We need to spend big pleads Kev

Magpies boss Keegan was delighted after Newcastle’s first pre-season match ended in a 4-1 win over Hartlepool United on Saturday, but has told owner Mike Ashley the big spending must start soon.[>

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So far this summer Keegan has bolstered his squad with only two signings – Danny Guthrie from Liverpool and Jonas Gutierrez, a free transfer from Real Mallorca. Keegan has missed out on midfield playmakers Deco, Luka Modric and Pablo Aimar, and failed to persuade Peter Crouch to choose St James’ Park ahead of Portsmouth.[>

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Keegan, who was buoyed by Damien Duff’s hat-trick in the win over Hartlepool, said: “I’d like to bring in four new players. There definitely has to be more signings in the pipeline. I’ve told the owner.”[>

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Despite two largely ineffectual seasons at Newcastle, Duff looked sharp on Saturday and Keegan is convinced a heavy pre-season workload has got him back into shape.[>

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“Damien is going to be in the best condition of his Newcastle career,” said Keegan.[>

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“The lad has never had a pre-season in three years, but he’s at the weight he was at 18 because he’s worked so hard. I think we have to draw a line under what has gone before.[>

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“We definitely want to keep him. He sets good standards in training and he’s one of the ones that, come rain or shine, always sets an example.”[>

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Duff has struggled to set St James’ Park alight following his £5million switch from Stamford Bridge two years ago and he now faces competition from Gutierrez.[>

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Keegan said: “Gutierrez can play in Damien’s position and it’s an area that we’re very strong in, but we haven’t got competition everywhere and we need to sign at least four quality players in the right positions before the season starts.”[>