NUFC transfers: The Journal rates the rumours Jan 19

Jan 19 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

The Journal’s Luke Edwards rates the NUFC transfer window rumours in the papers today and over the weekend.

1) The Daily Mail says that Newcastle have abandoned their bid to sign former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan from Espanyol.

Finnan, who failed a medical at Hull last week, will not be fully fit for six weeks, according to the paper, and Joe Kinnear expects to have Habib Beye back by then.

Luke's Verdict

Why would you sign an injured right-back to cover an injured right-back? But these are desperate times at St James's Park and the club's transfer policy is haphazard to say the least. Finnan is a proven Premier League player, but the injury is likely to mean the deal is dead before it has even begun.

Rumour rating: 5/5