According to the Chronicle, Mike Ashley has sanctioned a ‘competitive transfer pot’ and given Steve Bruce the green light to bring in THREE new players this month.
This comes from Lee Ryder’s ‘exclusive’, who claims Steve Bruce received Mike Ashley’s approval to spend in the final 13 days of the window following a meeting on Tyneside earlier this week.
It was initially reported that Steve Bruce would be forced to rely on loans alongside a transfer kitty of £20m – however these latest claims suggest the NUFC boss may have more license to spend if the right deals can be done.
It’s been widely reported that a striker, a winger and a ‘box-to-box’ are on Bruce’s wish list, but “serious” injuries to Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett mean we could be forced to look at another left-back in the next fortnight.
As a result, Lee Ryder states that a ‘third set of targets’ have now been reviewed over the weekend (presumably left-backs).
The Chronicle also claim that Bruce has ‘assured Ashley he would not spend for the sake of it’ – with him regularly insisting this month that he will only bring in quality players that improve our starting 11.
That said, it looks like we’re finally starting to ramp up our transfer plans, with head of recruitment Steve Nickson believed to have held ‘high level talks’ at St James’ Park yesterday – also being spotted chatting to Valentino Lazaro’s agent on the touchline before the 1-0 win over Chelsea.
It’s also worth noting that The Telegraph reported on Friday night that we’re finally set to make a bid for Jarrod Bowen, meaning he could be another one to watch over the coming 13 days.
I’m never convinced when it comes to Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United, but it does sound like we’re stepping up our search for new signings – with Valentina Lazaro appearing to be ‘close’.
Fingers crossed!
