Deal back on. Maybe.It was rumoured a few weeks back that Harewood was one of Hughton’s targets to beef up his injury-stricken strike force, but the deal was reputed to be off a few days ago amidst doubts about Harewood’s fitness.
However it now seems the deal might be back on again. Apparently Hughton has received reassurances from the Villa staff about Harewood’s foot injury and is happy to once again discuss a loan deal, hoping to complete the necessary arrangements in the next few days ahead of Sunday’s match at Cardiff City.
Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll are both injured and new striker Peter Lovenkrands is not match fit, so Hughton was expected to play a lone Ranger up front with someone like Nolan nudging forward from midfield to play Tonto and give him some backup. If Marlon Harewood is signed in time I guess that could all change. (more…)
Second bite at the cherry?According to various reports, there could be a chance for us to get our hands on the loan signing of Wolves’ Sam Vokes. We allegedly kept tabs on this kid before he signed a four year deal for Mick McCarthy (ah bless ‘im) and the Wanderers of Wolverhampton. Already a Welsh international at 19, he’s played a number of games for McCarthy and scored some important goals but with first team chances apparently at a premium, he could be sent out on loan and we could be one of the interested parties.
Actually, here’s the SSN report, you can read it for yourself. As with all press speculation, who knows how much truth there is in it but as with previous other rumours, the more the merrier as far as I’m concerned. Welsh international? Bring him on in.
Exit rumoursRumours abound that Andy Carroll may leave the Toon before the transfer window closes tomorrow.
As far as I can tell these rumours emanate from The Mirror, which might be good news if we apply the oft used yardstick that the red-tops can be taken less seriously than the broadsheets, but they claim that Carroll is wanted by Wolves and Bolton.
Apparently Carroll is involved in some sort of tug-of-war between two agents who are trying to find him a Premier League home and both Mick McCarthy and Gary Megson have made enquiries as to his availability.
The Mirror claims that Carroll is ‘keen to go to the top level as soon as possible‘, although I’ve never read about him expressing any desire to leave the Toon before now.
Hughton recently said that he was ‘very confident’ that there would be no more players lost before the transfer window closes. I believe Hughton but (more…)
Winging his way to Lancashire?According to reports on Sky Sports News we’ve received an estimated £4m bid from an unidentified Premier League club for Duffer. And in keeping with recent activity it seems we are considering the offer for the Irish international.
As we expected, the fire sale is well and truly underway and we were always likely to lose players with Premiership experience. Duff is also one of the higher earners so the board will be keen to let him go for a decent price. Losing a million from the price we paid for him, all things considered, probably looks like good business to Ashley and co.
Despite stating his desire to stay at Newcastle, the likelihood is that a return to the top flight is sure to turn his head. Having scored in our draw with West Brom, Duff will have done wonders for his appeal to potential suitors and he arguably has a couple of years left in him if he can regain his form. (more…)
