Alan Shearer urged Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to "break the bank" for Joe Willock as he hailed Steve Bruce for United's revival.
Newcastle looked in desperate trouble when they lost pitifully to Brighton in March - but bounced back to take 17 points in the run-in, losing only twice.
They signed off with back-to-back wins as Willock scored for the seventh successive game - a feat that delighted Shearer, who called him a "brilliant" loan signing.
"He's exactly what Newcastle have been needing and missing and as I said, it's been a great signing by Steve Bruce because he offers Newcastle legs in that midfield. He drives forward and not many teams have been able to handle him," Shearer said.
"Look at the skill and pace he shows to get up there for the goal. He's full of confidence and so he should be. He's had a brilliant time at Newcastle.
"They have to try and break the bank and be desperate to try and keep hold of him. He's having fun in that Newcastle shirt.
"I think well done to Steve Bruce and his team for the way they've turned it around. It's been a long, hard season.
"They've finished on 45 points, in 12th position and I think that's as good as they could have done. They deserve all the credit."
