Big Sam closing on first signing

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Sam Allardyce claims he is already closing in on his first signing as Newcastle United manager.

The former Bolton boss may have been on holiday in France since taking the post at St James' Park on 15th May, but even his absence from the country and the ambiguity involving new shareholder Mike Ashley has failed to reign in his transfer manoeuvres.

The billionaire has purchased Sir John Hall's stake in the club and launched a takeover bid for the remaining 58.4 per cent, and reports have suggested he will give Allardyce a substantial transfer kitty should he convince chairman Freddy Shepherd to relinquish control of the club.

With uncertainty still reigning on Tyneside though, it is believed Allardyce is looking to broker a free transfer signing, with reports in the North East claiming that former Trotters employee Tal Ben Haim and Middlesbrough's Mark Viduka are both high on the new manager's wish-list.

Whilst Allardyce has not revealed the man in question, he has been encouraged by his early days in the job and hopes to have some news on the transfer front imminently.

"We've already had lots of meetings and talked about future plans for new players here," Allardyce told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

"Those talks are continuing, and we are close to making a breakthrough in the not-too-distant future.

"Everybody here is working together to take the club forward."

Meanwhile, reports in both the North East and North West claim that Wigan left-back Leighton Baines is another player who has crossed Allardyce's radar.

Source: Skysports

I've been in contact with some reporters and they've told me Mark Viduka will be Big Sam's first signing.

[Pennywise]

Viduka? I don't know...

N'castle need a new striker for next season. They need four quality strikers and we already have Owen, Martins and Shola.

[kennethlindheim]

Viduka is definitely a good signing on a free. Think about this... last season we had Sibierski, and now we might have the Duke. A big improvement.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

And his a Aussie...Got to love him!

[Pennywise]

I prefer Tore Andre Flo. He is available and free.

[kennethlindheim]

If we sign Flo, we're atleast guaranteed a goal in his debut.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

That would be great.

[BlackNess]

Allardyce Keen On Ben Haim, Not Giuly

Allardyce Keen On Ben Haim, Not Giuly Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he is interested in swooping for defender Tal Ben Haim from his former club Bolton, but denied making attempts to sign Ludovic Giuly or Tuncay Sanli.


Newcastle had been linked with a move for Giuly, who is tipped to leave Barcelona this summer, while Fenerbahce's Tuncay had also been connected with the Magpies, but Allardyce, who took over last month at St James' Park has dismissed the reports as speculation.

However, Big Sam has confirmed that his interest in Israeli international Ben Haim is true as he targets defensive signings to correct Newcastle's notoriously leaky backline.

Allardyce told The Journal: "Everyone knows that we are on the look-out for players and, unfortunately, that means we are going to be linked with a lot of names this summer.

"But, as far as I am concerned, the stories linking us with Tuncay Sanli and Ludovic Giuly are agent talk.

"My main priority at the moment is signing defensive players and that is where we are looking to strengthen.

"We want to get that department right before we start looking at other areas.

"We are very interested in Ben Haim, but he is getting ready for his wedding next weekend. It is something I will be chasing up this week."

[kennethlindheim]

Ben Haim is going to Chelsea, I'm afraid.