Whitley mag

Always about them they’ve had it no harder than any other city in the North of England.

The reason Newcastle United opted against Joao Pedro move Newcastle United did not revive their bid to sign Joao Pedro from Watford ahead of the summer window - because Eddie Howe has moved on to other targets. Chronicle Live has learned that Newcastle were aware of Pedro's desire to leave Vicarage Road, but the club's rapid rise up the Premier League has resulted in a change of direction with some potential deals. United will now turn their attention to other targets this summer after Brighton & Hove Albion signed Pedro from Watford last night. A source close to the deal told us that Newcastle were not involved in any discussions this time around on Pedro. Newcastle are also much more relaxed when it comes to forwards with £63million Alexander Isak now settled on Tyneside and Callum Wilson in fine form The Brazilian youngster was the subject of a £30million bid last summer but the Hornets resisted any offers last summer and handed him a new contract. Newcastle are keen to sign another forward this summer.

Pedro would have been ideal for us as cover across the front 3, possibly would have even took one of the wide places. I think he would have still been high on the list, but maybe he thinks he’ll get more game time at Brighton and be the main man. Get the impression where probably in limbo aswell with the CL list of targets and the Europa League list at the moment. Hard not to get excited with the level of player we’ll be targeting with CL football, if Vitor Roque is the main target up front I can see why we would be keeping our powder dry.

Like he said.

Casey was on to this fella a month ago Sky Sports pfft.

Alreet Sammy.

Lads class Rafa recognised that and Brucey almost destroyed the lad. Still think the Mancs we’re prepared to pay 30 plus for him that summer on Carracks recommendation. I think there’s more to come lad is growing in confidence and will be essential to plans going forward with more matches in Europe.

Must be one of the best anthems in football this one, sang by local lads who support the club. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2x-T_b5W0I&pp=ygUWaGlicyBzdW5zaGluZSBvbiBsZWl0aA%3D%3D

Looks a tidy footballer but reminds me of Kevin Brock for some reason.

I’m not convinced I must admit for the money quoted. He’s talented and I like the idea of having somebody who can unlock a well organised defence at home in a tight game. However, he seems injury prone and I think we’d lose more than we gain from say replacing Longstaff with him. This teams built on fitness, running power and moving the ball quickly, none of the attributes I think Maddison excels in.

Bit of an all rounder but after watching some highlight reels i get the feeling he’s more suited to the way we play than say Ugarte. He’s not adverse to putting a foot in either, he looks a unit, athletic and technically good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3SoYNciK8w&pp=ygUWa2hlcGhyZW4gdGh1cmFtIHNraWxscw%3D%3D

Roque, Thuram, Diaby and Tobido/Lacroix in the summer. If you sell St Max for 40 million it would probably still be an investment of over 150 million in the 4. Still not sure if I want to let St Max go, he’s been electric when fit this season and signs of real all round improvement in his game. I’m not convinced Diaby is an upgrade on him, but he would hopefully play more games and looks a talent. If I was letting St Max go I’d be far happier if Kvaradona or Leao was his replacement and a guaranteed upgrade. Nice problems to have though and be interesting if to see if they cash in on St Max this summer.

I would say Lavia and Caicedo have been 2 of the best midfielders our lot have come up against in CM this season.

I’ve been as critical as anyone of atmosphere but was v good yesterday. Still need a singing enclosure to create a constant base level atmosphere for every game, but when St James gets going like yesterday it’s hard to beat and becomes the bear pit it should be.

There was an article from one of these online sites possibly last week saying we were very much in hunt for Vitor Roque. I think Nickson has also just been to Brazil, they’re definitely trying to do things there but Roque would be a sensational signing.

I mean as if the Saudi’s would allow any of our best players to sign for the scouse pauper’s.

I don’t think Thuram to PSG is a done deal not seen that anywhere. I do think his price is rising though and talk of 50 million plus now with the scousers also sniffing. The good news is though there’s a plethora of good midfielders this summer potentially available. To name a few Ugarte, Lavia, Kone, Caqueret, and Rice. Get CL and no reason we’re not capable of getting one of these.

Yeah Qatar airways have been in talks, I’d still be surprised especially if they think Man U takeover has legs.

Definitely change in outlook and fan culture required. To be honest I never thought we’d see the day the ground was full of folk waving flags, so it is possible but just needs a push from somewhere to get people standing and singing in a big area. Not saying the flag waving is necessarily my cup of tea as much prefer raw emotion and vocal support, but it undoubtedly creates a sense of occasion and spectacle.

Like any game in the PL if you’re off it you can get beat. These have some decent players Alcaraz, Ward Prowse and Lavia in midfield. They we’re decent in LCSF up here for long periods in 2nd half, could be tricky if we’re not on it from the off.

Hmm 2pm kick off playing bottom of the league, the current crowd will be rocking up just to be entertained. Morgue like is my prediction but hope to be pleasantly surprised.

If Longstaff is out I would bring Gordon in and would leave Murphy on right, wasn’t impressed with Miggy the other night. Hopefully Anderson might get 20 to 30 mins on left at some point today.

Embarrassing interview where he basically acknowledges there’s fuck all they can do. Sky trying to stir the shit the establishment are rattled to fuck.

We’ve obviously got Kavarodona in the bag.