Alan Shearer sends Newcastle United transfer message after Chris Wood’s exit

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Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle United to add some ‘spark’ in the middle of the park after they allowed Chris Wood to join Nottingham Forest.

The Newcastle United legend stated that he is ‘sure’ that Eddie Howe is going to be looking for that added quality in the forward areas during the January transfer window.

The Magpies, who are sitting in the Champions League places after their goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday, are yet to bring any new faces to the club this month.

With Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak as the bonafide two strikers, it pushed Wood, who joined last January from Burnley, as the third choice, so he was allowed to leave and join newly-promoted Forest on a loan deal.

There have been two transfer windows under Howe and under the new Saudi-led ownership, and for the most part, it has gone very, very well.

That strong starting XI is performing week in and week out, but now, for Shearer, it’s all about adding layers to the cake being built on Tyneside, as he told Premier League Productions (21/01/23 at 7:55 pm).

“I think with Chris Wood going to Nottingham Forest, then I am sure that will be an area the manager will try to get somebody in, I am sure,” said Shearer. “If one of their forwards, Isak or Wilson were to get injured, then they would be very light in that department.

“Also that little bit of extra spark. That little bit of creativity, so when teams do sit that little bit deeper and frustrate Newcastle, then you have someone to unlock that door.”

JAMES MADDISON LINKS

Well, for Newcastle United to add goals from their midfield and for someone to dance alongside Bruno Guimaraes, then maybe they might have to wait until the summer.

There have been constant links with Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, given the Foxes’ financial troubles and the Englishman’s seven goals this season, then it wouldn’t be a surprise if he does leave in the summer.

And, in truth, given the 26-year-old’s form over the last two campaigns, he is probably worthy of stepping up and playing for a team in the Champions League.

If Howe can guide his side to a top-four finish, then there is no reason why they shouldn’t push for a player of Maddison’s quality because he would suit the team down to a tee.