Big Sam wants big stoppers

[Scottish Mag 3]

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce admits bringing in some more defenders is a must before the start of the new season.

 

Defending has been the Achilles heel of The Magpies for some time and despite the additions of David Rozehnal and Geremi, Allardyce is still not content.

 

The former Bolton boss wants sign a couple of powerful stoppers capable of competing in the Premier League every week.

 

"What we need now particularly is defenders and quality defenders at that," Allardyce said on Sky Sports News. "That is my only key concern at the moment.

 

"The players that are here are progressing nicely but the concern is that we must find some big, strong, experienced, good defenders."

 

Allardyce has revealed he has missed out on a number of his targets already this summer, with some joining Premier League rivals.

 

Nevertheless, he is confident of being able to strengthen his Newcastle squad prior to 11th August.

 

"Many targets are coming and going now and more and more people are actively moving into the transfer market," Allardyce added.

 

"Some of our targets have gone in this country already but there will be plenty more coming up between now and August."

 

Potential targets are reportedly Italian international duo Fabio Cannavaro and Andrea Barzagli, but Allardyce ruled out any 'galactico' type signings.

 

"We are all hoping we can move in the transfer market and bring some good players to the football club.

"I am not talking about the 'galactico' stars that are being mentioned - that is just a nonsense at the moment.

 

"We need three or four solid, very, very good defenders from wherever it may be, and we will be a force this year.

 

"But we need to get them first. If he wants to give me a little gift after with a galactico, I won't say no."

 

Meanwhile, Joey Barton aims to be playing regular European football with Newcastle in the not too distant future in order to boost his England hopes.

 

"First and foremost, it is vitally important to do well for Newcastle United," the midfielder told the club's official website.

 

"If England honours follow, I will be very honoured. As a professional, you always strive to play at the highest level.

 

"But first and foremost, it is more about playing in Europe every season with Newcastle."

[NJS 4447]

I saw that on SSN and he seemed to be implying that the new regime were being a bit too careful backing him which had caused the missed targets.

 

I hope they take the hint or this 18th of July thing means they'll start being a bit more assertive.

[Jimbo 175]

SAM Allardyce has reiterated his determination to bring top quality defenders to St.James' Park before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.

 

The United boss has already added Czech international David Rozehnal to the Newcastle backline, but admits he still wants to see at least three more defenders arrive at St.James' Park this summer.

 

But Allardyce says that he is not targeting the "galacticos" who have been linked with a move to Tyneside in recent days.

 

"Myself and the new owners are all hoping we can move in the transfer market and bring some good players to the football club.

 

"I am not talking about the 'galactico' stars that are being mentioned - that is just a nonsense at the moment.

 

 

"We need three or four solid, very, very good defenders from wherever it may be, and we will be a force this year.

 

"But we need to get them first. If he wants to give me a little gift after with a galactico, I won't say no."

 

And Allardyce has dismissed speculation linking the Geordies with left-back pairing Gabriel Heinze and Franck Quedrue, adding: "I wouldn't say we have any interest in Franck Queudrue.

 

"Heinze - if I wanted him, I don't think he would come.

 

"Certainly, if he got away from Manchester United, I'm not so sure that it wouldn't be another club somewhere else in Europe rather than in this country.

 

"It would be nice if he did want to come and we could pursue it, but I don't think we can."

 

And the former Bolton boss also said that a summer move for Barcelona's Edmilson was not an option given the player's recent knee operation which could see him sidelined until November.

 

"Edmilson is obviously not for now because the injury is a concern," he added.

 

"We may have to wait until January and it's a great shame for a player of his ability and talent.

 

"But saying that I think we would've faced competition from the likes of AC Milan and Inter, although there still might be the opportunity to sign him.

[Ketsbaia 0]

Thank fuck for that. I don't rate Queudrue.

[Shearergol 0]

Bit of back-tracking going on here for some reason....

[khay 10]

Toon eyeing £11m Italian defender

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is reportedly hoping to bolster the Magpies' defence by moving for Italian defender Andrea Barzagli

 

Barzagli, who currently plays for Serie A side Palermo, is highly regarded in his homeland, and is apparently thought of by Italy's World Cup winning skipper Fabio Cannavaro as the 'next great Italian defender'.

 

The Newcastle Evening Chronicle reports that Allardyce could be set to tempt Palermo with a bid, although the Italian side are thought to want as much as £11million for the centre-half.

 

Barzagli is one of the most sought-after talents in Serie A, with both Fiorientina and Juventus keen to sign the player.

 

However, the defender is adament that he will not join Fiorientina, and claims that although he is happy at Palermo, he could still move on.

 

"I can say that barring any shock developments, I will stay at Palermo," Barzagli said over the weekend.

 

"Having said that, with at least another 10 years of my career left, I need to look at all aspects, including the economic one.

 

"In the past, only Juventus were truly interested in me, but the coach preferred to look towards other options."

 

Palermo sporting director Rino Foschi said last week that the defender wants out of the Sicilian club, and hinted that they would be willing to sell: "Andrea Barzagli seems willing to leave Palermo.

 

"After all, it's better to have someone in your squad who is dedicated rather than with his mind focused on other things.

 

"He's been on the transfer market for a while now. However, it's his decision to leave the club.

 

"There are players who join Palermo and shine, and afterwards when they get a spot among the Azzurri, they want to plump for a stint in a bigger club.

 

"Barzagli is one of such players."

 

Elsewhere, the Chronicle claims that Allardyce has ended his interest in two other defensive targets.

 

The Magpies were thought to be preparing bids for Fulham left-back Franck Queudrue, and Nice right-back Rod Fanni.

 

However, the paper thinks that the pair are 'unlikely to sign', and that Allardyce is 'keen to explore other options'.

 

Another player that is unlikely to sign on at St James' Park is Argentinian midfielder Aldo Duscher.

 

The former Deportivo La Coruna man has been on trial at Newcastle, but the Chronicle reports that the Toon coaching staff have concerns over his fitness, so won't be pursuing their interest.

 

Fish will be happy if we get him...

[The Fish 11090]

Fish will be happy if we get him...

 

He's awesome in FM but I've no idea how he'd pan out in real life.

 

seems big and strong which would certainly tick a few boxes, but it's a risk, Materazzi was bobbins at Everton and look how he turned out.

[2bias 3]

all quiet about signings at the moment :/

[Barney 0]

Midfielder signing finally completed for Nufc :

 

clicky.

Edited July 19, 2007 by Barney