Newcastle-Online comment: June 21st 2004
Having released Andy Griffin to Portsmouth we are as thin on the ground
at right-back as Big Al's hair is on his bonce and it's clear that
signing a right-back to replace Hughes in the first-team or to provide
cover for the Irishman is number one priority (you would hope). Having
been linked to what seems like a zillion right-back's, I have decided
to put on my scouts hat (just give me the job man Bobby) to run through
all the candidates for that right-back slot that we have been linked
with.
Starting closer to home;
1: Steven Car (Spurs)
If reports were/are to be believed Carr has been on the verge of signing
for Newcastle for years yet still he remains a Spurs player. Aged
27 and a full International for the Republic of Ireland, Carr would
make an excellent signing - two years ago before injuries curtailed
his career that is. Back then he was arguably the best right-back
in the Premiership, lightning quick, great crosser of the ball, comfortable
with it at his feet and good at defending - an alround right-back.
However since then his form has been patchy and he looks half the
player he was having lost a yard of pace and signing him would not
be that great an improvement on Hughes. He has 1 year left on his
Spurs contract and Tottenham don't want to lose him on a Bosman. £2.5m
could see him at the Toon. Last season they wanted Ameobi in exchange
but got a swift no from Shepherd. Our interest has been made public
by both clubs before.
Competition: None, although Blackburn and Birmingham will no doubt
go in for him if we did. Our chances? (out of 10): 6
2: Danny Mills (free)
He like Carr has been linked for a few years and after Leeds relegation
he is available on a free transfer which resulted in a media frenzy
over the past month suggesting we were in for him. Not a bad player,
not that much better than Hughes mind, but he has qualities that could
benefit the first-team. He's quick, good in the air and works very
hard for his team. However he's a nutter on the pitch and can be a
liability, not to mention he would become another ex-Leeds Toon player
which scares me. Wages seem to be a stumbling block, reported to be
on £40,000. Spent most of last season on loan at the Smoggies and
helped them to win the League Cup. His agent has confirmed out interest
although we have yet to talk to the player (according to reports)
and on a free transfer and at 27 he would appeal to United.
Competition: Smoggies, Norwich, Birmingham. Our chances? 8
3: Mario Melchiot (free)
No longer wanted at Chelsea and looking for a new club. 27, quick,
very comfortable on the ball, good in the air and a good alround defender.
Likes to pass the ball and can play in a fluid system having been
schooled at Ajax. Another free agent and a player who would improve
the first-team. Spanish side Villareal were reported to be interested
but having signed Benfica's Armando Sa they are no longer looking
for a right-back. Our interest hasn't been declared publicly but Bobby
is a known admirer and the media speculation that we were interested
was pretty intense a few weeks back. Like Mills, wages could be a
stumbling block. He's reported to be on £25,000 a week at Chelsea
and he's looking for a big pay day.
Competition: Birmingham, Smoggies, interest from Spain and Holland.
Our chances? 7
4: Mark Delaney (Aston Villa)
The Welsh international had been linked a few weeks back which brought
about a response from the player himself who stated he was flattered
by the interest but he would like to stay and fight for his place
at Villa having made noises about being unhappy on the bench previous
to that. Suffered a bad injury over a year ago and lost his place.
Quick, great at defending and an exceptional man marker. Very underrated
in the Carragher sense but he would not represent much of an improvement
on Hughes. £2m has been mentioned.
Competition: Smoggies Our chances? 3
5: Giourkas Seitaridis (Panathinaikos)
23 year old Greek right-back currently playing for Greece at Euro
2004 who we have been linked with for over a year now. The interest
is known with Charlie Woods our chief scout having traveled to Greece
to watch the player in action a few times. Apparently he has signed
for Porto for £1.5/2m but nothing has been officially confirmed as
far as I'm aware. Looks a good prospect but from what I have saw of
him he is far too rash on the ball and in the challenge. Quite quick
but physically he looks like wind would blow him over. Greek players
don't usually have the best of mentalities and on a concentration
level he looks to have the same qualities as Nicos Dabizas.
Competition: Birmingham, Blackburn, Rangers, various Portuguese and
Spanish clubs. Our chances? None if he has signed for Porto, 4 if
not.
6: Hatem Trabelsi (Ajax)
Tunisian right-back who lost a court case which would have seen him
become a free agent. Ajax want shot of him and Newcastle according
to their manager have put in a £1m bid for him and it is believed
£3.5m will secure his services. Top-class right-back in the mould
of Roberto Carlos, lightening quick, creates goals, great energy,
can defend and looks the real deal. However we would face heavy competition
for his signature and even then, without Champions League football
we would struggle to compete anyway.
Competition: Juventus, AC Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and a host
of other top clubs. Our chances? 1
7: Miguel Monteiro (Benfica)
Another player we have been linked to for a while now. Bobby has admitted
an interest although he cites a fee believed to be anything from £3.5m
to £10m as a stumbling block. Miguel has already stated he would like
to play alongside Viana but that was back when we first signed Viana
and indeed first showed our interest in the Benfica full-back. Similar
to Trabelsi, very quick, good going forward and he can defend. He's
having an OK Euro 2004 with Portugal and looks a classy player. Converted
from a right-winger so he likes to attack.
Competition: Real Madrid, Deportivo and interest from Italy Our chances?
1
There you go, the definitive list of those right-backs that we have
been linked to this Summer. Out of the 7 I would personally love to
see Trabelsi here but we have little or no chance, especially when
offering an insulting £1m if reports are to be believed. No, I feel
we will end up with either Mills or Melchiot. Out of the two I'd choose
Melchiot. He would improve our first-team and give us strength in
depth at right-back and on a free transfer this could allow us to
spend money on other areas needing strengthened. |
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