Newcastle United after Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool players
The hype couldn’t stay down for long - after the Bolton anti-climax (Newcastle either didn’t have the players, enough motivation or they just weren’t tall enough) the speculation and hyperbole starts again as King Kev looks to potential signings with just 10 days to go in the January 08 transfer window.
So who does Kev have lined up? Here are the usual suspects:
Wes Brown - Manchester United
Manchester United have already rejected a bid by Newcastle for Wes Brown, and as Ferguson has clearly said, Wes Brown is not for sale (and reportedly is more interested in negotiating his contract and future stay than aiming for a move away from Old Trafford). Brown would bring stability, experience and quality to Newcastle’s backline and he would be a sure starter, something that he isn’t guaranteed at Manchester United.
Brown is also out of contract in 08 but there is a good chance that he will resign with Manchester United instead of walking out on a Bosman this summer.
Micah Richards - Manchester City
You’ve got to be joking, right? Here’s a kid who is penned as the future captain of Manchester City, is their star player, is playing for a team that is far more likely to play in Europe next year as compared to Newcastle, is settled and loves his manager, his teammates and his club. He doesn’t want to move, and he doesn’t seem like the crazy kid who’d move for money. And the sad truth is, Manchester City are playing better and are likely to keep playing better than Newcastle.
Keegan himself has admitted that because of their current position fans should not expect stars to come flocking to Tyneside.
Richards may leave City, but not for Newcastle, not this year.
Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips - Chelsea
Both Chelsea players have been frequently linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge but there has rarely been a club of equal standing that’s been interested and it is the same where Chelsea and Newcastle are concerned. Moving to Newcastle would equate into a considerable step downwards for both Bridge and SWP, and its not as if both players haven’t had the chance before to move to clubs where they would get more playing time.
Chelsea are in no mood to sell this January, and SWP and Bridge, while they’d be attracted by the first-team football and the wages, would be hard-pressed to quit a Champions League campaign to move to Newcastle.
David Bentley - Blackburn
Newcastle United need a creative player to run the show in midfield and Blackburn’s David Bentley fits the bill. The only question is whether Bentley feels that he needs to move to further his career or not (unless he harbours a desire to win the Premier League with Blackburn), and I think this season it wouldn’t make much sense for him to move.
Then again, there’s the thought of playing for Newcastle’s big crowds and being paid a helluva lot of money compared to what he’s paid at Blackburn. And while Blackburn are above Newcastle in the table (and won a title far more recently than Newcastle), Newcastle is still the bigger club. If Keegan can prise Bentley away from Blackburn, he will have scored the transfer of the season as far as Newcastle are concerned.
Jermain Defoe - Tottenham
Don’t see the point of this one - the current crop of forwards are decent enough and need more support from the midfield rather than a new striker. Of course, Defoe’s status at Tottenham (more like the status of his relationship with Tottenham in the press) means that he is constantly linked with new clubs (Aston Villa and Portsmouth are reportedly after him as well), especially now that Ramos has told him that he can go.
Would Defoe add anything to Newcastle? I doubt it, and I could see other Tottenham players - someone like Steed Malbranque - making more of an impact. Robbie Keane would be excellent but I doubt he would quit Tottenham.
Peter Crouch - Liverpool
Yes, we know he doesn’t want to leave Liverpool. And yes, we know that Liverpool don’t want him to leave either.
But Peter Crouch, with his height, his work-rate and his ball-skills is the perfect striker for Newcastle’s current situation. If he gets a good run in the current Newcastle side (along with players like Bentley and N’Zogbia behind him), you can expect Newcastle to start scoring a lot more goals.
Crouchie isn’t getting what he wants at Liverpool, and with Rafa aiming to build a world-class squad Crouchie will never be better than 3rd choice (at best). At Newcastle, he’d still be in 3rd place behind Owen and Martins but he would undoubtedly get more chances to play, especially if he is in form.
Theo Walcott - Arsenal
Why would Walcott go from Arsenal to Newcastle? Why would Arsenal even sell Walcott to Newcastle?
They won’t - but there’s a chance that Walcott could go to Newcastle United on loan if Keegan can assure Arsenal that he gets ample playing time.
The potential move, although improbable, is good for all parties involved. Walcott gets time on the pitch, Arsenal have a player gaining much-needed experience (Wenger himself has said that Walcott needs more time) and Newcastle get a fast, creative striker who can lead them back up the table.
Who is coming to Newcastle United?
Who do you think Kevin Keegan will sign this January? And while we’re at it, who do you think Keegan will be kicking out of Newcastle this summer?
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Discussion - 18 Responses
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Personally I would love us to sign Crouch, Sol Campbell and a classy central midfielder too. I think Carrick would be overpriced and unavailable. If we could add in those areas, we would be much stronger. In mf we have been nowhere near creative enough all season, plus we look static (see Smith, who we need to find a way to get more out of, or have him on the subs bench) and without drive.
I’ve no idea who we might sign, in reality though. Possibly Shorey and Arshavin, but that wouldn’t be bad either.
“Don’t see the point of this one - the current crop of forwards are decent enough and need more support from the midfield rather than a new striker.”
Followed by..
“But Peter Crouch, with his height, his work-rate and his ball-skills is the perfect striker for Newcastle’s current situation.”
Newcastle NEED defenders. Steed would never leave Tottenham for the likes of Newcastle. He’s adored at Tottenham and arguably our best player so far this season. I see the Geordies signing someone like Sol (who needs the money, ahem) and probably Carrick. He’ll spout off some crap about wanting to go home but it’s because he didn’t make it at United — and as a Spurs fan I do rate the lad’s talent.
I would prefer Newcastle to be relegated back where they belong. Over rated club, no potential, too many managers, too many owners and over expectant fans. Sounds similar to Man City from about 8 years ago when they went down, down, down. Newcastle are an average club and should be more at home in the Championship. Why would any sensible footballer want to go there? Cold, Miserable and thats just the fans never mind the weather. You had good managers, used them, abused them and got rid of them. About time you paid for it.
newcastle should get a midfielder in the mode of OKOCHA JJ who can dictate the pace of the game (not that Okocha should be signed by Newcastle). i mean somebody with his characteristics.
Perosnally, I do not see Newcastle bringing in any ‘big name’ signings and all the names mentioned just would not be interested. Unless the player is either, money hungry or a Newcastle fan I just do not see players going to them. Newcaslte isn’t a big team anymore, and have you lots of work to do to catch up the ‘best of the rest’ bunch ie Everton, Mancs, Blackburn, Villa, Portsmouth, Spurs and even the Hammers. The thing I would suggest to Keegan and Newcastle fans is PATIENCE and realise that Newcastle just isn’t ready to compete with them yet.
Spurs 4 Ever
Have you ever been outside London?
Spurs4Ever. another southern based ponce who doesnt know his arse from his elbow. No potential, good managers. get your own house in order before commenting on another club.
Spurs 4 eva - What and have another club get demoted down two divisions, gain re-promotion and over take you in the premier league in class, crowds and performance?
I’d rather spiral into destruction and come back fighting than watch the abosolute shower of mediocraty that your lot have produced over the last 15 years. Face it, spurs are a mid table club. Don’t let that glitch over the last few years confuse you.
And to hear a Spurs fan wax about getting rid of good managers - my god, now Ive heard it all.
Let’s not turn it into a Spurs/Newcastle debate. It’s so petty and to be honest far too common.
Spurs have made a lot of mistakes. We are an example - at times - of how not to run a club.
I’d argue that City haven’t overtaken us in terms of class, crowds or performance. If you base it on this season I’ll give you performance alone. Class? I like Petrov and Elano and they’ve got a solid back line (the dream!) but are not on the same footballing level as Spurs. They are usually boring to watch but the signs are good and I applaud some of the results they’ve managed this season.
Crowds is an easy shot at us because of the small ground and whatever way I word it, can be used against me just as easily. I’d only point out that Spurs are more often sold-out (even with our RIDICULOUS ticket prices) than Man City. It’s a loyal fanbase that sells well. We’re exploited to hell and back but we still keep coming (ignorance or love, I’ll leave it open to debate). The City of Manchester Stadium/Eastlands is a very rare sell-out.
I think Newcastle are in the same mould as Spurs, just a few years behind. You need a solid base to build upon, maybe focus on a cup run for a while and after that pick up a couple of players that maybe aren’t going to be in Top Four sides but are capable of playing UEFA Cup football, in a team that likes to the play the beautiful game how it’s supposed to. I like Given, Taylor, (young, so can hopefully eliminate some mistakes) Barton (if he can wind his neck in) and Owen (if he can stay injury-free).
We stumbled upon Jol after Santini left us high and dry. Lucky you could say. Maybe that’s what Newcastle need. Is ‘King Kev’ the man to do it? I’m not sure. Yet.
Andy, You underestimate City. We are a 3 yr project 5 months on. Last summer was a hasty rebuilding exercise and we haven’t yet got ANY of the players we need.
I rate City and think with Sven that have a manager that can grind out results. The big test will come in the summer when we’ll find out if they can attract the top quality players they need whilst retaining the gems they currently have.
Spurs season was wasted within the first three months. For most people the Premier League has been written off and unless we stun United in the FA Cup, everything rests on Arsenal tomorrow. And even if we reach the final Chelsea or Everton aren’t going to lay down and allow us a safe passage into the UEFA Cup.
As with every ‘x year plan’, there comes over-achievement, set-backs, before you reach your rightful place. Of course it’s easy to say “lol spurs are a mid-table side” but we’re only half-way through our own plan — it’s a bigger set-back than expected, but I still think we’re in the group of City, Everton, Pompy and Villa of breaking into the Top Four.
Carrick won’t move, he’s smart enough to give it another season and he knows that the prime reason he isn’t first choice at United is because of his own lack of form. On form, and with Scholes nearing twilight years and Carrick’s going to stay till summer at least.
Sol - Pompey are doing well but with Sol not going to South Africa 2010 (I’d be shocked if he went for anything other than a SEVERE injury crisis), moving to Newcastle could be a good means to end his career with tons of money. Then again, Pompey have a better chance of playing in Europe than Newcastle do next season and Sol has ambition (and already has money). Maybe next summer.
I personally think momo sisoko would be a much needed by for Newcastle and there lack of defense
Yeah, but he’d probably rather sign for us, a big name Serie A club with tons of cash and the ability to qualify for the Champions League on a regular basis
Newcastle - Buy Bentley and get Walcott on Loan, then look to get your hands on a couple of defenders, Brown won’t join the toon, so Pique on loan maybe? How bout Breno, he’s an 18 year old Brazilian defender at Bayern Munich.
Pique on loan, Brown and Carrick in the summer.
Brown - hope not.
Carrick - what, and have Fletcher take his place in the squad? John O’Shea? We need 4 central midfielders and with Scholes getting older, Carrick will get plenty of games.
And it’s not like Newcastle already don’t have a glut of central midfielders (not that they’re available atm, but still)
Hey Ahmed, this is not about who I feel should leave United, it’s about who I feel is good for Newcastle… If I were Kevin? Know what I mean?
For some strange reason, the only place I would like to see Carrick go is back to Spurs. Don’t know why? If not, we should hold onto him.
HEA MAN NEWCASTLE R THU ONE AND ONLI WIV KING KEV AS MANAGER THELL BE UNSTOPPABLE DEFOE ND WRIGHT PHILLIPS ALL WU NEED