Hughton facing up to a transfer dilemma at Newcastle

Marlon Harewood could well have played his last game for Newcastle, as the Aston Villa striker’s loan spell in the North East is yet to be extended. The 30 year old has been an important part of Newcastle’s Championship charge this season, netting 5 times in 15 appearances. But now, having shown the character to overcome a sticky start, Harewood’s time at Newcastle is likely to be cut short as Villa demand further payment. As a result manager Chris Hughton is left facing a striking dilemma, and the Newcastle boss may be forced into some activity in the transfer window.

In many ways Marlon Harewood is the perfect striker for the Championship, as he can use his height and strength to worry opposition defences, and has shown on various occasions that he can find the back of the net. He has been a useful addition to the Newcastle squad this season, providing much-needed competition for the strikers that Newcastle have in their ranks. It has also been beneficial for Harewood himself, as the striker has got match practice under his belt and left the wilderness facing him at Aston Villa. Harewood told The Journal that “my time at Newcastle has been unbelievable. I’ve really enjoyed it and I feel I’ve got better with every game,” of which the latter cannot be questioned. But does Harewood’s probable exit leave Hughton short of striking options?

In terms of strikers, Newcastle have plenty of quality but not in a great amount of quantity. Shola Ameobi is the club’s main front man and the striker has a good strike rate this season, netting 8 times in just 8 matches. However, Shola is renowned for being injury prone and cannot be expected to remain fit for the rest of the season. Then there is Andy Carroll, one of the brightest prospects at the club who can only improve as he is given more match time. Carroll is one for the future and the present, but his off the field activities will concern Hughton. Elsewhere there is Nile Ranger, the tall 18 year old who will be a real quality player if he can add goals to his impressive performances, and the experienced Peter Lovenkrands who gives Hughton a different option with his pace. But are those four strikers enough for Hughton and Newcastle to rely on?

Given Ameobi’s susceptibility to injury and Ranger’s inexperience and lack of goals, Hughton may well be tempted to delve into the transfer market if he cannot agree a renewed deal for Harewood. It has been rumoured that Hughton will turn his attentions to Rangers striker Kris Boyd, and the Scottish international should be available at a reasonable price as his contract expires in the summer. Boyd has consistently scored goals for fun in the SPL, and although many players have struggled to make the step up from Scottish to English football, the 26 year old could well be a useful addition to the Newcastle squad.

If Hughton doesn’t target Boyd I would be surprised if he didn’t go after another striker, even if he only brought one in on loan, as the importance of competition for places cannot be underestimated. He does face a slight dilemma in whether to put faith in his current quartet or opt for reinforcements, but if he is in doubt, Hughton should leave nothing to chance and bring in another striker to make sure that Newcastle have the firepower to make a swift return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.