Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle United to respond to missing out on Benjamin Sesko by signing both Ollie Watkins and Yoane Wissa. The Magpies had a bid accepted for Sesko, but the Slovenia striker is expected to choose Manchester United instead.
Newcastle could also lose top scorer Alexander Isak, who is attracting interest from Liverpool and has not yet returned to Eddie Howe's good books. Shearer believes the club needs to strengthen its forward line regardless, especially after losing Callum Wilson.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: 'I am an admirer of Ollie, but I suspect the Aston Villa fans and the manager won't appreciate me and other people talking about their centre-forward going to different clubs.' Watkins scored in the opening minute when Villa last faced Newcastle, and the two sides meet on the opening weekend of the season.
Shearer also highlighted Brentford's Yoane Wissa as a proven Premier League option. 'The Wissa situation sounds very similar to the Isak situation where they're both pushing for a move to get what they want,' he added. 'If Newcastle were to get Yoane Wissa and Ollie Watkins, I think that would be two really good signings.'
Newcastle have already signed Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale this summer, but Shearer warned that the club must keep pace with rivals. 'When you look at the chasing pack, with the business and astronomical fees that have been paid out by the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, that's how difficult it's going to be to break into the top four,' he said.
