Alan Shearer urges Newcastle to sign another forward before transfer deadline

Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle United to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes, insisting another forward is among the additions Matthias Jaissle’s squad still needs.

The Magpies have already completed the signing of Nico Gonzalez, who officially arrived on Wednesday after emerging as Newcastle’s priority target.

Attention has now shifted towards adding more quality in the final third, with Lille attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Bilal El Khannouss reportedly among the names on Newcastle’s shortlist.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer praised elements of Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool but believes the squad still requires reinforcement during the final days of the window.

Yoane Wissa's performance against Liverpool was particularly encouraging for the Newcastle legend following a difficult previous campaign.

“Last season was a real disappointment for Newcastle and for him personally, but he had a decent World Cup and I thought he was absolutely outstanding against Liverpool,” Shearer said.

“If that’s what we can expect, then that’s something to look forward to.”

However, Shearer believes Newcastle should not rely solely on Wissa rediscovering his best form.

He wants the club to provide Jaissle with additional attacking quality before the deadline.

“Nico Gonzalez is a good signing, if they could get another forward in somehow, then I don’t think that would be a bad thing either,” he added.

“But if they can get a couple in between now and the end of the window, that’s certainly what they need.”

Newcastle are understood to be pushing for further additions after completing the Gonzalez transfer.

A game-changing attacking player is now among their priorities, with Fernandez-Pardo and El Khannouss under consideration.

Both would provide Jaissle with another option in the final third as Newcastle continue reshaping their squad following last season's disappointing 12th-place finish.

Shearer's comments also come after he backed the club's wider summer reset, arguing that significant change was necessary after several established players struggled last season.

Jaissle has already played an important role in attracting players to St James' Park.

The German helped convince Amar Dedic to join Newcastle from Benfica and believes the club's identity makes selling the project relatively straightforward.

“I don’t need to sell a lot,” Jaissle said. “With that fan base, with that history… this is a special club.”

The Newcastle boss also pointed towards the team's playing philosophy and long-term ambitions.

“We are brave in our approach and how we are targeting the future,” he added.

With the window entering its final stages, Newcastle now have limited time to provide Jaissle with the additional attacking quality Shearer believes his squad requires.

Newcastle are expected to continue exploring attacking opportunities during the closing stages of the window, with Fernandez-Pardo and El Khannouss among the options under consideration.

Shearer believes another couple of additions could significantly improve Jaissle's squad. With Gonzalez secured, the focus is now on whether Newcastle can add the attacking difference-maker they still want before the window shuts.