One in and three out at Newcastle

It's been a busy few days in terms of players in and players out at Newcastle, which is odd considering the transfer window isn't even open yet.

Not that it matters of course, not in these cases anyway, as Alan Pardew and Co attempt to give some of the young guns some valuable experience on loan at other clubs.

First out the door is Nile Ranger who has joined Championship outfit Barnsley temporarily although I have a feeling that the majority of Newcastle fans wouldn't have minded if the word temporary had been replaced with permanent. Perhaps a stint in South Yorkshire is just what Ranger needs to wake him up a bit and make him realise what he has got? That is assuming that his plethora of court cases haven't done just that.

Another player heading to South Yorkshire on a temporary basis is James Tavernier who has joined Sheffield Wednesday on a short term loan. Tav is not stranger to going out on loan and spent time at Gateshead last season before heading off to Carlisle for a few months earlier on in this season where he made 16 appearances. It's interesting to note his development though as he's gone from Conference football to League One football to League One promotion chasing football. Clearly the lad is impressing.

Meanwhile Kazenga Lua Lua has finally joined Brighton on a permanent basis and has signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee that will complete as soon as the transfer window opens and registration documents can be sent to the Football league and FA. He will remain on loan with the Seagulls until he "officially" becomes a full Brighton & Hove Albion player.

However where Gus Poyet has gained a player from us, he has also had to give one back to us as Steve Harper heads home from his jaunt down South. Interestingly Harper has said that he enjoyed the loan and it was just what he needed although I'm just happy he is back so we have decent cover in the goalkeeping area once again.

So a busy few days for Newcastle then. One in and three out. We've regained some experience whilst some of the other lads head out and try to gain some of their own. I can see our players getting loaned out a lot more often now to be honest, which isn't a bad thing. Why not get them playing competitive games instead of youth or reserve matches?

So it's goodbye to Kaz, Nile and Tav and welcome home to Stevie!