Newcastle United have failed to score in either of their first two Premier League matches, and Leeds United striker Chris Wood is available.
Barton doesn’t believe that Dwight Gayle is cut out to make it at Premier League level, and has suggested two potential options for Rafael Benitez to pursue.
Barton believes Newcastle should consider Leeds United’s Chris Wood or Southampton’s Charlie Austin, as they search for a new forward.
He said: “I don’t think Gayle is a competent enough striker for this level. I don’t think he’ll get get goals at this level, consistently. [Chris Wood] would be an option.
[Aleksandar] Mitrovic, is he the answer? I don’t think so.
“They’re crying out for a goalkeeper. No disrespect to [Rob] Elliot, who I don’t think has done anything wrong.
“They definitely need a striker who can get you 15 or 20 goals. Charlie Austin maybe, they’ve been linked with him before. I just think they need a bit of quality.”
Leeds’ Wood looks set to move this summer, but Burnley are in pole position for the striker’s signature, as reported by BBC Sport.
Austin, meanwhile, scored for Southampton at the weekend – as Mauricio Pellegrino’s side managed to get past West Ham United.
Newcastle are yet to hit the back of the net this term, after struggling against Tottenham Hotspur and Huddersfield Town.
The Magpies were beaten 1-0 by their fellow newly promoted side Huddersfield in their most recent fixture, and there are serious concerns about Rafael Benitez’s side now.
Newcastle are next in Premier League action when they take on West Ham United on Saturday.
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