Chris Hughton will attempt to use the loan system to keep Newcastle United in the Premier League next season after being told he has no money to spend on new players.
Ideally, Hughton would like to borrow Jack Wilshere from Arsenal, and Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley from Manchester United as he endeavours to infuse the Championship winners with some much‑needed pace and creativity.
Wilshere has spent the past season on loan at Bolton Wanderers while Welbeck and Cleverley have been at Preston North End and Watford respectively, but there are no guarantees that Newcastle's manager will secure the trio's services for what promises to be a most challenging campaign.
Last night St James' Park officials issued a rather aggressive 1,000 word plus statement revealing that Hughton would not be provided with fresh funds to restock his squad this close season as the club strives to "break even" over the next five years. During this period of financial rebalancing it will concentrate on developing young talent in the academy.
"The first‑team squad that won the Championship this year will form the basis of the team for next season in the Premier League," the statement read. "There is no plan for new capital outlay on players."
This at least leaves Hughton potential scope to sell in order to buy. Newcastle's manager has said he does not want to offload anyone but Tony Pulis is keen to discuss a possible exchange deal involving Andy Carroll and one or two of his Stoke City players.
Steven Taylor could move on this summer when the Argentinian internationals Jonás Gutiérrez and Fabricio Coloccini may also be in the shop window. Coloccini, who earns around £70,000 a week, is a big drain on Newcastle's resources and a significant contributor to their annual £40m player wage bill but it is doubtful whether any other club will match his handsome salary.
Bob Moncur, the former Newcastle captain, yesterday said: "It's disappointing to say the least. Next season will be difficult. In some ways, it takes the pressure off Chris Hughton but it will be really hard."
Newcastle's owner, Mike Ashley, has clearly tired of pumping money into a club which recorded an operating loss of £37.2m in 2008-09, estimates a shortfall of £32.5m for 2009-10 and has its £20m overdraft facility fully committed. Although promotion will be worth around £60m, Ashley's overriding priority is clearing debts while trusting that Hughton can somehow avoid relegation.
