Cheick Tiote misses Newcastle tour due to visa issues
But McClaren was not talking about the club’s powerful fan base, the head coach suggested that Newcastle are still more than capable of landing top transfer targets to improve the team.
Ahead of last night’s friendly against Mexican side Club Atlas in Milwaukee, McClaren backed Coloccini, who was made skipper four years ago by former boss Alan Pardew. Everybody knows the reputation and size of the club. He is an all-rounder midfielder, who has proven his attacking ability to his club, but is used in a more defensive role for his country, so if he can assist in both of these positions for Newcastle then he will be much loved by the supporters.
The Magpies would also have no problem matching the player’s wage demands, but matching his ambitions appears to be the problem as he wants European football. There’s a big appetite for that to happen, without a doubt.
But Newcastle are still in the market for Thauvin and are expected to go in with a fresh offer, while managing director Lee Charnley continues to work on a deal for Anderlecht striker Mitrovic too.
The signing of Georginio Wijnaldum last week, announced on the club’s official website, was a real statement of intent and there is the expectation that more arrivals are soon to follow. “There’s no news of yet because of the time difference”.
But despite the hold up, the 54-year-old has further new signings in his sights, although understandably refuses to talk about specific individuals just yet.
“I think this is the start of a new era”. “As I said, I need to improve my own game but it is a different kind of play to last season”.
McClaren will be keen to get an invaluable look at how his squad handles game situations over the next few weeks.
Steve McClaren has confirmed that Cheikh Tiote has been left out of Newcastle United’s tour of the United States after he was refused a visa.