Clark’s happy to play where his boss wants
WITH the season just over three weeks away, Newcastle United fans are hoping that Lee Charnley is able to hand Rafa Benitez more recruitments before the big kick-off against Tottenham Hotspur. United have already signed four players; Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeune, Jacob Murphy and Javier Manquillo but with more additions wanted by Benitez, there is still plenty of work to be done. Benitez, speaking after the friendly against Preston in which all his new recruits featured, told the Chronicle he was ‘hopeful’ of closing in on another new player. Across the Premier League, deals are been thrashed out but the ante is expected to be upped as we get into August. United are at a slight disadvantage with 17 other clubs ahead in terms of money received from last season’s television deal. However Benitez was promised by Mike Ashley ‘every last penny’ that came with promotion and will be hoping he is handed more funds to strengthen his side. But his budget at St James’ Park is considerably smaller than what he had to work with at Liverpool and with the prices currently being paid into today’s market - the Spaniard will have to be clever in his moves. Up to July 24, 2017, close to £900m has been spent, with it expected to be the most expensive summer transfer window yet. Manchester City have the biggest net spend so far of -£198 million, which is no surprise given the amount of money they’ve spent on defenders so far this season; £123.5m with their total spend £232m. In comparison, Newcastle have a net spend of -£17.43m with only Daryl Murphy and Florian Thauvin leaving so far. According to Transfermarkt, United have spent in the region of £28m so far this summer.
But that is still behind fellow promoted side Huddersfield who have splashed out on £36m worth of talent since winning a place in the top flight via the play-offs. Spurs, who United face in the opening game of the season, have yet to recruit anyone and thanks to sale of Kyle Walker (£50m) have a net spend of +£68.17m. Florian Lejeune and Javier Manquillo CIARAN Clark says he has no qualms about being fielded at leftback during Newcastle United’s pre-season schedule.
The Republic of Ireland international captained United in the second half against Preston North End and also played part of the game on the left-hand side of the back four.
The arrival of Florian Lejeune means Rafa Benitez has increased the amount of competition in the heart of defence and there is talk United may even play with five at the back on some occasions next season.
Benitez also sees Clark as an effective left-back and will not hesitate to play him there when the Premier League season starts.
Clark looked comfortable at leftback and after the game was asked his thoughts on playing out of position.
He said: “The manager picks the team and where players are playing.
“If he feels players need to get minutes in he will play them in whatever position he needs to.
“Another game comes around fast at Bradford – that is all we want to do, play the game and be prepared for the season.”
Clark (pictured below) was satisfied with Newcastle’s performance against Preston and said: “It was a good workout and good to get the minutes under the belt.
“It capped off a decent week of training in Ireland.
“We did the gym work and the double training sessions over there – we want to play matches and get the minutes in.
“It was a good test and it is a draw at the end of the day - but at this stage of the season it is about getting minutes in and getting people through the games without injuries.
“Preston have had a couple more games and maybe an extra week or two training, so they are a fit team and we are obviously working on that.”