ALAN Pardew insists there is an urgency to Newcastle United’s recruitment drive – despite declaring defeat in the race to land a left-back and striker before tomorrow’s Wear-Tyne derby clash.
Ryan Taylor will deputise for the departed José EnrÃque once more at the Stadium of Light after United’s efforts to sign a full-back were scuppered by what Pardew claims are selling clubs moving the goalposts and demanding bigger fees.
While admitting it would take a little longer than anticipated to bring in the defender he wants, he did confirm a bid has been lodged for Sochaux striker Modibo Maïga – although The Journal understands interest has cooled in Holland left-back Erik Pieters.
Lyon’s Aly Cissokho is now the priority defensive target and Pardew has hinted the club may be prepared to lodge an improved offer to get their man.
In a candid pre-derby briefing, he also admitted the squad was not as strong as it was 12 months ago – but said the situation would improve before the transfer deadline.
Reacting to claims United have not acted quickly enough to secure their left back, he said: “I can only reassure people that not only have we tried to secure players but we are trying to secure two players we have in the building.
“That process is very, very important as well. We are trying to make sure this club going forward is stronger than it was last year.
“As it stands, when we started the season, I would say we are not at that position yet, but hopefully we will be.
“I don’t think I need to nudge Mike Ashley. I think he is very much aware of that.
“I don’t think I need to nudge him any more – I have nudged him enough!
“It is like where Arsenal are as well and a number of other clubs – like Spurs – you have to get the deal which is right for the football club.”
Surveying a summer when United are actually in profit in terms of transfer fees, Pardew admitted he is “frustrated” at the current impasse in bringing in new recruits.
That is a feeling shared by many United supporters, who believe the club are dragging their heels in their recruitment drive.
They have yet to secure a second striker despite bids for Mevlüt Erdinç, Gervinho and Kevin Gameiro. The £35million fee received for Andy Carroll is another bone of contention. Asked directly why a club
with that money in the bank was failing to land its targets, Pardew said it may be the case the club need to cough up an few million to land priority targets.
He added: “We might have to do that and we might be at the stage where we are doing that.
“So that question might be talking out of turn there.
“I have sat in another press conference as I have done quite often here with nobody across the line, but at some point we will.”
Pardew continues to insist a new left-back recruit is “close”.
He said: “The left-back situation is a week down the line and the plan we had went straight into action.
“Of course everybody knows we need a left-back and it is being made difficult not by us but by other clubs.
“We have to get over that. We have to make sure we reach an agreement with the other club which is right for them and right for us.”
On striker target Maïga, Pardew admits it is a concern the player has gone on strike to force through a deal to take him to St James’ Park – but he confirmed interest is ongoing.
He said: “He is a player we want to bring to the club. That is where that is. Negotiations are still ongoing.”
