Alan Shearer has namechecked Harvey Barnes and James Maddison when describing Newcastle United's need to 'strengthen' in attack. The legendary number nine believes Eddie Howe's side can challenge for a top-half finish but has dismissed suggestions they are ready to 'fight' Manchester United for a European spot.
Newcastle have been frustrated in their efforts to land a new forward so far this summer, with Hugo Ekitike agreeing an initial loan switch to Paris Saint-Germain. Howe is said to be keen on bringing in a striker to rival Callum Wilson for a starting spot, as well as a right winger.
United are now weighing up their options after seeing two bids for Leicester City star James Maddison turned down. The Foxes are said to have placed a £60 million price tag on the one-cap England international, who has two years left on his contract at the King Power Stadium.
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Newcastle have also been credited with an interest in Maddison's team-mate Barnes, although Leicester would likely demand a similar fee for the 24-year-old. Moussa Diaby, Anthony Gordon and Jack Harrison are among the other wingers linked in recent times.
Expectations for Newcastle this season have been raised following a stunning end to last season, which saw Howe's side comfortably avoid relegation. Shearer has dismissed talk of competing with the so-called 'big six' at this stage, but believes 'another signing or two' could see his former side push ahead of the likes of Leicester and West Ham in a battle for seventh spot.
He wrote in his BBC Sport column: "I'd love to say I think Newcastle will be fighting it out with Manchester United for a place in the top six, but I don't quite see that happening yet. Eddie Howe has already done a great job to turn the club around since he was appointed as manager in November and now my hope is that they will be challenging for seventh, eighth or ninth place, which I think is realistic with the squad they've got at the moment. They finished 11th last time, and were only three points off eighth place.
"Another signing or two could make the difference there, especially up front - Chris Wood arrived from Burnley in January but so far he is the only striker Howe has signed. With Callum Wilson's history, you would think at some stage he is going to get another injury and they will need some more attacking options. Whether they go for a striker or a different type of forward player - there have been reports about bids for Leicester's James Maddison and Harvey Barnes - it is definitely in that department that they need to strengthen."
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