Newcastle boss McClaren insists Coloccini not for sale

The Daily Express are reporting that Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren wants to further strengthen his strikeforce ahead of the new season by landing £12 million-rated Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan. I have looked at him in training and, certainly, he’s one of our best players.

“I know things were hard last season, but I want him out on the field in a Newcastle shirt playing for the team”.

“I’m confident he’ll be here (at the start of the season)”.

“He’s working on his conditioning”. “Unfortunately, he’s got a little niggle”.

The match is followed by friendlies against York City and Borussia Monchengladbach. “We need him in the team”.

Defender Chancel Mbemba is set to formally join the club at the end of the week once the club has sorted visa issues out with the Football Association.

Head coach Steve McClaren said he still wants Coloccini to play in the club’s season-opener against Southampton on August 9. “I’m happy with the players that we’ve got here, I’m happy with the additions”.

“Gini getting a couple of goals in the two games that he’s played, showing his quality and that’s what we’ve got in Mitrovic and Mbemba”.

There was no debut for new boy Aleksandar Mitrovic, but Wijnaldum – recruited from PSV – continued to catch the eye, opening the scoring with a neat finish after George Long had initially denied Cisse.

De Jong then restored Newcastle’s lead when Jack Colback’s corner was flicked on into his path at the back post 11 minutes from time.

However, Sheffield United claimed a deserved draw when full-back Kieron Freeman smashed home a superb long-range volley. “I’m delighted with their attitude in that second half”.

“He’s had a few days away on his own because of the situation”.

Subs (not used): Darlow (gk), Satka.