A number of sources, including The Journal are confirming that Newcastle have made formal bids for Jermaine Beckford and Matthew Kilgallon, after submitting written offers to Leeds United and Sheffield United respectively, for two of the players high on their priority list for the January transfer window.
Despite the concerns that history would repeat itself and see the club dwell on their ‘attempts’ to bolster the squad, the club has moved swiftly to kick off inevitable negotiations. While The Journal quotes senior sources as “quietly confident”, an agreement on both is sure to take some time, particularly Beckford’s as Leeds hold out for a bidding war, with the striker’s rise in stock following his FA Cup winner against the mancs.
It appears the conclusion of the Kilgallon move may be more straightforward, as though manager Kevin Blackwell has repeatedly stated he wants him to stay, there have been enough comments ‘between the lines’ which suggest he has acknowledged it is more a case of when and not if. With his contract due to expire, it’s likely that Sheffield will just get the best price and look for a replacement. (more…)
…provided that Leeds can sign a replacement for him. Considering the fractious relationship between Leeds boss Simon Grayson and his start turn upfront, Beckford’s departure seems all the more inevitable. With his contract up at the end of the season, the consensus is that he will leave for pastures new to prove himself at a higher level.
Already with a goalscoring record better than a goal every other game since his move from non-league football, Beckford has continued to score goals this term to help Leeds push for promotion back to the big time. Despite a slow start to his Leeds career, Beckford is hitting the sort of form that has a number of suitors watching. Reports very but there are some who think he can do the business in the Championship and even perhaps the Premiership.
Beckford doesn’t come without baggage though and as is often the case, appears to sometimes believe his own press a bit too much. That in itself has caused a rift between him and his gaffer, as has his reluctance to sign a new contract. (more…)
In contrast to Chris Hughton’s recent statement that he was more than happy with the squad he has leading into the festive period, it’s being reported that Newcastle are interested in signing what be the latest in a line of French wingers.
Apparently following in the footsteps of David Ginola and Laurent Robert, Fabrice Pancrate could be joining us if rumours are to be believed. The reports are coming from France Football, who are generally well regarded in the game with regards their information. Basically, they won’t mention it unless there’s any truth in it.
Of course they are some French boots to fill as both Ginola and Robert offered something unique and exciting to the team. Admittedly, I don’t know anything about this fella but he’s described as a striker/attacking midfielder. He’s currently out of contract after his deal ran out at Paris St Germain, although he’s still training with them. He’s had a loan spell at Real Betis and is apparently being pursued by a number of French and English clubs. He was pursued in the summer by Portsmouth, Everton, Sheff Utd and Burnley.
The suggestion is that our pursuit has come out of the blue and that we now stand at the front of the queue with potentially a deal being struck quite quickly. He’s apparently like **** off a stick, so that could be the pace we’ve been crying out for this season. (more…)