According to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle United were certain they’d sign THREE players on deadline day – not one just a minute before the January window slammed shut.
This comes from Liam Kennedy, who claims that the club saw Hamza Choudhury’s loan move as a ‘done deal’ before Leicester pulled the plug, while Newcastle chiefs also felt ‘sure’ they’d won the race for Schalke defender Ozan Kabak – until Liverpool arrived at the 11th hour to hijack his move to St James’ Park.
Fortunately, we did secure the signing of Arsenal’s Joe Willock with just minutes to spare, giving us some added energy, pace and dynamism in midfield, however our failure to sign a physical ball winner and highly-rated centre-back may have left a bitter taste in Bruce’s mouth – especially if both deals looked nailed on at one stage.
In the end, Leicester didn’t let Choudhury go after failing to land a replacement and Kabak signed for Klopp’s Reds, with the former actually starting in the Foxes 2-0 win over Fulham on Wednesday night!
The fact Choudhury was said to be keen on a move to Tyneside means we might have some joy should we reignite our interest over the summer, however Leicester’s stance on a sale may have changed if he continues to take his chance in the first-team.
Let’s just hope Willock and come in and make a difference, as we’ve made a pigs ear of strengthening the side for the second half of the season if the 21-year-old midfielder doesn’t hit the ground running!
Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE
Why on earth does this blog keep on quoting The Shields Gazette as though it was The Bible it is a local town rag.
Bill McNally(Quote)
It’s bullshit if Newcastle wanted players in and out they had a full month to do it
paul tweedy(Quote)