Wil

The offer we made in January was before we bought Marveaux. That might have changed the dynamics and the urgency as compared to January I suspect. I think this is right, and just can't see us competing for him when clubs come in. His pedigree will command a decent price. He might still be on our list in case we can wangle a bargain - but I just can't see that in his case.

Already liking him. Going to be a big character I reckon, and will have absolutely no trouble carrying the shirt.

Edwards running with the 35m story......with new quotes from Llambias.. One new point ..we're keeping some up our sleeve for the next window! “I can assure everyone that not a single penny of the £35 million has left the club and neither will it. It is all going back in. “We have acted early and we have got the players we wanted, but none of them have been cheap. We have paid good prices for them. They certainly weren’t free transfers, there are fees and wages to consider. “It is our responsibility to make sure we look after the club responsibly. If we spent all the money on players this summer, what are we going to do in January if we need to bring somebody else in? We are using the money sensibly.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united/8618782/Alan-Pardew-defends-Newcastle-spending-policy-but-fans-fear-team-will-suffer-without-significant-reinvestment.html

The fact that we reportedly got 30m up front for Carroll with 5m the following year could also be a factor - considering the way Ashley does his sums. Even if we were to reinvest the lot, wouldn't be surprised if the available max is 30m this year.

Much as though I'd love to have Charlie back and am convinced we could definitely get him if we wanted to, the last time any quotes (Journal) came out of the club about that possibility a couple of weeks back.... it was all about "a bun fight", "is he just a mercenary?" and "a lot of money to spend on one player who left under a cloud." Nothing encouraging there whatsoever. And unless things have changed dramatically I just don't see, sadly, that we're going to put the effort in to make this deal happen.

If there is any truth in this, it would be a very poor attempt to replace Jose. Can't believe there aren't better options out there - if there is any money to spend that is. Has that smack of a deal that would appeal.

Well, bit of a come down today - after all the exotic striker options and youtubing these past weeks! If Long is to be the 2nd striker, I've got a hunch he'll do ok. One positive is it would be a great move for him and he'll bust a gut for us. And he'd be fairly amenable to being on the bench if we go with just one up front. If we can possibly get Charlie in as well then I'd settle for that as the big signing, but if it turns out to be a much lesser, cheaper player instead, and that's the end of the spending, then you've got to feel Pardew is diminished in credibility - despite all the up beat talk.

Chairman saying they rejected bid, and that he thought it wasn't the right time for Taylor to move and that he'd get more games there. But "time will tell, we'll see what happens"

From what people are saying it doesn't sound like Gibson is that much of an upgrade on Guthrie, and not worth 5m of whatever Pardew has available - when we have other priorities. There does seem to be a pattern developing of being linked with better quality players ie Matuidi at 10/12m but the reality being we are really more in the 5/6m market as the club tries to stretch the money out.

Offers get rejected, but there's never an accompanying statement saying why we want to keep a player. Bit depressing that.

Difficult to know what to make of this one. A few days ago the club were briefing that Charlie and his people were being mercenary. Yet still word from his camp seems to be he is desperate to come to us. One thing for sure is for Ashley to cough up it's going to have to be a good deal. Reckon he might be interested at 7m, though so would plenty of other clubs. Hoping this could still happen, would make for a great forward line.

Good luck to Guthrie if he goes. He's been a squad player for quite a while so don't blame him. Vuckic perhaps can step up to take his place.

2 seasons out on loan, playing every game. Probably feels a bit estranged from the club. Competition from a similarly talented young keeper, but guarenteed a start up there. He'll be off I reckon.

Reassuring to read in a Douglas piece today...... "There is interest from Seville in Coloccini but the United management see him as pivotal to their plans next season."

Can only wish Chris the very best. Think it could be a tough job for him though. Will be under plenty of pressure.

Think the situation has changed very quickly for Joey. Would be surprised if last season was not the most enjoyable of his career and now the club seems to want him out the door. Though he is defiantly talking about staying a final year, without the Nolan axis and with all the new players coming in I'd say he's likely to be a much diminished figure around the club and in the dressing room. So it's difficult to see how he could have the same positive impact next season as he has this, which would be a great shame as we could do with his qualities going into the new season. Can see a decent club taking a punt on him before the window closes and him moving on, despite what he's saying now.

Forward options seem to be developing nicely. Getting quite excited about how the shape is going to look eventually. Definitely seem to be introducing technique and skill into our attacking play.

Unfortunately Colo has probably always been a prime target for the wages cull which appears to be going on. I think they'll definitely sell if they get a decent offer. It won't be a footballing decision.

Wouldn't be surprised if Ashley's loving all this. Talk about a fucking gamble.

In terms of potential turnover, have to say can't ever remember anything quite like this.

If it is true, we've still hardly touched the 35m yet so no excuse for not getting two further strikers in on top of Ba, though I'd be surprised. Christ - overhaul isn't the word!

Here you go.... It’s Best you get going, Leon Published: Today Add a comment Add a comment (0) LEON BEST has been told he can leave Newcastle. The Republic of Ireland hitman was on fire for a spell last term, bagging six goals in nine starts. But Toon boss Alan Pardew is to rejig his strike options. Shola Ameobi is set to stay but Best can follow skipper Kevin Nolan out the door. Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3642823/Leon-Best-told-he-can-leave-Newcastle.html#ixzz1PU6Ox4Qo

Best has been linked with other clubs. Would rather it's not him though.

Am remembering Pardew saying not too long ago that he wanted Tiote to get involved further forward when he could, that he could be effective there.

Excellent news - two good players in.