Alan Shearer's 'really embarrassing' warning to Newcastle chiefs but he may get transfer wish

Alan Shearer has warned Newcastle United's hierarchy that it would be 'really embarrassing' if the Magpies did not make a 'statement signing' before the window shuts.

Newcastle are continuing to work on a deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and the hope remains that the black-and-whites can reach a breakthrough ahead of Friday's deadline. Newcastle have also looked at alternatives in case a deal cannot be done.

Eddie Howe, ideally, would have liked a 'difference maker' through the door by now but the Newcastle boss has repeatedly stressed the importance of signing the right player who actually improves the side in what has been a slow burner of a window this summer. The majority of clubs have been wary of sailing close to the wind, when it comes to PSR, and Dominic Solanke remains the most expensive signing of the window following his £65m move to Spurs.

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That being said, CEO Darren Eales spoke last month about how Newcastle had the 'ability to strengthen the squad' while sporting director Paul Mitchell has talked about going into each window plotting 'how we can make the team better and more set up to win'. With that in mind, Shearer said it is crucial that the Magpies strike this week.

"They need to give the fans a bit of excitement," he told the Rest is Football. "Darren Eales and Paul Mitchell need to do do something in the next week because they cannot go into September without bringing a big signing to Newcastle.

"They need to bring Marc Guehi in. They need to have a statement signing. It would be really embarrassing for those two, in particular, who are now running the football club, to go into September without bringing a big hitter or a big statement signing in. It would look really poor on those two."