Newcastle 'could surprise people' after deal collapses - pundit

Newcastle United face an uphill battle for Champions League qualification this season after a frustrating end to the summer transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-Scotland international Frank McAvennie believes Eddie Howe’s side lags behind fellow top-four hopefuls Aston Villa, Tottenham, and West Ham when it comes to quality in depth.

The Tynesiders only managed to sign five new first-team players, two of whom are goalkeepers, after losing 11 either on loan or permanently throughout the summer.

Still, their pursuit of priority target Marc Guehi could yet be reignited at Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish admitted he ‘wants to sell’ to Newcastle.

Newcastle United could still challenge for Champions League spot

Unbeaten in the Premier League so far, Newcastle currently sit fifth in the table after two victories against Spurs and Southampton, and an away draw with Bournemouth.

Just three games into the season, they already have six players out through injury. Neither Sven Botman nor Jamaal Lascelles are expected to return until the new year after suffering ACL tears late last season.

“When they got to the Champions League it was quicker than I expected”, McAvennie told Football Insider.

“Are they good enough to go and challenge Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal? Maybe.

“Aston Villa are playing well, Tottenham are playing well, I’m not even going to include Man United.

“I think Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City will be the top three and then you’ve only got one spot.

“I’m hoping West Ham are going to be fighting but Villa and Tottenham, plus other teams that are going to be fighting for it, it’s going to be hard.

“Newcastle might surprise people but I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened.

“They’ve got some good players but if they get injured their levels drop a bit, the ones that come in aren’t as good as the ones getting injured.

“Eddie is obviously happy with what he’s got, he wanted Guehi but they didn’t want to pay that amount of money which is fair enough.”

In other news, Kieran Trippier could quit Newcastle after Everton swoop.

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