By Albatross
August 12 2004

Hartlepool United are apparently chasing a couple of Newcastle United players for loan deals. However given the source of this news is the Hartlepool Mail, a large pinch of salt may be the order of the day.... The report in the Hartlepool Mail reckons that Robbie Elliott and Michael Chopra are both targets for Cooper - on loan at least - but it has to be said that the HM's hit rate on these rumours has not been high. After all, it's not so long ago that we were being told that Eugene Dadi was about to join us despite plenty of evidence to the contrary. So how much credence can we give to this latest story?

Robbie Elliott has hardly been an integral figure at St. James Park recently; you have to go back more than two years for his last start, and last season he failed to even get off the bench. His last appearance for the first team was about 15 minutes as a Sub on New Year's Day 2003. Despite this, Elliott is in contention for a place on Saturday; a combination of injuries, Olympic Callups and the Conjunctivitus that has swept the Mags' squad has left him and Aaron Hughes as the only apparent options at Left Back. While the 30 year old doesn't look to have much of a long term future with the Toon, he's certainly needed there in the short term and so for the time being it looks unlikely that he'll be joining us. However, he is Transfer Listed according to NUFC.Com and so longer term it is a possibility - though whether we'd be able to accommodate Elliott and Robertson is another question entirely.

Chopra is potentially both more likely and more interesting. Highly rated at Newcastle, his first team opportunities are currently somewhat limited (five appearances) and he has spent two loan spells in Division 1 - announcing his presence back at the end of 2002/3 when he scored four goals in one game when on loan at Watford. A long loan spell might be just the ticket for all concerned - Chopra gets first team experience, Pools get the services of a promising forward for a spell, and Newcastle have him close enough that they can keep tabs on his performances easily and recall him quickly.

Chopra though doesn't quite fit the tall striker mould that it is widely believed Pools are seeking. Could he nevertheless be on his way to Victoria Park? Only time will tell....