£3m bid rejected, apparently.Having strengthened the forward line, Newcastle United continue to pursue some cover in central defence. Although without much luck so far.
Now that we’ve unexpectedly strengthened our strike force with the addition of Papiss Demba Cissé, the club’s attentions have turned back to what they said was the priority position they need to get cover for. Namely the central defence. A fact that Pardew reiterated yesterday when he said:
“We want to bring a defender in, that’s what I’ve said and we’ll try and do that if we can because we ain’t got no cover. If we had an injury at centre-half, we’re going to look vulnerable. The phone will be switched on and I’ll be monitoring the transfer window”
According to Sunday’s Sun, Pardew still has his full £8m transfer budget available to him as the money to buy Cissé came from the summer transfer budget, and Pardew said:
“I wouldn’t bring a player in if I didn’t think he could challenge for the first team – full stop. If I don’t think a player can come straight into the first team, it makes no difference to me.” (more…)
Nearing full fitnessNewcastle United centre-back Mike Williamson nears fitness and, whilst an alleged bid for a West Ham defender fails, it seems that Modibo Maiga is actually heading to Tyneside.
With our central defence currently emptier than a Mackem’s head, there’s some welcome news that Mike Williamson managed 45 minutes for the reserve team against Bolton yesterday and apparently feels okay after it. Williamson said:
“I feel completely fine. That was the plan today – to play 45, to get myself back in and try and get the cobwebs out and then train on Thursday and Friday.
“It reminded me of what I’ve been missing. It was good and I enjoyed it. It was great to get the boots back on and now that I’m back, hopefully I can just get fitter.
“Injuries are frustrating but it’s just part and parcel of football. It has been really good to see the team doing so well and enjoying the plaudits that they deserve for working so hard.
“I’ll accelerate it as quickly as possible, but not to the detriment of anything. But my knee and ankle are completely fine now, so it’s just about getting the minutes under my belt. And I’ll try to get as much fitness and running as I can.“
I still doubt he’ll be fit enough to play in the Swansea game though.
