The old game of deadline day bluff and counter-bluff
Aug 31 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
Chris Hughton and Steve Bruce are relatively happy with their transfer business this summer, but both will be hoping the final piece in the jigsaw falls into place today. Chief Sports Writer Luke Edwards reports
THEY cost the most money, command the highest wages and are always the hardest players to sign because nobody wants to let the best ones go, but Sunderland and Newcastle will spend the next few hours hoping to land one.
Both clubs want to add a striker to their squads before the window closes at 5pm this evening, but neither are certain they will be able to do so and there will be lots of anxious phone calls being made over the next few hours.
For Sunderland, the signing of Asamoah Gyan (pictured right) is rated at “50-50” by manager Steve Bruce, while Newcastle are playing their cards typically close to their chests regarding their pursuit of Robbie Keane.
Although the noises emanating from within the corridors of power at St James’ Park over the Bank Holiday weekend suggested Newcastle’s transfer dealings are already over in this window, do not be too surprised if there is one more new face before tonight’s deadline.
Trying to extract transfer updates from Chris Hughton recently has been like looking for oil on the Town Moor, and United’s manager is not about to change tact even as the window threatens to slam shut on his fingertips.
Newcastle are continuing to look into the possibility of signing Keane on loan from Tottenham Hotspur which would see the Republic of Ireland international move to Tyneside for a season.
Although the 30-year-old suggested at the weekend he was willing to remain in north London and fight for his place, that probably had more to do with cranking up the pressure on Harry Redknapp to let him go rather than a genuine desire to hang around where he is not wanted.
Football becomes a game of bluff and counter bluff as the transfer window draws to a close and it is difficult to accept anything at face value in these last few, nerve jangling hours.
