Steve Bruce has confirmed that a new deal for Isaac Hayden is ‘in the pipeline’, also revealing that things are “bubbling away” on the transfer front, with him keen to secure one or two more ‘quality’ additions.
Bruce has also insisted that Dwight Gayle is in his plans and won’t be sold, with him suggesting that we are now well stocked in that department.
Firstly, here’s what he’s had to say about Hayden, revealing that a new contract is in place for the
“He’s up for staying. We want to give him a new deal.
“We hope to tie him to a new deal. It’s in the pipeline”
This really would be great news – especially when he looked all set to leave just a few months ago.
Bruce then discussed potential incomings ahead of the final 5 days of the transfer window, suggesting he’s now focusing on ‘quality’ additions with a few potential deals ‘bubbling away’:
“There’s one or two little areas where we can do something but it’s all about quality.
“A manager’s job is always to knock on the door (and ask for players).
“I’m delighted with what we’ve brought in – three bits of real quality – and anything else would be a bonus. But, I’m very, very pleased.
“There’s one or two little things bubbling away but we’ll see.”
If I had to guess, the arrival of a new right-back will be the big priority between now and Thursday, with the likes of Krafth and Tuanzebe linked.
Finally, Bruce hinted that he will NOT be looking to sign a new striker, saying we are ‘OK’ in that department with Joelinton, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Muto and Gayle all able to play up top in our new 3-5-2 formation.
Here’s what he’s had to say when asked about his search for new forwards, insisting that Gayle is part of his plans and won’t be sold:
“We’re OK in that department. I’ve got five there.
“I want to keep him. Realistically, where can we improve on him?
“As I keep saying, you’re only as good as your strikers. In that areas we need a threat and Gayle has always been part of my plans.
“It’s a calf injury and it’s not reacting to treatment yet. We hoped he’d be ready after China but he’s gone backwards. It’s a disappointment because I like him. I’ve tried to buy him before but not been able to afford him!”
He makes a fair point – If we did ship out Gayle and looked to replace him with another striker, are we going to sign a better ‘back up’ option?
Meanwhile, Bruce confirmed that Saint-Maximin is ‘OK’ after he was spotted hobbling after the final whistle, however it doesn’t sound like Matt Ritchie will be fit in time for next Sunday’s visit of Arsenal.
Looks like th e fcb all ready to spend the transfer kitty on his own target jack wills !!!Boycott boycott boycott ashleyoot
davep(Quote)
Decent window (even better if we get Krafth in). Exciting season ahead. Up the Toon.
t00naraider(Quote)
Let’s get behind this team and forget boycotting
Marcopolo(Quote)
Comfortable at the back an good understanding of what we want as a team. New signings done well today. Great performance lads. I’ll not be boycotting arsenal game
Marcopolo(Quote)
I think Bruce is way way better at communicating with the fans than Benitez ever was… he always had a face like a slapped Back side. I think any fan boycotting Is a traitor to the 11 men on the pitch…. don’t they get that…. bunch of sad fcuks
Craig Chisholm(Quote)
Bruce derseves the support aswell as the lads let’s get behind our team from the start. Toon toon
Marcopolo(Quote)
BORING… Zzzzzzz
Craig Chisholm(Quote)
No bother well when our lads are doing well I’ll continue this convo. Geordie through and through. Bored of every bit of negativity yes Ashley isn’t what we want it’s what happens on the pitch that matters and lads done well. Avoid boycotting it won’t make a difference
Marcopolo(Quote)
Haha, like anybody buys those posts.
Be behind the team! Not the owner!
HWTL
Ashleyout
#BoycottArsenal
Magnus Pie(Quote)
Do you ave any idea how much of a bore this is becoming – not to mention how childish it sounds?
Briiian(Quote)
Why did Hayden want to leave when Rafa was in charge, but is happy to stay now that Bruce is here?
Briiian(Quote)