Løvenkrands deal eases frustrations

Jan 23 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United are set to finally make their first breakthrough in the January transfer window after Danish international forward Peter Løvenkrands agreed terms on his move to Tyneside last night.

The Journal first revealed United’s interest in the former Glasgow Rangers star a fortnight ago and the 28-year-old will sign a contract until the end of the season this morning following a successful trial.

The news will come as a big relief to manager Joe Kinnear following weeks of frustration in the transfer market, although it is unlikely to appease supporters incensed by the lack of new arrivals to bolster a squad which has been in dire need of strengthening for more than 12 months.

Kinnear also hopes to push through a deal to sign a defender in the next few days and United’s manager is adamant he does not intend to end his transfer business there with ten days of the window remaining.

The Magpies are still looking to recruit at least one midfielder, with Kinnear suggesting this week that he may spend all of his estimated £10m transfer budget on his number one target – believed to be the Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.

Løvenkrands’ arrival is a convenient one for the United hierarchy as the versatile forward was a free agent following the termination of his contract at Bundesliga outfit Schalke and therefore his move did not require a transfer fee.

Nevertheless, the fact he can play in a variety of attacking positions makes him a useful addition to the squad and the player will also be motivated by the desire to secure a longer contract at St James’s Park over the next five months.

The Journal has also been informed that the Magpies turned down a second offer from Manchester City for goalkeeper Shay Given this week and the deal has once again reached a stalemate.

Kinnear is strongly opposed to the sale of the Republic of Ireland international, even if the Manchester club are willing to improve on their second bid of £7m and the Newcastle boss has refused to entertain any sort of discussion regarding what would constitute an acceptable price for the 32-year-old.

However, the possible inclusion of two of City’s best young players, England Under-21 pair Michael Johnson and Nedum Onuoha, is a tantalising one.

United have already enquired about the availability of the two highly-rated

youngsters this season and were told they were not for sale, although that may have changed given the desperation of the club’s Arab owners to sign high profile international stars to boost their reputation abroad.

Whether a cash-plus-players offer will persuade Kinnear to change his mind remains to be seen, although the signing of two promising English players would fit into owner Mike Ashley’s desired transfer strategy.

Interestingly, Newcastle have also turned down a bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Given’s deputy Steve Harper in the last few days and rejected Carlisle United’s attempt to extend Tim Krul’s loan spell at Brunton Park until the end of the season yesterday.

Indeed, there is a growing suspicion that at least one out of Given and Harper – who is out of contract at the end of the season – will be allowed to leave, with Krul promoted to back up keeper.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina midfielder Marco Donadel does not look as though he is on his way to St James’s Park this month despite reports in Italy claiming Newcastle have made an official approach.

The 25-year-old former AC Milan player has struggled to hold down a regular first-team slot in Serie A this season, but his agent Davide Lippe denied talks have begun with the Magpies.

He said: “There is nothing new at the moment, but we are prepared to assess any offers that do arrive. Marco has several suitors, not only in Italy but also abroad, even though he has rarely played this season.

“However, he would like to remain in Florence as he wants to live in the city for a long time. There are no concrete offers right now, but there comes a time in every footballer’s career when you have to make an inevitable choice.”