Post by QPR Report on Jan 20, 2010 9:32:31 GMT
Marlon's awaiting Magpies decision
Jan 20 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
NEWCASTLE United have promised Marlon Harewood they will make a decision on whether to re-sign him by the end of the week.
Chris Hughton made contact with the Harewood camp on Saturday to assure them that the striker is still in his thoughts and to make sure United’s prolonged pursuit of Leeds’ Jermaine Beckford hadn’t put him off another temporary St James’ Park switch.
The 31-year-old is understood to be disappointed that Beckford was made the club’s number one target but still favours a return to Tyneside to finish the job of helping the club into the Premier League.
Top-flight outfits West Ham and Hull City are both interested in the forward but he is not a priority target for either club, with QPR and Sheffield United more realistic rivals in the race for his signature.
United are running the rule over other targets with Sheffield United’s £2m striker Billy Sharp one name currently being considered.
And The Journal understands that in an ironic twist, the club are also looking at Sc**thorpe forward Gary Hooper – the player that Leeds wanted to replace Beckford if he left the League One club.
Hughton is also making enquiries about loan players, and is known to be scouring Arsenal’s crop of bright youngsters for potential temporary signings.
But it looks increasingly likely that United will turn again to Harewood, who improved dramatically after a slow start to life on Tyneside and signed off with two goals in his last three games.
United will view him as a safe pair of hands who will add strength and know-how to the squad as they look to see out their promotion bid.
Harewood has the advantage of being able to settle quickly at United, with the minimum of fuss and is a much cheaper option for owner Mike Ashley – who is reluctant to loosen the purse strings at a club still counting the cost of last season’s disheartening relegation.
Contrary to reports, Villa are not looking for a £1.25m loan fee, although re-signing Harewood would mean United committing to cover his £25,000-a-week wages until the end of the campaign, when his contract runs out.
In public Hughton remains calm about the lack of recruitment but the United boss hopes to have added to his squad before their next Championship engagement on January 27 against Crystal Palace.
He still hopes to sign Danny Simpson although United are offering the right-back much less than his existing contract at Manchester United.
Both parties are engaged in a game of brinkmanship but a deal could yet be resurrected – a fact acknowledged by Hughton yesterday.
Simpson’s commitment to the cause was emphasised on Monday night when he played through an injury, something that he was happy to do despite United dragging their heels on a permanent move.
“Danny’s one that we’re still working on,” Hughton confirmed.
“Once he’s out on that pitch, he’s a very committed player who will give everything.
“I’ll have to see him, but officially, he’s a Manchester United player until it’s decided otherwise.
“We’re still working and making decisions. The most important thing is to bring in the lads we need in the areas we need, and we’d like to do that as soon as possible.”
Hughton wants to bring in four players in January and would prefer to tie up permanent deals – although the loan market remains a possibility.
Meanwhile, United are understood to be tracking James Perch of Championship rivals Nottingham Forest, who has just returned to action following a lengthy lay-off with a fractured shin.
The versatile 24-year-old has played at centre-back, right-back and in central midfield since breaking into the Forest first team, and was captain until his recent injury.
www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2010/01/20/marlon-s-awaiting-magpies-decision-61634-25638325/
