Barnes23

I don't think there is any redemption arc available. If he performs to the best of his ability we can have a more amicable parting of ways next summer, and appreciate the contribution rather than the man. That's as good as it should get.

Totally get the sentiment, but it would be cutting our nose to spite our face IMO. There are no viable Isak replacements that I can see on the market. We would be harming ourselves to accommodate his wishes.

I really hope we're not going to fold, but I find it difficult to read those quotes any other way

"Neither would have been the ideal, long-term answer, but at least they are centre-forwards, both of whom boast Premier League experience" - On Wilson and DCL, amazing Article in a few days coming with the line "but they do play football, and that is indeed the game Newcastle are looking to play".

Critical question is - is he the Wilson replacement or the Isak one?

I think it would be a mistake to assume he cares all that much about Sweden. Agree that it is highly unlikely he refuses to play though, the worry would be about his commitment/effort/the effect on the morale of the group if he comes back. It still looks like the best option to me, though. Will ultimately trust Eddie with that call.

We're waiting on an invite, it's what all the respectful clubs do these days

Edwards is holding the line for us out there. Always said he was a fine journalist

You're right of course about his conduct being shit but he shouldn't be leaving as a legend if he jumps ship to a domestic rival regardless of how he has acted. We aren't Crystal Palace. Abroad may have been a different story.

I think another incoming midfielder might be more likely to signal a loan for Miley. Pretty sure we would consider selling Willock though if there was interest

I agree about him getting experience if the conditions are right to let him go, but there is no world where Miley will be a replacement for Bruno next summer unless several things have gone very, very wrong.

Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth Villa 2-1 Newcastle Brighton 2-1 Fulham Spurs 2-0 Burnley Sunderland 1-1 West Ham Wolves 1-3 Man City Chelsea 2-1 Palace Forest 2-0 Brentford Man United 1-1 Arsenal Leeds 1-1 Everton

It's imperative IMO that we don't sign a big money striker who we don't really believe can reach the desired level. Regardless of any pressure from Isak/the media etc

Not really, but it maps out the lay of the land pretty well

Luke Edwards redemption arc continues unabated. The more time passes, the more re-integrating Isak seems like the best bet for this season

I think the market is unfavourable at the moment and would like to call Isak's bluff and reintegrate most likely if at all possible, but I appreciate that entire situation is not without a whole host of difficulties. Of the names we've seen mentioned in the press, in no particular order, I would take a) Either Strand Larsen or Muniz as cheaper/developmental punts b) A cheaper alternative from the continent (Kalimuendo would be one example) c) Ollie Watkins if the PSR calculations were deemed to be favourable and Villa weren't going to hold us to ransom to a ridiculous extent (two big ifs, I know) The above would be with a view to re-assessing the market next summer, giving us some time to hopefully identify the next Isak/Sesko/Ekitike etc. Signing Jackson would essentially be confining ourselves to signing a Chelsea castoff as our flagship no.9 for the foreseeable. There is no world where it isn't a huge downgrade.

Jackson as the Isak replacement is a poor outcome regardless of AFCON.

Is that supposed to somehow make people more sympathetic? Pretty shit attempt if it is the best his agent can come up with

Can't deny that is possible. If anyone can get him and the fans back onside for a season it's Howe but a very difficult situation for sure. The dressing room, his relationship to the fans and to Howe, the media spotlight etc would all be impacted too. I have a feeling like some others have said it may be that Howe would prefer him to leave for the above reasons but the board lean more towards keeping him at this point in time. Really hope the Wissa deal goes through to at least give us some kind of insurance

It's a relief if true that we don't see two suitable strikers on the market, and therefore may be reluctant to sell, because that is also my feeling. The worry all along has been that we are allowing the tactics of Isak/Liverpool to pressurise us into a decision which does not serve our interests as a club - so if that is their conclusion, I hope that we hold firm.

Aye, that would be a really uplifting signing. Would give us another dimension in midfield and attack. A brief mention from Douglas not enough to really make me think it's likely, though. Our interest wasn't strong enough the first time around and it's common knowledge at this point how stubborn we are with our list of targets. Hope I'm wrong though

#soon #wait etc etc

Feeling the same tbh. Not sure I cba this year, could be Isak and our present malaise partly. Also gearing new strategy around defensive contributions (although I imagine it isn't too complicated)