Transfer Update

After a disappointing defeat at Norwich, the week has started off with plenty of transfer rumours about Newcastle United. Hughton has said he is on the lookout for defender as Steven Taylor is out until possibly October and James Perch has picked up a knock. I also think we are in need of a winger to challenge Routledge and Jonas for a starting berth and a striker that can complement Andy Carroll.

Defence - Rumours today that Bolton Wanderers full-back Jlloyd Samuel is top of Hughton's wishlist. He is 29 years of age and stands at 6 ft 11. He has played 71 times for Bolton since joining them from Aston Villa in 2007, where he played 169 times over a nine year period. £1.5 million has been the quoted offer for the player, and I believe this would represent a good deal for the club. Samuel could provide good steady back-up for Jose Enrique, who towards the end of last season did get injured on several occasions.
Andy O'Brien also of Bolton Wanderers has constantly been linked with a return to St James Park, but this move could only happen if a replacement was signed by Owen Coyle.

Midfield - I have been excited over recent days to hear of our reported interest in Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa. He is valued at £5 million but could be purchased on a years loan deal. He is 23 years of age and still hasn't reached his peak and for £5 million he could prove to be a snip in future years. He has represented France at all levels and has 7 full caps and just missed out on a place in the World Cup squad. He has played 62 times for Marseille and scored 9 goals, a decent return for a winger and certainly better than what we have.
Another player who has been linked with a move is Manchester United youngster Tom Cleverley. Cleverley proved his talents on loan at Watford last season scoring 11 goals in 33 appearance, a very good return. However this was in the Championship and he is yet to be proved in the top division. Manchester United will only let him leave on loan if he can be guaranteed first team action but with an array of choices in central midfield already, it is to be seen whether Alex Ferguson will allow him to move to Newcastle. 

Strikers - Today I have heard that we have targeted David N'Gog on loan from Liverpool. He joined them in 2008 and has scored 11 goals in 56 appearances, most of which have been from the bench as he only starts when Torres is injured. He has shown signs of quality and at 21 can only improve but for me a loan deal would not be a good thing for us. His wage demands are quite high and he, in my opinion is no better than what we already have. Also instead of loaning him and setting Nile Ranger further back in the pecking order, we should give youngsters like Ranger and Vuckic more of a chance in the first team.

I would be happy if before the start of the season we have Jlloyd Samuel and Hatem Ben Arfa in our squad. Samuel would provide good cover for Enrique and Ben Arfa will bring the X-Factor and flair to the side which is needed in the Premiership. I feel as if Cleverley and N'Gog aren't needed, especially when we can blood our own youngsters, and we already have an array of options in both midfield and up front. Saying this I still think we need to acquire a striker to play alongside Andy Carroll.

Comments welcome.