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Newcastle's struggles to compete with the so-called Premier League big six in the transfer market could deny the team a Champions League place next season, Gary Neville believes.
The former Manchester United and England defender shared his Premier League predictions for the new campaign alongside fellow pundit Jamie Carragher during Sky Sports' opening 'Monday Night Football' show of the season. The duo forecast how the top five would shape up come May, with Newcastle's prospects under scrutiny.
The Magpies are struggling to bring in players and keep hold of their talisman, Alexander Isak, who reportedly wants to join Liverpool this month.
Neville believes financial constraints from the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) that Newcastle and Aston Villa have encountered mean they remain a level below some of the more established clubs, which could affect the upcoming campaign.
Eddie Howe endured frustration after failing to secure key transfer targets including Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko throughout recent months, though he has been pleased to secure Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale, Malick Thiaw, and Jacob Ramsey.
The Magpies remain in pursuit of at least one, possibly two, forwards before September 1 and the transfer deadline.
"Newcastle and Villa, I really liked last season," Neville said. "I just feel the PSR is killing them a bit in terms of being able to invest freely," he said.
"I think they will have a good season. I think they'll do OK. I don't think they'll have that spark to get into fifth and into the Champions League and into fourth.
"I think Manchester United are the one team that can break into that group, more than Newcastle, Spurs, and Villa, because they haven't got European football. I do think it will be a big advantage to Manchester United."
Newcastle will benefit its PSR position if it sells Isak to Liverpool for a British record transfer fee this summer.
Yet the Magpies would prefer to keep hold of Isak and continue to bring in world-class talent in pursuit of a first top-flight league title since 1927.
Liverpool icon Carragher felt the one advantage Newcastle may have could come if the team exits the Champions League after the group stage.
Newcastle will play eight games in the competition this season, with only the top 16 making the knock-out stages.
"You don't drop into the Europa League anymore if you don't make the cut in the Champions League," he said. "I'm not sure Newcastle and Spurs will have too much European football after Christmas."
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