Toon turning French

With Newcastle United’s current squad of players looking likely to be split up, Alan Pardew has set his sights firmly on Ligue 1 for reinforcements.

The backbone of the Toon since their promotion back to the Premier League is in doubt, as both, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton have rejected contract offers.

While Nolan was asking for three more years on top of his existing two-year contract, Barton rejected an offer back in January amid concerns over the sale of Andy Carroll.

Nolan’s demands seem extremely unreasonable for a 29-year old and I don’t blame owner Mike Ashley for refusing to meet them.

With two years remaining, there is also still time to sort out his future.

However that of Barton’s is more concerning, with Pardew confirming no new offer will be made and that last season’s player of the year will leave after this year.

Meanwhile, Jose Enrique looks set to depart for Liverpool after emerging as a candidate for the Spanish left-back slot. That also brings up rumours that the remainder of the three amigos, Jonas and Coloccini, will also be tempted to leave.

So now, Pardew is searching for cover, with a left-back, central defender, central midfielder, winger and striker all targeted. Central midfield looks tied up with the excellent signing of French international Yohan Cabaye for only £4 million.

The deal looks like great business and to happen so early is a massive boost.

Add the return of Hatem Ben Arfa and the Toon have two quality signings for next season.

Two bids were apparently rejected by Toulouse for French Under-21 Cheikh M’Bengue. Another Cheick would have been class considering the success of Cheick ‘Shoooooooot’ Tiote. However that seems to have died out.

Throw in Charles N’Zogbia (who should not return, especially for the reported £12 million fee) and Demba Ba, and Newcastle seem intent on scouring the Premier League and Ligue 1 for French-born talent.

Rennes have reportedly rejected a Toon bid for Tongo Hamed Doumbia, while they missed out on the services of highly-rated striker Kevin Gameiro, who signed for PSG last week.

Lille frontman Gervinho, although not French, has also been targeted. Yet, surely a player of his quality will not want to come to Toon with clubs like Arsenal hovering around him.

Though perhaps Cabaye can convince him to link back up on Tyneside?

There ends the current French connection, though more players from Ligue 1 are still being targeted.

The next man who has been confirmed as a target is PSG frontman, Mevlüt Erdinç, a Turkish international, while Eden Hazard (if only!) has also been linked.

It has to be said that Pardew and his chief scout, Graham Carr have done their homework, and Newcastle’s reputation amongst French footballers is sky-high due to their treatment of Ben Arfa’s injury.

The question is however, is Pardew crazy? Or is his hand being forced by Ashley’s intent to break-up the leadership group in the dressing room?

There can be no doubt that the success of Newcastle in gaining promotion and achieving a mid-table finish in their first season back was solely down to the dressing room spirit. This atmosphere was lead by Barton, Nolan, Harper and Alan Smith.

However, there can also be no doubt that the French players mentioned are superior to most of Newcastle’s current squad.

Is Pardew really expecting to bring in five French players and expect them to create the same team spirit however?

It seems obvious that Mike Ashley is not happy with the power some Toon players hold and that he wants them out of ‘his’ club.

Pardew doesn’t have the backbone to stand up to Ashley even if he wants to keep Barton and co. He’s just stoked he has another chance in the Premier League.

So, it remains to be seen whether this reliance on French talent will be a success.

Hopefully we see more Ginolas, Roberts and Bassongs than Guivarc’hs, Boumsongs and Gomas.