Newcastle ask for patience over transfer targets
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Your support makes all the difference.Newcastle will remain patient as they attempt to land Alan Pardew's remaining transfer targets.
The Magpies have already signed French pair Yohan Cabaye and Sylvain Marveaux as well as Senegal international striker Demba Ba, while teenage midfielder Mehdi Abeid has also been recruited as one for the future.
But Pardew still hopes to make two more signings, at least one of them a striker.
It is understood Newcastle have tabled a bid of around £7million for Paris St Germain's Turkish frontman Mevlut Erding, who has been in their sights for some time.
Reports from the Continent today have suggested the player wants to stay in France, although there is a feeling on Tyneside that that may represent a bargaining ploy.
However, owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias will not be drawn into a lengthy period of negotiation as they try to get the best possible value for their money.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Pardew, who declined to comment directly on Erding, said: "We have got to be diligent and patient.
"We are starting the season with five new players - Kevin [Nolan] obviously has gone - but we are in such a better position already.
"But we are poised and I still think we can bring in maybe two more offensive players. We will have to see."
The Magpies are monitoring Swansea full-back Neil Taylor's situation from afar after the Welsh club rejected their £1million offer, a bid the Tyneside club believed triggered a release clause in the defender's contract.
However, the remainder of Pardew's transfer activity could depend on what happens with Jose Enrique and Joey Barton, who are due to return to training this week with their respective futures as yet unresolved.
Enrique is still to respond to a new contract offer and Pardew has admitted Gael Clichy's move from Arsenal to Manchester City will not help the situation, while Barton has repeatedly stated his intention to see out the final 12 months of his existing deal after being told he will not be getting a new one.
In the meantime, the manager and his staff will set about the task of assimilating the new boys into the squad hoping the homework they and chief scout Graham Carr did before they were signed pays dividends.
Pardew said: "Ultimately in signing players, you are taking a gamble. You are bringing them to a new culture, a new club and a new league.
"You have just got to hope Graham and his team and myself have got it right."
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