Pardew on Keane alert

31 December 2010 10:31
WITH big-money permanent signings likely to be off the agenda in the January transfer window, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will focus on season- long loan moves and cutprice Football League players as he attempts to strengthen his squad.[LNB] The Magpies have agreed a fee of around £5m for French midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa, and a permanent transfer is expected to be confirmed shortly after the window officially reopens this weekend.[LNB] Pardew made a long-term deal for Ben Arfa a priority when he was appointed as Chris Hughton's successor at the start of the month.[LNB] But while securing the Marseille winger is a considerable coup, next week's £5m outlay represents a significant proportion of Newcastle's January budget.[LNB] Further multi-million pound additions are unlikely, meaning Pardew will have to be creative as he seeks to add both balance and depth to a squad that is now just three places above the Premier League relegation zone.[LNB] Loans are one option, and the Newcastle boss will no doubt have noted the noises coming out of London suggesting Robbie Keane is hoping to leave Tottenham next month.[LNB] The Republic of Ireland international has become an increasingly marginalised figure this season, making just two Premier League starts, and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has accepted it will be better for all parties if Keane moves on.[LNB] Newcastle attempted to sign 30-year-old Keane on a temporary basis this summer, along with fellow frontmen Craig Bellamy and David N'Gog, only for Keane to rebuff their advances and opt to remain at White Hart Lane.[LNB] That stance has not worked out, and sources in London claim Keane would now be receptive to a renewed approach from Tyneside.[LNB] However, with Mike Ashley having introduced a flexible wage ceiling of around £30,000-a-week, it remains to be seen whether the Newcastle owner is willing to match Keane's current earnings, which are well above that.[LNB] An alternative option would be for Tottenham to fund part of his wages, but Redknapp could push for a sale rather than a loan move that would leave his own club out of pocket.[LNB] If Keane is touted on the open market, it is hard to imagine Newcastle meeting an asking price that is likely to exceed £5m.[LNB] Manchester City duo Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor are also likely to be available on a loan basis next month, but again wages will be a major issue.[LNB] As well as attempting to sign an experienced striker, Pardew is also hoping to make a couple of squad additions next month, and Newcastle scouts have attended a number of Championship grounds since the former Charlton and West Ham boss was installed at St James'.[LNB] Jason Puncheon is a leading target, and members of the Magpies scouting team watched the Southampton winger, who is currently on loan at Millwall, as he scored against Leicester on Tuesday.[LNB] Puncheon was sent to The Den when he fell out with Saints boss Nigel Adkins earlier this season, but his loan move is due to expire on Monday.[LNB] Pardew signed the 24-yearold from MK Dons in February, and is understood to regard him as someone capable of making the step up to the Premier League.[LNB] The Magpies manager has also been linked with Leeds winger Max Gradel misfiring striker Leon Best has been mentioned as a possible makeweight in any deal but Elland Road boss Simon Grayson insists the 23-yearold Ivorian will not be leaving West Yorkshire next month.[LNB] Max is an important part of our team, said Grayson. I don't expect him to go anywhere.[LNB] There will be a lot of speculation over the next month regarding players moving in and out of this club.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo