Newcastle United are determined to go forwards, not back.
Last week there was all talk of Andy Carroll returning to Newcastle United, as Liverpool not so subtlety seek to offload him.
Alan Pardew and Mike Ashley gave it a think, and were reported to have submitted an offer far below Liverpool’s valuation.
The Reds rejected it. Fair enough, said Newcastle, we’ll move on.
At the time a potential Carrol return was being debated, we asked if it was a retrograde step. We weren’t the only ones. On fan forums Newcastle fans were split, with many questioning the wisdom of spending big money to bring him back.
In assessing their piggy bank to see what money they could muster for a bid for the striker, Newcastle appear to have thought, ‘well if we are going to spend big, let’s make it for somebody worthwhile.’
Suddenly, the Toon Army have been linked with two of Europe’s most talented marksman, Loic Remy and Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
Between them they struck 49 goals last season ; Huntelaar – 29, Remy – 20. Carroll scored 8.
Whether they get them or not, to be linked with making such statement signings rams home how far Newcastle have come in the last 18 months. Bringing Carroll back might just be a step backwards.
Many feel a proposed move to West Ham would be about right. For Newcastle, capturing Remy or Huntelaar would be a real genuine step forward and a statement of their intent to once again compete and mix it against the Premier League big boys, no two ways about it.
Do you agree or would you still like to see Carroll back?
image: © tpower1978
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