ExiledGeordie

?

Mainly, not all

He likely knows someone at the venue where the medicals take place. But that person is taking a risk handing info like that over if that’s happening.

Be amazed if they sold Dúbravka unless he wants to leave. Pope is a much better keeper but he’s certainly a solid back up. Darlow isn’t as good.

My Leicester mate says he needs some good coaching which he’ll get from Howe. He reckons with the right coaching he could be a monster of a player. Great pace on the break, maybe not as great 1 on 1s beating a man but can finish really well. I get the impression Howe sees Barnes and Gordon potentially on either side as an option?

Yeah I thought he showed some real class in glimpses. Tenacious but has a pass on him. Perfect foil and stand in option instead of Bruno

haha fair enough and point taken. Pre-season just never concerns me really, as long as they’re fit for the start of the season.

It’s mid July, first proper pre-season match for him, ofcourse he’s miles of it ? That’s the idea of pre-season, to build form and fitness

None of them buy really, almost always rent. My mate has sorted a few of them out with houses as he knows the wealthy landlords with properties in Jesmond, Darras Hall etc

For whatever reason is recovery has been slower than hoped from the snippets you hear. That couple with any concerns they have about his ability leads to the Livramento link. I think we need a new starting left back and cover at right back but I’m not convinced we get both. We also need cover at right CB as no chance Schar and Botman play every game next season and I’d be worried with Lascelles coming in.

Is he quick?

Well said. I wonder if they’ll target LB or CB as a potential main 3rd signing assume Barnes does eventually join? I guess it depends what Howe things of both Targett and Lascelles which may dictate that. I still have a feeling Lascelles may go late in the window. I think we’ll possibly add 1 or 2 with loan options later in the window too.

?

??

Yes you can’t change the team too much all at once or too quickly for various reasons - cost, dressing room vibe etc. I think they’re very aware of this.

?

Exactly, he’ll also improve too

Not done until it’s done but clearly fairly concrete sources and seems like it might be a matter of haggling over price. Fingers crossed, be a great signing, can see Howe really improving him again too.

I agree, proper Howe signing too.

??

I agree, lack of pace is definitely a weakness of ours at the back

If they can get a reasonable fee I think they’ll sell but that’s been the issue but the Saudi option would get over the fee issue it seems. If he can stay fit which is his major issue I think he could play a prominent role this season particularly in the champions league. I do have my doubts about his fitness but in general I’m pretty laid back about whether he stays or goes really.

Im not sure we’re quite there yet but I agree this will definitely form a bulk of the window. I think we’ll bring in (or our budget will allow for) at least one more top player and then the scenario you’ve highlighted will develop.

Yeah there’s some absolute codswallop out there at the moment ?

I agree, not when we clearly need quality in other positions namely right wing and left back with right CB also a necessity after that. We just don’t have the funds to blow 40-50m on another midfielder.