Former Newcastle United midfielder Alan Smith says the Magpies can have a say on the title race in their quest for Champions League football. Although not throwing the hat of his former club in the ring, Smith has been impressed by Eddie Howe's side this season.
Smith told MrCasinova.com: "Newcastle have been on great form. They might not win it but they’ll cause a few upsets and they’ve got a great squad and are playing really well under Eddie Howe.
"If Man U beat Arsenal, they’ll only be 5 points back and with half a season to go. I think everybody will be wanting Man United to beat Arsenal for the first time in a long time.
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"I think the neutral wants two, three or four teams to fight it out. Newcastle are one of those. It will also be interesting to see how close United come in the league, as that brings a whole new perspective for people who would want to sign, and attract them to the club.
"Man United used to be able to sign who they wanted with little competition, but Man City have a say in that now, Arsenal will have another say, Chelsea always have a say. Newcastle now might also have a say as they push on trying to achieve things."
Newcastle are yet to strengthen in the transfer market so far in January, but Smith has been surprised nobody has made a move for former Magpies trainee Ivan Toney. The Brentford forward has impressed since making the step up to the Premier League, earning a call-up for for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions last year.
Smith added: "There’s not many realistically that I look at that I think would be a stand-out candidate, but I’m surprised that within the Premier League that nobody has tried to sign Ivan Toney. He’s that type of striker that you can play into, and the goals that he’s scored have been incredible.
"You see less signings within the Premier League from one club to another over the last few years, but it would be interesting to see a player come through at another Premier League club and then join United. You mentioned Kalvin Phillips going to Man City, and Declan Rice linked with going to a few places – it will be interesting if any of those moves materialise."
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