Ruud Gullit has warned Newcastle United they will need quality recruits this summer if they are to remain in the upper echelons of the Premier League next season.
The Dutchman felt that his old club struggled against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday despite picking up a valuable 2-1 win at St James' Park. But as the club move on to the next phase of their Saudi-backed project, Gullit feels that recruitment will be key this summer.
After accepting Newcastle are not yet at the stage where they can attract stars like Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, Gullit, speaking on beIN Sports, said: "They need quality. "Not in every position.
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"They need to recruit wisely. And I think they can do that, the most important thing they need, nowadays you need to run and put pressure on the opposition. They need to find these players."
Newcastle ended a run of five Premier League matches without a win with the narrow victory over Wolves. Gullit felt United were fortunate and got the rub of the green on decisions with Nick Pope avoiding a four-match ban after a tangle with Raul Jimenez.
United now head to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Friday night as they bid to sign off for the international break in style.
Former Newcastle boss Gullit said: "They've had a difficult spell. I think they were the surprise package at the beginning of the season.
"Then all of a sudden there was some sand in the motor. Nevertheless it was always a hard fight for them to get the win over Wolves.
"I think they have been a little bit fortunate with the decisions of the referee especially with the penalty. I think it could have been a penalty and a sending off.
"It didn't happen and second half, Wolves started to play much better. Because first half Newcastle were the better side then it was Wolves trying to get back in the game."
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