Newcastle United expect ‘top-six’ finish next season amid ‘big’ transfer prediction – pundit
Newcastle United could be targetting a top-six finish next season ahead of a ‘big’ summer transfer window.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ improvement under Eddie Howe.
As per FootyStats, Howe has collected an average of 1.45 points per game as manager of Newcastle United.
Aggregated across a 38-game season, this would give the Magpies 52 points, putting the club in contention to qualify for the Europa Conference League.
McAvennie expects Newcastle to invest in players who will push the club even higher in the league through the summer.
“Newcastle have been a top team in the second half of the season, the form table has them up there with Liverpool,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“What a job Eddie Howe has done. I’m looking at them and I’m looking at the table.
“They beat Wolves last weekend and they are up there in eighth place. That’s where they will be competing next season.
“It’s going to be a big summer. I think four or five top-quality players will come in and make them even better.
“I honestly think they will have one eye on the top-six, Europe, that’s the aim.
“I can see it as well. It will have to be a good window but if what I’ve seen from their January business is anything to go by, they could do it.”
Newcastle signed Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Matt Targett.
The Mags are next in action against Leicester City on Sunday (17 April).
In other news, Newcastle United have made a move to win the race to sign a 22-year-old as personal terms are agreed.