KaKa

This was three years ago before he joined Milan. And he's just said what Mignolet told him about Newcastle. Do you really think if we did show interest, his response would be that he isn't interested because Mignolet said it got dark at 4pm?

Speaking back in 2003, Ferguson said: "After we played Sporting last week the lads in the dressing room talked about him constantly. "And on the plane back from the game they urged me to sign him - that's how highly they rated him. He is one of the most exciting young players I've ever seen."

Seems like speculation based off our interest last year. Moretto is quoted as saying: “Last year Newcastle were looking for Thiaw and today Newcastle are still looking for a central defender. So keep an eye on this path, at the moment there is nothing concrete, but I can confirm that Newcastle are also evaluating Thiaw, who, in addition to returning to Germany, would be interested in an experience in the Premier League.”

Think that would be an adjustment he'd need to make for the PL for sure. He's improved in that regard since he first went over to Italy, but could still do with some more toughening up.

Yeah, I'm sure they do happen. That's essentially what I was alluding to. If he gave positive feedback and was enthusiastic about the idea of teaming up with him. Not necessarily just signing him just because of Isak, or to make him happy per se.

They are both attacking players that play together for Sweden, and may enjoy doing so, as they share some sort of rapport on the pitch. If you're not interested in contributing to the discussion just go and find something else to do. It's clear once summer hits your only joy is complaining non stop about how poor a job the club is doing.

Question. If Isak is very keen on the idea of Elanga joining and would like to play with him at club level, and thinks they'd link up very well at Newcastle, how much do you think that should be taken into account? And should it factor in when it comes to whatever decision is made on this? So for example, perhaps pushing the boat out a little bit more to the tune of another £5 to £10 million?

Yeah, the jump from Belgium to AC Milan was too big for him. Has really come on well at Atalanta the last couple of seasons though.

I'm bored ... Been wondering about other versatile youngish forwards that could offer similar things to what we all hoped Joao Pedro would. One that can play upfront and also in behind the striker, and thread passes through that open up defences. I wonder if we'd look at De Ketelaere at Atalanta. Ticks a lot of those boxes.

Funny thing is both Arsenal and Man City have struggled against low blocks recently. Running out of time as they continue to pass side to side to side to side the whole game, and then getting slapped on the counter

It would be absolutely astonishing, agreed

No idea. There was talk that some clubs were waiting till July before selling, to bank the money in the next PSR cycle. Not sure if that could apply here.

This is the original post they're referring to. About a month ago.

Can be a bit hit and miss as a source, but thought I'd share, as they've gone as far as to say we've actually bid for him, and we were strongly linked last summer, and so we'll soon see I guess. https://africafoot.com/newcastle-formule-une-offre-de-50-millions-deuros-pour-edmond-tapsoba/

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13390567/bryan-mbeumo-to-man-utd-transfer-brentford-director-admits-forward-wants-old-trafford-move-but-could-stay-at-club

Yeah, that happened. Was all a bit weird. Think Chelsea may have had second thoughts and just found a reason to pull out.

Nah, wasn't familiar with Romulo at all. Was only looking into him yesterday, and was quite taken back. I doubt we'd be looking at someone like that though. More likely to be someone with more Prem experience or playing in one of the higher ranked leagues.

Samu would cost big money I think. He's dangerous in the box, and has a lot of power and pace, but not sure people would like him. His touch and control can be quite inconsistent.

Predictions on the striker we look at next? I think we might bid for Rodrigo Muniz. Fulham have bid a decent amount on Romulo at Goztepe, another Brazilian striker, and are still negotiating. Was watching some clips of the Romulo guy yesterday as I'd never heard of him, and was quite surprised. Think he looks decent.

Bild in Germany have reported the buy back as being 'over 60 million Euros', and so it is somewhere in the £50 million range. Yeah, they like a youngster for that role because they already have VDV, Konate and Joe Gomez, all more experienced players. As the tweet stated it will have to be someone that is okay with not being guaranteed first team minutes. Once VDV and Salah stayed on, the priority was to maximise their Prem and Champions League challenge over the next few years. They've added players that will be expected to come in and perform at the highest level straight away. If they lose both VDV and Salah this summer, along with Trent, they likely go into a bit of a mini rebuild. Wirtz would likely have opted for Bayern or Man City instead. In that scenario, they likely also give the likes of Bradley and Quansah more of an opportunity to stake a first team place, as they have shown the potential, but just need the reps, and a bit of leeway to play through some mistakes.

Seen some of their fans already moaning that Delap isn't good enough and they need another striker

Jackson's face in that tweet man. So perfect

I don't think it's going to go well from a sporting perspective. Financially, yes, he will be just fine. Just like he would have been if he joined Newcastle. Same as he was already at Brighton.

Part of the excitement with signing João Pedro for me was really with what level Howe could get him to, and the influence Joelinton and Bruno would have on him as fellow countrymen that are consummate professionals. I just can't see him pushing on and developing into his full potential at Chelsea, as they just don't function that way, and so I can't help but feel it will be his loss. The Chelsea lot aren't even excited about the signing, and so the pressure will be on from the outset too. Will watch on in glee if it all goes left. Let's see where we go next. It's really somewhat of a relief these decisions are being made in June so we haven't been strung along all summer.

Yeah, it will depend on what Konate is asking for. They may prefer to keep him and let him walk on a free next summer too, so as not to have too much change at the back this summer. Particularly as they are already bringing in a new right back and left back to the backline already. If Konate then leaves on a free they would then pick up Guehi on a free too, and so they may just accept that as no real loss.