Interim boss John Carver insists the board are willing to loosen the purse strings this summer as a number of the squad’s fringe players are set to depart, with Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote leading the exodus.
Under the reign of controversial owner Mike Ashley many fans may be sceptical but, with a number of the squad’s fringe players looking to depart from St James’ Park in a desperate search for first-team football, his hand may be forced.
On whether the board were looking to spend in the summer, Carver admitted: “It’s pretty obvious to the man in the street and to the professionals.”
“It has to be done. There are people out of contract, there are people who are not good enough.”
Ivory Coast international Cheick Tiote joins the long list of those looking to secure a move away from Tyneside this summer, with West Ham and high flying Southampton weighing up moves for the £7.5million-rated midfielder.
The Hammers view Tiote as an ideal replacement for Barcelona loanee Alex Song, who’s remains hopeful of securing a move to a bigger club. While, the Saints have only penciled the 28-year-old as a potential summer signing incase a queue of potential suitors come calling for either of their defensive midfield stars Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin.
