Newcastle United will spend 'serious money' next season if they hold on for a top-four Premier League finish this term. That is the view of Magpies legend Chris Waddle, who believes the absence of European fixtures could give Eddie Howe's side an advantage over their 'Big Six' rivals.
Newcastle secured their seventh straight win in all competitions with a narrow home win over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup. An eighth consecutive victory in their Boxing Day clash at Leicester City would temporarily lift United into second spot, albeit Manchester City would retake their position by earning a solitary point in either of their two matches in hand.
Howe has been backed in the transfer market with a cumulative spend in excess of £200 million so far, although the club are not expected to be as active in the upcoming January window. Signings from Europe such as Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and club-record buy Alexander Isak have been supplemented by the recruitment of proven Premier League performers.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe explains Newcastle absences in Bournemouth win as January reality emerges
Waddle believes a top-four finish this season would be 'a year or two ahead of schedule' for his former club, given they were considered relegation favourites this time last season. The pundit feels a place in the Champions League would allow Howe to target 'top players' to build the squad required to compete on all fronts.
He told William Hill: “Newcastle have been playing brilliant this season – the fans have really bought into it. Whether they can run the course or not and finish in the top four, we’ll see.
"They’ve got a long way to go, some of the players have been in the World Cup, and they’ve got some hard games when they get back. If someone had said they’d be third before the World Cup, they would have snapped your hand off.
“Everyone working at the club is doing a fine job at the minute. They’ve got no distractions, they’re not in Europe, so they can focus totally on the Premier League and domestic cups. If they finish in the top four, then they’re probably a year or two ahead of schedule.
“That’s where the fun starts – if you get in the Champions League, you need a bigger squad and a lot of players, you need two teams basically. At the minute, they probably have one and a bit.
"You’d then be talking about serious money, but they would then get the chance to buy top-quality players because they’re in the Champions League. If they can stay in that top four, they’ll have the option of many top players who want to join them because that’s where they want to go.”
Chris Waddle was speaking at the launch of William Hill’s first Home Shop in Sheffield, with further Premier League Home Shops to be rolled out soon, including Newcastle and North London.
READ NEXT
Bournemouth aim 'much help' dig at ref after 'nasty stamp' despite controversial Newcastle call
O'Neil fumes, Bruno's connection and Joelinton leads - Newcastle moments you may have missed
Leicester coach gives James Maddison update ahead of Newcastle United meeting
Newcastle United notes: 2020 cup error Eddie Howe won't make and context on Almiron miss
Allan Saint-Maximin underlines ingredients for Newcastle United to end 54-year trophy drought
