Magpies boss eyes Wilshere loan

23 May 2010 13:12
ewcastle manager Chris Hughton plans to rival Bolton in the race to sign Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere on loan this summer.[LNB] The Magpies returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking by winning the Championship and Hughton is eager to bolster his squad to ensure they avoid relegation.[LNB]Wilshere, who spent the latter half of the season on loan at Bolton, is top of the Toon chief's shopping list.[LNB]And a deal could be on the cards for the promising 18-year-old, who is also courting the interest of Championship newcomers Leeds United, as well as the Trotters.[LNB]Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is believed to be keen on loaning the starlet out in a bid to garner first-team experience, and Hughton says he would pounce at the chance.[LNB]Hughton said in the Daily Star Sunday: "Wilshere is a very good young player and I think young players should get the chance to mature. They are the type of players I am looking at.[LNB]"We want new players - but what we have said is that I don't expect to be making wholesale changes."[LNB]Regardless of who he recruits, Hughton remains focused on the solitary goal of achieving Premier League survival.[LNB]The former Spurs coach says reaching the 40-point mark will be a big ask for his newly-promoted side, although he feels that can only be done with the addition of quality to his ranks.[LNB]Chairman Mike Ashley has already ruled out any spending in the summer at St James' Park and Hughton insists he would not ruin the unity that his team currently possess, despite the need to recruit.[LNB]He added: "We have momentum and a spirit that has been created and I don't want to disrupt it. But I'm aware we are going into a better division and I'm mindful of the type of players we need to get in.[LNB]"It is a big job ahead. We are going into a league that I feel is the best and most competitive in the world. We are under no illusions. It is going to be a very tough season."[LNB]Hughton feels his cause will be helped by star striker Andy Carroll, who plundered 19 goals in his side's romp to the title, and the Magpies boss has backed the 21-year-old to cause top-flight defenders problems.[LNB]"Andy had a very good season and we asked him to contribute with more goals," said Hughton. "He did that and he improved his all-round play, so he couldn't do any more last season.[LNB]"But I have no doubt there is still more to come from him and he will be up against better players and tougher defenders. He is a good player who we see as having a good future at the club."

Source: Team_Talk