Alan Shearer is hoping that Mike Ashley backs Rafa Benitez in the remaining days of the winter transfer window and helps secure Newcastle United’s Premier League status.
With just five days until the window closes, United’s all-time record goalscorer believes allowing Benitez to add to his squad this month will boost the chances of top-flight survival and open the door for a potential cup run.
United face Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday but Shearer, who scored 206 goals for the Magpies, is hoping that not only the Benitez can master his side to victory at Stamford Bridge but also some new players arrive before Wednesday’s deadline.
Speaking to Coral he said: “They’ve brought one player in on loan, Kennedy. He should be a good signing but Rafa needs more bodies in for him to have a fight for survival in the Premier League and hopefully a run in the FA Cup.
“Hopefully in the next week or so we can see some bodies in at Newcastle.”
United are currently bidding for Feyenoord’s Nicolai Jorgensen and have had two bids knocked back by the Dutch side with the latest at £15m. It is believed that the Danish striker will cost close to £20 million.
Leicester City’s Islam Slimani has also been linked and is said to cost a similar price to that of Jorgensen.