Allardyce set to step up search

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is determined to make up to four more signings before the start of the new Barclays Premier League season.

The 52-year-old´s pursuit of the top-class defenders he wants to strengthen his squad appears to have gone cold and he is ready to leave pre-season training in the hands of his staff as he attempts to get his men.

Allardyce said: "Unfortunately, everything this week progressed to a certain level and has fallen on stony ground and I haven´t been able to pursue something to the full conclusion of actually bringing him in for a medical to try to finish off a transfer."

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