So in a busy week at Newcastle here's a quick summary of where we are with each player (much thanks to nufcblog for this)...
Nothing sealed but the chat is
(click on players names for stats)
Mark Viduka
Well it looks as though the pie man is on his way to St James. You can't argue that he'll add much needed strength up front, and despite a significant wage, a 19 goal striker on a free is a great piece of business by Sam to open up his account. His role will depend much on the Owen situation, but a good addition and the sort of signing we could have done with in recent seasons (such as when Jimmy Floyd was available on a free and we threw £10m at Luque!)
Derek Boateng
This fella is exactly what we expected from Big Sam. We don't know much about this 25 year old midfielder, who is currently based in Israel, but everything seems to be positive. Goo attitude, hard working. This is a player who will come in to bolster the squad (realistically as back up to Butt) but in the sort of position where we really need it.
Ben Haim
I've already posted enough about this fella. Good signing and free - hopefully Sam can seal this by the end of the week.
This is the new news, but seems to be a strong lead. Dortmund are interested in this highly rated Czech PSG defender, but it sounds as though he would be tempted by the challenge of the premiership, and to join up with Sam who already showed an interest in the player while at Bolton. I'm sure the usual strands of news update will carry this story as the week goes on.
Given the fact this story is coming from the players agent we can't be too sure on it. Also, there is no sign on how much PSG would want, but you have to assume around £5m?
Leighton Baines
The young left back looks like he'll come, but with no real signs of Newcastle making an approach so far we can only assume that the U21 tournament is getting in the way. We're desperate for full backs as we know and this guy is a good english prospect. Even those who aren't sold on him must admit that at under £5m (given what we've spent in recent seasons) is worth a crack.
Joey Barton
Love him or hate him this guy is a very good footballer. With SP off the WHU we have to hope that the big fella knows what he is doing bringing in this 'rough diamond'. I have huge reservations about bringing a player with this history into a place such as circus St James' but we'll have to see. At £5.5m the price tag screams value, but there are so many moral issues arond this which I may cover seperately if he does sign.
Nigel Reo-Coker
Ok, so I don't like his attitude on the pitch, and this season has seem the Hammers fans turn against him, but a player who at 23 has already captained a team at Wembley and was club captain at 19 must have something about him. Maybe if he comes in as a replacement for SP Sam can bring the best out of him. I will hold judgement once he's in a black and white shirt.
Also he has quite a cool full name, and we could adapt the Shola song for him (Nigelio Shola Andrea Reo-Coker)
Out
With regards to players leaving, I don't think Parker has developed as well as we would have wanted. A good servant to the club for two seasons, but disappointing last year when the pressure showed. I don't feel that he would be a huge loss to the squad and see the money he'll bring in as an opportunity to re-shape the midfield. I hope he does well at West Ham though as he's always looked to be a solid pro where ever he has been.
Talking of pro's... Dyer. Kieron has managed to live a charmed life at Newcastle. When the fans wanted him out for disgracing the captaincy Souness doubled his wage! He is undoubtedly a great player, and the perfect number 12 for England, but has failed to blossom at Newcastle. On occasion brilliant, but we need consistency which he lacks. His attitude also stinks, with the amount of reports of him down the Quayside or on Jesmond Rd while injured not reflective of an £80k a week wage. Kieron, you won't be missed (although I expect he'll still be seen retrospectively as a very good talent in his years at the club.
????
The big one is Owen, with further reports coming out of a lack of commitment from St Michael I still feel we might be best just getting him out. He is costing us too much and with Oba Martins we have the perfect player to fill that role. Having spent £26m (ish) on this guy and seen little return on investment (both physical and emotional) I feel we are in a position where we can make a sensible business decision.
Talking of business decisions, lets just get rid of Carr and Babayaro! We'll get some cash for Carr and Baba is just a waste of a good wage.
Emre on the other hand is a clear talent who we should keep hold of. He had a tough season last year, and with a string of clubs having lined up for him (with a fee alledgedly agreed with Hertha Berlin a couple of months ago), we could cash in, but there is much more to get from this guy. I think in a better coached team we could really see the best of Emre next season.
No comments:
Post a Comment