JP

Even if you hold the opinion that Henderson is equal in ability to Dubravka, he's younger and ticks the homegrown box for the squad - at £15mill its value. Also competition for the number 1 would improve the pair of them too. I agree Henderson would only be coming here if promised the #1 spot but wouldn't do either of them any harm having that competition for a place. Also seen Dubravka have a fair few injuries in recent years and we're then stuck with Darlow for a sustained period again? No thanks. Furthermore, trust the recruitment/Howe after the success we've had since January window. It's a smart signing.

Would be class but getting bored of reading the 'working on a deal for' line being touted by every journo going. I get it, they have to do their job but it feels like every deal has a running commentary to it.

We all seem to be in same boat of wanting the following in before window closes: CB, CM, LB, CF + Wood and Trippier already would be a decent effort.

What we thinking next then? CB? Would love to see Diego Carlos in.

Only as precaution it appears. They have Barnes and Vydra out with injury and covid respectively + Cornet at AFCON. So the one fit striker they had we've gone and knicked and they play Leicester + Watford within 3 days next week.

Wood 50 goals in 155 DCL 43 goals in 151 If we'd signed DCL for 40million i'd imagine a much better reaction on the whole. We've signed Wood for 20-25million and directly weakened an opponent as a result.

The only thing that’s changed since Monochrome Acquisitions Ltd was created is time. What the hell is everyone flapping for?

One indication of Rafa’s decision we have is Rondon’s whereabouts. He’s reported to have told his people he’s waiting on what Rafa/NUFC do before making a decision on his own future. That translates as, if Rafa stays Newcastle is my preference. He hasn’t been linked with anyone else since then. Pretty sure if Rafa had made him aware he wasn’t staying with us, the wheels would be in motion for Rondon getting a move elsewhere. A lot of clubs would pay the 16m in a heartbeat.

All well and good until you get relegated.

Page 292 was a disgrace to read. Anyone this far on who has skipped a few, don't bother going back.

Odin you seem 100% certain that this deal is done, is that the case?

I try forget about this day to day then every now and then imagine a fuck off yellow bar on ssn ‘Newcastle takeover completed’ and all the hope comes flooding back

It may be significant, it may not we’ll not know for certain of course. Buts it’s another nod towards things happening behind the scenes

Dubravka Yedlin Schar Lascelles Dummett Shelvey Colback Murphy Ritchie Aarons Gayle

Part of me finds it incredible that the press haven’t had a sniff of this since the BZG statement was released. Then I realise, this is how takeovers should/do happen. Strict NDA’s in place, no leaks, announced ‘out of the blue’.

Why does time elapsing make everyone so nervous here? Look at all the facts of the situation. Don’t speculate and stay patient. We don’t have that long to wait really. Imagine at the Fulham game, saying we’d be close to a takeover by a Sheikh by mid June. Everyone would snap your hand off for that situation. Relax!

This fits. As it would certainly be Ryder’s source at the club. Young Edith sick of the chronicle questioning her when she has just left the tea to brew.

Was this a Rafa influenced appointment?

Miss you, Rafa.

Seen his latest Instragram story? The man is bionic. Only had surgery 6 weeks ago!

Do think there's some weight in this. We should be thankful we've got a manager that will push for A (best scenario), knowing that he won't get it but may get somewhere around B/C, rather than settle for F and be the yes man. The more he pushes during this contract negotiation, the closer to best case scenario he gets in writing. Its obvious he wants to stay.

Howey was Caulkins best man I believe? Or vice versa. Not sure if that’s worth anything but surely Howey would check that info before saying it in public?

It’s sad when it’s got to the point the majority of us would be past caring if we went down and Rafa walked. Purely as that would mean a huge hit in the pocket of Ashley.

Well, what a shitter of a day.

The Guardian claim of a new £15m bid is a bit sketchy anyway. No other outlet at all is reporting this and I’m pretty sure they would be if Brighton went from an £8m bid to £15m within 24 hours. Don’t believe it personally