Aug 31, 2011

Magpies Transfer Watch

OFFICIAL: DAVIDE SANTON signs five year deal!

Davide Santon: "I am really pleased to sign for Newcastle. The chance to play in the Premier League and in front of 50,000 fans at St. James' Park was too good to turn down," Santon told nufcTV.

"It's never easy to leave any country, never mind Italy.

"It was a difficult decision, but I've only been here for a short while and I feel very comfortable. There are some good people here, it's a beautiful place, therefore I am very, very happy.

"I came here because it has always been my dream to play in the Premier League. And to play for Newcastle is even better, to play for such an historical club and such a great club."

Alan Pardew:
"This is an ambitious club who want to move forward and I want to help them achieve that."

"We are delighted to bring to Davide to Newcastle.

"He is a quality left-back and an established international who also gives us flexibility in defence.

"Davide is a young lad and a great signing for us and I am sure he will adapt to the Premier League very quickly."



OFFICIAL: ROB ELLIOT signs 5 year contract!

Rob Elliot: "I am looking forward to the challenge of joining a club like Newcastle United," he told nufcTV.

"This is a huge club and a huge opportunity for me to learn from two of the best keepers in the division.
 
"Newcastle are probably the best-supported club in the country, and one of the best in the world.

"That connection which the Club has always had with the fans, and the way the team has started the season, made it a bit of a no-brainer.

"It was hard because Charlton were my boyhood club, but when you have the chance to play in the Premier League and for one of the biggest clubs then you can't turn that down.

"I've never been before, and to see it now - especially after signing - makes it even more impressive.

"I can't begin to imagine what it will be like when you've got 52,000 people in there going crazy. It must be unbelievable."

Alan Pardew: "The goalkeeping position is one we felt we needed to strengthen. Rob is an excellent keeper who I have worked with before, and I know he will be a good signing for the Club."

Aug 17, 2011

Forster deal agreed...

Fraser Forster is set to return to Celtic for a second loan spell after failing to impress in Newcastle's preseason friendlies.

Celtic boss has confirmed a deal has been agreed between the two clubs and it's just a matter of formalities before the young joins. 

"A deal has been agreed. There are a few little snags to overcome but we hope to have him registered in time for tomorrow night." Lennon said.

"If that is the eventuality of things, we would be absolutely delighted. He has been the main target since the end of last season.

"We did put a bid in but it was knocked back but we worked hard in the background to try to bring him in so I'm very, very pleased."


Aug 16, 2011

Modibo Maiga Demands Move To Newcastle...

Newcastle have bid for Mali International Modibo Maiga, the 23yr old plays for Sochaux and is upset with the heirachy for dismissing Newcastle's interest.

Newcastle are not new to this as it was only last year when Ben Arfa carried out a similar act. Maiga has expressed his anger and demands Sochaux to open discussions with Newcastle.

Sochaux offered the player a new contract only after Newcastle had come in for him suggesting an increas in value therefore a larger pricetag.

"Yes [they have made me an offer], but before the Newcastle offer I have not been offered anything, but now I would like the chairman to consider my interest. I want to leave," he said.

"I met everyone at Newcastle. They want me and it is not just any club. Premier League is a dream.

"That is the kind of game I like, it suits me and it is good for my career. I want to leave, he has to accept that and negotiate.

"I told the coach I would play and respect my contract, but the chairman has to talk about my transfer first. I don't want to annoy Sochaux, but I want it to be sorted out with Newcastle.

"Offers have now come for me and the chairman refused to talk. I had a meeting with him and I could not accept his position, it is just like a big slap in the face.

"It was the very first time I asked for something and I believe it is lack of respect. Why refusing to talk? It is selfish, I can't understand.

"You can't refuse such an offer. The sums are huge, both for me and for the club. Sochaux will not lose."

The striker, who can also ply his trade as a winger, joined Sochaux last season and scored 15 goals for the club finishing as one of the league's top scorers.

Aug 13, 2011

Preview: Newcastle vs Arsenal - friends turn foes

Friends turn foes as Arsenal loom on toon comeback...

Lille’s key players Yohan Cabaye and Gervinho signed for premier league clubs Arsenal and Newcastle and will face off in their first match of the season.

The Ivorian international will lock heads with his French counterpart on a night that will kick off the premier league season.

Cabaye and Gervinho formed a ceative partmership at Lille and played the most essential roles in winning the league title for the club.

They will now play against one another and neither of them will take the challenge lightly.

Fans last season witnessed the greatest ever comeback at St James’ Park when Newcastle came back from a 4 goal deficit to draw the match.

And with both teams missing key players due to transfer sagas, expect one hell of a match.

Pieters: 'PSV must be willing to let me go'

Newcastle United yesterday lost spanish fullback Jose Enrique to Liverpool and are keen on replacing him before the derby next weekend.

Keeper Krul confirmed last week that the magpies are in for his fellow friend Erik Pieters and highly regards the left back.

Pieters, however, is focused on family matters at the moment and is trying to keep his focus away from the matter but hints the move could be on.

"I am not focused on football right now, only my family counts," Pieters told AD Sportwereld.

"Moreover, there must first be serious discussions with Newcastle and PSV must be willing to let me go."

PSV coach Fred Rutten has stated he will not come in the players way but would only be willing to let him go for the right price.

"I would lie in the road to stop him leaving but I fear I cannot block his transfer to Newcastle," said Rutten.

"He is a brilliant defender, but, if it is right for him and the club, I cannot say no."

The move is looking very plausible as neither the player nor manager will dispute the move. There seems to be a mutual understanding and neither wants to get into the others way.

However, Newcastle will have to battle it out with PSV and if the price is right, expect Holland's Int'l full back to remain in his orange colour against the Mackems. 

Aug 11, 2011

Official: Newcastle Agree Enrique Fee...

A statement on nufc.co.uk has been issued that a fee has been agreed for Enrique. Newcastle have confirmed Enrique has travelled to Liverpool for a medical.

Newcastle United Football Club can confirm that a fee has been agreed with Liverpool for the transfer of Jose Enrique.

The player will travel to Liverpool today to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.

Enrique will be a big miss and is yet another huge blow for Newcastle. But lets face the facts, Enrique wanted Champions League football, something we could not offer him.

Atleast Newcastle havent left it to the last minute as in Carroll's case. It's time for us to move on and the inevitable was always going to happen.

Newcastle will face Arsenal on saturday and it looks like Fergusson may well have to fill the void until the club bring in a replacement.

Hot on trail is Erik Pieters but no concrete interest has been confirmed apart from Tim Krul's statements. The toon army will have to be patient but time is running out and we have 3 games before the window closes.

Aug 10, 2011

Why Mike Ashley Bought Newcastle...

Sir John Hall has revealed why he sold the club to Mike Ashley. Sir John sold the club as he felt he could not compete with Roman Abramovich and the investment he made in Chelsea.

Two parties were interested in buying the club, one of them was Ashley and the other was a group of Malaysians. 

"I decided to sell my shares because of Abramovich. It took me just over two years. I was in negotiations with some Malaysians when I got a call from another group." Hall said.

"They wanted to meet me in London prior to my meeting with the Malaysians, I agreed. I was met at Kings Cross and taken by Rolls Royce to Freshfields and into a packed meeting room where this unnamed parties financial representatives began to make me an offer. 

"I told them that I would honour my meeting with the Malaysians so could not give them an answer. They tried their best to persuade me otherwise, but I’m a man of my word. 

"The meeting with the Malaysians went well but they wanted 6 weeks to do due diligence. The offer from the other party at Freshfields waived that right and was a better deal. 

"I was told that the man behind the deal was Mike Ashley and I sat with his representatives over 3 days thrashing out a deal."

At this stage, Sir John Hall was curious as to why Mike Ashley wanted the club and the toon army finally have the chance to see the club owner's intentions.

"I was keen to know why they wanted the club and they were quite honest. They wanted to market their sports goods in the Far East and would use the Club to help do this," Sir John revealed.

"To me it made sense to market the Club globally. It was a win win situation for Mike and the Club. We hadn’t done that. 

"Over the 3 days I gave them a lot of advice. When they took over they put Chris Mort in to run things and went private. It was a good move. 

"He’s not a fool and like Mike he came in with the best of intentions. His subsequent departure caused a few problems and Mike made a mistake listening to the likes of Paul Kelmsley at Spurs."

The former chairman revealed Ashley made a mistake in bringing back Kevin Keegan and appointing Dennis Wise. It was a well documented error and the toon suffered the consequences.

"I think he made another mistake bringing back Kevin Keegan. He was yesterdays man, like Dalglish at Liverpool now. It wasn’t a rational decision and he’s had to pay for it." the former chairman went on to say.

"The appointment of Dennis Wise upset Kevin and the inevitable fallout happened. I thought the local media handled the situation badly and the vilification with headlines such as ‘Get Out Of Toon’ were unjustified. 

"I believe the damage has been done and I believe he will get out of the club when he can, but it will have to suit both the club and him. 

"Mike has the wealth to challenge, but he’s been hurt. He needs to liaise with the fans. I think he made a huge mistake drinking with them in the early days, I think he took some bad advice." 

So there we have it fellow fans, Ashley's sole purpose was to market his business but since then, a lot has changed and his marketting has cost him a fortune.

Pardew Stamps His Authority...

Pardew has previously admitted the pressure was on him but now it seems like he's regaining control and will take a no-nonsense approach.

Barton who had caused havoc over the last couple of weeks has been warned to get his act straight if he wanted to join into the United ethos.

“Joey’s trained with us, but he understands and we understand each other’s position,” Pardew said.

“Joey won’t be included this weekend unless I feel that he’s totally committed to the club.

“It’s not an olive branch. I’m in the middle trying to mediate but at the end of the line, it’s my dressing room and if Joey’s not right he won’t be in my dressing room.”

Time is running out at St James' Park and Pardew needs to get his team sorted out. The magpies have already confirmed interest in Erik Pieters through Krul and are looking to move forward.

Joey and Jose have played a silly game on twitter and perhaps taken it too literally by being TWITS but it's time for the toon army and the club to move forward.

Players that do not want to play in the black'n'white jersey should move on as they are not welcome here. We're reaching towards the end of the beginning and Pardew will need to take control of his dressing room.



Aug 9, 2011

Official: Gabriel is Obertoon...

Newcastle have confirmed the signing of 22 year old Gabriel Obertan on a 5 year contract with a reported fee of 3m.

The winger is the fifth french signing for the magpies and comes in place of the departed Routledge. He will join fellow french mates Ben Arfa, Cabaye, Marveaux, Ba and Mehdi.

"I spoke with some of my friends and Newcastle is a big club with history in England, so it's a great move," Obertan said.

"I'm just really happy to be here because this is still a big club for me.

"It wasn't really a difficult decision to come here.

"I spent two good years in Manchester but it was a bit difficult with the competition and I really needed a club where I could play more games.

"I know it won't be easy to play each game here, because there's a good group, but I want a fresh start in my football."

"I've heard a lot about the fans, the atmosphere, the passion around the club and the way the city is just behind the club 100 per cent.

"So I think I'm going to love it."

Aug 8, 2011

A Taste of Obertan...


Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has confirmed his interest in Gabby Obertan and hopes to seal the deal within 48hrs.

Obertan is set to have a medical on monday, the deal is said to be worth 3m on a 5yr contract. The 22yr old comes in after the departure of Wayne Routledge and is said to be a better option.

"All being well, the deal will be pushed through next week," Pardew said after the Fiorentina friendly.

"He has not really had the chance to shine at Old Trafford but he has pace to burn and will bring some much needed sharpness to our side."

A much needed boost for the toon army after the saga that is Joey Barton. Newcastle, however, still need a striker and the days are numbered.

Aug 1, 2011

Routledge Move Imminent...

Alan Pardew is set to lose Wayne Routledge to Swansea City, Pardew as well as the fans, however, aren't to fuss with this move as Routledge has never been able to hit the mark in he Premier League.

"Wayne's move to Swansea is imminent and that's why he wasn't here," Pardew said.

Routledge has never been part of Pardews plans and will move for a reported fee of 2m pounds. Newcastle are reducing in numbers and the toon army is hoping to see two more signings.

Pardew In For Two As Erdinc Pursuit Ends...

Alan Pardew has finally put Erdinc's pursuit to rest after PSG boss confirmed Erdinc is going nowhere and is part of his plans for the coming season.

"He's playing in the team, he's out there on the pitch, he's a part of my team," The PSG boss said. Erdincs agent also stated that the forward will not be in discussions with Newcastle.

"Mevlut was in England only to play in the tournament," his agent Pierre Frelot said.

"He has not had discussions with Newcastle and he will not have discussions with Newcastle this weekend."

Pardew has finally resigned to the fact and will continue his search. The manager insists there will be one more player to join if not two.
 
"I think it's fairly evident that we've spent a lot of time on that transfer," Pardew said. 

"Now, we need to make sure that we've got a player or maybe two players for the start of the season. 

"Privately, we've had a conversation about a time scale for things. But that's about the best I can say at the moment." 

Newcastle will now to there Plan C as Gameiro and Erdinc have decided their futures.