We must Toon in to Reds’ wavelength

EDDIE HOWE wants Newcastle to measure themselves against title-chasing Liverpool – and find the benchmark they are aiming to match.

The Magpies boss says the Saudi-funded Geordies want to challenge the Reds for the Premier League crown one day.

But he warned they can’t “flick a switch” to become contenders, and refused to put a timescale on how long it will take.

The expectation for Newcastle to fight it out at the top has been heaped on by part-owner Amanda Staveley saying they want Champions League football and trophies “in five-10 years”.

Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes says that is why he joined from Lyon.

Howe (with his players in training, above) described Toon’s recent run of 10 wins from 14 games as “unbelievable”. They are second in the 2022 points table behind Liverpool, who visit St James’ Park today.

Asked how long it will take to challenge Liverpool, and Manchester City who they visit next weekend, he said: “You won’t get a time out of me! My aim is to improve today to be better tomorrow.

“These things can’t be rushed, and you have to do it properly. There will be a process that takes time. How long I don’t know and there will be hurdles, and you can’t just flick a switch.

“Hopefully we will get there. The ambition is there to do it and that is the most important thing.

“I am looking and planning for the future, as you have to do in my position. But to give direct timescales on anything in football is almost impossible. I think the search is for improvement from day one and I continue to do that until someone tells me not to.

“We need to improve what we deliver for our players. Certain aspects of the club need to evolve, and to evolve as we hopefully sign new players and develop the squad as we want to.”

The visit of Jurgen Klopp’s Quadruple-chasing side is a chance for the Magpies to be tested by the best.

Howe said: “We have to give the best of ourselves to the world. There is huge interest, and that is where we have to bring our best version.

“Liverpool and City are the two biggest tests. The League table tells you that.

“Nothing but our best, better than we have delivered so far, will be good enough. They win games when not at their best. At their best, they are unstoppable.”

Defender Fabian Schar, who was a free agent in the summer, has signed a new two-year deal. Talks are progressing to keep midfielder Sean Longstaff.