By Chris Baker
August 19 2006

Following the 2-1 win over Wigan, Glenn Roeder has revealed that he is close to adding to his squad, with a speedy striker to play up front with Shola Ameobi likely to be one such player.

Negotiations are underway with more than one player, with transfers being concluded this week, a hopeful Roeder announced:

"I can't specifically say who we will be bringing in, who will be signing or who we won't, but negotiations are well on their way with a few players and I'd like to think by next weekend they will have been concluded.

"When the players arrive, I'd like to think that the supporters, players, backroom staff and everyone at Newcastle will be very pleased with the players we bring in.

"We all know that once the window closes, that's it, we're on our way.

"If I get the players I think we're going to get, I'll be very happy."

Earlier, Roeder had revealed he plans to bring in a striker to play alongside Ameobi, not to replace him:

"`I'm not buying a striker to replace you (Ameobi) - I'm buying a striker to play with you.' And that's the truth.

"He is learning slowly but surely to be a meaner player on the pitch, not let central defenders dominate him, and let them know they've been in a game.

"He's not going to have 90 minutes of flying here and there but he's got other qualities. Today when he tackled back and helped the team out, the crowd really got on his side.

"Sometimes I think the fans have been a little bit upset with him when he hasn't done that, but now he's done it and won the supporters over.

"But the important people he has always had on his side are the players in the dressing-room - they have always loved him."