Smal

some quotes from Eales in this Mark Douglas article - https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle-transfer-news-nice-midfielder-list-of-targets-magpies-summer-swoop-2381156

Lascelles is coming into the last year of his contract now. I think next summer would be the natural time for him to leave.

I’m all for it. Keep this group around for as long as possible.

To Swiss media: “For me, this has been the best and most beautiful season of my entire career. “I have never felt more comfortable in a place than in Newcastle. “The cooperation in the team and with the coaching staff is unprecedented. “I feel a great sense of happiness and a lot of gratitude for being able to experience this phase. “If you think about where we were a few years ago, no one would have believed us capable of such a path. “The fans are in seventh heaven – and so are we, of course. “It’s unbelievable that we were able to maintain our pace for a whole season in this strong league. “It was also an incredibly good season for me personally. I was injury-free in almost every game. “For almost 15 years there have only been two teams outside of the top [‘Big’] 6 to reach the Champions League – Leicester and us. Knowing that is good. To have prevailed over 38 games against these competitors can hardly be overestimated. “Eddie Howe is the best coach of my career. “It’s difficult to define in just one area. He has so many good facets. His training theory is first class, there is not even a hint of boredom in any meeting. “What he announces always makes sense. “The way he meets me on a personal level suits me extremely well. People are important to him. This is an outstanding component for him. He also asks a player on a day off; you can discuss very private matters with him. I’m in a very familiar relationship with him. “The many good characters [of the squad] also simplify the inner workings enormously; the fun factor is not neglected. “The new owners have invested very carefully and made clever transfers. There was no sign of a spending spree. Instead, some funds have been put into infrastructure. They did a really good job. The change of strategy was necessary. “At the moment the fans are just grateful. Everyone knows where the club came from. For years Newcastle suffered [under Mike Ashley]. “I’m really looking forward to that [Champions League with Newcastle United]. “There will be a breathtaking atmosphere in our stadium. “For me, another dream is coming true. “A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought such a thing even remotely possible.”

I’m so confused by it. He’s been good but the way the media go on it’s like he’s been prime Maldini, and they still think he’s been underrated. All this whilst nobody is talking about the guy next to him who has defended just as well but has also been spraying a plethora of defence splitting passes about as though he was Xabi Alonso all season.

again he didn’t look out of place at all and I thought he managed to play the role a bit more like Howe would want him to this time. Got the assist and it was very Willock-esque play by overlapping the winger.

considering Joelinton only started playing in midfield 18 months ago it’s pretty incredible he’s up there with those names

glad he got a goal. Ending on 0 g/a would've been pretty disastrous. His performance.... meh.

proper poor performance, like. Not that it matters much.

press has been a bit non-existent. Wils getting annoyed.

ooof, unlucky Lewis

Wilson and Miley on please.

is Gordon injured? You’d think he’d be desperate to impress but has just been walking around the centre circle this half so far.

Or ASM right and Isak left. Their full backs are there for the taking (on)

I don't think Gordon is knackered; he just never looks like he wants to defend. ASM's been really good. We could do with a bit more intensity from somewhere (Wilson?)

yeah, we need someone who has a right foot for RW don't we

we seem to be inverting Trippier today to help the midfield a bit. Makes sense I guess but no threat on the right at all.

WTF Miggy

they're on about Southgate picking him

why do the comms think Gordon's been picked for England?

Scored in their last game, didn't get off the bench in today's. Make it make sense.

Now would be the time to get him imo. He will triple his value in the next couple of years.

The quotes from that article so as few of us as possible have to visit the mail's site:

Lavia would not take a league registration slot, but he would take a CL slot. For the CL under 21s have to have been here for at least two years before they don’t need to be registered.