Newcastle United told to complete multiple last-gasp signings – ‘I can see it happening’, says pundit
Frank McAvennie has claimed Newcastle United players are at risk of burnout.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker insisted Eddie Howe needs to add depth to his squad to continue challenging for trophies.
Howe’s side suffered a shock FA Cup defeat to League One side Sheffield United on 7 January.
The Magpies boss made eight changes to his team that drew 0-0 with Premier League leaders Arsenal just four days earlier.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the defeat to Wednesday, Howe acknowledged that he does not have the “deepest” squad of any team in the league and he feels “low on numbers”.
The manager said that he had seen some of his squad looking fatigued after the match at the Emirates and given the quick turnaround for the cup fixture felt he needed to make changes.
On 16 January, sources told this site that the north-east giants are in preliminary talks to sign Barcelona’s Memphis Depay this month.
Howe is keen to recruit a top-class forward this month that can slot straight into the starting XI.
When asked if the lack of squad depth could come back to bite Newcastle towards the end of the season, McAvennie told Football Insider: “Of course it will.
“I think Eddie knows that. When I was at West Ham we were going for everything and it was a shame because we burnt ourselves out and I can see that happening at Newcastle.
“All you want to do is play football and your body sometimes tells you to take a break.
“Newcastle are where they are on merit. They are one of the best teams in the league to watch and that just shows you how good Eddie Howe is. They have got to add that squad and that depth.”
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