Chris Hughton not looking too far ahead

Nov 21 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton says his January recruitment drive will concentrate on bringing in battle-hardened Championship performers who can help get Newcastle United into the Premier League rather than ready-made top-flight performers.

Having opened up a six-point gap to the play-off places, United are handily placed for an instant return to the Premier League – but Hughton says that will not influence his January spending.

As United have found out to their cost in recent seasons, the New Year transfer window is a notoriously tricky time to make additions on a limited budget, and with the club still counting the cost of relegation reluctant owner Mike Ashley will not sanction big spending.

That leaves Hughton with the choice between bringing in young players capable of developing their game over the next six months or proven second tier performers – with the United boss appearing to favour the latter.

His thinking has certainly been influenced by the bright start his side have made, with Hughton eyeing decent squad players rather than men capable of usurping the likes of Alan Smith, Kevin Nolan and Andrew Carroll.

United have begun negotiations with Fabrice Pancrate’s representatives as they look to tie him up until the end of the season but a deal will only be struck if Hughton can get the Paris Saint Germain winger for the right price.

And it is likely that will set the trend for the turn of the year, with Hughton’s focus solely on this season and building for the future on the back burner.