CHRIS Hughton has re-assured Newcastle United fans that midfield talisman Kevin Nolan will not be leaving St James’ Park after holding his first pre-transfer window briefing with Mike Ashley.
The United owner was at the club’s Benfield Park training ground yesterday on a routine visit to talk shop with managing director Derek Llambias and Hughton – one of Ashley’s first flying visits since confirming his appointment as permanent boss.
The United manager is looking to strengthen his squad, but is also aware of growing interest in one of his star performers, Kevin Nolan – with Everton boss David Moyes an interested onlooker as the midfielder produced a moment of inspiration to steal three points at Preston on Monday.
Bolton are also understood to have an interest, while former Bolton bosses Phil Brown and Sam Allardyce are long-term admirers of United’s top scorer.
Hughton is adamant that they are wasting their time tracking Nolan, however, and has bullishly insisted that the midfielder is not for sale at any price. Coming just a few hours after meeting Ashley, it is a further sign that the United boss will not have to contemplate letting any of his big hitters leave when the transfer window opens in January.
The Newcastle manager’s resolve has been strengthened by the attitude of his players, who have buckled down admirably to get the club out of the Championship and do not want to leave before “righting a few wrongs”.
“I am absolutely confident we can keep Kevin – I’m very confident that we can keep him and we won’t have to sell him,” Hughton said.
Ryan Taylor 'ideal replacement at right-back' says Simpson Jun 30 2010
DANNY Simpson insists right-back rival Ryan Taylor has the perfect credentials to fill Newcastle United’s troublesome defensive slot when the Premier League season kicks off. more
Chris Hughton unfazed by lack of signings Jun 29 2010
CHRIS Hughton has admitted Newcastle United are unlikely to have any new faces for the start of pre-season training next week as he continues to fire blanks in the transfer market. more
Ginola backs Hughton in the transfer market Jun 28 2010
DAVID GINOLA today supported Chris Hughton’s patient approach in the transfer market – despite the fact a clutch of Newcastle United’s top-flight rivals have already pulled off several transfer coups. more
Steve Harper urges NUFC fans to stick with them Jun 28 2010
STEVE Harper has urged Newcastle United fans to stick with the team next season as he admitted everybody’s resilience will be tested back in the Premier League. more
Article
