Cleverley Loan Deal Off?

It is looking increasingly unlikely that Newcastle will be securing the service of Manchester United`s young midfielder Tom Cleverley on loan this season.

Whilst Chris Hughton is keen on the player and an admirer of his talent the stumbling block appears to be the amount of first team action Newcastle will be offering Cleverley during any season long loan..

Hughton`s plans were clearly to have Cleverley as a squad player who would step in when the likes of Nolan, Smith, Barton and Guthrie were not available. But Sir Alex is keen for his young player to get regular first team football again this season after an impressive spell at Watford last season.

It seems a shame that we can`t accommodate a player who would undoubtedly add some much needed creative flair in midfield but on the other hand it is understandable that Hughton wants to put his trust in the players that served him well last season.

In other news it is almost certain that Steve Harper will be remaining at the club after it emerged Celtic, who are desperate for a keeper, will enter talks with David James this week.

I don`t know how realistic a move away from St James` Park would have been for Harper but I suspect Hughton had absolutely no intention of seeing his Number 1 goalkeeper leave.

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