Alan Shearer admits Newcastle may have a big problem in January

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Newcastle United are heavily relying on the January transfer window to bail them out of trouble.

As it stands, the Magpies are rock bottom and without a win from their opening 13 Premier League games.

And Eddie Howe’s hopes of survival could take an even bigger hit this week if games against Norwich and Burnley don’t go our way.

But Newcastle do have an ace up their sleeve. They will finally have funds in January to get some players in and give the squad the boost it needs.

However, Toon legend Alan Shearer has sent a warning to his boyhood club.

Shearer thinks Newcastle could struggle in January

In his BBC Sport column, Shearer has stated that the Magpies must pick up six points from their next two games.

“Two wins are imperative because that would at least put them in touch with the teams just above the drop zone, with an extremely tough run of games to follow,” he writes.

“Otherwise, Newcastle are facing a scenario where they are well adrift come the start of January, which could affect the calibre of players who arrive when the transfer window opens.

“Not many top players will want to commit to a team who, by then, might look a lot like they are going to be relegated.

“I know there is the loan market as well, but I think it is really key that, come January, there is some hope of staying up in order to attract the players Newcastle will need to try to keep the club in the Premier League.”

Pressure on Eddie Howe to get results

If things don’t improve before January, then we’ll seriously struggle to sign anyone. Even our newfound wealth won’t be able to save us.

These next two games are huge, especially when you consider the fixtures coming up afterwards.

Newcastle need six points to drag them back into contention and boost their confidence going into a tough run of fixtures.

If January comes with the Magpies looking dead and buried, then transfers will be a real struggle. Yes, there’s the loan market, but players may still be reluctant to join.

But if we can begin to get some points on the board and show signs of life, players will be more inclined to join the PIF project at St James’ Park.

While Gabby Agbonlahor might think no one wants to come to Newcastle because of its location, it’s the points situation that could really cost us.