Michael Owen reveals 'surprise' at Saudi owners and names £50m duo he expected us to pursue

Michael Owen has revealed his surprise at Newcastle's Saudi-backed owners this summer, feeling we'd have spent more on attacking players who could've taken us to the "next level."

He's praised Eddie Howe and the "amazing" business we pulled off in January, but fears we'll be missing out on any European ambitions if we don't sign "two or three" more over the final few weeks of the window.

Speaking to DAZN, the former Toon striker felt we'd make a "big push" for the likes of Raheem Sterling - who ended up sealing a £50m move to Chelsea - and free agent Jesse Lingard, now at Nottingham Forest.

Owen backs us to have a solid season and certainly anticipates no flirting with relegation as we saw last term, however he probably echoes the thoughts of several Toon fans when it comes to the lack of signings in the final third.

Here's what he's had to say when asked about our summer so far:

"I've been surprised how quiet they've been in the transfer window,"

"They've kept the powder dry and in many ways they had a really good transfer window in January. That was amazing.

"And I really like the manager (Eddie Howe). I did a lot of work with him while he was out of the game once he left Bournemouth and I can't tell you how much he impressed me. I'm really impressed with him. So I think they're in good shape.

"But I did expect them to sign one or two more [players], [but] I do expect them to be absolutely fine, of course, this season."

"I was expecting them to maybe push for European places if they went and signed two or three good players, the likes of, you know [Jesse] Lingard, I thought maybe.

"Raheem Sterling, I thought they might go and make a big push for players like that to get them to that next level,"

"So Europe now is looking — I'm not quite sure about that. But I think it'll be a solid season for them."