Newcastle United have signed Nottingham Forest defender James Perch on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, despite the club stating in May that there will be no money spent on transfers this summer.

A statement from the board on the club’s website read:

“It is clear to the board that no organisation can be successful, until the financial position is stabilised. The board have therefore structured a five-year plan in which the ultimate goal will be to ensure that the club is run at a 'break even' manner by the year 2015-2016.

The first team squad that won the Championship this year will form the basis of the team for next season in the Premier League. There is no plan for new capital outlay on players.”

Since that statement has been made nothing has changed at St. James’ Park, the club have received no investment and no player has been sold. It is a strange scenario and although the board have perhaps pulled the wool over their fans eyes a little, the club have clearly decided it's best to play their transfer cards close to their chest ahead of what is going to be a big season for them.

Clubs have often found that by stating your transfer intensions that it has a negative effect and the selling clubs tend to take advantage of the situation and knock prices up. Newcastle being coy and doing business under the radar is a smart move by the board as they look to stabalise the club's finances and not to mention ensure that Chris Hughton has the tools required to keep Newcastle in the Premier League. Whether or not Perch will be of significant quality remains to be seen, as he doesn't have any top flight experience, but perhaps Hughton may have pulled a masterstroke, only time will tell.

Manager Chris Hughton didn’t give any indication on the club’s transfer funds and simply said about the deal:

“James is a player I've admired for some time and it's great we've been able to secure his services. I'm certain he'll prove to be a great addition to our squad.”

Some supporters may not be bowled over by the signing and perhaps feel a little confused in seeing the club spending having previously claimed that there would be no outlay, but I'm sure all will be forgiven if Perch plays his part in ensuring Newcastle have a solid return to the Premier League, especially given the turmoil that has gone on at the football club in the past couple of years.

What do you make of Newcastle's actions?

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