TRon

I think we might raise it depending on what Jose goes for, but it's going to be another long drawn out one. Can't see anyone paying much more than what we've offered tbh.

A search is quite revealing (and not just in that the search functioned actually worked). You're beating me 6 pages to 4 these days, when a few years ago I'm sure I would have had a comfortable lead. ...It is all very positive though, in regards to Cabaye and his comments. Granted you're not going to get a new signing saying anything other, but with the anticipated pairing of him and Tiote either as a two or in a three with one of Barton/Nolan or another new signing, we're not going to be shy of players wanting the ball and looking to take responsibility in there, while actually being capable of doing something when they have it as well. Will be nice. If he does manage to add a quality striker and another player capable of beating a man to play in front of them, things are looking very bright indeed. Couldn't agree more. There's no guarantee it will all work out in practice of course, but from my point of view that's exactly how I would want a team to be set up and with that outlook. It's a million miles from Joe Kinnear in the not so distant past.

How about signing Ba and Shane Long as well? I think that could work out quite well tbh. I know Long isn't proven but he looks quick and skilful. Could well turn out to be a Bellamy sort of signing.

While I'd love for us to sign Zog tomorrow - and I'm convinced he'd sign like a shot - I just don't see why any club would pay £12million for a player in the last year of his contract. Wigan know that as well which is why they are setting two different price levels. That suggests to me that Zog is very keen to get back here and both clubs are jockeying for the best price possible. £8-9 million will probably be around the final fee imo.

I think the 4-3-3 system will help as it should suit the quick pass and move types better than 4-4-2.

It all depends on if Nolan is happy to start the season on the bench and fight for his place without a contract extension. At the moment that's where he is at and he still has another two years to go on a very well paid salary. He might just sit it out and I would think the club will be ok with that, although I'm sure they'd prefer to get a decent fee.

I don't see how his knee can have miraculously recovered so if he comes it will be on an Ireland type deal, paid according to appearances. Definitely a good striker though, just as good as Gyan I'd say.

Can't see this one being sorted till later this summer. The year left on his contract means no team is going to jump in with £10million bids imo. We supposedly opened with £5million and no one's come in with a better one yet so there's a clue.

please god, let it happen

I know it's only one in yet but it's a quality addition. Puts us back on the world football map imo.

I've no doubt Gervinho's the target. I'm not so sure. Was it the Journal writer who was saying that while Gameiro was our no 1 target there were doubts about Gervinho's suitability a couple of days back?

I think him alongside Tiote is going to work very well. Both are highly mobile and they operate in different areas of the pitch.

Yeah. We really should have got him in a room with a contract and threatened to cut his ears off Reservoir Dogs style if he didn't sign.

Always thought it was strange we were supposed to be in for Zog and Gervinho. Just hope the N'Zogbia speculation doesn't turn out to be bullshit as well.

A lot of continental players prefer London though because it's got a more international flavour. I can remember when we were after Deshcamps as a manager and he was supposedly worried there wasn't a french school in Newcastle like there is the capital. Like it or not it's a factor.

He probably couldn't handle English football anyway. The big puff.

Zog/Ben Arfa goals at your service

Compared to Wigan they are the equivalent of Real Madrid.

How many strikers do Liverpool need ffs.

didn't want Gervinho anyway. Headless chicken.

I'm surprised Martinez turned down the job, he might never get another offer from a big club. Happy though as I think he might have bid for Zog if he'd went to Villa.

Someone give Ollie Gameiro's number. he loves it so much in Newcastle he still lives here. Fuck Paris and Valencia.

Pardew won't let him go in a hurry, he seems to quite rate him.

I know it sounds a bit corny but he did come here as a young lad so for that reason I don't like seeing him in another team's shirt. It's also the reason I think the only way he will go to Sunderland is if we don't want him. I know or resident mackem might be miffed at that but maybe they should stop targeting ex Mag players.