Source: Northern_Echo
Magpies struggle to make signings
CHRIS HUGHTON is unlikely to have any new additions to his Newcastle United squad before Sundays trip to Cardiff City.
Hughton was hoping to add at least two new players this week with Marlon Harewood remaining the top target.
The Aston Villa striker is the most likely to arrive, although a foot injury sustained in pre-season has postponed a deal.
Wolves striker Sam Vokes has emerged as a realistic alternative, as has Sunderlands Northern Ireland front-man David Healy.
Hughton is also looking to boost his defensive ranks, with Manchester United youngster Craig Cathcart a possible loan signing.
But Hughton expects to have no news faces before the trip to Cardiff, leaving his squad stretched to its limits once more.
With Shola Ameobi and Jonas Gutierrez unavailable, Hughtons attacking options are reduced to playing midfielder Kevin Nolan up front.
While he could opt to play Peter Lovenkrands at the Cardiff City Stadium, Newcastles caretaker boss realistically only has Nile Ranger as a fully match fit striker.
Whoever plays on Sunday will come up against the Magpies former striker Michael Chopra.
Chopra, who quit Newcastle in 2006, has given his opinion on the way his former club are being run.
He said: They have had a few managers since I left. The club is in a bit of a mess. When I was there players were just doing what they wanted. It has just got even worse.
I cant wait. This is the game I have been waiting for, for a long time. Its the game that I looked for first when the fixture list came out.
Newcastles Nile Ranger scored for England Under-19s in their 2-1 win over Russia last night. On 54 minutes the striker turned and shot low into the corner to make it 1-1.
