Scottish Mag 3 Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 SAM Allardyce still hopes to make another three signings before the close of the transfer window as Newcastle United finally made two crucial breakthroughs yesterday. Newcastle’s manager was able to welcome Alan Smith and Brazilian international Claudio Caçapa from Lyon as his patience finally paid off. Both players – who have cost a combined £9m in fees and wages – are expected to make their Newcastle debuts against Sampdoria at St James’s Park tomorrow. And Allardyce, who admitted last week he was becoming increasingly worried by the lack of new arrivals, has instantly targeted another three players, with Villareal’s 21-year-old left-back Jose Enrique due on Tyneside next week to finalise a five-year-contract. After talks with chairman Chris Mort on Monday Allardyce hinted he could be about to make his biggest signing yet at St James’s Park. He said: “I’m still about three players away. Don’t forget I’ve always wanted four, so if Kieron goes out and Alan comes in, I haven’t got one extra. I’ve just got a replacement for one, so I still need four. I was good at maths at school. “If Claudio comes in that’s one of them and three to go. The availability of quality players is limited, the prices are huge, so we’ll have to keep competing as best we can at that level to bring them in. In the end, if I spend big money on two rather than medium money on three, if that’s the opportunity I get, I might do that. But at the moment strength in depth is lacking.” For now, though, Allardyce is happy to discuss what his latest recruits would bring to the squad after admitting some people might be surprised with his decision to land Smith. He said: “It’s been a good 24 hours with Alan and Claudio signing. They are two crucial players. People might be surprised I’ve gone for Alan Smith but when you get a quality player of his calibre available in the market, I just couldn’t turn my back on it. “He’ll be tremendous for the club, he’ll prove that over the next four or five years and he’s a very versatile player. His only reason for leaving Old Trafford was a lack of games. He wants to play football, not be paid well and not play. That’s one of the reasons why I signed him.” Enrique, who is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters, is reported to be ready for a £4m switch, with the player’s imminent arrival likely to signal the end of United’s interest in Wigan’s Leighton Baines. However, there was some bad news for United yesterday when Allardyce confirmed fears Michael Owen was likely to miss the start of the season with a thigh strain. Allardyce said: “It doesn’t look as encouraging as we first thought. The tear in the muscle hasn’t healed as quickly as we would like, so there’s no point in making any rash decisions just to get him fit.” Meanwhile, reserve keeper Tim Krul has joined Falkirk on loan until January . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJS 4447 Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Assuming this Serb bloke is another one that leaves one final target - perhaps the big one referred to here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 It would be magic if we could get a quality playmaker. It could be the difference between us getting into Europe or not. There aren't many of them about though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottish Mag 3 Posted August 4, 2007 Author Share Posted August 4, 2007 I would rather see a creative playmaker signed but I think BSA will bring in someone like Papa Bouba Diop first to play a holding role within the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaser 1321 Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 I though Geremi was in to play the holding role? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest James_coDurham Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 It would be magic if we could get a quality playmaker. It could be the difference between us getting into Europe or not. There aren't many of them about though. Can see Sam bringing those qualities out of Emre tbh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 It would be magic if we could get a quality playmaker. It could be the difference between us getting into Europe or not. There aren't many of them about though. Yup, would probably have to be on of those "statement of intent" signings that was being mentioned a few weeks ago really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2bias 3 Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 quite exciting knowing were getting a "big" signing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zico martin 95 Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 quite exciting knowing were getting a "big" signing think we'll be 'pleasantly surprised' then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toontoasey 0 Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 Great to see things moving along nicely at the Toon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaythesouthernmag 0 Posted August 5, 2007 Share Posted August 5, 2007 If it is going to be a big name, creative playmaker then I reckon we would have a decent-ish chance with Riquelme,If BS and co. can do a proper sales job on where we are going, Villareal loaned himout to Boca for the last five months after a falling out with the clubs director. Wont be cheap tho` £10m plus. I am also worried about a holding midfielder too with Butt and Geremi the only options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shearergol 0 Posted August 5, 2007 Share Posted August 5, 2007 Enrique would be our best signing in my opinion. I still think we need a playmaker but I think it might be hard to attract the right quality of player in that position this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NobbySol 22 Posted August 5, 2007 Share Posted August 5, 2007 If it is going to be a big name, creative playmaker then I reckon we would have a decent-ish chance with Riquelme,If BS and co. can do a proper sales job on where we are going, Villareal loaned himout to Boca for the last five months after a falling out with the clubs director. Wont be cheap tho` £10m plus. I am also worried about a holding midfielder too with Butt and Geremi the only options. Geremi has impressed me but i would love big bouba to sign, now hes a machine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6702 Posted August 5, 2007 Share Posted August 5, 2007 Well Enrique is definitely on Tyneside.... Photos of him amongst the others from today's match http://editorial.gettyimages.com/Search/Se...entId=75887254# Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Patrokles Posted August 5, 2007 Share Posted August 5, 2007 If it is going to be a big name, creative playmaker then I reckon we would have a decent-ish chance with Riquelme,If BS and co. can do a proper sales job on where we are going, Villareal loaned himout to Boca for the last five months after a falling out with the clubs director. Wont be cheap tho` £10m plus. I am also worried about a holding midfielder too with Butt and Geremi the only options. a) Riquelme wouldn't be over 10 million. You say you're worried about our holding midfielder, then you name two quality defensive midfielders we already have at the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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