ALAN Shearer says Newcastle United face an "interesting" summer transfer window as they prepare for Champions League football.

And after what the Toon legend describes as an "unbelievable season" for the Magpies, Shearer says the next challenge for Eddie Howe's side is going one better than they managed in the Carabao Cup this season and ending the wait for silverware.

The dust is settling on what has been a memorable campaign on Tyneside, with Howe's men exceeding expectations to finish fourth in the Premier League, as well as reaching February's League Cup final.

Newcastle now face what Howe described as their "toughest" transfer window and admitted after the final day draw with Chelsea that the club's refusal to shatter their wage ceiling will be the biggest barrier in the pursuit of world class talent.

Shearer is intrigued by the months ahead.

He said: “Next season will be a tough one but it will be interesting to see what happens in the summer in terms of who they are going to get rid of and bring in, and how much they are going to spend.

"What’s next for Newcastle is to go and win a trophy. They nearly did it this year, it was great to be back at Wembley but what happened [losing to Manchester United in the League Cup final] was obviously disappointing, so winning a trophy is what’s next because that’s what is missing.”

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For Shearer - like all Newcastle fans - the 2022/23 campaign will live long in the memory.

Speaking at the FWA Awards, he told William Hill: “Newcastle have had an unbelievable season. The job that Eddie Howe and his staff have done has just been incredible and they deserve it.

"They’ve played some great football, they’ve been tough, hard to beat, but they’ve been entertaining and they’ve got St James’ Park rocking again so long may that continue."