By ESPNsoccernet staff
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has responded to speculation about the futures of Cheik Tiote and Fabricio Coloccini by saying any potential suitors will have to be prepared to spend big.
Newcastle have surprised many with their impressive start to the season, leading to Coloccini being linked with Liverpool and Tiote to Chelsea, but Pardew is adamant that, if anything, his squad will be improved.
"It is going to cost a hell of a lot of money, a hell of a lot of money because we're in that position now," he told the Sunday Mirror.
"I think any of our players that get linked to other clubs, th ose clubs are going to need to know they'll need to pay a shed load of money to get anyone out of this football club.
"I don't envisage anyone going out in this window, but if a club, one of the top clubs, comes in and wants to pay way, way over the odds we'll have to look at it."
Pardew also admitted he was aware of the potential disruption the African Nations Cup could have upon his squad and that any transfer dealings - including interest in Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga - may have to compensate for that, with Demba Ba and Tiote potentially absent.
"We have looked at the African Nations Cup and we have looked at the next window," he said. "I think the maximum we would do is two players in. That would be our maximum. Then if anyone left, it would be a third."
Tiote and Ba have been key to Newcastle's impressive form but their lack of squad depth could hamper any prolonged drive for success.
{ 0 comments... Views All / Send Comment! }
Posting Komentar