Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer is adamant that his old club must keep hold of their best players if they are to move forward.

The Magpies caused a shock by finishing fifth in the Premier League this season and narrowly missed out on a place in next year's Champions League. Shearer insists that the only way the club will build on their success is to keep their best players.

"They've had a great season. You've got to congratulate Alan [Pardew] and all the players. It's probably been unexpected, even the management would have thought it was a bridge too far but you've got to congratulate them on it," Shearer told talkSPORT.

"Whether they can now go on to improve we'll have to wait and see but I think the key is keeping all of their best players during the summer.

"Hopefully they can do that, I don't see any reason why not and if they can add one or two then maybe they can go one better next season."

Newcastle players Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba, Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye have all been linked with moves away from Tyneside.