STM

I love Barton, he must have skin like a Rhino. I can't wait for a few games time when the Sky boys have a real love in for Joey, talking about how he's a "changed man" or how he "always had the potential". Detestable cunts.

Harsh on the individual but not on the group of players who jumped ship. They should all get the same treatment, most of all Owen.

He played better than Jonas, who was his frustrating self. His pace frightened Villa TBH, even if he didn't use it well.

This guy could be awesome, i mean awesome.

Barton was class today. It's been ages since we've had a midfielder who has dominated a game like that, it was Gerrardesq. Never mind our signings, Barton could be the difference between relegation and a mid table finish.

There aren't many of the Man City team whom i wouldn't have here on loan. Santa Cruz would be amazing.

He will be at the game tommorow.

Carew annoys the fuck out of me. Remember that hat-trick a couple of years ago, he was absolutely wank that day and got three goals. Stop crosses going into the box and we might be ok.

I agree, although he didn't look it at Old Trafford. He needs a good couple of games to get his confidence back IMO, then we will see the Colo from last year. I'd like to see him and Campbell play together but i hope Campbell can't get in the team.

Piss take surely?

Newcastle are signing a defensive midfielder, that's a good thing right? Why are people moaning about not signing and attacking minded player in this thread? Although it's a sensible point, it has no place in this thread. Just because we have signed one, does not mean won't sign another. There's still a certain Ben Arfa whom we are in for and i'd guess a few other (who we don't know about).

I'd like us to start with two up front, regardless of who partners Carroll, it's a signal of intent from Hughton and should see a positive start to the game from our point of view. Our options are limited though. I suspect Ameobi might start.

If we get 1-2m for Smith and get him off the wage bill, it will have been an excellent piece of business. I'm not convinced Hughton has any intention of selling though.

Nobodys under any illusion that we need a better strikeforce but to suggest we don't need a good defensive midfielder is daft. If we are to create chances, then we need possession, this guy should help us in that area.

Should help keep our back four nice and Tiote.

I've always said i think we will sign Ben Arfa. Ever since he said he wanted to come here he's been ours to lose.

What does Wiki say? Quick go and have a look.

Anyone know if he's any good? I mean i'm happy we might be signing someone too but we could at least check first.

Bit quiet in here is it? I'll keep the thread alive on my own then

You would have to have one hell of a knowledge of football to be sitting in a restaurant and go "hey isn't he that Ivorian who crunched Elano during the world cup!!" Who exactly are these spotters? I can understand the medical stuff sneaking out though.

I think we should hold our ground and try get him on loan

I'm still convinced we are in the box seat on this transfer. Ben Arfa has told Marseille he want's to come here (although footballers are fickle) and we are holding our cards close to our chest. On the other hand Marseille aren't happy with our offer and trying every trick in the book to make us up it, including over exaggerating other clubs interest and using the media. We would all love us to simply give in to their demands but if we get him in at a cut price it would be a marvelous piece of business. However, if we lose out on him because we took the risk, i'd be gutted.

Personally, i'm not looking for Hughton to constantly open his mouth in the media with regards to transfers. Quite frankly it gets boring and tiresome hearing people like Redknapp opening their gobs all the time and i'm glad Chris is different (even if he is toeing the line). On the other hand i would like to see us complete a couple of transfers.

Bullard for a year would be a decent signing.

So long as he hasn't joined another club/ or we haven't signed an alternative, presumably our offer is still on the table. It would make no sense for us to withdraw our transfer offer and move on to other targets if their was still a chance of us getting him. I'm also pretty sure that Hughton and co will be negotiating with other targets anyway, whether we get them or not is a different matter. It might sound a rather positive view on the subject but i'd still suggest we are the most likely club to sign him. In fact the silence of the last couple of days could mean that we are back in discussions with them.