SHAY GIVEN has reminded Newcastle United's board that Kevin Keegan's side requires significant strengthening, and sharpish. "We've got a very small squad at the moment and I think we need to get a few more players in before the transfer window closes," said the Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper.

"It is a concern the longer it goes on and we don't get them in but I suppose there's until the end of August when the window closes. We're short of players but I know the manager and the board are working hard behind the scenes to get players in so I suppose we should really comment at the end of August.

"I don't know how difficult it is to get new players in because I don't do the deals but, although we have got a couple of lads in, we need a good few more."

Keegan, who says he wants "four quality signings" before the start of the season, has already recruited central midfielder Danny Guthrie for €1.25 million from Liverpool and Jonas Gutierrez from Real Mallorca. However, Mallorca have not released the Argentinian's registration - he bought himself out of his contract with them and they are appealing to Fifa in an attempt to levy a transfer fee.

This lack of documentation prevented Gutierrez playing in last Saturday's 4-1 win at Hartlepool and could keep him out of this Saturday's friendly at Doncaster.

With the winger ruled out of the following weekend's tournament in Mallorca, he is likely to make his Newcastle debut against PSV Eindhoven on August 6th, ten days before the new season kicks-off.

Given finds it hard to predict Newcastle's fortunes in the coming campaign. "It's hard to say where we'll finish because we need more players. But our objective will be to do better than last season, when we were 12th. I'd like to think we'll finish a lot higher than last season."

A left-back is top of Keegan's shopping list and Blackburn, who rebuffed Newcastle's €3.8 million bid for Stephen Warnock, are expecting an improved offer.

Guardian Service