Former Manchester United and Everton defender Phil Neville has warned that Newcastle United will get relegated if they fail to strengthen in January.
The Magpies were beaten 3-2 by Leicester on Saturday and are now hovering ominously close to the relegation zone.
Newcastle sit just two points above the drop zone and have won just one of their last 11 games.
Their alarming slump of form is a great cause of concern for supporters, who are desperate for a takeover to go through.
Club legend Alan Shearer tweeted his fury after the game, urging owner Mike Ashley to sell the club immediately.
The Sports Direct tycoon is looking to sell the club to Amanda Staveley and PCP Partners and while they continue to negotiate a price, the likelihood of a takeover happening before the January transfer window remains slim.
Regardless, former England international, Neville, believes the club must strengthen in January, bringing in at least four or five players of Premier League quality.
“I think what he is trying to say is sell the club before January because if they don’t strengthen in January they will get relegated,” Neville said on Match of the Day.
“That team has got Championship quality and Championship players.
“They need to bring four or five players in - not just one or two - of Premier League quality.
“The instability is helping nobody.
“You would hope that if someone puts a new bid in that the owner would accept it and the club can move forward.”
