Gary Neville has discussed the problems Newcastle face in attracting top players to the club.
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has been vocal this week in how he feels the club should approach their summer recruitment, insisting the club must show ambition if they are to compete at the top end of the Premier League.
Former England international Neville believes Newcastle remain an attractive proposition for potential signings, but believes the club’s geographical location could hinder the club’s ability to attract top talent.
“I don’t dispute the size of the club, it’s huge and the fanbase is incredible. The stadium is amazing and when I go up there I love it.” Neville told Sky Sports.
“But there are some big problems. The ownership is one of them but it’s also attracting players to the North East of the calibre you need to attract, and it’s not just the North East, it’s Yorkshire, parts of the North West, players prefer to play in the south of England.
“There is going to have to be a distinctive model change for Newcastle to be successful and get back to where we think they should be in the future, which is challenging for the top six, being one of the biggest clubs in the country.
“They will have to do something completely different because players won’t go there and live there for three, four, five years in masses.”
