Alan Shearer's transfer plea to Newcastle as Toon legend talks signings, Howe and FFP

Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle United to bring in "three or four top quality players" if they want to be get back into the top four next season.

Speaking for The Athletic in a question and answer session yesterday, our former number nine was asked about realistic expectations for next season, FFP limitations hampering our ability to challenge the 'big six' and Eddie Howe's position at the club following a tough campaign.

He is eager to see how the upcoming change in profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) is one to watch and will play a big part, feeling the top four is impossible if we're blocked from bringing in the 'three or four' top signings needed.

Shearer also feels Howe has enough credit in the bank to stay in charge for the start of the 2024/25 season at the very minimum and believes the current FFP rules are not "fit for purpose", believing clubs "should be allowed to spend" if owners can prove their clubs are profitable and sustainable.

Here's some of the questions put to big Al, followed by his answers for The Athletic:

‘What are realistic expectations for Newcastle next year under Eddie Howe given the stumble this year?'

“I think that’s very, very difficult to answer. For a start, are the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) going to change this summer and, if they are, does that mean Newcastle can spend?

“If Newcastle can’t spend, then I don’t think the top four is possible. If they can spend, it all depends on how much they can spend.

“There’s no doubt about it that they need to go out and sign three or four top quality players to try and get into the top four next season. At this stage, I have no idea if they’re going to be able to do that or not. Will they have to sell players to do it and if so, who?”

'What needs to change with PSR/FFP in order to challenge the "big 6". Its scandalous that a club couldn't do a "Jack Walker" and put money in to challenge and win things and instead teams like Leicester/Forest are being penalised for spending money.'

 "I don't think it's fit for purpose at the moment. My take is that if you could put a bond up or put assets up and if you are profitable and sustainable and it's guaranteed then you should be allowed to spend.

"At the minute, you're not allowed to challenge the elite. I guess we'll have to see what changes are brought in this summer. If PSR was in balance in 1994-95, Blackburn wouldn't have won the league..."

'Who of Newcastle's squad would you sell this summer to fund an overhaul of the team?'

"I would need to know what's going to happen with PSR and how the rules might change before answering this.

"All clubs have to sell to buy these days, but there's no doubt it puts pressure on your recruitment department."

'Are you concerned that Newcastle's owners could reflect more harshly on this season due to having got Champions League football last season, or do you think Eddie Howe is 100 per cent safe to be in charge next season?' 

"I don't think you're guaranteed anything, not in football. You learn that from being in the game. If it was my choice, which it isn't, then Eddie has enough in the bank to start next season.

"I think that without any doubt in my own mind. Considering where we were when he came in, to where we are now, that is enough for the ownership to have trust and belief in him to start next season."