Steve Bruce has confirmed he’s exploring the loan market ahead of the January transfer window – but insists he’ll only bring in players able to improve his starting 11.
The Chronicle claim that the club are now in the process of being offered the chance to sign a host of players from the Premier League and abroad on deals until the end of the season – something we’ve been no stranger to doing over the past few years.
For every Dubravka there’s been a Doumbia and for every Kenedy an Islam Slimani, however it’s a market that can work wonders if you strike gold.
Here’s what the NUFC boss has had to say when asked if he could utilise the loan market in the new year:
“Yes.
“At Aston Villa we used that well.
“It’s a bit different because we are in the Premier League now.
“You only get two domestic loans but I think it’s vitally important that if there is somebody who is available and can improve us, then we will be in a position to act, whether it’s a loan or whatever.
“As I keep saying though, in January everybody gets carried away with transfers.
“If they are not any better then what we’ve got, then what’s the point.
“And that’s where I have to draw the line.
“I still haven’t seen some people play yet, Yoshinori Muto hasn’t had a chance, Dwight Gayle hasn’t had a chance or Florian Lejeune too.
The Chronicle insist that Bruce may have to offload a few players before he’ll be allowed to sign, however there appears to be several fringe men who could be heading out the exit door next month.
There’s been talk of releasing high earning outcasts Henri Saivet and Jack Colback from their contracts – although that will be complicated – while Ki Sung-yeung’s father confirmed today that he’s trying to find a new club in January.
I don’t expect us to make many big January moves, but getting rid of deadwood, bringing in one or two exciting loans, trying Fernandez and Manquillo to new deals and turning Willems’ temporary move into a permanent could make for a productive window – even if it saw us dodge any major investment.
