Newcastle Club Focus - Llambias defends transfer dealings
Following on from an unproductive end to the transfer window, Newcastle United’s Managing Director Derek Llambias has defended the club’s transfer policy. Despite having the best part of half a year to bring in a high class replacement for Andy Carroll, the Magpies’ hierarchy were unable to conclude any deal. Llambias has claimed that it was not through a lack of trying, with the club unwilling to change their strict transfer policy. That policy is to bring in young players on low wages with a high re-sale value. One of the biggest disappointments for the Newcastle fans was that the £35 million made from Carroll’s transfer to Liverpool remained unspent.
In a statement on Newcastle’s official website Llambias said: “Work to bring a striker into the club began early in the summer. Negotiations were complex and protracted and unfortunately it was disappointing that ultimately we could not secure our priority target.” He added: "We understand that supporters will feel frustrated that we did not sign another striker during the window, but it was not for lack of trying that we did not bring our final target in." While Llambias did not confirm whether further funds will be made available in January, it is believed that Alan Pardew will be given the opportunity to strengthen his forward line if needed. There could also be a chance to bring in any unattached players outside the transfer window although they are unlikely to be of the standard needed to improve the team.
Young striker Nile Ranger is likely to remain on Tyneside despite clubs from the lower divisions interested in taking him on loan. Ranger has been linked with Birmingham City for much of the summer but a deadline day move failed to materialise. The 20-year-old is currently well down the pecking order at St James’ Park and has failed to even make it on to the substitutes’ bench this season. According to the player’s agent though, he will not be allowed to leave the club on loan. Ranger has also made the headlines for the wrong reasons off the pitch and was recently arrested for an alleged assault in the city centre.
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