Transfer rumours

[HaydnNUFC]

From that bollocks Q&A the Chronicle did a few hours ago.

 

Q1: Are we getting any closer to our third signing?

 

It depends what you mean by ‘closer’. In terms of talks continuing to bring in new players, Newcastle are certainly pursuing other deals to add to the signings of Martin Dubravka and Ki Sung-yueng. Rafa Benitez still wants a right-back, an attacking-midfielder, a striker and at least one winger this summer - and talks are understood to have taken place with clubs on players in each of those positions.

 

As we have already reported, the Magpies have had an initial bid rejected for Alassane Plea of Nice, while they are in discussions to bring both Kenedy and Andros Townsend back to Tyneside. It does not appear at this stage that any deal is imminent - but there have been some positive noises behind the scenes suggesting Benitez could have another player through the door before Newcastle fly to the Republic of Ireland next week, though that is far from certain. The Ki deal was kept quiet until the last minute, so fingers crossed United have done likewise with another signing.

 

Q2: Are Newcastle willing to pay Nice what they want for Alassane Pléa? We are miles apart in valuation. I doubt we’d go up that high when we’ve started bidding so low.

 

This is the key question - and I’d be stretching the truth to suggest I know the exact answer. My understanding is that Newcastle’s initial bid is some way off the figure Nice are demanding for Plea, but contact has been maintained between the two clubs since.

 

The Ligue 1 outfit have made it clear they want more than £25m for the 25-year-old, and are waiting to see whether Newcastle will get anywhere close to that valuation. Sources in France suggest Plea himself is keen to work with Benitez and has intimated to Nice that Newcastle are the club in England who he would most like to join - but there is rival Premier League interest, while clubs on the Continent are also testing the waters too.

 

Newcastle will need to smash their transfer record in order to sign Plea - and it will probably need Aleksandar Mitrovic to be close to departing before they could commit to such a significant outlay. Just like fans, the sceptic in me looks at the previous examples of Ligue 1 strikers Newcastle failed to pay the money for, as well as Nicolai Jorgensen in January - and I’m not yet convinced this one will go the distance. Hopefully the club prove me wrong though.

 

Q3: What’s happening with the apparent Kenedy talks?

 

The Kenedy talks have been on going since April. As soon as Newcastle secured their Premier League status, Benitez made it clear to Chelsea that he was keen for the Brazilian to return to Tyneside - be it permanently, or via a season-long loan deal. However, the uncertainty over the head-coach situation has complicated matters, with Antonio Conte still in charge despite Maurizio Sarri having already been lined up as his successor.

 

The Blues are receptive to selling Kenedy in order to raise funds for potential incomings at Stamford Bridge, but they want between £20m-£30m for the 22-year-old. As a result, Newcastle would prefer an initial loan deal with either an option or obligation to buy - and the current talks are largely focused around that. It is a complex situation and one which may not be resolved either way until later in the window. Kenedy would be willing to return to Tyneside, but his representatives also appear to be seeing if there is any interest from clubs in European competition too.

 

Q4: Is it a case of sell first to add to the budget?

 

To a certain extent this is the case, but it is not as black and white as that. There is already a budget for Benitez to spend, but it is believed to be between £40m-£50m. Any money he generates on top of that can be reinvested - but again that is complicated by the fact it depends whether the funds are paid in full up front or not.

 

If Stoke City do bid £15m for Matt Ritchie - they are very interested in the winger, but no agreement is in place for him - then the likelihood is that would form a large part of the fee for a like-for-like replacement, be it Kenedy or Andros Townsend. Newcastle are due a lump-sum payment from the Premier League this month, which will seemingly form a large part of their summer budget, and so that can also be spent too. It is not a case that Benitez has to sell before he can buy, but he needs to bring in funds if he wants to do the business he desires and lure the players he is really targeting to Tyneside.

 

Q5: Are United in talks for Townsend and Plea - what’s the latest?

 

Yes Newcastle have been in talks for both Plea and Andros Townsend - and, with an offer having been launched and subsequently rejected for the former, that answers your second question. In terms of talks for Plea, contact has been maintained since Nice dismissed United’s initial bid and have made it clear they want more than £25m for the Frenchman. As of yet, Newcastle have not returned with another offer, but the communication lines remain open. Townsend-wise, Newcastle initially made contact with Crystal Palace at the start of June and were quoted a price in excess of £20m for the winger. Since then, Palace’s stance appears to have softened somewhat and the Eagles have made noises that they would be willing to sell the England winger. Informal talks have continued and, if Palace lower their demands, potentially a deal could be done for around £18m. At this stage though, no agreement is in place - and Townsend’s potential arrival may depend on whether Ritchie departs.

 

Q6: What are we doing for full-back cover if Dummett and Yedlin get injured?

 

It’s an important point - because, at the moment, Newcastle only have Paul Dummett, DeAndre Yedlin and Javier Manquillo who are out-and-out full-backs in their first-team squad at the moment. Jamie Sterry is on the books still too, but Benitez is looking to sell the youngster, while Isaac Hayden can cover in on the defensive flanks. Following the release of Jesus Gamez and Massadio Haidara, and with Chancel Mbemba certain to be sold this summer, Benitez needs significant reinforcements at full-back.

 

He wants a right-back who he believes can challenge Yedlin for a first-team place, and would ideally also like to sign a versatile defender who can provide cover. Enquiries have been launched for a few players who fit the bill, but as of yet no full-back has been signed. Alongside a striker and an attacking-midfielder, I’d say right-back is the priority position for Newcastle to strengthen in Benitez’s eyes right now.

 

Q7: Does Rafa want Plea as a striker or for behind the striker because plea in nice played as a winger or second striker?

 

My understanding at this stage is that Benitez views Plea as a striker - and that’s why he is keen for a club-record bid to be launched for the Frenchman. Plea did player wider earlier in his career, and sometimes last season played to the left of or just off Mario Balotelli, but he can also be utilised as a central striker. But the fact Plea can operate in a variety of attacking positions also endears the 25-year-old to Benitez. The United manager likes versatile players because it means he has greater options to change systems and personnel depending on the opposition or the specific gameplan. Plea could be used as a forward in Benitez’s 4-2-3-1 formation, but equally he could occupy one of the three positions in the line behind too - and that is why he is so high up the Spaniard’s wanted list. Whether Newcastle will get close to matching Nice’s valuation for the winger after the Magpies’ first bid was rejected remains to be seen though.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

I mean, it’s quite obvious what closer means.

[Happinesstan]

I mean, it’s quite obvious what closer means.

 

Yeah, I didn't read any further than that.

[Happinesstan]

It's allegedly very humid in the monitoring offices.

[Ketsbaia]

From that bollocks Q&A the Chronicle did a few hours ago.

 

Q1: Are we getting any closer to our third signing?

 

It depends what you mean by ‘closer’.

 

Q2: Are Newcastle willing to pay Nice what they want for Alassane Pléa?

 

I’d be stretching the truth to suggest I know the exact answer.

 

Ridiculous

[HaydnNUFC]

From that bollocks Q&A the Chronicle did a few hours ago.

 

Q1: Are we getting any closer to our third signing?

 

It depends what you mean by ‘closer’.

 

Q2: Are Newcastle willing to pay Nice what they want for Alassane Pléa?

 

I’d be stretching the truth to suggest I know the exact answer.

 

Ridiculous

It's Pulitzer winning stuff, like.

[Shearergol]

Define closer. Go on, I dare you.

[Altamullan]

Just looked at WhoScored.com re Plea. FWIW, Weaknesses include aerial duels and crossing.

[ads]

I love the comment on Ki's signing being done quietly and quickly. I mean it was, of course, but it was probably helped along by the fact there was no club to fucking low ball first

[TRon]

From that bollocks Q&A the Chronicle did a few hours ago.

 

Q1: Are we getting any closer to our third signing?

 

It depends what you mean by ‘closer’. In terms of talks continuing to bring in new players, Newcastle are certainly pursuing other deals to add to the signings of Martin Dubravka and Ki Sung-yueng. Rafa Benitez still wants a right-back, an attacking-midfielder, a striker and at least one winger this summer - and talks are understood to have taken place with clubs on players in each of those positions.

 

As we have already reported, the Magpies have had an initial bid rejected for Alassane Plea of Nice, while they are in discussions to bring both Kenedy and Andros Townsend back to Tyneside. It does not appear at this stage that any deal is imminent - but there have been some positive noises behind the scenes suggesting Benitez could have another player through the door before Newcastle fly to the Republic of Ireland next week, though that is far from certain. The Ki deal was kept quiet until the last minute, so fingers crossed United have done likewise with another signing.

 

Q2: Are Newcastle willing to pay Nice what they want for Alassane Pléa? We are miles apart in valuation. I doubt we’d go up that high when we’ve started bidding so low.

 

This is the key question - and I’d be stretching the truth to suggest I know the exact answer. My understanding is that Newcastle’s initial bid is some way off the figure Nice are demanding for Plea, but contact has been maintained between the two clubs since.

 

The Ligue 1 outfit have made it clear they want more than £25m for the 25-year-old, and are waiting to see whether Newcastle will get anywhere close to that valuation. Sources in France suggest Plea himself is keen to work with Benitez and has intimated to Nice that Newcastle are the club in England who he would most like to join - but there is rival Premier League interest, while clubs on the Continent are also testing the waters too.

 

Newcastle will need to smash their transfer record in order to sign Plea - and it will probably need Aleksandar Mitrovic to be close to departing before they could commit to such a significant outlay. Just like fans, the sceptic in me looks at the previous examples of Ligue 1 strikers Newcastle failed to pay the money for, as well as Nicolai Jorgensen in January - and I’m not yet convinced this one will go the distance. Hopefully the club prove me wrong though.

 

Q3: What’s happening with the apparent Kenedy talks?

 

The Kenedy talks have been on going since April. As soon as Newcastle secured their Premier League status, Benitez made it clear to Chelsea that he was keen for the Brazilian to return to Tyneside - be it permanently, or via a season-long loan deal. However, the uncertainty over the head-coach situation has complicated matters, with Antonio Conte still in charge despite Maurizio Sarri having already been lined up as his successor.

 

The Blues are receptive to selling Kenedy in order to raise funds for potential incomings at Stamford Bridge, but they want between £20m-£30m for the 22-year-old. As a result, Newcastle would prefer an initial loan deal with either an option or obligation to buy - and the current talks are largely focused around that. It is a complex situation and one which may not be resolved either way until later in the window. Kenedy would be willing to return to Tyneside, but his representatives also appear to be seeing if there is any interest from clubs in European competition too.

 

Q4: Is it a case of sell first to add to the budget?

 

To a certain extent this is the case, but it is not as black and white as that. There is already a budget for Benitez to spend, but it is believed to be between £40m-£50m. Any money he generates on top of that can be reinvested - but again that is complicated by the fact it depends whether the funds are paid in full up front or not.

 

If Stoke City do bid £15m for Matt Ritchie - they are very interested in the winger, but no agreement is in place for him - then the likelihood is that would form a large part of the fee for a like-for-like replacement, be it Kenedy or Andros Townsend. Newcastle are due a lump-sum payment from the Premier League this month, which will seemingly form a large part of their summer budget, and so that can also be spent too. It is not a case that Benitez has to sell before he can buy, but he needs to bring in funds if he wants to do the business he desires and lure the players he is really targeting to Tyneside.

 

Q5: Are United in talks for Townsend and Plea - what’s the latest?

 

Yes Newcastle have been in talks for both Plea and Andros Townsend - and, with an offer having been launched and subsequently rejected for the former, that answers your second question. In terms of talks for Plea, contact has been maintained since Nice dismissed United’s initial bid and have made it clear they want more than £25m for the Frenchman. As of yet, Newcastle have not returned with another offer, but the communication lines remain open. Townsend-wise, Newcastle initially made contact with Crystal Palace at the start of June and were quoted a price in excess of £20m for the winger. Since then, Palace’s stance appears to have softened somewhat and the Eagles have made noises that they would be willing to sell the England winger. Informal talks have continued and, if Palace lower their demands, potentially a deal could be done for around £18m. At this stage though, no agreement is in place - and Townsend’s potential arrival may depend on whether Ritchie departs.

 

Q6: What are we doing for full-back cover if Dummett and Yedlin get injured?

 

It’s an important point - because, at the moment, Newcastle only have Paul Dummett, DeAndre Yedlin and Javier Manquillo who are out-and-out full-backs in their first-team squad at the moment. Jamie Sterry is on the books still too, but Benitez is looking to sell the youngster, while Isaac Hayden can cover in on the defensive flanks. Following the release of Jesus Gamez and Massadio Haidara, and with Chancel Mbemba certain to be sold this summer, Benitez needs significant reinforcements at full-back.

 

He wants a right-back who he believes can challenge Yedlin for a first-team place, and would ideally also like to sign a versatile defender who can provide cover. Enquiries have been launched for a few players who fit the bill, but as of yet no full-back has been signed. Alongside a striker and an attacking-midfielder, I’d say right-back is the priority position for Newcastle to strengthen in Benitez’s eyes right now.

 

Q7: Does Rafa want Plea as a striker or for behind the striker because plea in nice played as a winger or second striker?

 

My understanding at this stage is that Benitez views Plea as a striker - and that’s why he is keen for a club-record bid to be launched for the Frenchman. Plea did player wider earlier in his career, and sometimes last season played to the left of or just off Mario Balotelli, but he can also be utilised as a central striker. But the fact Plea can operate in a variety of attacking positions also endears the 25-year-old to Benitez. The United manager likes versatile players because it means he has greater options to change systems and personnel depending on the opposition or the specific gameplan. Plea could be used as a forward in Benitez’s 4-2-3-1 formation, but equally he could occupy one of the three positions in the line behind too - and that is why he is so high up the Spaniard’s wanted list. Whether Newcastle will get close to matching Nice’s valuation for the winger after the Magpies’ first bid was rejected remains to be seen though.

 

Who's answering the questions there? Please don't tell me it's Lee Ryder.

[HaydnNUFC]

It's not. It's not Douglas either, it's the other guy whose name everyone forgets.

[Skeletor]

I mean, it’s quite obvious what closer means.

 

That Ashley wants to fuck us like an animal?

[Twinport53]

It depends what you mean by ‘closer’.

 

These people are paid to offer this valuable insight. Jesus.

[Altamullan]

Ritchie, Merino, Mitrovic. Circa £47m. Plus the other likely departures and any available pre-existing ‘kitty’. Christ, I really hope we do have some upgrades in the pipeline.

[geordiedean]

We need to get 5 or 6 in just to cover outgoings and for us to be at the same kind of level

 

Unsure if KI is anything better than Merino and non to plusses on Townsend coming back. There's better value for 20m imo

[Dave]

Ritchie, Merino, Mitrovic. Circa £47m. Plus the other likely departures and any available pre-existing ‘kitty’. Christ, I really hope we do have some upgrades in the pipeline.

 

As usual there's absolutely no prospect of us bringing anyone in first of course (Ki hardly counts on a free), you know, to ensure we sort our own problems out. We're more than happy to risk ending up short-handed rather than having to overspend on wages for a bit.

 

If that puts us at risk of relegation, ruins the prospect of a progressive season and pisses off the manager then so be it.

[54]

 

[HawK]

Ritchie, Merino, Mitrovic. Circa £47m. Plus the other likely departures and any available pre-existing ‘kitty’. Christ, I really hope we do have some upgrades in the pipeline.

 

As usual there's absolutely no prospect of us bringing anyone in first of course (Ki hardly counts on a free), you know, to ensure we sort our own problems out. We're more than happy to risk ending up short-handed rather than having to overspend on wages for a bit.

 

If that puts us at risk of relegation, ruins the prospect of a progressive season and pisses off the manager then so be it.

 

Dubravka before any of our keepers went? I know we probably had a deadline but still, they are not anal to the point of self annihilation. Pretty close mind.

[HaydnNUFC]

 

What a man he is.

[NEEJ]

 

[mrmojorisin75]

Ritchie, Merino, Mitrovic. Circa £47m. Plus the other likely departures and any available pre-existing ‘kitty’. Christ, I really hope we do have some upgrades in the pipeline.

 

As usual there's absolutely no prospect of us bringing anyone in first of course (Ki hardly counts on a free), you know, to ensure we sort our own problems out. We're more than happy to risk ending up short-handed rather than having to overspend on wages for a bit.

 

If that puts us at risk of relegation, ruins the prospect of a progressive season and pisses off the manager then so be it.

 

Dubravka before any of our keepers went? I know we probably had a deadline but still, they are not anal to the point of self annihilation. Pretty close mind.

Good point about keepers actually, amazed we've not got rid of any yet. Think of the wages, we'll be bankrupt.

[Cheshire Mag]

Ritchie, Merino, Mitrovic. Circa £47m. Plus the other likely departures and any available pre-existing ‘kitty’. Christ, I really hope we do have some upgrades in the pipeline.

 

As usual there's absolutely no prospect of us bringing anyone in first of course (Ki hardly counts on a free), you know, to ensure we sort our own problems out. We're more than happy to risk ending up short-handed rather than having to overspend on wages for a bit.

 

If that puts us at risk of relegation, ruins the prospect of a progressive season and pisses off the manager then so be it.

 

Dubravka before any of our keepers went? I know we probably had a deadline but still, they are not anal to the point of self annihilation. Pretty close mind.

Good point about keepers actually, amazed we've not got rid of any yet. Think of the wages, we'll be bankrupt.

 

Next Leeds or Portsmouth tbh

[HaydnNUFC]

What a gobshite.

 

[TRon]

What a gobshite.

 

 

The size of the IF is Ashley, fuck all to do with Rafa, let's get it straight.

[1964]

#weknowhowthisends