Danny Graham

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newc...m-is-eager-for-newcastle-move-72703-28780463/




NEWCASTLE are tracking Watford striker Danny Graham, the Chronicle understands – and a source close to the former Middlesbrough hotshot insists he would jump at the chance to join United.

However, the Magpies could be pipped for his services by moneybags QPR.

With cash to spend following the sale of Andy Carroll, United are determined to strengthen their forward-line for next season.

But while Toon fan Graham – who started his career at Northern League Chester-le-Street – is keen to return to the North East, Mike Ashley’s strict wage structure means the club are a long way off agreeing terms with the frontman.

QPR and Premier League outfit West Brom have had £2.5m bids for the 25-year-old rejected by the Hornets, with Rangers prepared to pay Graham £24,000-a-week in wages.

And while Newcastle remain keen on the player, they have indicated they are not willing to match that salary, leaving newly-promoted QPR in pole position for his signature.

Graham is keen to get his future sorted in the next few days when he returns from a golfing holiday in Ireland.



And a source close to the player said: “Newcastle is Danny's preferred choice as he is a fan, and if they can get a bit closer in wages then he would rather go there than QPR.

“His agent is delaying giving QPR an answer until Newcastle come back to them.”

Gateshead-born Graham scored 27 goals for Watford this past season, including 24 in the league as he finished as the Championship's top scorer.

He started his career at Chester-le-Street before signing for Middlesbrough in 2003.

First-team chances were limited on Teesside and, after loan spells at Darlington, Derby, Leeds and Blackpool, he joined Carlisle United in 2007.

A move to Watford followed, and he equalled the Vicarage Road club record by scoring in seven consecutive games earlier this year as his form saw him named in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

Pardew is desperate to bolster his firepower this summer, and has the proceeds of Carroll’s £35m January move to Liverpool to bargain with.

He has been strongly linked with Lille attacker Gervinho and Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro, for whom Newcastle were reported to have made a £10m bid.

However, Gameiro is believed to favour a move to Spain, with Valencia having rekindled their interest in the France international.

Gameiro said: “Valencia is a very good club and I am thrilled they are showing me they want me to join them.”

 

If we are playing one up front this season, I think Graham would be a good signing - would have the big money striker up front with Graham on the bench

Would be a very good option to have imo

 

Looks like Pards is trying to find a new geordie striking legend.

 

Phil Airey

 

Is he worth £24k per week though? Gosling and Guthrie will be on a lot less than that and he's not really tested in the Prem yet.

 

I'm sure Gosling is on about £25k-£30k. Remember it being mentioned when we signed him

He would be worth a shot imo. We can do better though I admit

 

Better than Lovenkrands and Ameobi, assume would be 3rd choice behind a new striker and Best so i'd go for him

 

cwarr on Twitter reckons the Chronicle is wrong.

 

If he reckons they're wrong then i'd assume the Chronicle is right then!

 

At least trevstanley will be able to pronounce his name without spitting his pint all over his misses

 

Haha probably. Not that I particularly believe what he says, I just thought others might be interested to see

 

I got positive rep for that post:

That has to be the strangest and most random rep I've ever received since I joined this forum. Ta all the same though.

 

No way is he ever worth £24,000 a week after one good season in the Championship. £15,000 max and a clause that if he gets ten goals he gets a pay rise. If he is that keen to join us that's a good deal and gives him incentives for playing well.

 

This.

Don't rate him above Leon Best if I'm honest, although he's DEFINITELY better than Ameobi & Lovenkrands(to a certain extent).

If we can shift Ameobi out then I'll have Graham + NEW ST(quality one.. Gamiero, Sow, Ba, etc.). NEW ST, Graham, Best, Lovenkrands, Young Ameobi/Airey?
Send Ranger out on loan.

 

Not what we need, but i'd take him for a couple of million and 18k a week or so.

Better than Shola, but not as good as Lovenkrands and definitely not as a good as Best.

Good back up to keep our options open especially since Lover and Shola will retire in a few years

 

Apart from the fact Shola is better than Lovenkrands....

 

No way, I reckon Lover would be decent with a good strike partner. Shola is ****ing useless.

 

This. Shola is no more than Championship standard IMO.

 

To be fair they are both awful and the sooner they leave the better, but I think Lovenkrands is worse because of the fact hes anonymous for about 90% of most matches.

 

+ Shola has scored more goals in less games.