Transfer work will continue up to deadline says Hughton

Aug 30 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United will continue trying to strengthen their squad right up to tomorrow night's transfer deadline, even though manager Chris Hughton says he is happy with what he has got.

Hatem Ben Arfa’s season-long loan from Marseilles was finally completed on Saturday, and last night the Magpies were working on another, for Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane.

Hughton is still looking for cover at left-back, but believes the group of players now at his disposal is sufficient to take the club through to January.

“We’re always pushing to add to the squad,” said Hughton, who has also signed James Perch, Sol Campbell, Dan Gosling and Cheick Tiote this summer and was yesterday linked with Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

“There are still a couple of days to go, but if I was left with the squad I’ve got now, I would be happy. We’re most definitely still looking at left-back, but James Perch can play at left-back as well.

“It’s perhaps not naturally left-footed cover, but we certainly have cover there.

“At this moment, the only I can see going out is Kazenga LuaLua. He’ll join Brighton (on loan) until Christmas.” Ben Arfa, a 23-year-old playmaker and full French international, has been signed to add guile to the graft shown in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers. His pre-season was disrupted by his refusal to train with Marseilles in an attempt to force through the transfer. The international break means Newcastle are not in action until Blackpool visit St James’ Park a week on Saturday, and Hughton will spend the time assessing the midfielder’s fitness.

“We’ll see if Ben Arfa is up to speed for the Blackpool game,” he commented. “We’re hoping he’s going to join us in training on Monday. We’ll have a couple of weeks with him and see where he is from a fitness point of view, but I can’t imagine he’s too far away.” Newcastle have announced the loan is “with a view to a permanent move”.

It is thought the Magpies will pay £5.5m for the player if he makes 25 appearances this season. Ben Arfa will come into a side confident after their solid start to the new campaign.

“We did lose that type of game a couple of years ago,” said Hughton. “It was a good performance, but a different type of one.”