NWMag

I don’t believe we would spend most of our budget on our defence, so I’m taking what KD has said with a pinch of salt. A quality RW is absolutely crucial IMO, a decent back up striker would be needed but could possibly utilise the loan market here, and then spend the rest on a CM. Go for a cheaper option unless a really quality name is available, if so see what we can do financially. But we cannot start the season with Fraser/Almiron as the RW options and I’m sure the owners/Howe/Ashworth know this too. I do feel that we will have a quiet few weeks - we’ve landed our number 1 target in Botman, our offer for Ekitike is our final one on the table so no further action from us needed on that front, he either takes it or he doesn’t. Think as the press have said we will sit back and evaluate the market, as we get closer to deadline day our negotiating position improves. Wouldn’t surprise me if we do sign a big name but it’s in the last week of the window.

Surely this gets properly confirmed today?

If we were to do this, how long would it take to complete the expansion? Could it be done in one off season?

Think one of the replies on Twitter suggested that we may be holding off until the end of the window due to the size of the fee. Currently we are painting the picture that we have a ‘budget’ and have been tough negotiators and made reasonably priced signings - if we go and spunk £50+ Million on Paqueta now, could affect the prices we are quoted for other deals, so could be a case of doing other deals first and then leaving Paqueta as the last one.

I know that people have moaned or been frustrated with the drawn out saga’s of Botman and Ekitike, but the fact that Botman was our number 1 target and we have got him has really relaxed me in terms of the remainder of the window. I have full faith in the club that they are after the right players and know how to handle their negotiations. can happily sit back now and relax, take all of the media links with a pinch of salt and just see where we are come the start of the season.

Can’t remember specifically who but it was one of the Italian journalists

Medical on Monday apparently, would be lovely if that was in the morning so we can get official confirmation by Monday night

True. Maybe he will put some pressure on his agent now

Do we think the capture of Botman will persuade Hugo to join?

Not confident it will happen, but I want it to

The way things are it sounds like we are literally waiting for the agent to say yes and then it will be medical time and signature

Talking of Gouri, there was a private jet from Nice in to Newcastle today

Eriksen latest: Us 6/4 favourites brentford 2/1 man U 3/1 Not a lot in it and the change from 3/1 to 6/4 is most likely just due to money placed but think we are definitely in for him

Also how reliable is 90 mins? No other journo has backed their story up so far

I don’t think he owes Brentford anything. They gave him a 6 month deal and were in absolute free fall until he started playing, could easily argue he saved them from the drop. I would say he’s repaid the contract they gave him

Eriksen in to 3/1 down from 25/1

Also reports today he has turned down Man United. Does he stay at Brentford or have we managed to convince him?

RE Paqueta, something we’ve heard repeatedly is if someone is available for the right price, the deal will be done regardless of budget. If Paqueta happens, it will be at the end of the window. By all accounts Lyon want to sell, the price will only drop the closer we get to deadline day. same with Lingard, apparently we cooled our interest due to wage demands, but he hasn’t got a contract elsewhere yet. Closer we get to the end of the window, his demands will lower (although I am not fussed if we sign him or not)

nothing that’s not been said already but very good track record this guy

Good point, I think you’re right sadly