Former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has questioned if Mike Ashley can afford Patrick Vieira's terms.

The Manchester City coach is set to interview for the manager's job.

"I think he will be more interested in what he is going to get, than Newcastle, personally speaking," Shepherd told ITV Tyne Tees. "If they pay him a ridiculous amount he is going to come, but if they offer him peanuts he isn't.

"Massive changes are needed. It needs a new manager and Vieira and McClaren are the favourites, but they also need new players.

"Mike Ashley is no fool, he knows he needs to put money in. The squad wasn't fit for purpose and I'm confident they will bring players in. He realises he's got to do something."