Steve McClaren vows to keep Fabricio Coloccini despite Crystal Palace interest

Newcastle manager Steve McClaren has praised the club for delivering on promises to bring in top quality players and also expecting captain Fabricio Coloccini to stay at St James’ Park.

Pardew is looking to continue to strengthen his squad, following the signing of Yohan Cabaye from Paris Saint-Germain, and according to the aforementioned source sees Coloccini as an ideal addition, having worked with him while managing Newcastle.

“We said from the start that we would have to be patient and try to get the right players when they were available, and we have done”, said McClaren. McClaren has signed Wijnaldum from PSV and this could be one of the greatest coups of this Premier League season.

“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”.

“He needs a good week this week – he needs to play on Saturday – but we need him in the team, and if he gets that, I think he can be available for Southampton”.

A familiar face and a familiar style of play were what persuaded Georginio Wijnaldum to join Newcastle United.

“Because of the surface, he couldn’t play in the last game (against Portland Timbers), and he’s got a little niggle today”. I know things were hard last season, but I want him out on the field and in a Newcastle shirt, playing for the team.

Substitute Siem de Jong looked to have won it for Newcastle after Marc McNulty had levelled early in the second half, but Freeman’s strike from outside the penalty area denied the visitors.

Tomorrow’s match at Bramall Lane is a testimonial for Blades legend, Chris Morgan, who came close to signing for Newcastle, only for BobbyRobson not to take his No2 Mick Wadsworth’s recommendation.

Full-back Freeman had the final say, though, lashing home from just outside the penalty area.

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