Mort promises summer cash

8:53am Tuesday 6th May 2008

NEWCASTLE UNITED chairman Chris Mort has promised Kevin Keegan he will be able to compete in the transfer market this summer, despite seeing the Magpies manager already lose out on his top target.

The decision by Luka Modric to choose White Hart Lane ahead of St James' Park ten days ago came as a shock to the Newcastle board.

Mort admitted they were surprised to learn the Croatian midfielder agreed to move to Spurs on a lower weekly wage than offered on Tyneside.

But Mort insists owner Mike Ashley is intent on attracting top players to Newcastle this summer, to help Keegan deliver a UEFA Cup place next season.

"Over the summer we will look to strengthen the squad further," said Mort. "We want to acquire the players that can help make Newcastle a top team for the medium and long-term, not just for the next season or two.

"That is why we put a substantial offer in for Luka Modric, who is 22. It is frustrating that Modric, like Woodgate, should take less money to move to the bright lights of London, and European football next season.

"But these are the sorts of difficulties that should get easier to address once we build a squad that competes at the right end of the table."

* Newcastle have appointed Derek Llambias as deputy chairman.

Llambias has worked in the entertainment and leisure industry for 30 years.

Editor's Choice