Iceland international interesting Newcastle?Rumours are abound that Newcastle gaffer Chris Hughton is keeping tabs on Reading’s Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurðsson as he looks to bolster the squad for our return to the Premier League.
Sigurðsson has been one of the stand out performers for Reading in what could be classed as his breakthrough season at the Madejski, scoring 20 goals in 38 appearances from a variety of different positions on the field. Gylfi was one of the stand-out performers of an FA Cup run that saw the Berkshire side reach the Quarter Final, beating the likes of Liverpool, Burnley and West Brom along the way. I have noticed him playing on the right, in the middle and as a second striker in recent weeks and he has done nothing but impress me every time I have happened to see him play. Sigurðsson is undoubtedly a bright talent, and is also attracting interest from Fulham and Bolton Wanderers, although as ever there will be questions surrounding whether the player will be capable of making the step up to the Premier League. (more…)
Thinking of us?The traditional Sunday trawl of the back pages has begun, except technically I’ve gone all modern these days and access the back pages online (partly because I’m hungover and don’t fancy the walk to the paper shop). Anyway, so what do they have to say?
Well first of all, an amusing story of Freddie Shepherd and his righteous and gallant spirit in not pursuing the two million pounds, that he claims the club owes him from his contract when Ashley took over the club in 2007. This is because until Ashley makes indications that he will be here for the forseeable, Shepherd doesn’t want to jeopardise the sale of the club. He’s all heart is Fred…….In the same article from The Sunday Sun, they also mention the latest takeover news but there is no more conclusive evidence of who the ‘new suitors’ are and it’s just speculation that it’s an Indian-based group, as is the suggestion Moat and Sheard have sat down for a chat about poolin’ resources. Just speculation you say? Well it is Sunday. (more…)
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…)
Nolan: Not gannin' says agent.In the wake of recent Mirror rumours linking Toon midfielder, Kevin Nolan with a return to Bolton, Nolan’s manager, Mark Curtis has come out and said that Kevin is happy at Newcastle, and relishing the chance to fight for a return to the Premiership. Curtis told the mighty Shields Gazette today:
“Kevin’s happy at Newcastle, and wants to help them get back into the Premier League,”
27 year old Nolan has been back in the goals this season, scoring twice in pre-season friendlies, contributing a goal in Newcastle’s last Championship encounter with Crystal Palace, and getting the crucial winner in the 84th minute of last night’s Carling Cup clash with Huddersfield Town.
Speaking of the nerve jangling confrontation with the ‘Udders, Nolan commented:
“It felt very nice to get the winner. It’s always great to get a two-yard tap in, and Shola did fantastically for me.
“I’m delighted to get on the scoresheet again. Hopefully, it’ll continue – not just my goal streak, but the winning streak. That’s the main thing – we’re all delighted with the win.
“You always enjoy it more when you win like that. We could have made it a bit easier for ourselves, but we’re just delighted to be in the next round.” (more…)
Bale - possible loan target? Apparently Gary Megson wants to take Kevin Nolan back to Bolton, or at least that’s what The Mirror is saying. We paid Bolton £4m for the midfielder in January and his £40k/week wages might be seen as reason enough to let him go in the current phase of cost-cutting at the Toon.
I wasn’t particularly impressed with Nolan’s contributions to the team last season but this season he looks much better, although I admit that’s probably to be expected now that we’re down a league. Nolan has even scored a couple this season, including the winning goal in last night’s 4-3 romp against Huddersfield (for which we have match reports here and here).
It’s not all bad news though because the BBC claimed last night that Gareth Bale could be on his way to Newcastle from Spurs. When we sold them Bassong it was rumoured that one or two loan signings from Spurs were on the cards and this could be one of them.
The Welsh under-21 international made his professional debut for Southampton in 2005-06 and scored 5 goals in 45 games before transferring to Spurs in May 2007. Bale usually plays as either a left back or left winger, so he could be seen as a replacement for either Enrique or Jonas if either should be sold this season. (more…)
