Former Newcastle United midfielder Olivier Bernard fears the club's reputation is putting off prospective signings.

Bernard wrote in the Evening Chronicle: "When you look at Newcastle United at the moment from a players' perspective, joining the club is a very risky move.

"Every name I have heard so far in the transfer speculation would improve the squad, but what you have to do is put yourself in the shoes of the players who will be making the decisions.

"You would certainly think twice about it, whereas at one time that was never the case. Players would be queuing up to be part of the club because the whole place was football-minded."