Lawsuit or loans, the Owls tell Toon
NEWCASTLE have been left stunned after Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri offered to drop his legal threat over Steve Bruce if the Toon sent players to Hillsborough on loan.
Chansiri told Newcastle he wanted Achraf Lazaar and Rolando Aarons, who had loan spells with the Owls last term, to return to the Championship club for the season.
And senior sources at St James’ Park say the Thai businessman also wanted a formal arrangement for others to follow – with Newcastle paying most of the players’ wages.
Newcastle dismissed Chansiri’s demands as they believe they have paid the compensation due under the terms of Bruce’s contract.
It is understood the sum was significantly less than the £4million widely reported.
Bruce, 58, signed a three-year contract to become Newcastle boss last week. It is his dream job but he has been left saddened by Chansiri’s stance as he felt it was an amicable departure.
He told Chansiri when Newcastle made an approach for him to succeed Rafa Benitez and briefed him in full throughout negotiations.
Coaches Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence also quit Wednesday to follow Bruce to Tyneside.
And within hours of the appointment being announced, Chansiri was threatening legal action.
Newcastle have been told Chansiri’s lawyers have identified a legal loophole that will enable Wednesday to push for more compensation.
Newcastle are now waiting to see if Wednesday continue down the legal route.