Shearer believes that Newcastle, who kick-off their season against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, will improve on last year’s 11th place finish.
“I’d love to say I think Newcastle will be fighting it out with Manchester United for a place in the top six, but I don’t quite see that happening yet,” he told BBC Sport.
“Eddie Howe has already done a great job to turn the club around since he was appointed as manager in November and now my hope is that they will be challenging for seventh, eighth or ninth place, which I think is realistic with the squad they’ve got at the moment.
“They finished 11th last time, and were only three points off eighth place.”
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9. Marseille's Senegalese forward Bamba Dieng runs with the ball during the French L1 football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France, on May 1, 2022. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP) (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United, West Ham, Everton, Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Leeds United are showing interest in Marseille forward Bamba Dieng, labelled the ‘new Sadio Mane’ by many in his native Senegal. (90min) | AFP via Getty Images