STM

We are going big this summer, so I'd absolutely expect to see us spending 200m. We want 6 players. That's approx 33m each but if we want a Diaby or a Maddison that could take up 2 x 33m. On the other hand, I've a sneaky suspicion that we might get someone in on a free. Also worth remembering that we are probably in a position where we can recoup money. So 200m spend, might be brought down significantly by outgoings.

Craig Hope now does a YouTube channel, and for my sins I tend to watch it.... He said something in his post Scotland-Spain game, which I think speaks volume to the level of journalism in this country and more specifically the level of accuracy surrounding transfers from abroad. He said when Joselu entered the pitch that he thought "he had retired years ago". Now whether you are a big on Spanish football or not, you don't need to have your finger on the pulse to know that Joselu has had a couple of outstanding seasons and scored 2 on his international debut a week ago. This remark shocked me from Hope, who I genuinely don't mind. How can someone paid to cover football, not have a half decent knowledge of football world wide? My point here, is that unless its local/national stuff, most of the British media haven't a clue what's going on. They are a shambles. So don't be too disheartened by McTominay/Gomez links. They are probably names on a domestic shortlist.... its what's on the other shortlist I'm interested in.

Wages issue aside, Mason Mount would be unreal under Eddie Howe.

You've either misread or don't understand maths. I think you may have misread.

We aren't spending 80m on two players who aren't first choice for their current teams. Mctominay 25/30m, Tierney 20/25m. Both clubs will be desperate for the funds to reinvest in first teamers and to free up space/wages.

He's shite blah blah. Seriously guys, you couldn't have let this fly under the radar so we can get him on a decent deal? Instead he hoys an extra 10m on his transfer fee. Classic Newcastle this.

Could our Paraguayan Prince be back sooner than expected? He's certainly not far away.

He's just lush man. Got it all.

It's a smart move from him. I could absolutely see him being DoF of one of the big boys in Switzerland etc. Looked at what Edu has done with himself.

Masters Degrees in Sports Management are much more business orientated.

From my understanding Sports Management isn't coaching/team management. It's much more likely he's looking at DoF area, with that sort of degree.

Bruno will be getting a new contract very soon and it will see our highest earner on more like 150/200k, it opens the door to the possibility of others earning that too.

This window is 100% going to be our biggest spend. Talk of us wanting 6 players and we've already shown that we aren't afraid of spending on our key targets. Hopefully we can get SOME money back on outgoings too.

I'm not convinced Howe sees Gordon as a man for the right hand side. I think he sees him on the left. Either way, it's clear we won't see too much from Gordon this season. It's been stop start and he will benefit from a full pre season.

Did one of those predictor things and ended up with: 3rd Man U: 75 4th Newcatle: 68 5th Spurs: 64 6th Liverpool: 60 I wasn't overly positive either. Had us drawing at home to Brighton, drawing away to Villa and getting beat off Arsenal. Had us beating both Spurs and Man United at home like. I know these things are hard to predict but it certainly suggests we have a chance.

Turning my point on its head but I understand where you are coming from. Scott McTominay is of a much higher standard than Cleverly IMO.

Well he's played loads of games for a side that finished 3rd, amongst other top 6 finishes. I thought if I argued he was a top 4 player, I'd undoubtedly get push back. Let's not fall into the trap of saying that just because someone isn't world class or even an elite level player means they are shite and don't have worth. I've seen plenty of "decent" players contribute to league winning sides over the years. Just saying "he's shite man", is disingenuous and gets us nowhere IMO.

Just realised Henderson is still in the England squad. That's incredibly embarrassing. Not fancy moving forward Gareth?

Going to be gutted when we don't sign Madders in the summer.

I've got 10 year olds in my U10s side with better footballing brains and skill than Jack Colback. He wasn't even a physical specimen. Really weird.

Don't be this guy. McTominay wouldnt have been someone I would have targeted but we have real football people at the top of our club now. I'd imagine if I was sitting in a room with Ashworth and Howe and asked them why we wanted McTominay, they would have a 20 minute presentation prepared, which would go into good detail the reasons why they think he's a good signing. It's not entirely obvious the reasons why we are looking at him but it's probably something to do with: Nationality Pedigree Price Age Physical ability Experience Versatility Personality And while one might argue that 20/30m is too much for McTominay. Its high time we realised that 20/30m is no longer big money for a top 8 midfielder, who could serve the club for 7/8 years and if we did decide to move him on, might get 50% of that back. Also, I'm 100% convinced we go big this summer. If McTominay is followed by a Maddison etc, it might look decent business.

Makes you wonder whether journalists have been getting their wires crossed when phone tapping. "Newcastle want to sign Harrison and Rice".

What happened to Chiesa?

Absolutely this.. also Rafa Silva or whatever his name is.

He looks lush. He is lush.