Forster Not a Done Deal Yet Says Hughton

Media news this week suggested Burnley were very close to signing Newcastle keeper, Fraser Forster on a season-long loan. Although there had been some delays it was still thought the loan move was in effect a done deal. Brian Laws had hoped Forster would have been on board in time for the 8-day Singapore tour. They flew out to the Far East yesterday though with the loan deal also still in the air!

Laws appears to be holding out hope that a deal can still be done soon and it is thought that the keeper could yet fly out to join up with the Clarets in the Far East before the tour ends.

What though is causing the delay? We have a clue today from Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton.

It would appear that the proposed loan move to Burnley will only happen if Forster is guaranteed first-team football.

Hughton also appears to have poured cold water on the speculation that a loan move to Turf Moor was virtually on the cards and has denied that United have come to an agreement with the Clarets.

Speaking to the Sunday Sun he said:

"Fraser hasn`t gone to Burnley and they haven`t reached an agreement with us.

"We`re conscious of the fact Burnley want him and there has been communication, but we haven`t made a decision on whether he will go there.

"I think to be fair to their side there has been a lot of discussion between the two clubs and more so between Brian Laws and myself.

"Anything that has come out, whether it`s premature or not, I think it was done with the best intentions.

"If he is going to go out on loan we want him to be playing.

"It`s important he goes somewhere where he is playing football matches and I think that is the same with anyone we let go out on loan this season.

"We want them to be put in a starting position when they go there. If it doesn`t work out and they lose their place, that`s different. That`s down to their form and that`s normal."

The fact a deal has not been agreed would suggest that Brian Laws is not contemplating making Forster his number one choice for the start of the season which will be music to the ears of Brian Jensen!

Either that or Laws has so far been unable to convince Hughton in the numerous chats they have had that Forster will be given enough opportunity to play.

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