Pardew plans to spend

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has revealed he will have money to spend on strengthening his squad this summer and that his focus will be on adding some fresh attacking options. The Magpies have struggled for goals throughout the season, and Pardew has now admitted he has been told there are funds in place for him to attempt to build a squad capable of competing for a place in the upper echelons of the Premier League.

A lack of creativity in midfield since Yohan Cabaye’s January move to Paris Saint-Germain has been a clear issue for Newcastle, and the Magpies fans believe Pardew will have finding a replacement for the Frenchman will be high on his list. A number of midfielders have been tipped by fans to be on Pardew’s shopping list, with Moroccan international Younes Belhanda admitting he would be tempted with a move to Premier League side this summer.

Perhaps more pressing for the Newcastle boss will be his lack of numbers in attack. Long serving striker Shola Ameobi is nearing the end of his contract and seemingly destined to leave the club this summer, with fellow forwards Loic Remy and Luuk de Jong tipped by the supporters to be heading back to their parent clubs at the end of their respective loan spells.

Despite drawing the criticism of a number of Newcastle fans for an apparent lack of spending, Magpies owner Mike Ashley has reportedly told Pardew there is money to spend this summer in an effort to achieve European qualification.

“We know, in the summer, we have a kitty to spend. We’re going to need to spend it well, particularly in offensive areas,” said the Newcastle manager.

Assisting Pardew in his summer recruitment will be new managing director Lee Charnley who has replaced Joe Kinnear. Newcastle fans will certainly be hoping the new man has a much more significant impact in the role than his predecessor managed.