Source: Northern_Echo
Magpies set up Kilgallon deal for January window
NEWCASTLE have agreed a deal with Sheffield United that will see defender Matt Kilgallon join the Magpies in the new year.[LNB] Newcastle officials held discussions with their Bramall Lane counterparts yesterday, and a provisional deal is now understood to be in place.[LNB] Kilgallon is expected to move to St James' Park once the transfer window reopens at the start of January after Magpies owner Mike Ashley agreed to support manager Chris Hughton's desire to strengthen his defence.[LNB] Ashley flew into Tyneside on Thursday to discuss his January transfer policy with Hughton, and Kilgallon's name featured prominently.[LNB] The 25-year-old defender started his career with Leeds United, before joining Sheffield United in a £1.75m move in January 2007.[LNB] He has made more than 100 appearances for the Blades, but financial pressures mean the Yorkshire club's board must listen to offers for their leading players.[LNB] Sheffield United slapped a £4m price tag on Kilgallon last summer, but that figure has dropped considerably.[LNB] Newcastle are understood to have offered around £1.5m up front, with further installments dependent on Kilgallon's performance and the Magpies' promotion to the Premier League.[LNB] Meanwhile, Hughton admits he has had to give up trips to the local cinema, but turning Newcastle United into a team worthy of watching again is driving him forward.[LNB] Hughton had experienced mainly lows during his time at St James' Park until this season, with managers coming and going and the trauma of relegation falling on the club last May.[LNB] But under his guidance the Magpies have become a force again, albeit in a division no one on Tyneside wants to see them in and he is enjoying putting a few smiles back on the faces of fans.[LNB] The relationship between Ashley and the supporters remains fraught, but Hughton is somehow leading a charge back to the Premier League with fourth-place Swansea City next up at St James' this afternoon.[LNB] I've had some very nice comments from the fans and I'm very appreciative of that,[LNB] said Hughton, who lives in Newcastle.[LNB] But I'm realistic enough to know it's about where we are in the league. Any manager that has got the team winning games will be all right.[LNB] The club belongs to the fans. I know I'm just a small part of it. I think what the supporters want is to see a team that's trying and a team that's winning. That's what they've got even if it is in a division that they don't want to be in.[LNB] I think they have recognised that. Whatever else is going on the only way the team will get back to where we all want them to be is with their support. They have been magnificent and we know that will continue.[LNB] Having spent most of his days since retiring from playing in coaching, Hughton has found this season more difficult to free up some extra time to relax. He is, though, completely enjoying his first role in frontline management.[LNB] Ultimately when you're manager it all falls on your head, he said. You get your breaks when you can but for most of the time you can't get away from it. I don't do much in my spare time. I used to get to the cinema every now and then but not since I became manager.[LNB] I spend most of my time at the training ground and it is enjoyable when things are going well.[LNB]
