The Newcastle Journal are reporting this morning that the club is close to a breakthrough in their efforts to sign centre-back Mike Williamson from Portsmouth.
Mike Williamson – to sign within 24 hours
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is said to be confident the deal will be completed within the next 24 hours, and we had even reported last night that some reports suggested Williamson had already signed.
Chris Hughton hopes everything will be completed before United’s home game against Crystal Palace tomorrow night.
With Steven Taylor facing up to two months out with knee ligament damage, Danny Simpson with an ankle problem and Ryan Taylor suspended, Mike could get lots of playing time, and quickly.
But Williamson has not played a single first-team game for Portsmouth, and will need some time to adjust to Newcastle and get some match practice.
Chis Hughton said today:
“In all honesty I’ve kept out of the politics of why it didn’t happen last week,”
“I’m under the impression they’re working very hard on it and we’re confident it’s going to happen. I just want the player here. I hope we’re close to resolving it.”
“We were disappointed it didn’t go through a couple of days ago and we’re hopeful something will happen very soon.”
“This is a lad that did very well at Watford last season. He was on our radar last season and in the summer and got a big move to Portsmouth.”
“Unfortunately he has not played the number of games he would like but must have been doing well to get that move in the first place.”
“He is a big lad and he is the right age. There is still development in him and from what we’ve been led to believe, he will relish the opportunity to come here.”
We still don’t know whether Williamson’s move will be on a permanent or a loan basis, although last night there were reports it would be permanent, and a 3 year contract would be offered.
Newcastle had offered £975K last week, which was accepted, and Mike agreed terms and passed a medical, before it emerged Pompey still owed money for the initial £2m fee.
We assume the PL will step in and it wouldn’t surprise us if Portsmouth were put into administration next month, and the PL must find ways to control club’s spending so this doesn’t happen again.
They may even have to balance their books – boy what a concept that would be in the Premier League.
Comments welcome.
14 comments so far
Charlietoon
Jan 26, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Comment #1Just a thought…what if portsmouth fiish above the top 4 but get adinistrated…or if they get administrated what does that mean. Will the automatically go dwon? does that mean4 team may go up
Charlietoon
Jan 26, 2010 at 11:47 AM
Comment #2Okay I meant the bottom three. Apologies its Australia day and I am drunk 🙂
craigcoozy
Jan 26, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Comment #3williamson had his stay at hotel extended for 4 days along with wayne routledge! not yet publicesed but you will find out tomorrow!
estechco
Jan 26, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Comment #4I thought Routledge was excellent against us, but like all of these kind of rumours, I’ll believe it when I see it ;o)
craigcoozy
Jan 26, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Comment #5there are lot of rumours estechco and am sick of em but there are few lads on here that know ma source so i only post on here when know something! dont fink hes signed yet but jus know he been booked in with williamson.
craigcoozy
Jan 26, 2010 at 12:10 PM
Comment #6Full name Wayne Neville A. Routledge[1]
Date of birth 7 January 1985 (1985-01-07) (age 25)
Place of birth Sidcup, England
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Playing position Winger (right), second striker
lesh
Jan 26, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Comment #7Which hotel are they booked in craig?
stephen30
Jan 26, 2010 at 12:48 PM
Comment #8Don’t want to sound negative but every paper is saying routledge is in talks with boro let’s hope your source is correct
craigcoozy
Jan 26, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Comment #9stephen am not saying he’s signing for toon or boro am just saying hes stoppin at hotel in jesmond which cant disclose so draw own conclusion from that dont wana start any rumours but boro is quite distance from newcastle aint it!!
ToonAsia
Jan 26, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Comment #10hi stephen30, thought craigcoozy is right, routledge sign for us http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20100126/breaking-news-united-sign-routledge_2240137_1944764
Flop
Jan 26, 2010 at 1:37 PM
Comment #11Wow craigcoozy is right, can’t believe it. It’s been a long time since I’ve been impressed with one of our transfers. Hope he plays tomorrow night 🙂
ziad
Jan 26, 2010 at 2:20 PM
Comment #12let’s sign him already
ziad
Jan 26, 2010 at 2:21 PM
Comment #13craicoozy !! what’s ur source then?
estechco
Jan 26, 2010 at 2:40 PM
Comment #14Ok, where’s me hat, I think I need to eat it!?!