We have touched on this subject many times ... but we have to ask the question: "Is Pardew a big enough name to bring the big signings to Newcastle ... or is Mike Ashley simply too greedy to fork out the money?"
Pardew has been left disappointed, frustrated and angered by Newcastle United’s failure to land a striker in the January transfer window, but he refuses (as always) to question the commitment of Ashley to the cause.
The facts are there for all to see: (since January) the club has brought in £47m in the sale of players ... and spent £7.5m.
The cash is there; so why wasn't it spent? And that has been the main talking point amongst supporters ever since the market closed.
The Sunday Sun understands United had identified FIFTEEN strikers and could not complete on any of them.
A senior St James’ Park source reckons the club were trying to sign players for half of their true valuation – and eventually ran out of time.
SUNDAY SUN: The jury is out on whether they have got replacements for Enrique, Nolan, Barton and Carroll, and the judgement will only arrive when United confront a winter which promises to provide a thorough examination of a small squad.
Among his suggestions at the various transfer summits held during the summer were the likes of Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and, most surprisingly of all, Stoke’s rangey former Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones. All of them were not interested.
He proposed several players he had previously worked with including Rob Green, Nicky Shorey and Paul Konchensky – and consistently argued he could get the best out of players written off elsewhere.
However, the criteria was set long before Pardew stepped through the doors at St James’ Park and there was little prospect of United breaking the bank to sign anyone over 30.
Kevin Gameiro had told United early on he preferred Spain, but such was his pedigree and class United believed him worth a fortnight’s pursuit. Pardew actually went as far as meeting the Ivory Coast striker.
Then came the failed pursuit of Mevlut Erdinc, the summer’s bugbear for many at the club.
A good player, undoubtedly, but with an agent in Pierre Frelot who proved immensely difficult to deal with.
He demanded bonuses and assurances and eventually fell out with United, which set back a pursuit which was almost complete in early June right back to square one by mid-July.
Llambias was in London prepared to hop on a plane to finally complete the Maiga deal but Sochaux, despite indicating they would be prepared to sell a few hours earlier, called time on the deal.
Suggestions of a Visa complication were also put forward, but not fully substantiated.
United also looked into Bryan Ruiz of FC Twente but even Llambias recognised it was a very long shot.
Virtually signed, sealed and delivered at Craven Cottage, the player was barely informed of the interest from United.
Pardew’s mood was hardly brightened by the fact his proposal to loan Federico Macheda was blocked.