By Frank McAvennie

8th Oct, 2023 | 6:29am

Pundit makes extraordinary Newcastle claim that will give fans goosebumps

Newcastle United have been sensationally backed to win the Champions League this year.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie insisted Newcastle will need a bit of luck to go all the way in the competition but said he wouldn’t be surprised if Eddie Howe’s side lifted the trophy.

Howe’s side have had a storming start to their return to the Champions League with a draw against AC Milan followed by a 4-1 thrashing of French giants Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night (4 October).

Newcastle qualified for the top European competition after an impressive fourth-place finish last term, less than two years after their takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

When asked how far the Magpies could go in the Champions League, McAvennie told Football Insider: “People are saying they are going to win it but they will not be going for that.

“They will get through the group and get to the knockouts and then it is luck. There is not one team in the history of winning cups that has not done it without a bit of luck.

“Could they win it? Of course they could. Will they? I do not think so.

“However, I would not be surprised if they did because everything seems to be going well at the club, there is a great attitude. The manager is having a laugh with the players and vice versa.“

In other news, Newcastle United are plotting a January striker signing – but it’s not Ivan Toney.