Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has hit out at the club over their approach to this summer’s transfer window.
The Magpies have endured a disappointing summer having been rejected by the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Marc Guehi and James Trafford.
Benjamin Sesko added to the list last week when he opted to join Manchester United from RB Leipzig instead.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s all-time record signing Alexander Isak’s future remains in the air with the wantaway striker attempting to force through a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
Shearer has delivered a scathing verdict on his former club, writing in his BBC Sport column: ‘So far, Newcastle’s pre-season has been a nightmare. There is no other way of describing it.
‘They have had a disastrous transfer window, missing out on every one of their top targets they went for, and on top of that they have got Alexander Isak’s situation hanging over them as they get ready for the opening weekend.’
He added: ‘Newcastle went into the summer with no chief executive or sporting director, which I find amazing. They knew Darren Eales was stepping down as chief executive last September – 11 months ago – and Paul Mitchell left as sporting director at the end of June.
‘I don’t know why they haven’t appointed anyone yet or if that has hindered them in the transfer market, because I am not inside the club, but from the outside it is not a good look.
‘It’s a mess, and it begs the question about who has making the big decisions.’
Newcastle are keen on Brentford striker Yoane Wissa to fill the potential void left by Isak, with Daily Mail Sport revealing last week that a deal is expected to happen.
Ollie Watkins is also among the club’s potential targets, and Alan Shearer believes bringing in both the Aston Villa forward and Wissa would represent good business for Newcastle.
Sherer wrote: ‘If they are available, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins are proven Premier League strikers and probably the best-case scenario from Newcastle’s point of view.
‘At the same time, I appreciate fans of those clubs won’t like their centre-forwards being linked with moves away, the same way Newcastle supporters feel right now.
‘Wissa’s situation, in particular, sounds very similar to Isak’s. It just shows you that this is something that happens in football all the time, and of course it is frustrating when you are on the wrong end of it.’
Newcastle have added to their squad with the signings of Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Antonito Cordero.
AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw is also on the verge of joining after the clubs agreed a package of around £34.3m
Newcastle will open their Premier League campaign with a trip to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
