Blackpool lead race for NUFC’s Nile Ranger
Aug 10 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
PREMIER League new boys Blackpool have made a loan bid for Newcastle young gun Nile Ranger.
United have fielded scores of enquiries from Championship clubs about the England under-19 forward but the Tangerines are prepared to offer him first team opportunities in the top flight next season if Chris Hughton decides to let him leave.
The Journal understands that Blackpool have made a verbal enquiry and are still waiting for a reply from Newcastle, who may yet retain Ranger. As he illustrated with Burnley’s approach for Fraser Forster, Hughton will not be rushed when it comes to a decision on his young players.
But Ranger would get chances at Bloomfield Road, where Ian Holloway has admitted he is finding it tough to bring in new recruits for their Premier League campaign. He has turned to former Newcastle striker Marlon Harewood, currently a free agent, after seeing repeated bids for Leicester striker DJ Campbell turned down.
Everyone from League One neighbours Carlisle to Championship sides Crystal Palace and QPR has enquired about the 19-year-old Magpies striker.
Both the club and Ranger’s representatives would rather he did not return to the capital, however, making both Palace and QPR very unlikely destinations for the forward.
Newcastle are still deciding whether to loan Ranger for a year to build on his breakthrough season at St James’ Park – but concern over Andy Carroll’s back injury means he is unlikely to go anywhere this week.
The Newcastle forward was withdrawn from the England under-21 squad yesterday as a precaution after feeling pain during the pre-season friendly at Rangers.
