Mark Douglas has been speaking on the latest edition of the Everything is Black and White podcast about all things relating to Newcastle United.
One of the topics that he spent some time on was whether there could be any further transfer business for the Toon with the domestic transfer window still open.
However, the Chronicle reporter revealed that he does not think that Newcastle will be signing any lower-league players because of the deadwood still at the club.
It seems as if players that the Toon have failed to move on and are costing them wages will stop the club from signing anyone in the domestic transfer window, which runs until October 16th.
He said: “I think the problem that we’re dealing with now is this deadwood – with the greatest respect to those players – it’s the deadwood that has been left behind that is filling up squad places, costing them money in terms of their wages.
“That’s probably what’s stopping them from doing anything in the Championship.”
Do you think Newcastle will get rid of their deadwood?
No, they are here until their contracts expire
Yes, we will get rid of them
TIF Thoughts…
The Athletic recently ran a piece on Henri Saivet, Achraf Lazaar, and Rolando Aarons, which revealed just how little these three players have featured for the Toon recently and how much they are costing the club.
So, when Douglas talks about deadwood, he is probably referring to these three individuals, plus perhaps the likes of Christian Atsu, who has played just 10 minutes this season.
Watford are reportedly in talks with Newcastle for Atsu over a loan deal, so that could free up a squad place, but it is clear that Aarons, Saivet and Lazaar – who collectively earn around £100,000 a week – are a big financial drain on the Toon and the quicker they are gone, the better.
However, it looks like the presence and the volume of the deadwood at St. James’ Park will stop the Toon buying anyone from the Championship.