Newcastle in the hunt for Juventus winger
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is reportedly interested in bringing Juventus winger Eljero Elia to St James’ Park before the transfer window closes.
The Dutchman only moved to Turin in August but has become disillusioned with life in Italy after making only three appearances since joining from Hamburg where he had a productive two-year spell. Elia is keen to ensure his place in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2012 and knows he can only achieve that if he is playing first team football with Newcastle prepared to offer him a chance.
Pardew is keen to strengthen his squad in January as he prepares the Magpies for a European tilt in the second half of the season and has already boosted his attack with the signing of Papiss Cisse from Freiburg. However he is also keen to bring in an out-and-out right winger after becoming frustrated with the poor showings of summer signing Gabriel Obertan who has flattered to deceive for much of the season.
Hatem Ben Arfa has also played and impressed in the position over the last month but Pardew still regards the talented Frenchman as a second striker. The Toon boss is desperate for a player to provide crosses for Cisse and Demba Ba, who are set to return early from the African Nations Cup following Senegal’s exit, and Elia fits the bill.
It’s thought owner Mike Ashley isn’t prepared to spend big money again with the 24-year-old likely to command a hefty fee although a loan deal could be a possibility with the move being made permanent in the summer. Pardew could finance the deal by selling Peter Lovenkrands and Alan Smith who are both interesting a number of Premier League and Championship clubs.
