STM

This is pure speculation but I reckon we've got around 80m to play with, meaning we started the window with somewhere in the region of 140m (feels about right to me), with these positions prioritised: CM (Tonali 60m) RW/LW/ Flexible attacker (Barnes 35/40m) LB (Tierney 30m?) CB ( Andersen 40m?) Had Szlob or Diaby been available for 50m, we would have pushed the boat out. Signing Barnes would leave 40m for two positions. Perhaps a LB and a CB might be one step too far in this window but we might be able to get one position nailed down. Alternatively we could sell ASM to raise funds, or Lascelles will go and replenish us somewhat but I certainly feel like this is where we are at. This window was always about strength in depth. If we end the window with 4 quality additions, we've done really well.

He's honestly a really good player. But wave Chiesa in front of someone's nose and swap with Barnes will have this effect on people.

Was watching Downie the other day saying that he thought we had the budget for either one more Tonali level signing or two 30/40m signings and he thought we would do the latter. This would very much point towards that. If signing Barnes instead of someone like Diaby, gives us scope to get say Tierney or Andersen, I think we've made the right choice.

It's also value for money. Worst case? We'd get 20m back for him 2 years down the line. Hardly a huge loss.

I think we would all agree that ASM AND Barnes is a nice blend of options.

Maxi is a much more talented player than Barnes, in the traditional sense. His quickness of feet is only bettered by players like Salah. Sadly, football is played on a pitch and not in a circus. You wouldn't argue that ASM is better than say Martinelli? But there are things Maxi can do that Martinelli couldn't. It's about the whole package. Barnes represents a much better package than ASM. He's more productive, more reliable, more malleable. He's very much an Eddie Howe player. I don't want it to turn too much into a maxi bashing session because we all have a soft spot for him but the writing is on the wall IMO.

Out of Barnes and ASM, it surprises me that Barnes is the one being labelled a one trick pony. If Barnes got 13 goals at Leicester, how many would he have got for us? 15? If he'd got 15 goals, all of a sudden he would have been a world beater. Any winger getting double figures is worthy of at least being labelled a very good player. I suspect he'd thrive with us.

That one trick just happens to be end product.

Not one other journalist backing this up. Tells a story.

Robinson signed new deal at Fulham, that agent I was talking about playing a blinder.

Well that depends doesn't it? On the club and the player. If say Burnley or Sheffield Utd or even an Everton make a 15m+ bid, the club are accepting it IMO. They won't force him out of the door but they would 100% do business. So then the player would have a choice to make. Hang around a club who was willing to sell him or move. On the other hand, I suspect his wages are fairly low and he's another "club" man, who I could see hanging around into his 30s. Over the next 18 months, his time on the pitch of going to become more and more limited though.

Depth: RW: Miggy, Murphy, Gordon RCM: Longstaff, Tonali, Anderson DM: Bruno, Tonali LCM: Willock, Joelinton LW: Maxi, Barnes, Joelinton Gordon, Isak It's better. Still feel that RW spot is plaguing us somewhat.

Barnes always seems to be scoring or assisting whenever I watch him. He will play exactly how Howe will want to play and will effectively gives us depth on the left, in the middle (because it frees up Joelinton) and then on the right if required. He's a really good player. He's just not an exciting player.

First thought is......wonder how much we are getting off Sela.

Notice how different his character is compared to say Bruno. He seems much more introverted and thoughtful. It will be great to see how our players blend together.

Personally, I'm looking forward to the behind the scenes introduction. When he said he had to wait 10 days to meet his teammates, did he mean he HAS to or HAD to?

To be fair, I'm sure he's under strict instructions not to ask things like: "Why on earth did you leave AC Milan for Newcastle" And "Settle the debate, you gonna be playing 6 or 8" Or "Chiesa, Bonnuci been on the blower?" Or maybe "Your lass is lush, just shows people with minging teeth can even pull if they are rich."

Just ordered myself another adult one. The lad an away one and an Italy one with Tonali 8 on the back.

My sons shirt just came from DH gate. It was spot on. Shop Pizza126. Can't complain at all.

I refer to my previous post.

absolutely gutted

Aye he looked gutted as he got off that private jet, with his worldie lass before being whisked off to his 3m mansion for his new job where he's earning 10m a year playing in the best league in the world. Mortified, he was.

The same guy who told us we were close to Barella.

MAMAS LASAGNE....

It's nice to see they got to visit tynemouth last night anyway...