Newcastle hit by ‘key’ January transfer blow after Telegraph report – pundit
Michael Emenalo has just handed Newcastle United a blow by turning down their advances ahead of the January transfer window.
So says ex-Premier League goalscorer Kevin Campbell, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ hunt for a new director of football.
The Telegraph reported on 4 December that former Chelsea and Monaco chief Emenalo had rejected Newcastle’s approach.
Eddie Howe will play a role in the ongoing search conducted by the third-party Nolan Partners firm, as per the Daily Mail last Friday (10 December).
Campbell argues that the appointment of a director of football will be central to relegation-threatened Newcastle’s January transfer plans.
“I don’t think him rejecting it will be a huge setback,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He has a good track record but he isn’t the only one that is out there. I am sure he is one of a few on a shortlist.
“But going into January, if you don’t know who your targets, you’re never going to know.
“They may have to go down another route and get someone else in they can trust.
“A director of football is going to be key for them in January, that’s for sure.”
Newcastle, the world’s richest clubs after their recent Saudi-backed takeover, are currently 19th in the Premier League.
They suffered their worst defeat of the season last Sunday (12 December) when they were beaten 4-0 away to Leicester City.
In other news, ex-Premier League referee demands rule change to “punish” James Maddison after latest Newcastle United footage analysed.