Smith & Mido Both Angered By News Of "Swap" Deal
By Tyne-Talk
January 8 2009
Speculation is growing over Alan Smith's future at Newcastle United after he was reportedly joining Middlesbrough in a swap deal with Egyptian International Mido. Smith is said to have been "shocked" that talks had occurred without his knowledge, let alone a formal move to see him leave the club, whilst Mido is also angered by the news.
Smith, 28, who has been out injured for the past 3 months with Achilles Tendinopathy and who has pencilled in a return for the coming weeks has had quotes concerning him published by a "friend" claiming he has no intention of leaving Newcastle.
The following was published in both the Daily Mirror and The Sun this morning;
"Alan's really angry about this. He has been working hard to regain his fitness and wants to do well - at Newcastle.
He is back in training and should be ready for selection by the end of the month.
He does not want to go anywhere else."
Smith is yet to score for Newcastle despite having been on Tyneside for 18months, he is also being paid a wage of approximately £60,000 a week, an expensive fee just to keep the Physio team in business.
The other player involved in this "swap" deal is also infuriated at the prospect of a switch and is said to have expressed his anger directly to manager Gareth Southgate.
Mido was quoted saying;
"Gareth Southgate told me in the afternoon about the negotiations between the two clubs and informed me of these negotiations, something which I did not know before. I'm very angry no one informed me of the ongoing talks before today, and I made sure manager Gareth Southgate knows how I feel."
I was informed that the negotiations between the two clubs are going on for about a week and I did not know nothing about it.
Newcastle United made an offer to Boro for me, and I understand that they are very excited to see me in the squad."
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Smith needs to stay with us but i think he deserves more games than what he gets.
Just reading Kinnear's comments I agree with him. This is utter rubbish. There's now way he can be transferred after returning from a 6 month injury. It just wouldn't be possible for Smith to pass the medical and any club after him would be nuts!.