Report: Newcastle branded 'amateur hour' as PIF get desperate in search for January additions

By Lee Connor

Newcastle United are trying to press on with making new signings before the end of the month but at the moment, things aren’t looking overly promising for PIF and the Mags’ manager, Eddie Howe.

PIF have already sanctioned expensive moves for both Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier this month. The pair are seen, by most anyway, as smart purchases for both this season and next. However, a number of other big names have, so far, slipped the net.

And according to a report from The Times, Newcastle are not impressing those in the know when it comes to their transfer negotiations. Within the Times‘ report, it states that sources familiar with negotiations are branding Newcastle as ‘amateur hour’ when it comes to their attempts to sign Diego Carlos from Sevilla. The Brazilian is one of the club’s top defensive targets. But so far, no deal has been done, as Sevilla hang on for closer to £40m.

The update will be worrying for Newcastle fans who had been hoping for huge action this month. Of course, there are two weeks left in the window and things could ramp up.

But this is not the first time a similar accusation has been levelled at the higher-ups at St James’ Park. PIF, then, have a lot of work to do it seems.

TBR’s View: Newcastle Need The Right People In To Grow

This first window was always going to be the trickiest for Newcastle. Clubs know they have huge amounts of cash and the fact they’re in a relegation fight means players are also tentative.

But the worrying news about happenings above is a worry for the Toon Army. Ultimately, it seems they haven’t quite got to grips with the market and negotiations. And going forward, that is not ideal at all.

PIF will need to ensure they have the best possible in terms of their recruitment teams. Looking at Manchester City and even Liverpool, who have had success with Michael Edwards overseeing things, might be the way to go.