Exit rumoursRumours abound that Andy Carroll may leave the Toon before the transfer window closes tomorrow.
As far as I can tell these rumours emanate from The Mirror, which might be good news if we apply the oft used yardstick that the red-tops can be taken less seriously than the broadsheets, but they claim that Carroll is wanted by Wolves and Bolton.
Apparently Carroll is involved in some sort of tug-of-war between two agents who are trying to find him a Premier League home and both Mick McCarthy and Gary Megson have made enquiries as to his availability.
The Mirror claims that Carroll is ‘keen to go to the top level as soon as possible‘, although I’ve never read about him expressing any desire to leave the Toon before now.
Hughton recently said that he was ‘very confident’ that there would be no more players lost before the transfer window closes. I believe Hughton but (more…)
Loan target VaughanWe’re somewhat bereft of strikers at the moment with Ameobi definitely out due to a foot injury and question marks over the fitness of both Carroll and Xisco.
The Mirror is reporting that Hughton has asked Everton if he can have James Vaughan on loan to plug the gaps. Vaughan is Everton’s youngest ever goalscorer but has been fairly injury-hit himself. He’s fit now but has found himself warming the bench a lot and is apparently keen to see some first team football somewhere.
The Mirror says that Moyes will think about it and give Hughton an answer over the weekend but it also says that Hughton has other targets too.
One of these will own the club.There are rumours that Newcastle United will make an announcement about the sale of the club on Monday, although I can’t find a direct quote from anyone at the club about this announcement. Other rumours suggest it may be late next week before we find out anything.
Sky Sports claims that talks are continuing with Barry Moat and two other consortia, as does The Guardian, and both claim some sort of announcement is set for Monday.
The Telegraph claims that negotiations between Moat and Ashley are at an advanced stage and some sort of deal could be closed next week. They also mention that Barclays would like to see a reduction in the £40m loan the club uses to operate before they’ll stamp their authority on any deal for Barry Moat. (more…)
Healthy position after 3 games.Thanks to last night’s win over Sheffield Wednesday we go 3rd in the Championship, behind Cardiff and ‘Boro on goal difference, sharing 7 points with 5 other teams. Chris Hughton said of the game:
“I don’t think it was the prettiest win, but nonetheless it was very pleasing.
“I think we needed that second goal for the game to open up but their keeper has made some terrific saves.
“We got the early goal like we’d hoped and it was a great goal, real route one stuff and another fantastic finish from Shola.
“After that both sides have had a couple of good chances and we’ve got Steve Harper to thank for two great saves in the second-half.
“But we’ve got the win and that’s the most important thing.
“We’re back up to third and confidence is high and two successive wins.” (more…)
Butt InjuredAfter just a couple of friendlies we’ve picked up our first injury of the season. According to the official club site, Nicky Butt will be out for 4 weeks and will have a hand operation to repair the partially dislocated thumb he received during the Darlington game. This of course means he’ll miss the start of the season.
I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come. We seem to have had a particularly injury-prone squad in recent seasons and I was beginning to wonder whether that’s just down to bad luck or whether there’s something wrong with the training / physio regime.
According to The Chronicle, the players have been told that they can expect Hughton to be in charge for the start of the season, which is no real surprise given the way things seem to be dragging on. The article also suggests that the Malaysian consortium that was recently given a tour of St James’ Park has fallen by the wayside, although I’m not sure how The Chronicle knows that because all that Ashely’s PR man had to say on matters was: “we can’t give out anything on the record“. (more…)
