Jump at chance to join Newcastle – Guthrie

Jan 9 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

DANNY Guthrie has told Newcastle United’s January transfer targets they would be crazy to turn down the chance to join a club on the up.

United have been stung by Matthew Kilgallon’s decision to hedge his bets and reject a move to St James’ Park this week – a snub that sent Chris Hughton back to the drawing board in his search for cover at centre-back.

They also face some Premier League opposition in the race to sign Jermaine Beckford from Leeds, although the £2m-rated striker is understood to have his heart set on a move to Tyneside.

Regardless of Kilgallon’s snub, Guthrie reckons that the club will be one of the most attractive propositions for players on the move in the January transfer window – and will even be capable of rivaling some clubs at the bottom of the Premier League.

They are certainly in a healthier state than 12 months ago, when a club hampered by managerial uncertainty and bad publicity off-the-field suffered a series of setbacks in their hunt for reinforcements.

This year, Hughton is searching for just four players to add to his squad and Guthrie reckons that won’t be a problem.

“I would say to anyone thinking of joining Newcastle that you should jump at the chance,” the midfielder said.

“Newcastle are top of the league, looking to get promotion and we are a happy unit.

“I'm surprised when I read that someone has decided not to come but that is their loss. And the most important thing is that whoever we bring in will have to have the right mentality.

“Newcastle is a massive club and a great opportunity for anyone – especially if we can go on and get promoted.”