Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder will sit down with chairman Freddy
Shepherd hours before the Carling Cup quarter-final clash with
Chelsea to finalise the signings he has pinpointed in next month's
transfer window.
The 51-year-old will send his resurgent side out against the
Barclays Premiership champions at St James' Park on Wednesday night
looking to book a place in the last four by extending the Blues'
run of one draw and two defeats in their last three visits to
Tyneside.
However, he will do so having already thrashed out just where the
chairman's money will be invested during the transfer window as he
looks to strengthen his squad. Roeder said: "We have a list of
players that we have spent the last three months putting
together.
"We have spent a fair time in Europe looking at three or four
targets in those areas of the team I feel need strengthening. "We
have very little strength in depth in defence and with Michael Owen
and Shola Ameobi having long-term injuries, we do not really have
strength in depth in striking roles.
"It would be quite easy to work out the areas we are
attacking."
Shepherd was down at the club's annual general meeting in London
today, However, he remains focused on Roeder's rebuilding plan,
"Glenn and myself have already had preliminary discussions, but we
will probably decide tomorrow just who we can or cannot bring to St
James' Park in the January transfer window.
"Whatever people may or may not say about Newcastle United, we have
always done our best for our manager, and we will do what we can
for Glenn Roeder."
"Jose Mourinho has always treated this cup with respect, which
other managers have not done in the past by putting out weakened
teams.
"We are expecting to play a very strong and motivated Chelsea team
tomorrow night."
