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Kinnear takes transfer control

Interim boss to stay until the end of the season

Last updated: 28th November 2008

Kinnear: In control

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Joe Kinnear insists he will have full control over Newcastle's activity in the January transfer market.

The Magpies interim boss has been told his role will last until the end of the season after club owner Mike Ashley put unsuccessful attempts to sell the club on hold.

And Kinnear has also been informed that he will be handed a New Year transfer kitty as he looks to reinforce the squad he inherited from former boss Kevin Keegan.

A disagreement over transfer policy was partly responsible for Keegan's shock departure in September but his predecessor is adamant he will be the only man making decisions regarding new signings.

He said: "At the moment, the plan is that I identify the players I want and then that will go back to the chairman, Derek Llambias, and then I assume he will give (football director) Dennis Wise the order to go and get them, that's how it works.

Task

"But they are strictly my players. I identify them, it goes to the board, they will back it, hopefully finances will be made available and then Dennis will be given the task to go and negotiate and get the job done.

"I have spoken to the owner, I have explained to him where I think we need to strengthen up with the squad that we have got.

"He is quite happy with that and if we can get the players I am looking for, he has promised me that he will back me up."

And Kinnear admits that one of his priorities will be to establish the future of striker Michael Owen, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The England international has been linked with Manchester City over recent weeks as speculation suggests he could be prepared to walk away from St James' Park, and Kinnear is eager to end any doubts.