“I would sign him, they need a goalkeeper and he is out there, it’s a no-brainer”- Alan Shearer urges Newcastle to sign World Class goalkeeper David De Gea as Toon legend says Eddie Howe need to strengthen his squad in January

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has urged his former side to spend some money during the January transfer window.

And he feels a new goalkeeper, as well as a new centre forward, should be the key priority for the Magpies, with the former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea available on a free transfer.

Newcastle are in the midst of a dire run of form, which has coincided with the absence of number one goalkeeper Nick Pope after he suffered an injury in the win over Manchester United at St James’ Park earlier this month.

While replacement goalkeeper Martin Dubravka hasn’t been explicitly at fault for the run, there are suggestions that Newcastle need an upgrade with Pope set to be out of action for another three to four months.

De Gea is available on a free transfer after leaving Old Trafford in the summer, while out of favour goalkeepers Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur and Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal, have also been linked.

Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I would agree, goalkeeper and centre forward would be the two main priorities for me. But good luck trying to find a good centre forward that you can bring in for a decent amount of money.”

Pressed on whether he would sign De Gea for Newcastle, Shearer replied: “Yeah, I would sign him. I think Newcastle need a goalkeeper, and De Gea is out there. I know the salary would be huge but they wouldn’t have to pay a fee for him. I think it’s a no-brainer.”