Newcastle's January transfer window splurge given Steve McClaren verdict

Newcastle have received praise from one of their former managers following their January transfer window business.

The Magpies flexed their financial muscle to bring in Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn to reinforce the squad, while Matt Targett arrived on loan.

It represents a desperate attempt to retain their Premier League status this season - and they have added five players who have plenty of top flight experience and the necessities to improve their on-field fortunes.

And Steve McClaren hailed his former side’s transfer window as ‘fantastic’ on the McClaren Performance Podcast , while likening the new signings to a cattle prod for the rest of the squad.

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Newcastle have the division’s second leakiest defence and the fourth worst attack this season, so reinforcements at both ends of the pitch were desperately needed.

Despite failing to land top targets, manager Eddie Howe has certainly improved his backline with the additions of Trippier, Burn and Targett, who bring an abundance of Premier League experience.

Guimaraes is a fantastic addition in midfield, while renowned striker Wood will provide a big boost up front.

McClaren said: "I think it's a fantastic window. When you've got five or six new players coming in, it freshens everybody with competition for the dressing room and it's like throwing a bomb in there.

"I always like that now and again. Not if you're settled, but now and again. It needs a bomb because players now will wonder, 'What's the pecking order all of a sudden. I was the top dog. I was the number nine. Now, Wood's coming in. How's the gaffer going to play? What's he going to do? What's the system? What's