Former Magpie thinks Newcastle are only a few players away from top six

Shay Given thinks Newcastle United are only four or five players away from knocking on the door of the top six.

All eyes are on Newcastle United as a result of this expected takeover. Fans and pundits are waiting to see how active the new owners will be this summer.

The predictions for how successful the Magpies will be next season are all over the place, but how many quality signings do they need to elevate their status in the Premier League?

According to former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given, the squad is only four or five quality players away from breaking into the top six. When looking at the players currently on the team, Given’s assessment is spot on.

Newcastle United have an elite guardian between the sticks in Martin Dubravka, and the back line enjoys plenty of depth. With players like Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez, Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeune, the Magpies are in good shape defensively.

The wing-back position must be addressed this summer, though. Danny Rose, Jetro Willems and Valentino Lazaro are loanees who will return to their parent clubs unless they are offered and accept permanent contracts.

Javier Manquillo is the team’s most improved player, but his contract expires this summer. DeAndre Yedlin has been battling injuries, and a new report claims that he is looking to leave Newcastle United. Emil Krafth’s impact on the squad has been minimal in his debut season and has fallen down the pecking order as a result.

In the middle of the park, Newcastle United have a good mix of veterans and young talent, but if the Magpies aim to be a regular top six side they need to attract some notable names in midfield.

The Longstaff brothers have the potential to be great players, but they still need time to develop their game. Isaac Hayden is an underrated defensive midfielder, but most fans do not see him as being the midfielder of the future, especially once the wealthy consortium take charge.

Jonjo Shelvey has finally shown fans his true colors this season, but he needs to be paired with a skilled, offensive-minded midfielder that can allow him to sit back a bit more and serve as a true playmaker. Out wide, Allan Saint-Maximin is, without a doubt, a key player for Newcastle United.

The Frenchman is one of the most dynamic players in the Premier League and he still has a few years before he enters his prime. Miguel Almiron is on the other wing, but he is playing out of position and he would be far more effective playing up the middle as a number ten.

That being said, the new owners should either consider signing Valentino Lazaro and playing him on the wing higher up the pitch or bring in someone new.

Finally, the entire front line, with the exception of Joelinton, need to be replaced this summer. The trio of Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll and Yoshinori Muto have failed to impress and failed to score a single goal.

Joelinton has disappointed fans as a result of only scoring one goal this term, but the ultra-defensive tactics that were deployed placed a low ceiling on his success.

The Brazilian will excel if he is not isolated and if the club plays fluid, attacking football. If the new owners can sign some quality strikers, a technical winger and a few wing-backs with great awareness, then, yes, Newcastle United would certainly be capable of breaking the status quo at the top end of the table.