Luque??? - TalkSoccer

Mat · 19-08-2005, 10:55 AM

Deportivo La Coruna have confirmed to skysports.com that Newcastle are in negotiations for striker Albert Luque.

The Magpies have been scouring the continent for a new striker and, after a series of knock-backs, have set their sights on the Spain international.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd flew into Spain on Thursday to try and broker a deal with Depor counterpart Augusto Cesar Lendoiro and the Spanish supremo has now disclosed that he is locked in talks with Shepherd.

However, he revealed that a deal is still some way off, especially as other clubs are continuing to monitor the striker's situation.

"Yes, it is true (Newcastle's interest)," Lendoiro told skysports.com.

"We are negotiating but have not reached an agreement as yet.

"Other European teams are also interested in the player."

Newcastle are understood to have already agreed terms with the player himself but have yet to settle on a fee with Depor.

The Galicians are holding out for around €15 million (£10 million) while The Magpies' opening gambit is thought to be in the region £7.5 million.

Luque, who is under contract until 2010, has managed 26 goals in 101 league games for Depor and has frequently been linked with a move from the Riazor in recent times.

Indeed, this summer Barcelona, Real Madrid and Sevilla have all expressed an interest in the pacey front man and Newcastle will face further competition if they are to land the player.

However, Souness himself seems pessimistic about the club's chances of landing Luque because of Depor's demands.

He did not suggest the transfer was completely dead, but conceded that a deal was proving difficult to broker.

"We have had a week where we have tried to sign a couple of quality players and it has not happened," Souness said.

"But we have still a bit of time left in the transfer window.

"The two players we have gone after this week are top players and that is the only kind of player I am interested in bringing to this club.

"We are in the market for players. Whether they remain targets or not I think we should keep to ourselves."

Be a big big signing imo. I'l be very pleased if we can get him.

**Pennywise** · 19-08-2005, 11:10 AM

It had been giant to get Luque. He has been linked with both Real Madrid and Barcelona thorugh pre-season, and he is a Spanish international player with plenty of experience on the top level.
£9 million is much money, but I hope he'll fit in, in England and for Newcastle United if he signs for The Magpies.

Mat · 19-08-2005, 11:13 AM

I'd pay 9 million, since we offered around 8 million for anelka, and i'd much prefer luque

**kennethlindheim** · 19-08-2005, 12:41 PM

Our opening bid has been rejected .
I'd expect Shepherd to go back in with an improved offer in the next few hours/days...

hanuma · 19-08-2005, 07:31 PM

you will need at least 11 mill for him.

great talent....not sure he would enjoy england.

**Pennywise** · 19-08-2005, 07:52 PM

No doubt that he can play football, but the question is, as hanuma wrote, will he enjoy England and Premier League?

Luque is a majestic player, but he is not a hard-working player and he really sucks if the team are in suffer. His humour is also unstable. However, I'd welcome him to St.James.Park because I know he will reinforce us in any case.

hanuma · 19-08-2005, 08:03 PM

i dont think it would be a shrewd move in reality....but on paper its a great buy.

**kennethlindheim** · 20-08-2005, 09:28 AM

He's a good striker , probably better in our 4-3-3 formation on the left as he can supply crosses and trouble defenses.

Mat · 20-08-2005, 10:51 AM

As hanny says, on paper its a good buy, but his attitude may falter if it doesnt go his way. But he is a very good player, and i think if he can play and score like he is capable of, then it will lift the team and i dont think we will have to worry about him as his performances will do the talking.

hanuma · 20-08-2005, 03:09 PM

no doubt he could be a perfect signing.....a winger come striker with flair and pace.

however whats going to happen if he has a patch of **** form doesnt get in the team and is liveing in freezing toonland?

certainly souness isnt the warm cuddly father figure to go to.

Mat · 20-08-2005, 03:11 PM

Thats the main problem, but i think that can be a risk with any high profile player, and we can't be too picky atm so i would take the risk on him, just because of the potential player we could have if he finds form.

hanuma · 20-08-2005, 03:19 PM

perhaps....but i think luque has a reputation of being a bit of a hissy fit dude.

i spose he wont be too out of place in the current squad....him on the left, dyer on the right.

Mat · 20-08-2005, 03:22 PM

Supposedly the deal is close to being closed, but we are still linked to govou, that would be damn good with him on the right. I'd sell jj, so we can buy govou as well as luque, an have emre/parker/bowyer midfield with dyer, milner, n'zogbia and faye reserve.

hanuma · 20-08-2005, 03:23 PM

yes that would be awesome indeed.

still...they aren't shearer replacements.....will newcastle wait till the january trasnfer window or next summer to get one of those?

Mat · 20-08-2005, 03:28 PM

I think it depends on how many our current strikers score that will depend on his replacement. We aren't going to find a replacement for him in term of his all round game, but if someone can score a few then we should be ok. I wouldn't mind dean ashton still (as said many a time), because he has enormous potential imo, and has the all round game to score and set up goals, with players like luque and dyer (atm), it is important we find someone to score or make use of their pace by holding up the ball. i dont think we will find anyone to fill big al's boots, especially before the transfer window, but the team will have to develop in other ways so our new strikers dont have to be the same as shearer or we will fail. In the same way sunderland did trying to replace niall quinn with flo.