Alan Shearer makes ‘flat’ St James’ Park atmosphere claim as Newcastle United set Marc Guehi challenge

Alan Shearer has challenged Newcastle United owners to sign Marc Guehi - and re-energise a “flat” St James’ Park atmosphere.

As it stands, the Magpies are yet to reach an agreement with Crystal Palace for the England defender. Toon chiefs are understood to have made four bids for Guehi and remain locked in negotiations for the Eagles.

The window closes a week today - with potential incomings and outgoings for Newcastle. However, new arrivals are what get supporters most excited and they have been of short supply this summer.

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Lloyd Kelly and William Osula - signed for a combined £15million - are the only additions of note. Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos arrived as part of Elliot Anderson’s exit and could already be on his way out.

Club icon Shearer believes the atmosphere at last weekend’s Premier League opener suffered as a result of the quiet transfer window. He also insisted Newcastle need to sign Guehi after making him their No.1 target.

“I don’t feel Newcastle have a choice now when it comes to Marc Guehi,” Shearer told Betfair. “They’ve shown their hand and perhaps expected it to be done by now. It would be an underwhelming summer in terms of signings for Newcastle if they were not able to get one big signing over the line. 

“They got the right result last weekend against Southampton but they didn’t play well, even with 11 men for the first 28 minutes or so. I thought Southampton were the better team. I wouldn’t say there was a flat atmosphere at St James’ Park, but it wasn’t as loud as it could have been and maybe you could put the atmosphere down to the lack of signings. 

“Newcastle should go ahead with Guehi. They want the player; they probably know the price and they’re going to have to pay that. Fabian Schar is suspended for three games now too and that puts a little bit more pressure on Newcastle. I don’t think it would look too good on the Newcastle hierarchy if they didn’t get the transfer over the line as it’s been dragging on for so long.”