Newcastle United's January transfer window was undoubtedly one of the key factors in their Premier League survival last season. However, not all pundits were impressed by that business at the time of asking.
Paul Merson and Danny Murphy both claimed the January business lacked a 'wow factor' that would keep Eddie Howe's side in the division. However, the Magpies head coach has been proven right to bring in the likes of Matt Targett and Dan Burn, both of whom have made impressive starts to the current campaign.
The Newcastle left-back was one of those name-dropped by Merson, but the former Aston Villa defender has proven his Jack Grealish claim to be incorrect.
READ MORE: Newcastle United eye bold transfer swoop for Sunderland teenager
Asked if Newcastle's January business was a hit, Merson told Sky Sports News: "I could only say hit if they stay up, honestly. None of them are like signings that are breath-taking. If you put Jesse Lingard up there I’d go, ‘wow.’
"Chris Wood [has been] playing down at the lower parts of the Premier League. Targett, is steady but he played behind Jack Grealish for the last two or three years that maybe made him a better player. I’m not sure, but they’ve given themselves a chance."
The aim for Newcastle this season is to finish in the top-half with a number of pundits expecting them to be outsiders for European football. Dan Burn and Matt Targett have been mainstays in the side since their arrivals, but Murphy was another of those unimpressed by the January business.
He told talkSPORT: "I still think it's going to be a tough fight for them. I don't think this group of signings are all 'wow' enough to go they're definitely going to get out of [danger]. But they've given themselves a much better chance because they've got better strength in depth."
READ NEXT
- Inside Newcastle United new boy Alexander Isak's low key press unveiling
- The inside story of Newcastle United's transfer window - all the bids, stories and 'mega opportunity'
- 'They get a shock', Kieran Trippier describes reactions of visiting teams who turn up at St James' Park
- Newcastle's two deadline day transfer bids and Howe sends message to Joao Pedro
- Joao Pedro transfer truth and Newcastle's deadline day stance
