Dr Dan issues ‘big’ Newcastle January signings claim as second hire on the cards
Newcastle United have agreed to appoint Nick Hammond as a transfer consultant to avoid being taken advantage of in the January window.
So says finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the former Celtic, West Brom and Reading recruitment guru.
A Newcastle source told this site last Friday (17 December) that Hammond had agreed a short-term deal to become a transfer adviser at St James’ Park.
He will work to identify new signings as the post-takeover Magpies battle desperately to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The sporting director position is another high-profile slot yet to be filled by Newcastle’s uber-rich new Saudi owners.
Per Sky Sports yesterday (20 December), Brighton’s Dan Ashworth has been given the nod to speak to Newcastle about the vacant role.
Plumley suggests that Ashworth’s appointment is more about the long-term, whereas Hammond’s is all about the here-and-now.
“Newcastle are looking for a big short-term play with Nick Hammond,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Dan Ashworth as sporting director may take a little bit of time. The caveat to any of these plans is that they’re much harder to execute in the Championship.
“Staying up is a key aspect here and it is a crucial window. Hammond brings that experience and can handle the nuances of what is going to happen to them.
“We know there’s a lot of investment behind the club. Clubs selling to them will be looking to squeeze big money from the deal, which is a problem.
“The other thing is that you’re trying to sell a relegation battle to these really good players.”
Football Insider revealed last Wednesday (!5 December) that Newcastle have opened talks with Atletico Madrid and England’s Kieran Trippier.
Eddie Howe’s side have won just once this term and sit 19th in the league standings.
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