Alan Shearer has demanded Newcastle United make free transfer as soon as the window opens

Alan Shearer has urged his old club Newcastle United to complete a free transfer when the January transfer window opens.

It has been a tough campaign for Newcastle after they enjoyed a wonderful 22/23 season which resulted in qualification for the Champions League.

This month, Eddie Howe’s men saw their European dreams go up in smoke after finishing bottom of their group.

In addition, the Magpies have been hit with injuries to multiple key players. The likes of Joe Willock, Nick Pope and Harvey Barnes are all currently sidelined.

Ahead of the January transfer window, Newcastle legend Shearer has urged his old club to do business.

Talking about Newcastle’s transfers on BBC Radio 5 Live, Shearer said via The Mirror: “I would agree goalkeeper and centre forward would be the two main priorities for me. But good luck trying to find a good centre forward that you can bring in for a decent amount of money.”

When asked if he would be looking to sign David de Gea, Shearer replied: “Yeah, I would. I think Newcastle need a goalkeeper, and De Gea is out there. I know the salary would be huge but they wouldn’t have to pay a fee for him.”

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On Tuesday, Newcastle suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Manager Howe said after the match: “I’ll be prepared to make any change that I think can benefit either the performance or the result and of course players are accountable for what they deliver.

“No amount of credit in the bank is big enough, you have to earn everything you get from the game.”

He continued: “I’m a firm believer in that so players know they have to perform and we have to change our short-term form for sure.”

Newcastle will be back in Premier League action on New Year’s Day when they travel to Anfield to take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.