Newcastle Set To Miss Out On Arsenal Loans

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EPL: Neves Denilson , Arsenal v Newcastle United (PA)

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• Alexandre Song Bilong
• Johan Djourou
• Denilson

Joe Kinnear was hoping to use his personal friendship with Arsene Wenger to his advantage at Newcastle, and poach some of Arsenal's players to help out his Newcastle squad, albeit on a temporary basis.

However, after Arsenal eased into the last-16 of the Champions League last night, such a deal is looking increasingly unlikely.

Kinnear was initially interested in bringing midfielder Denilson to the North-East, but that now is a 'non-starter' according to the Newcastle boss. It would also seem that two other players are no longer viable targets either.

"I was looking at the situation regarding both Alexandre Song and Johan Djourou at The Emirates," said Kinnear today.

"However, I notice both played for Arsenal when they beat Dynamo Kiev last night, so I know I was wasting my time thinking about these two on loan.

"I can understand Arsene Wenger not wanting to let Denilson go either."

Kinnear was also moved to comment on the recent criticism that had  been levelled at Wenger after Arsenal's faltering progress in the Premier League.

"What I cannot understand is the criticism coming his way from some Arsenal fans," Kinnear stated.

"He has done and is still doing a fantastic job at the Emirates and he is probably the manager I admire most.

"He has implemented a youth policy at Arsenal which is the envy of teams all over Europe, and it is something I know our director of football Dennis Wise has already started to get up and running here at Newcastle."

Speculation had implied that the chances of Newcastle landing Roma left-back John-Arne Riise in January were also now gone, but Kinnear doesn't think that that is necessarily the case.

"We have been in touch with Roma to see what kind of package they are looking at for Riise.

"We are waiting to hear back from them."

Newcastle are desperate to sign a left-back, and Riise would certainly fit the bill. United have also been linked with Blackburn Rovers pair Stephen Warnock and Christopher Samba, and were scouting Liverpool's out-of-favour left-back Emiliano Insua at a reserve game at Whitley Bay on Monday night.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com