Newcastle have only added Joe Willock this summer which puts Steve Bruce’s squad on par with last season. When asked about the likelihood of signings in recent days, Bruce hasn’t sounded very convincing that anything is strongly brewing behind the scenes.
That was the case again this morning during his press conference for tomorrow’s match against Southampton. Bruce was again asked about incomings and said the following as published in The Chronicle:
“I’ve got four or five in mind. Whether it will be possible to get them off the other clubs? That’s always a problem.
“We’ve had our targets and the ones to look for and the ones to keep an eye on. We’ve had to wait because, usually, the bigger clubs will have a look.
“We’re a big club ourselves – don’t get me wrong on that – but a lot of people take pre-season and the last couple of games to look at their squad.
“Now, in the next two or three days, we’ve all got to name a 25-man squad. I think a lot of people are in a situation where there’s going to be some disappointed players around because they’re not going to make the 25, which is always a situation no one wants to have.”
Bruce played the waiting game with Joe Willock and the plan remains the same for his other targets. He could strike lucky twice if one of these four or five targets become available. But we’ll likely be waiting until deadline day to find out.
Bruce has spoken exclusively of loan signings recently with the claim that he has no more money to work with. Though an interesting link has surfaced over the past day or so.
According to Alan Nixon with The Sun, Newcastle are monitoring the situation of Kang-In Lee, who has just one year remaining on his contract with Valencia.
Wolves Southampton and Newcastle taking a look at a late move for Kang-In Lee. Valencia midfielder. South Korean international. Being freed. Mallorca also trying.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) August 27, 2021
Nixon is suggesting that Valencia will release the midfielder after being unable to reach an agreement for a new deal. However, that claim hasn’t been verified anywhere else. In fact, it was just a few weeks ago that reports had his asking price at £8.5m. He reportedly has an astronomical release clause as well.
Valencia apparently will listen to offers for the South Korean but it’s unclear if they would just release him for nothing. Though one potential reason to do so if they can find no takers is that he would take up one of Valencia’s non-EU slots.
If Kang-In Lee does get released, he becomes an interesting prospect for Newcastle. At only 20 years of age, he wouldn’t take up a squad place. Newcastle are currently at 25 players if Bruce names 4 goalkeepers.
He is a very versatile and skillful talent who could create some chances in and around the box. Though his finishing is very suspect. However, he doesn’t turn 21 until February and has already racked up 62 appearances for Valencia. So he could be a decent addition if Valencia do decide to release him.
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62 comments so far
Romford mag
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:24 PM
Comment #41GP
Good to see you back posting mate 🙂
Romford mag
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:24 PM
Comment #42Scott
I don’t know what you mean 😉
Romford mag
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:26 PM
Comment #43Wor
It took me 10 to 12 games to win one last season mate 🙂
naptoon
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:27 PM
Comment #44Wor b
Makes sense (wink emoji)
Optimistic prime
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:27 PM
Comment #45I don’t think anyone has commented on the player in the thread.
Optimistic prime
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:29 PM
Comment #46We need a midfield general type, no point having attacking midfielders if you aint got the ball.
Wor B
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:29 PM
Comment #47Rom
Thanks for the moral support.
I was about to turn to drink there, but you’ve pulled me back from the edge of the abyss!
Think I’ll have a powerfully hopped IPA to celebrate.
naptoon
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:31 PM
Comment #48The only korean whod sign for us under bruceless is dim yung man.
Romford mag
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:31 PM
Comment #49Wor
Always happy to help mate 😀
Gothmog's Pyjamas
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:33 PM
Comment #50You’ve started the season well Jail, top 10k the target??
Romford mag
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:33 PM
Comment #51If there’s other teams in for him , he won’t be coming here !!
Romford mag
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:35 PM
Comment #52GP
I’m already doing better than last season so far !
I’ve already won a game 😆
naptoon
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:36 PM
Comment #53We are waiting for the whoopsies in the reduced section on last day of window.
Uncertain Toon/World
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:38 PM
Comment #54I’ve smashed in my wildcard already, that’s how good a start I’ve had!
Jail for Ashley
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:38 PM
Comment #55GP,
Top 75K I’d be very happy with, starting to get tricky now with the introduction of Lukaku and Ronaldo, I’m not ripping up my plan to get either at the moment.
Wor B
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:40 PM
Comment #56Everyone likes the occasional yellow label bargain, unless he’s your back-up striker. 🙁
AnyToon in Indiana
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:43 PM
Comment #57He must be waiting on Aberdeen to make their final moves
naptoon
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:44 PM
Comment #58Every now and then you get a nice bit of steak but the fat man in charge is happy with the 4 day old whole mackerels thats the bother with the reduced section …. especially 5 mins b4 close at final price drop.
Uncertain Toon/World
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:46 PM
Comment #59So even Man City couldn’t get near to what Levy was wanting for Kane
Wor B
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:47 PM
Comment #60naptoon
Was gonna try to compete with another furry basket analogy. but I concede defeat.
🙂
magicmac54
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:48 PM
Comment #61So Jail for Ashley v The eggman this week in the fantasy league, iam sure a lot of you guys in the fantasy league are hoping Jail finishes up with egg on his face, and iam not yolking 😀 😀
magicmac54
Aug 27, 2021 at 8:57 PM
Comment #62It will be interesting to hear how Bruce talks up Manure plus Ronaldo in his pre match conferance, will it be we`re up against a big club or a huge club, perhaps it will be a massive club or a gigantic club, or possibly a club from a different stratosphere 😀 😀 😀