LoveItIfWeBeatU

Regarding rumours of NUFC going for Gareth Bale if the takeover goes through, Guillem Balague says Bale won't leave Real Madrid unless he gets the same wages he's currently on: - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53403060

Like I've said before, the amount of shit flung at PIF over this proposed takeover and they're still wanting to buy the club has to be a good sign for their plans for NUFC. They could easily have sacked it off and bought e.g. Leeds or West Brom without having to go through all the Premier League tests. They are putting a lot of time and effort in when £300m isn't exactly a big outlay compared to PIF's other investments.

Northern Powerhouse, levelling up, etc. A Northumberland based Conservative MP did say the local Labour MPs should be hoping the takeover goes through purely for the investment it will bring to the area. It's a difficult political tightrope to walk as an MP having morals about where money comes from which will improve the lives and local area you serve.

It doesn't add up. It's not like NUFC were in a bidding war. It's not like his playing record justified anywhere near that price. Mike Ashley sanctioned paying that fee based purely on the possibility that Joelinton might turn into a world beater? The scout needs sacking but so does whoever agreed with him.

Gayle was out injured for a lot of the season. I was beginning to think Joelinton's contract had a clause stipulating he must start every game he is fit for. I think yesterday was only the second time he wasn't started in the league. How Joelinton cost £40m is a mystery. That amount must have performance clauses built in? If it was a straight £40m, Hoffenheim have pulled off a miracle. I guess we'll know when the accounts come out.

Well Lascelles limped off so Schar will probably be starting at centre back next game.

Matty Longstaff has everything crossed for the takeover, otherwise he might as well leave. He isn't picked ahead of a Centre Back in midfield.

Moronic defending. Obvious penalty.

Joelinton coming on to add a goal threat?

Trash second half by NUFC.

I wonder where we'd be in the table if we'd played Gayle and not Joelinton for most of the season?

Joelinton finally dropped from the starting 11.

After having their asses kicked by Man City we may get a "reaction" from the team. The possible return of a few players like ASM and Almiron to the side will help.

Bentaleb obviously doesn't want his loan to turn into a permanent move then.

Daft arguement rafa binned Gayle. Just wanted muto to learn the language which he has now apparently What argument? Rafa didn't play Mutō is a fact. Rafa loaned Gayle out (he supposedly wanted to keep him in the squad but wasn't allowed to as Ashley wanted his wages off the wage bill to pay for Rondón's). Mutō spoke perfectly good English in an interview not long after the story of Rafa wanting him to improve his English came out.

Rotate the squad for a super difficult game (yes Southampton beat Man City but that's probably just made them angry)? Schär, Ritchie, Yedlin, Lazaro, Rose (he hasn't played the last 2 games), Matty Longstaff to start? They should all be well rested. Maybe see Atsu and Muto?

Bruce doesn't pick Mutō to play but neither did Rafa.

Rafa never played him either.

He's playing his favoured left side and is still mediocre at best.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53279422

I see Joey Barton has modelled Fleetwood in his own image. Down to 9 men after two players sent off.

Voting here: - https://www.premierleague.com/news/1703136 It's not a fair fight as some managers have had 5 games and some only 3.

You can vote for ASM to be June's EA SPORTS Player of the Month: - https://www.premierleague.com/news/1703139

Atsu seems to be completely out of favour. He hasn't even made the bench for any of the games since the restart. Muto has made the bench in most of the restart games. https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php Florian Lejeune - Thigh Injury - June 30: "It's going to be touch and go if he'll play any part [in the season]. He's picked up a nasty thigh injury vs Hull which is a grade two. He's 17 days in to what we thought might have been around four weeks out." Ciaran Clark - Ankle/Foot Injury - June 23: "Had an operation on his ankle, it's sore, so he's not joining in at the moment." Javi Manquillo - July 01: "Manquillo has got a bit of a strain, but we won't know [the extent] until the next 24-48 hours." There's plenty cover for Manquillo if required. I didn't realise Clark and Lejeune were probably out until next season. Matty Longstaff hasn't been getting in the squad either for some reason.

I noticed that. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53261673