Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have disagreed on how long it will take Newcastle United to 'compete' for the Premier League and Champions League.
Eddie Howe's side extended their unbeaten top-flight return to six matches with last weekend's draw at West Ham, but remain just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Survival remains top of the immediate agenda at St James' Park, but the new owners have been quick to stress their long-term ambitions to transform Newcastle into one of the world's leading clubs.
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This vision was shared by January signing Bruno Guimaraes, with the former Lyon playmaker outlining his hope of winning the Champions League with his new club despite their current predicament.
Carragher, Neville and fellow Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane were all asked how long it will be before the Magpies are competing for top honours by a member of the audience on 'The Overlap Live'.
Neville answered first, and said: "Five years, six years...if they spend a load of money."
Former Manchester United midfielder and Sunderland boss Keane then joked: "I'll be dead and buried by then I hope!"
It was Carragher who gave the most detailed response, and the ex-Liverpool defender believes it will a 'lot tougher' than many football fans expect.
The pundit went on to claim elite clubs will likely still be able to sign transfer targets ahead of the Magpies, despite the likelihood of more money being on offer at St James' Park.
Carragher said: "I think about 10 years before they get up there and are really competing. Look how much Manchester United have spent.
"Man United will always be a bigger club than Newcastle, and they've spent a lot of money right now.
"Liverpool are a bigger club than Newcastle and have spent money for years trying to win a league title and the Champions League.
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"I think it's tough, I really do. They will be able to entice players because of the financial rewards, but the other top clubs still have good money.
"If you're a player and you have the option of playing for Man United, Liverpool, Man City or Newcastle and you're going to get a little more money at Newcastle, I think most players would still pick the established clubs.
"I think it will be a lot tougher than people think."
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