Garth Crooks asks a question of Newcastle owner Mike Ashley

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United are still yet to make any signings during the January transfer window.

Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that Newcastle are performing miracles on the pitch right now, but they need to make some signings during the January transfer window – and he has asked what is holding Mike Ashley back from spending some money this month.

Newcastle have endured a frustrating window so far. The Magpies are yet to sign a player this month with talk surrounding the ownership situation and a potential takeover at St James’ Park rumbling on.

On the pitch, it has not been a terrible month so far for Rafa Benitez’s men, with two wins – one in the FA Cup – and a draw, while their only defeat came at the hands of Manchester City this weekend.

But with the Magpies just one point clear of the bottom three, Crooks has implored Ashley to get the chequebook out in the final days of the window, insisting that everything is there for the team to be success if he spends some money on the squad.

“The Magpies are performing miracles on the pitch under Rafael Benitez but need reinforcements badly,” he told BBC Sport.

“Whether owner Mike Ashley decides to sell or keep Newcastle United will ultimately be his choice, but what he does have at the moment is a fantastic manager, a willing group of players and fanatical support.

“Are you telling me that is not worth investing in?”

With less than 10 days to go until the deadline, it would be a strange decision if Ashley was not planning to spend any money given that it appears that any chance of the takeover getting close before the end of the month seems slim at best.

If Ashley wants to leave, then surely spending some money and giving the team the strength they need to stay in the top flight is the best way to make sure the club attracts potential buyers.

And while the Newcastle owner has managed to convince Benitez to stay following relegation once before, it would surely be a lot to ask of the Spaniard to stick around if they ended up going down again, especially if they have not signed anyone during the January window.