Former Newcastle United defender Sylvain Distin believes the Magpies will find it tough to recruit 'top' players considering the current predicament they find themselves in.
The Toon have failed to win any of their opening 12 matches, though there were promising signs in the 3-3 draw with Brentford.
However, Newcastle's Saudi-led takeover gave supporters a renewed sense of optimism and the January transfer window is poised to be an important month as they look to strengthen their squad.
A number of players have already been linked with a move to St James' Park given the Magpies' new financial backing, with Phillipe Coutinho, Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey among those tipped.
But Distin, who made 35 appearances during a season-long loan spell at Newcastle in 2001/02, says they will struggle to attract high-quality stars in the short-term.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: "I think the recruitment in the short-term is going to be difficult no matter how much money they've got.
"They are in a very difficult position and I don't see any top players going for a football-based reason, it will be for a financial reason. Most of the time when you come just for the money, they also need to put a shift in. So, it's going to be difficult for them to recruit when they are in this position.
"Obviously in the long-term, if they start to climb the table and fight for the top-four, they will still have the financial power to get who they want. I don't think that will happen for another four to five seasons."
The international break has allowed Howe some time to work with his players and plan for a hectic fixture schedule, which begins with a home game against the Bees.
It's safe to say the 43-year-old has a huge job on his hands to steer the Magpies away from the bottom three, but his successful time at Bournemouth proves he has the ability to turn their fortunes around.
Distin, however, is confident that Newcastle have enough to survive and avoid a third relegation to the Championship in 13 seasons.
He continued: "I think they've got enough quality to stay in the Premier League, I don't see them competing for anything this season, but I think they enough quality, especially offensively.
"The question will be how long will it take for the players to adapt to Howe's style as his training sessions are really intense, they're really long.
"When you're not used to it, you will feel it at the weekend. Everything will depend on the character of the players."
