sempuki

It's back!

Roy eyeing £20million spree By BEN KINSELLA July 11, 2007 The mackems to spend 20m on one player - funny stuff. ROY KEANE aims to rival Alex Ferguson’s stunning summer spending spree — insisting he would not bat an eyelid at splashing £20million on a target. Manchester United chief Fergie has left other Premiership clubs trailing this summer by laying out £49m on Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson — with Carlos Tevez expected to join in a deal worth another £38m. Keane’s current outlay is more modest than his former Old Trafford boss — just £4m on defenders Russell Anderson and Greg Halford ahead of Sunderland’s return to the big time. But after failing with a £9m swoop for Jermain Defoe and pulling out of a £7m move for David Nugent, the Black Cats boss has shown he is not afraid to spend big. Keane, 35, said: “I’d not have a problem spending big money — £8m, £10m or £20m — it wouldn’t worry me. I wouldn’t blink an eye. “I’m hopeful in the next week or so that we’ll have another four or five players — names that will excite fans. “We need a stronger squad because of the tests ahead. There’s no doubt we can compete in the market. “It would be very easy for me to spend £15m in the next few days and grab the headlines but that’s not what my job’s about. I have to bring in the right characters. “If I had to spend £10m on a player who I think can play a big part then we will.” Keane is set to smash the club record £6.75m spent on Tore Andre Flo in 2002. He admitted: “It’s a ferocious transfer market but there’s a lack of quality players. “There’s a lot of money in the Premiership but that’s the way of the world. Not one player has turned us down this summer.” Keane is determined to be a major player in the transfer market to ensure the Wearsiders lose their yo-yo tag and finally make their mark in the Premiership. Tightening up his defence seems to be on Keane’s mind with a £3m move for Southampton’s Chris Baird expected to go through in the next 24 hours and an improved £5m bid on the table for Wigan’s Leighton Baines. West Brom’s highly-rated Republic of Ireland Paul McShane is close to a £2.8m switch and £6m-rated Hearts keeper Craig Gordon is also a target.

I don't know much about him but he scored a cracking goal for FC Copenhagen - you can see it on youtube.

From the Sun: Big Sam's Beye watch beauty By ONLINE REPORTER July 11, 2007 COMMENT ON THIS STORY NEWCASTLE boss Sam Allardyce is poised to take his summer spending past £13million by swooping for Marseille skipper Habib Beye. Big Sam quit the Toon’s Austrian training camp for talks with the Senegal ace, 29, over a £3.1m move. Allardyce has been tracking the speedy right-back for more than six months and is confident of persuading the former Strasbourg star to join his Tyneside revolution. Beye will be Newcastle’s fifth close-season signing, after Allardyce splashed out a total of £10m on Joey Barton, David Rozehnal, Geremi and Mark Viduka. Toon deputy chairman Chris Mort said: “We’ve brought in four players and there’s more money available.”

Gudjohnsen: Eid play for Sam By ONLINE REPORTER July 06, 2007 COMMENT ON THIS STORY NEWCASTLE target Eidur Gudjohnsen would relish joining forces with Sam Allardyce again. Toon are keen on the Barcelona striker, whose future is in doubt after Thierry Henry’s arrival from Arsenal for £16million. Gudjohnsen, who played under Big Sam at Bolton for two years, is set for crisis talks with Barca boss Frank Rijkaard. His dad and agent Arnor said: “Under Sam, Eidur made his name at Bolton. He looks up to him and Sam always rated him.” But Gudjohnsen will stay if he gets reassurances he is still in Barca’s plans. From The Sun

It's out early today! Allardyce eyes Queudrue deal Jul 6 2007 by Paul Gilder, The Journal FRANCK Queudrue is hoping to fill the problematic left-back position at St James’s Park after the former Middlesbrough favourite emerged as Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce’s latest defensive target. The 28-year-old is desperate to leave Fulham after falling out with manager Lawrie Sanchez and, with his representatives having held an informal discussion with Newcastle officials, the French B international has set his heart on a return to the North-East. Having this week signed Geremi to fill United’s troublesome right-back berth, a manager aware Celestine Babayaro’s fitness record leaves much to be desired has turned his attentions to strengthening his defence’s opposite flank. Queudrue (pictured, right) is among the players being considered. Dominique Six, the player’s agent, has confirmed that Newcastle and Everton are both interested in the unsettled Parisian, who has made it known that he does not want to work under Sanchez’s stewardship following the former Northern Ireland boss’ appointment as Chris Coleman’s successor. “Newcastle and Everton regard Franck as a possible signing,” he said last night. “Some Premier League clubs are looking for a left-back and Franck could be a good choice. He’s a professional and is under contract to Fulham. But if an opportunity occurs, I will definitely study it.” Story continues ADVERTISEMENT With Wigan adamant Leighton Baines will not be sold this summer, Everton have switched their sights to Queudrue. But it seems that United are determined to put themselves into a strong position to compete for the player’s signature should Allardyce decide to firm up his initial interest with a bid. The Journal understands that Magpies officials held a telephone conversation with the player’s representatives yesterday morning. Although nothing has been agreed at this stage, the discussion is believed to have been positive, and sources close to Queudrue are optimistic Newcastle will make contact with Fulham to discuss a deal. Queudrue ended his five-year association with Boro last summer to sign for Coleman. But the Welshman’s dismissal and Sanchez’s subsequent arrival have prompted him to consider his future. Queudrue is unimpressed with his manager’s tactics and Sanchez is seeking another left-back, having tabled an unsuccessful £1m bid for Southampton’s Chris Baird last month. The former Lens defender has held talks with the French club, but his Premier League wages have proved prohibitive. Queudrue’s wife is unsettled in London and a return to the North-East is understood to appeal. The player favours Newcastle and is hoping a move will materialise. It remains to be seen whether Allardyce will sanction an official approach as he attempts to make his fifth summer signing. Chris Mort – the man with the power in the United boardroom – this week insisted further funds are available and the Magpies boss will be keen to use them. Eidur Gudjohnsen remains in Allardyce’s thoughts and, although the player’s father and agent again insisted last night that a striker keen to fight for his place at Barcelona has received no offers this summer, he did hint the 28-year-old could be tempted to renew acquaintances with his former Bolton boss in the future. “He had a fantastic time there (in England),” said Arnor Gudjohnsen. “He isn’t thinking about that at the moment, but you never know in the future what’s going to happen. England would be an obvious choice. Were he to join Newcastle, it could be under Sam. It was under Sam that he made his name, he looks up to Sam.” Meanwhile, Obafemi Martins could miss the start of Allardyce’s first pre-season programme as Newcastle manager, having been earmarked for a role in Nelson Mandela’s 89th birthday celebrations in Cape Town. Fifa have organised an exhibition game between an African XI and a World XI on July 18 to honour South Africa’s first black president. Players past and present have been asked to take part – with Pele, Samuel Eto’o and former United boss Ruud Gullit among those whose presence has been confirmed. The match will be staged the day after United’s friendly at Hartlepool.

From The Sun: Baron 'gave Toon stars coke' By ROBIN PERRIE June 21, 2007 AN undercover cop told yesterday how his year-long investigation uncovered claims that a drug boss supplied some Newcastle United players with cocaine. The officer, identified only as Vinnie, said he infiltrated gangs in the North East and learned they were forging links with Colombian gangs based in London. He also heard an allegation that former Toon striker Tino Asprilla — a Colombian international — was involved in supplying drugs. Vinnie said he became a close contact of “ruthless” gang leader George Younes, 51. He introduced him to drug barons including Alan Fisher, 53 — jailed for six years last summer for conspiracy to supply cocaine. Vinnie recalled: “Younes said Fisher supplied the top Newcastle footballers and businessmen with cocaine.” Younes tried to boost trade by buying top quality cocaine from the London gangs. He and Vinnie met two Colombians outside Clapham Tube station, south west London, when more cocaine was bought. A further kilo changed hands three days later for £30,000. Police swooped. Newcastle Crown Court heard Colombian Osmiro Mendez, 38, was accused of being the link man. When officers searched his home in Consett, Co Durham, they found a picture of him by a swimming pool with Asprilla and a Colombian police chief — all three holding assault rifles. Mendez said he was a close pal of Asprilla, 37, a Newcastle star from 1996 to 1998. He added through an interpreter: “I was going to training sessions. I was very friendly with all the players including Alan Shearer and the trainer Kevin Keegan.” There was no suggestion Shearer or Keegan had any drug link. Mendez denied conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was cleared after a nine-week trial. Younes, of Killingworth, North Tyneside, was jailed for 17 years for offences including supplying and conspiracy to supply cocaine. Judge Michael Cartlidge told him: “You are the most devious, deceitful, dishonest, greedy, selfish, ruthless person I have come across in a long time.” The court heard Italian restaurateur Franco Pizzuti, now jailed for drugs offences, had said Asprilla was involved — but there was no evidence. And no names of the Newcastle footballers alleged to have been supplied by Fisher were given in court.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007270213,00.html Shore up my leaky defence SAM ALLARDYCE has joined the growing list of bosses chasing new England star Nicky Shorey. Newcastle are desperate for reinforcements at left-back. And £5million-rated Shorey is a top target after the Magpies new boss cooled his interest in Wigan’s Leighton Baines. Shorey, 26, is in high demand after proving his Premiership quality with Reading last season and winning his first England call-up. One of Allardyce’s first tasks at St James’ Park is to bolster his defence. Celestine Babayaro took the left-back slot for much of last season but Peruvian midfielder Nobby Solano, who yesterday agreed a new one-year contract, was forced to deputise on several occasions. Centre-half Titus Bramble has also left to join Wigan. Billionaire Mike Ashley’s Toon takeover has released substantial funds for Big Sam to start building a team. He has already signed Aussie striker Mark Viduka and is set to raid former club Bolton for defender Tal Ben Haim. Reading are desperately trying to hang on to Shorey and have opened contract talks with him in an effort to fend off interest from their rivals. West Ham are also keen on him and are prepared to pay around £6m for the ex-Leyton Orient player. Allardyce is also facing a fight with Borussia Dortmund to land Czech Republic star David Rozehnal. He has been tracking the Paris St Germain ace and is ready to launch a £2m bid but Dortmund also want the 26-year-old defender. Rozehnal’s agent Pavel Zika said: “I am convinced that everything will be decided very soon. “So far Newcastle have shown their interest only in the papers. “The question now is if they really confirm their interest and enter the negotiations. Both clubs are high- quality and both competitions are good. I think David slightly prefers Dortmund but the discussions with the clubs will be decisive.” Rozehnal began his career with Czech side Sigma Olomouc and twice won the Belgian title with Bruges before his move to PSG in 2005. Meanwhile, Joey Barton’s switch to St James’ Park is being held up by a row with Manchester City over a £300,000 loyalty payment. Eastlands chiefs are refusing to give in to Barton and Allardyce is fuming over the hold-up. He blasted: “They are out of order. This is a private matter, a confidential issue that should not have been made public. I’m flabbergasted and want the situation resolved.” PFA chief Mick McGuire added: “This is not an easy situation because City believe Joey is not entitled to the money, because it was the player who triggered the move by activating the part of his contract that says he can talk to other clubs who bid £5.5million. “City believe by doing that he effectively asked for a transfer.” City would prefer for everything to be delayed until new owners and a new manager are in place.

More good news - signed a new 4 year deal last week. Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has confirmed he is set to go out on loan next season. Krul is highly regarded at Newcastle and stepped in admirably last season against Palermo in the Uefa Cup, keeping a clean sheet on his first-team debut. The Magpies are keen for the young Dutchman to gain plenty of experience and will allow him to go out on loan next season. Krul, who is currently with Holland's Under 21 side for their European Championship campaign, recently put pen-to-paper on a new deal at St James' Park. The Premiership club are now actively searching to find a suitable club to aid the 19-year-old's development over the next 12 months. "We're looking for a loan," Krul told Sky Sports News. "I'm allowed to go on loan for next season so we're looking for a club now. We're waiting for clubs, maybe Championship, we'll have to see." Krul also revealed he signed a new long-term contract with Newcastle last week which ties him to the North East club until 2011. "I signed a new deal for Newcastle last week, a four-year deal so I think that's a very good thing for me and for the club," he said. "Newcastle is a massive club for me and I really want to stay there so I hope my future's there." Meanwhile, Krul has set his sights on eventually displacing Shay Given as Newcastle's number one. He added: "Shay is a fantastic goalkeeper, one of the best and Steve Harper as well. It's a hard challenge for me but in a couple of years I hope I can challenge them."

DF or MF I think. Came from Zagreb and is 26.

He seems to have a "special" relationship with FEM - he had another one of his "scoops" a while back.

Plays for Lens - mentioned in the rumour section by "a private source" on .com.

Toon boss likes game of Ludo! Jun 10 2007 By Neil Farrington, The Sunday Sun Newcastle are on the trail of French flier Ludovic Giuly. The Barcelona forward is resigned to leaving the Nou Camp, and is on Sam Allardyce's radar as he continues his rebuilding work at United. Giuly, 30, is a target for Marseille, Monaco, Fiorentina and Juventus, but his commercial representative, Sebastien Riera, told the Sunday Sun: "Ludo is aware of Newcastle's interest." Bolton's El-Hadji Diouf is a possible alternative target to Giuly for the role of right-sided attacker in Allardyce's favoured 4-3-3 formation. But with sources suggesting Diouf may be out of contract next summer, Allardyce may prefer to wait until January to make a cut-price - and hugely controversial - raid on his old club. Allardyce last night admitted he would be helpless to prevent Michael Owen from leaving United if another club triggers the release clause in the England striker's contract. "There's nothing I can do about it," said Big Sam. "We are benefiting from a release clause to get Joey Barton, but could suffer because of Michael's." But with the Premiership's top clubs likely to want further proof of his fitness, Owen may stay put at Newcastle until at least January, when his release fee - which drops by 25 per cent a year - would stand below £9 million. Marseille right-back Habib Beye has also entered Allardyce's thinking as he looks to bolster a defence set to be strengthened by the signings of centre-backs Ben Tal Haim and David Rohzenhal this week. Meanwhile, Joey Barton's pay-off wrangle with Manchester City "won't stand in the way of him joining Newcastle", according to his agent, Willie McKay.

Magpies want Joey jail break By BEN KINSELLA June 04, 2007 NEWCASTLE have insisted on a get out of jail card as they prepare to welcome bad-boy Joey Barton. The fiery Manchester City midfielder, 24, is expected to complete a £5.5million switch today. But Toon have insisted on a contract clause to protect the club if Barton is charged by police and jailed over his bust-up with Ousmane Dabo. Barton was arrested and quizzed by cops over the alleged assault on his team-mate and if he is jailed, is almost certain to dumped by Toon. Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is prepared to take a risk on Barton, who also stubbed a cigar out in a team-mate’s face. The deal was conditional on midfielder Scott Parker rejoining his old boss Alan Curbishley at West Ham. Parker yesterday agreed personal terms and the Hammers are due to unveil their £8m signing today. Barton, expected to sign a three-year £40,000-a-week deal, said: “It’s always nice to be wanted. “Sam Allardyce is a good manager and did a great job at Bolton getting them into Europe this season. “At one point they were close to the Champions League, on a shoestring budget. “He has taken on a very big club in Newcastle and if he does half the job there that he did with Bolton, the sky’s the limit.” Barton’s City deal had a clause allowing him to move to any club which offered £5.5m. His imminent move to St James’ Park will dash any hopes West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker had of moving to the North East. But Aston Villa remain interested in him.

Cushing wouldn't talk about it.

They're hinting in the papers today he also didn't want to play yesterday and had trained well all week.

FT.

I didn't realise Fatty Matty Patty was so strong - I thought he was more lard than muscle.

Who would want to buy the crock that is Michael Owen?

Owen down again.

Bugger 1-1.

Penalty but not to us.

2-1 Wigan.

Tevez scores 1-0.

It was hard to understand we'd scored - no reaction at all.