CHN Links: Thursday Edition

Good morning, Toon Army. Could Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique play this week after all? A national writer gives Carroll some advice, the two derby managers speak out about the clash, and three more names are revealed as targets for the club. All that and more after the jump.


News & HSOs
Darren Lewis of MirrorFootball says that Andy Carroll has a choice to make, and in his eyes the choice is to play for Tottenham and enjoy the spotlight of London (not to mention playing in the Champions League) or while away his prime years in obscurity in the North East. Sort of a false dichotomy in the first place, but even accepting his premise shouldn't young talented players like Gareth Bale leave for one of the Manchester clubs or perhaps even Barca? This sort of entitlement is what generates so much hate for the bigger clubs, not to mention the feeling among fans that the media is against them.

Earlier this week it was reported that Jose Enrique would not be available on Sunday, but it appears as if he may just get the chance after all. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle) Andy Carroll is also back in training following reports that called his availability into question as well. (Simon Bird, The Mirror)

Dan Gosling was impressive in a friendly match Wednesday. Gosling reportedly hopes to play on Sunday. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

Managers Alan Pardew (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle) and Steve Bruce (Simon Bird, MirrorFootball) spoke on what the derby means to their respective clubs.

Chris Faulkner of Late Tackle has a very fascinating piece on superstition in sport that is Newcastle-centric.

Transfer Rumors
Alan Pardew met with the board to discuss transfer funds, and one of the targets reportedly mentioned was 22 year-old attacking midfielder Adam Lallana of Pardew's old club Southampton. He just signed a new 5 year deal with the club, which would seem to indicate that they're interested in keeping him. (The Sun)

Several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, are reportedly in on 31 year-old defender Wes Brown of Manchester United. Brown would bring versatility and depth and seems to fit the profile of the right back Alan Pardew is looking for. (Kieran Evans, Manchester Evening News)

20 year-old defensive midfielder Sasha of Gremio Prudente (who is listed at 5'7.5" in some places and 5'10" in another, older database) is said to have drawn interest from Newcastle but has been offered a trial at West Ham. He would not need a work permit if he signed for an English club. (Graeme Bailey, Sky Sports)

The Seb Larsson negotiations appear to be all but dead. (MirrorFootball)

Mauricio Victorino, who has been courted by Newcastle, is receiving special attention from Blackpool. (Graeme Bailey, Sky Sports)

Mido, another rumored target, is now training with Middlesbrough. (Paul Fraser, The Northern Echo)

The Wayne Bridge deal at West Ham is done. (BPL Official Site)

So is the David Bentley deal at Birmingham City. (BPL Official Site)