Injection of pace?In contrast to Chris Hughton’s recent statement that he was more than happy with the squad he has leading into the festive period, it’s being reported that Newcastle are interested in signing what be the latest in a line of French wingers.
Apparently following in the footsteps of David Ginola and Laurent Robert, Fabrice Pancrate could be joining us if rumours are to be believed. The reports are coming from France Football, who are generally well regarded in the game with regards their information. Basically, they won’t mention it unless there’s any truth in it.
Of course they are some French boots to fill as both Ginola and Robert offered something unique and exciting to the team. Admittedly, I don’t know anything about this fella but he’s described as a striker/attacking midfielder. He’s currently out of contract after his deal ran out at Paris St Germain, although he’s still training with them. He’s had a loan spell at Real Betis and is apparently being pursued by a number of French and English clubs. He was pursued in the summer by Portsmouth, Everton, Sheff Utd and Burnley.
The suggestion is that our pursuit has come out of the blue and that we now stand at the front of the queue with potentially a deal being struck quite quickly. He’s apparently like **** off a stick, so that could be the pace we’ve been crying out for this season. (more…)
Heading South for the season?According to SSN, Sulaiman Al Fahim has revealed Portsmouth are in talks to sign Jonas Gutierrez and Egyptian striker Amr Zaki. Whilst we’ll obviously be pretty disinterested about the Zaki link, Spiderman would be yet another hole in our ever decreasing squad and is something to ponder.
Of course, Al Fahim, a businessman out in Dubai, is yet to finalise a takeover of Portsmouth, but apparently he has lined up additions to Paul Hart’s squad. Pompey boss Hart, is eager to improve his numbers before the close of the transfer window and could soon have Jonas and Zaki in his squad.
‘Spiderman’ has been in the ‘fire sale’ catalogue since we went down and with high wages and having only briefly lived up to his potential, is a likely mover. Al Fahim has confirmed talks have been held with us over a deal for Gutierrez.
“We are in negotiations with Amr Zaki to bring him in on a loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer,” Al Fahim told Emirates Business 24/7. “We are also speaking to Newcastle about the possibility of bringing Jonas Gutierrez to the club.”(more…)
Hip young thang.H’way, h’way, it can’t be true? The deviants down the road are scavenging from our rotting squad? To be honest, I’m not sure where the rumour has materialised from but it’s said that they have joined a group of potential suitors for the highly-rated young Dutch stopper.
We’re led to believe that there were a dozen or so scouts representing top-flight clubs at the Euroborg Stadion, including those from Arsenal, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic and Hull City who are all said to be keen on Krul.
Krul made a fist of his opportunity when he replaced Harper for the second half against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. It went some way to further proving he’s a young fella with onion bags of potential. Bags that he likes to keep empty. He also comes across as passionate, level-headed and focused young bloke so it would be a crying shame were he to be swooped on by the vultures. Because as far as the sticks go, he looks like the future. (more…)
