Newcastle’s transfer ‘worry’ with priority signings needed to avoid ‘struggle’

Tino Livramento is set to become the third senior summer signing for Newcastle United and Danny Murphy fears the Magpies could struggle to handle the workload this season unless they bring in further defensive recruits

Newcastle United ‘need one or two more defensive players’ to cope with the ‘heavy schedule’ of the new season after qualifying for the Champions League. That is the view of pundit Danny Murphy, who feels the partnership of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar ‘cannot do it all themselves’.

Eddie Howe admits he is keen to bring in further reinforcements ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1, with Tino Livramento set to become the thid senior signing. Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali are both already through the door, with the pair making their home debuts in the Sela Cup wins over Villarreal and Fiorentina respectively.

Newcastle will be competing on four fronts in the new season, with Howe previously declaring the need to be able to call upon two starting elevens of ‘equal strength’ to handle the busier schedule. Murphy has hailed the midfield and attacking options now at the head coach’s disposal, but feels further recruits are needed in defence.

He told the MailOnline: “My main concern for Newcastle is not the increased expectation after a stunning season but the added fixtures that Champions League football will bring. The expectation is there already but that will help them. The Newcastle supporters will help them.

“They won’t turn on this team. They are in such a joyous period after so long in the doldrums. They know this club is moving in the right direction with a team that plays its heart out. The players will embrace that new expectation because it’s so positive.

“Their concern will be the extra games and the way they play. Newcastle under Eddie Howe play with such high intensity, that is very hard to do twice a week. Howe is already thinking about competition for places.

“Sandro Tonali will bring fantastic energy and will make them better alongside the likes of Bruno Guimaraes. Harvey Barnes as well gives competition out wide with Miguel Almiron, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.

“The worry is the lack of competition at the back. Newcastle have relied on the same back four for most of last season – and what a job they did – but you can’t keep everyone fit all the time with so many extra fixtures.

“They are going to need one or two more defensive players. Sven Botman and Fabian Schar have been an amazing partnership but cannot do it all themselves.

“Howe won’t change the way he plays. If they don’t bring in some more defensive cover, they could struggle to deal with the heavy schedule.”