recently stated that De Gea “would be an upgrade” over Dubravka.

David de Gea would be an improvement over Martin Dubravka given what he accomplished at Manchester United, Redknapp stated.

“When you have a goalkeeper of that caliber, I would do it and not wait as others might move ahead of you,” he continued. “It’s a nasty injury.” To be honest, I’m shocked that someone hasn’t taken him already.