Wes rules out move

[Scottish Mag 3]

Glenn Roeder has admitted Newcastle United may have to rely on loan signings to fill the gaping holes in their squad as Wes Brown became the latest player to distance himself from a January move to St James's Park last night.

 

Roeder has never confirmed or denied that he is interested in the Manchester United defender, but The Journal understands he is one of the players wanted by Newcastle's manager.

 

But Brown, like Liverpool striker Peter Crouch earlier this week, has insisted he is happy to stay where he is, despite the fact he would gain far more first-team football at St James's Park.

 

"I'm a Manchester lad and Old Trafford is still the only place for me," said the England international, who is only on the fringes of the first-team squad at Manchester United.

 

"My contract runs to 2008 and I would love to see out my career at (Manchester) United - I've no intention of going anywhere else. It's going great at the moment - everyone's enjoying themselves and there's a cracking team spirit in the dressing room."

 

Brown's comments may mean little if Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson decides he wants to sell him. But with Manchester United still involved in the title race, the Champions League and the FA Cup, the Scot is unlikely to want to weaken his squad.

 

Despite Brown's fall from grace - Ferguson once described him as the best natural defender in British football - he is still highly-rated at the club.

 

The 27-year-old did hold talks with Ferguson last month about his future after losing his place in the side to Nemanja Vidic and that may well have alerted Roeder to his possible availability. Roeder knows he needs to sign a centre-back, a left-back and a tall striker during the January transfer window and he is unlikely to give up on Brown until the window closes at the end of the month.

 

However, it is difficult to see where Newcastle can go for the quality of player they are after as clubs are always reluctant to sell in the middle of the season when they know they will also struggle to strengthen.

 

And, with Roeder refusing to buy simply to solve his short-term problems, he conceded yesterday that he may have to fall back on the limited loan market or head abroad.

 

He said: "There are not a lot of quality players out there at the moment, but this does not mean we cannot find two or three players who will suit our needs.

 

"We have had Seppe Rossi on loan but can still take another couple in this transfer window and that's what we may have to do.

 

"What I do not want to do is to sign players who we will be lumbered with for the next three-and-a-half years. There is a saying in football that while you cannot hide good players, you cannot get rid of bad players and we want to avoid that."

 

Meanwhile, Nicky Butt and Emre will be given until the last possible moment to prove their fitness ahead of the tricky-looking trip to face Championship-leaders Birmingham City in the FA Cup third round tomorrow.

 

Emre has been struggling with a groin strain and Nicky Butt has still not trained because of the swollen ankle that forced him to miss the 2-2 draw against his former club Manchester United on New Year's Day. With Scott Parker suspended for the tie, Newcastle need one of the due to declare themselves fit, or Roeder will have to give another Academy player, South African Matty Pattison, a start at St Andrews.

 

Butt is believed to be the more likely to recover in time, but Roeder insists he has not ruled his Turkish international midfielder out of things. He said: "Emre is touch and go but we haven't given up on him."

[Toonpack 10293]

Glenn Roeder has admitted Newcastle United may have to rely on loan signings to fill the gaping holes in their squad as Wes Brown became the latest player to distance himself from a January move to St James's Park last night.

 

That's at least the third time I've seen that comment in various articles.

 

Loans only it seems

Edited January 5, 2007 by Toonpack

[Dr Gloom 22381]

shame really. the orangeman would have provided good cover at full back and centre back.

[Guest alex]

Glenn Roeder has admitted Newcastle United may have to rely on loan signings to fill the gaping holes in their squad as Wes Brown became the latest player to distance himself from a January move to St James's Park last night.

 

That's at least the third time I've seen that comment in various articles.

 

Loans only it seems

Would be happy with a few decent loan signings. In January you get mugged on the prices of players and only get players teams want to offload. Most top sides do their deals in the summer (preferably not on deadline day though ).

[Alan Shearer Is God 0]

shame really. the orangeman would have provided good cover at full back and centre back.

 

Good cover?

 

He is better than any of our defenders, bar none.

[Guest alex]

shame really. the orangeman would have provided good cover at full back and centre back.

 

Good cover?

 

He is better than any of our defenders, bar none.

I think he meant he can play in a few positions. He'd start when fit were he here, obviously.

[Dr Gloom 22381]

shame really. the orangeman would have provided good cover at full back and centre back.

 

Good cover?

 

He is better than any of our defenders, bar none.

I think he meant he can play in a few positions. He'd start when fit were he here, obviously.

 

aye. he'd stroll in to our starting lineup ahead of the likes of carr, bramble, ramage etc

Edited January 5, 2007 by Fancy Dan lecturer