Frank McAvennie says Newcastle United isn't a "desirable" place for players and has branded the club a "mess" amid Watford's interest in Isaac Hayden.
The former West Ham striker told Football Insider the Magpies need an influx of signings to rejuvenate a stagnating squad and "doesn't know how [Steve] Bruce is going to do that."
Newcastle are without a win in their opening two Premier League fixtures and have conceded six goals in that time.
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The Toon take on Burnley this evening hoping to pick up their first result of the campaign. Summer signing Joe Willock is in line to feature for Steve Bruce's side having not had much game time prior to his move to St. James' Park.
Bruce looks set to hand a number of fringe players some much needed game time but they'll be without Jonjo Shelvey and Hayden for the tie with the Clarets.
The latter of those two has long been linked with a move down south to be closer to his family. However, the Chelmsford born midfielder penned a six-year deal last year, suggesting he's happy to remain on Tyneside.
Nonetheless, reports came out yesterday claiming Hayden was "keen" for a move to the Hornets and McAvennie is not surprised.
He said: "Newcastle (United) isn’t a desirable place to be. I’m looking at the players and their heads are so low, so low.
“I don’t know how Bruce is going to change that, he’s a good lad and he’ll talk to them.
“But Newcastle need fresh blood. That gets players excited again and it helps the dressing room.
“If that’s not going to happen then the players will start to think ‘what’s the point?’.
“A new signing gets an extra 20% out of players. Newcastle are still trying to steady the ship and they haven’t actually improved since last season.
“It’s a hard one for them to fix, it’s a mess.”
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