Wil

Regards Long, he looks a confident player with a bit of attitude. Can see him in the No. 9 actually. Maybe the cheaper option will allow us to secure the pacy, flair wide forward as well, such as Gervinho or N'Zogbia. I'd settle for that. Long could lead the line on his own where necessary, especially away from home where you need to hold the ball up. Not so sure about Gameiro, he looks more of a poacher who will need someone alongside him in the prem. Not that I'd say no, if we can get him.

Echo also going with Long story, if Gameiro says no..... http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/9065951.Pardew_turning_his_attention_to_Long/

Left slightly puzzled by a line in yesterday’s Journal piece by Mark Douglas..... United’s reservations regarding Gervinho surround probable African Nations Cup commitments – which could potentially rule him out of four games in January – and a slight concern about where he would fit into their plans. There is still strong interest in him, though. Douglas seems to have a bit of a steer around what’s happening at the moment, and if it is from the football side of the club this is a pretty strange comment about one of our prime targets, and potentially our biggest outlay. I take it to mean something tactical - he’s a very good player who is available but plays best on the right side of a 433 and Pardew’s preferred formation will be 4411 (Ben Arfa off the front). It’s altogether an odd statement to include if there’s not some kind of truth to it. There’s been no clarification since as far as I can see.

Also called him "dynamic and driven". All round sounds like the right qualities for a good midfielder, who could settle in well in the prem.

Talksport's french football expert, Philippe Auclair on later. They've already flagged up our french transfer links today, so he may have something to say other than the Cabaye story.

I'm with this. Positive thoughts until we hear otherwise. Come on Jose man, be a local hero and do it.

Haven't seen him, but like him already. Thanks for all the reports lads. Sounds a player!

Had been thinking he would stick out his final year, but the signing of Cabaye, if true, is a pretty stark message that the club have already moved on - as far as central midfield goes anyway. Good luck to him if Everton do come in. We'll miss his attitude on the field, for sure. Been huge for us this year. Hoping Pardew has a good eye on the character and spirit of incoming players. Getting the sense there could be quite a few changes this summer, and the spirit needs to stay strong.

Just caught the news. Sounds excellent.

May mean fuck all but I remember the Mirror's Darren Lewis was first to break the news of the Carroll deal finally being done on deadline day. So I'll not dismiss the Cole story until there's a denial from Pardew. I could see how such a deal may move to the top of Llambias's little list. It'll be a very easy deal to do. We can drive a hard bargain, get him cheap and the player would jump at the chance to come. There is the issue of the player's age, but they may be willing to forego that in order to strike a "bargain".

Liking his positive approach to games. He's often emphasising taking the game to the other team and putting them under pressure. Seems to be working for the most part.

Excellent close control and a great spirit demonstrated again today.

Appreciated that he said "why not stay"

Maximum praise for our spirit this season. That side of things has been just great.

Tayls again, bloody hell. It's well deserved I reckon.

Yay!!!!!

Pardew's gonna keep attacking.

Come on lads. We'll take their subs on as well. Might be time for Ranger.

Been great whatever happens. Running scared with the subs.

Barton doing well 2nd half

Good stuff lads, come on!

Barton blocking off Torres well

Great stuff, considering. Had feared a hammering, but we've dug in well.

Great 1st half from Fergie!

Nice and scrappy at the moment.