If there were still players out there like Alan Shearer, then this January's Newcastle transfer news would be all the more exciting. While the club legend isn't playing anymore, he still has his Newcastle cap on, and has shortlisted his three "dream" signings.
Newcastle transfer news: Alan Shearer pleads with Eddie Howe for 3 "dream" transfers
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer was joined by his good friend Gary Lineker as they discussed the best possible transfer routes for Newcastle to take this month.
Here's what the leading goal scorer had to say: "I think we need a goalkeeper, I think we need a midfielder and we need a forward, so good luck trying to find a goalscorer because there’s so many after a goalscorer, so that’s the dream one.”
So, Alan Shearer has dumbed down the three areas of concern for Newcastle as a new goalkeeper, midfielder and striker, with the latter being the most important to get right since it's a seller's market in that regard.
The Nick Pope injury hasn't been great for Newcastle or Eddie Howe, and Shearer doesn't see Dubravka as the sensible choice between the sticks, hence the encouragement to sign a new shot-stopper.
Furthermore, the midfield is one which Eddie Howe is trying to address as he knows better than most how the injury concerns have impacted this area of the squad. Right now, it looks like Kalvin Phillips is the most reasonable option, as countless reports have linked the Magpies to the Manchester City man.
There's very little Alan Shearer says that is wrong and in my opinion, he's bang on here. If we only make three signings this January which seems like a realistic aim, then these are the three positions which Eddie Howe must strengthen.
What do you make of this Newcastle transfer news involving Alan Shearer?