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Pardew fires relegation warning to Newcastle

Alan Pardew's Newcastle side currently sit two points above the drop zone © Getty Images

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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has warned his players that they are not too good to get relegated, as he targets fresh signings after he was beaten the capture of French striker Loic Remy by QPR.

Pardew has stated he "needs a player or two" in this transfer window to cement Newcastle's position in the Premier League, but he insists he will not pay extortionate fees or bow to extravagant wages demands.

"We shouldn't be lost to the fact that we could be relegated," he said. "I'm experienced enough to know that's an important message, so we need a player or two to make sure we keep our Premier League status.

"I'm only going on the fact that some of the teams I've put out in my opinion haven't been strong enough for Newcastle. That's been caused by an injury crisis, but it is clear we need a stronger squad.

"What we will not do is pay silly money to try and sign players. We have money to spend, but Newcastle is on a firm financial footing and we are not going to risk that."

Pardew has spent the last few months trying to tie up a deal for Marseille striker Remy and believed a deal was imminent for his first choice target as he looks to find a replacement for the departed Demba Ba.

Yet the Newcastle chief was bemused by Remy's decision to join QPR, as he signed for Harry Redknapp's relegation strugglers amid reports he was seduced by the huge salary offered by the west London club.

"We had obviously put a lot of work in and made the club an offer that was accepted, a good offer, so it was a little strange to see him join QPR," stated Pardew.

"I don't really want to criticise the player. The player makes the decision and he stands by it. I don't really have anything else to say on it.

"What I will say is we are actively looking for new players and my job in this transfer window is to make sure we're strong enough in the second half of the season. We've lost Demba and we obviously need to find a replacement and I still believe a finish in the top half if possible if we get our signings right this month."

QPR confirmed they paid a club record fee to sign Remy, but the striker hardly arrives at Loftus Road in the best of form as he has managed to score just once for Marseille in the French league this season.

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