MAGS MISS OUT ON OJO
LIVERPOOL REJECT PREMIER NEW BOYS NEWCASTLE’S APPROACH TO BAG WINGER ON LOAN
Newcastle United have been frustrated in a loan move for Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo.
Rafa Benitez is looking to sign another winger in this summer’s transfer window, and Ojo – who helped England win the Under-20 World Cup earlier this month – has been identified as a potential recruit by the Spaniard.
Newcastle – who have already signed winger Christian Atsu from Chelsea this summer – have approached Benitez’s former club about the possibility of taking Ojo on loan.
But Liverpool made it clear that the winger is unlikely to be farmed out this season.
A number of other Premier League clubs are also understood to have enquired about the England Under-20 international, who has had loan spells at Wolves and Wigan.
Newcastle can only hope now that Liverpool’s stance changes before the summer transfer window closes.
Ojo helped England’s Under-20s win the World Cup earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Tyrone Bartlett will finally complete his move to Newcastle after getting international clearance.
The 17-year-old striker, the son of former Charlton Athletic and South Africa striker Shaun, had a successful trial at the black and whites last season.
Newcastle have also confirmed their final first-team pre-season friendly.
The club will take on Italian outfit Hellas Verona, managed by former Magpie coach Fabio Pecchia, at St James’s Park on Sunday, August 6 (3pm kick-off ).
That will be the Tynesiders’ last preparatory game ahead of the Premier League opener at home to Tottenham the following weekend.
Former Newcastle midfielder and captain Scott Parker has announced his retirement from football.
The 36-year-old began his career at Charlton, before playing for Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham, and most recently Fulham.
He was capped by England 18 times, including every match of the Euro 2012 campaign under Roy Hodgson – in a career which spanned two decades.
Parker was also named the Footballer Writers’ Player of the Year in 2011 during his four-season spell at West Ham. “The decision to retire has not been an easy one for me, but, having thought long and hard over it, I believe that now is the right time to move on to the next chapter in my life and career,” Parker said in a statement.
“I feel incredibly honoured and proud to have enjoyed the career that I have andI’velovedeverymoment.”
Parker made 31 appearances for Fulham last season.