Andy Cole says Newcastle United look no better now than they did last season despite spending a fortune in the transfer market over the summer.

Newcastle's £47million investment on the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Georginio Wijnaldum and Florian Thauvin among others was expected to lift the Magpies to the next level.

Unfortunately though, the Toon have continued to struggle this season, prompting former star striker Cole to state that Steve McClaren's current crop are no better than the side which was so poor last season under John Carver.

On his blog for Yahoo Sports, Cole stated: "Now bottom of the table without a win in five and with only two goals, Newcastle are struggling. I watched them at West Ham on Monday and they created nothing and didn't work the opposing goalkeeper.

"That's West Ham, not Chelsea or Manchester City who they'll meet after playing at home to promoted Watford on Saturday. That is already a must win because sadly, despite spending £47million, they look little different from last season."