There was good news and bad news in the transfer market for Newcastle fans late last week.
 Gokhan Inler – no approach from Newcastle?
The good news is that we signed 21 year-old Liverpool midfielder Danny Guthrie for around £2M, and after his signing it seems like he could well be a much better player than Newcastle fans first realized – we hope so in any case.
But the bad news that came out last Thursday is that Serie A club Udinese Calcio have denied reports linking their midfielder Swiss midfielder, Gokhan Inler, with a move to Newcastle United this summer.
We’ve been linked with the player for over two weeks now, although it seems longer, so it seems surprising that the Serie A club would not have said something sooner, if it was not true, since it’s been heralded in most of the newspapers since early July.
And the Swiss midfielder looked very good in the Euro 2008 games for Switzerland, and has been in great form for Udinese, since moving to Italy from FC Zurich last summer.
Udinese general director Pietro Leonardi said last Thursday:
“There is no negotiation with Newcastle. This is an absurd story.”
“I have even heard mention of a figure of five million euros – it’s ridiculous.”
“Furthermore the player’s wish, which he has reiterated on many occasions, is to remain with Udinese.”
The 24-year-old missed just one game last season for the Italian club, and is under contract with Udinese until June 2012.
So if we’re not after Inler, who are we after, becomes the real question. We were interested in Argentine Pablo Aimar, but it’s looking like the player will move to Portuguese giants Benfica.
Here’s Inler’s playing career so far:
Years Club App Goals 2004-2005 FC Basel 0 0 2005–2006 FC Aarau 25 3 2006–2007 FC Zurich 52 3 2007– Udinese Calcio 32 3 2006 Switzerland 15 1
Maybe we’re in for another shock shortly, like we got with the Gutierrez deal, and as long as it’s a pleasant one, it would be OK with us.
Comments welcome.
86 responses so far ↓
1 kizza // Jul 13, 2008 at 10:44 AM
wall verginity
2 Tom4Nufc // Jul 13, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I want the deal to go through, but I think its hope rather than expectation.
3 LondonToon // Jul 13, 2008 at 10:45 AM
It seems that whoever we are linked to in the press, we are not after at all. Maybe sources at Newcastle are leaking names such as Inler, Ferdinand, Aimar etc as smokescreens for the players we are actually after.
I mean, noone saw Gutierrez signing, and Guthrie was not exactly on the tip of everyone’s tongue either. I’m going to test this theory with our next signing – if it’s another shock, I must be right! Lol
4 furrygiblets // Jul 13, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I would love Inler at the club as he is just what we need in the middle of the park but like LondonToon said it’s probably a smokescreen for who we are actually after.
Off Topic: Do people actually get their rocks of by saying wall “Wall Virginity”?
5 kizza // Jul 13, 2008 at 10:51 AM
damn. so if this is the case… who can we get? i want ENGLISH people.
because i HATE other fans (like liverpool fans) looking at there players for england and seeing them scoring, like gerrard and lampard. or man u fans with ferdinand and rooney.
all we have is owen (and he is not high in the peeking order with capello). expecially with capello playing a 4 5 1 formation. so yeah we need up and coming english TALENT and to PLAY THEM like taylor/milner
then maybe soon we can have BRAGGING RIGHTS OVER THE PLAYERS in the england team
OPINIONS PLEASE?
6 Chennai Toon // Jul 13, 2008 at 10:52 AM
http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/tm_headline=toon-pound-16m-bid-to-keep-owen%26method=full%26objectid=20642196%26siteid=93463-name_page.html
good news if it is true
7 Matt // Jul 13, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Aimar is too old. If you look at all of what Keegan has said over the summer and before is that we’re going to be bringing in younger players. When you look through the squad it’s a good thing too. I just think we’re in for a couple more shocks but hopefuly Inler will be one of them now.
8 mushy // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Excellent summary Londontoon. The only players we are going to get are those which haven’t yet been mentioned. So come on lads get your thinking caps on and come up with a few likely signings. Oh no, wait a minute , anybody you list will, by definition, mean we wont be signing them. That’s it I’m going back to bed, my head hurts.
9 Nick Dryden // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Kizza England didn’t even qualify for Euro 2008 !!!
10 sweendog // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Not too sure on this guy, but hope theres 2 other big name signings coming .. we need a playmaker and CB .. diego and cuellar .. may as well try for the best
if we can lure them.
11 kizza // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:17 AM
TRUE. but under capello we r IMPROVING and i dont think we have lost under him. so being an ENGLAND fan as well a a NEWCASTLE fan, i want our players to do well on BOTH stages.
and you cant say gerrard hasnt played well for england, no matter how BORING it is to watch.
i know this is far fetched but imagin having about 5 newcastle players in the Englands world cup squad and England WINNING getting the country buzzing with a newcastle player scoring the winning goal.
Imagin how smug we could be
12 Geordie Nick // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:17 AM
we cudnt afford diego with tight arse in charge
13 Geordie Nick // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:19 AM
kizza- u must watch a different england to me cos gerrard has been poor for england for a long time now
14 sweendog // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Yep diego may be a nightmare to get .. but a typical KK signing .. KK is being too quiet to not have a big name signing coming .. although how do you get the likes of diego to come to a team not in europe…
15 kizza // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:25 AM
but he gets goals, and sets them up which makes england win.
i would love for newcastle players to do that 4 england
16 gorskino10 // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Inlar would be great but as u said Ed that the next signing could be a shock like Jonas, but it could be obvious like Guthrie, is it just me or how slow was keV with that deal it was mentioned in paper like 2/3 weeks ago. Just hope he’s not another backup player or overated player.
17 kizza // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:29 AM
but he gets goals, and sets them up which makes england win.
i would love for newcastle players to do that 4 england.
dont n e of you want england to do well with newcastle players, or are u happy watching england fail for major competitions.
18 Spyro // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:31 AM
couldnt care less about England, i care about NUFC thats it
19 toontastic // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:32 AM
we have 4 wingers spidey, milner (right wing) zogs and duff (left wing) zogbia and duff r gone so we should go for SWP and Mcgeady
20 51times // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:39 AM
kizza – Hahaha, England, ahahaha
21 toontastic // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:39 AM
ED HARRISON i got a ploblem when i surf this on my phone and write a comment i have to cycle down the comments which takes 20 minutes to write a second comment. PLEASE IMPROVE this site for phones
22 LondonToon // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I reckon we’ll be signing someone from north of the border. Remember KK talking about players in the Scottish league a few months ago?
Players such as Cuellar, Brown, McGeady, S Fletcher have all been linked in the past, but those rumours have died down recently.
Wouldn’t be surprised if a new signing comes from the SPL, and would be even less surprised if it’s a player that noone suspected.
23 51times // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:46 AM
LondonToon – Those players you listed are pretty much the only good players in the SPL though.
24 normski1930z // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:48 AM
england lost to france……
25 Spyro // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:48 AM
would definitely take scott brown
26 LondonToon // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Yeah, I was thinking that too! But maybe there are a few youngsters that we don’t know about that KK and DW do.
Or maybe we’ll just sign McGeady, Cuellar, Brown and S. Fletcher.
27 normski1930z // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:51 AM
not that fussed about any scottish players at the minute if am honest…
28 Leo // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:57 AM
absurd hahahahahahahahaha
29 normski1930z // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:58 AM
does inler actually have a buy out clause in his contract or is that more red top bullshit….?
30 Si // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:59 AM
The only news is coming out of Udinese. Perhaps behind the scenes negotiations are underway and Udniese are shouting loud and clear to the rest of Europe for a higher transfer fee. It’s only a theory.
31 Spyro // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:00 PM
no he doesn’t have a buy out clause, do they even have buy out clauses in Serie leagues!?
32 jules // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:02 PM
London Toon; absolutely correct, just shows what a lazy crowd the press are. easier to speculate rather than investigate!
Geordie Nick
I dont see how you can call MA a tight arse after all the money he has spent on the club including debts. personally I have mixed feelings about signing expensive players as I have not seen any reward for this strategy to date.
Its important for us to build a team for the future, not a quick fix. That being said we must give these younger players we are acquiring a chance and play them. look at the performances and potential of Taylor, Edgar and I would even have added Ramage prior to his departure.
33 Leo // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:08 PM
maybe a smokescreen for signing that complete central midfielder from holland
who said we have to have a defencive midfielder
34 faustino // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Picking up a Red Top trick there Ed, para-phrasing a dodgy translation for a headline.
Same word from the opriginal quote can be translated into ‘unreasonable’ AND ‘unlikely’. ‘Absurd’ is a bit of a hyperbole like.
35 Hadji // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I’d say we dump Smith and let Zamblera take his place.He came from the best youth school in Italy.
36 Bill F Splash the Cash Ash // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Udinese are correct, it is absurd if we think that Mr Micawber (aka MA) is going to buy any player for over £2m. At least that is how it is looking at the moment.
Go on Mike surprise us, I dare you, in fact I double dare you, in fact I, no I am getting silly in my old age now!!
37 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Bill F – changed the name again!!! totally understand why!!!
38 Piers // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:19 PM
I actually figured that something like this would happen. Newcastle is doing an excellent job of concealing their interest in their summer targets. No one knew we were after, with our first two signings. Quite frankly, i don’t see when we are actually going to know whats going on. The next player we sign could be anyone!
39 dingo // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Bill F… i agree MA has to get his coin pouch out…. cuumon MA hijack the Berba deal… get Shearer down there with another signed shirt for him and ask Oba to swap numbers….. nice done deal… Wisey move over there is a new boy in town.
40 Bill F Splash the Cash Ash // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:28 PM
HPS, pure frustration man, thought it was time to get back to basics.
41 scott9 // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:29 PM
shame i think wot we need now is a
centre back
left back
central midfileder
centre forward
and then we are sorted by the luks of things it could end up ebing something like this
ferdinand
shorey
deryok
not sure about the central midfileder
42 9 Shearer // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Inler wasnot ever coming at NUFC its newspaper gossip but the signings will come and quality ones.
43 Nenad The Serbian Mag // Jul 13, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I have a mate who is watching Udinese closely, and when I told him that Newcastle may be after him, he said it is unlikely, especially for 4 million, as it was reported.
He told me that Inler has a brilliant shot from distance and that he would cost 10 mil rather than 4-5…
44 Steeley // Jul 13, 2008 at 1:07 PM
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-1034630/Back-cave-Mister-Ashley.html?ITO=1490
Haha, does anyone reckon the reporter feels a little bitter that his precious story has been absolutely ridiculed by the club? Ah, diddums…
45 faustino // Jul 13, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Apparently Portsmouth AND Celtic after Babayarao.
WTF.
46 Tom_Toon // Jul 13, 2008 at 1:08 PM
He has a buyout clause of £7.9mil.
47 faustino // Jul 13, 2008 at 1:09 PM
The moderation on The Mail’s page is a disgrace really. I posted about an hour and a half ago pointing out exisitng re-devlopment plans and why Ashley may have mentioned caves given the fact that all the papers printed pictures of Osama in a toon top. Nadda.
48 Ever seen a mackem in Milan? // Jul 13, 2008 at 1:20 PM
If this is true there more good CM’s out there so do not worry. I reckon we will sign someone next week. Probably a defender if i had to say.
49 geoffo // Jul 13, 2008 at 1:49 PM
Inler is coming, no question- will happen his week. Also Cueller from Rangers now that Shitu has arrived. The midfielder from Rosenberg who’s name slips my mind is also lined up. My source is usually spot on and certainly got there before many on Guiterez as I mentioned on this site the day before it was officially announced!
50 Tom_Toon // Jul 13, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Geoffo – All of those this week?
51 Hertz // Jul 13, 2008 at 1:54 PM
where is aron spears now?
did he sign for us?
somebody please tell me
52 WIGAZ // Jul 13, 2008 at 1:59 PM
I’m with you Sweendog! diego & cueller would be amazing! i hope ur right about KK being quiet would love to see him get a few big names in & just sit on SSnews with a huge smug grin on his face! Nufc next season: i hope!
Given
Beye Taylor Cueller Shorey
Butt
Swp Jonas
Diego
Owen (C) Gomez/Oba
Screw Zogs! Sack Barton! Swap duff with Ferdinand!
53 51times // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:01 PM
geoffo – That’d make this an excellent week, but I don’t believe you.
Also, I’d have The Bull over Shorey any day.
54 geoffo // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Tom Toon, yeah as far as I can gather, seems Keegan was sworn to ‘fly beneath tha radar’ on transfers etcetera after his end of season outbursts, Ashley prefering to keep a low profile (where he can!) on all matters NUFC. Makes sense to me, far rather have this than the heavy handed, ignorant ball of dough that was Shepherd.
55 Tom_Toon // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Ill hold you to this Geoffo, i hope its true. Still not convinced on Cuellar though.
Someone like Skjelbred really excites me, a really energetic central midfielder with some creativity quality, we didnt see any of that last season.
56 sweendog // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Geoffo sounds like your right there .. heard the rosenborg guy is Per Ciljan Skjelbred .. don’t know much about him though .. still hope for a world beater CM .. to make things tick .. if we got that CM and a linch pin Centre back .. top 6 for sure next season..
57 Spyro // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:13 PM
but do you really see NUFC spending more money on a young CM after we just bought Guthrie, i hope so because we need a more creative CM, but i doubt it
58 sweendog // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Not sure .. but they do need more than just the starting eleven .. if we want to break into the top 8 we defo need a world class CM
59 geoffo // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Tom Toon don’t crucify me if all or none of these don’t work out, all i’m doing is reporting what i’ve heard and as I’ve said he is normally a reliable source, but I could be wrong, has been known!
60 WIGAZ // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Guthrie is one for the future buy i think, can see us bringign CM with experience & quality, it’s too quiet for something not to be happening? lets hope KK has a few shock signings up his sleeve like; SWP,Shorey,Cueller,Inher & Diego! if both viduka & oba stay fit as well as owen i’ll not be too fussed about gettin a cf in but thats a big if!
61 ObaFan2 // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:34 PM
kizza, Joe Cole’s been the best and most consistent players I’ve seen over recent years in an England shirt.
KK will add strength to the team one way or another and these “smoke screens” are just from the gutter press making up stories because they basically have nothing truthful to write about the Toon.
62 Hadrian // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:35 PM
still think we need about 6-8 players when you take into account the 4+ that stills left to go out the door .
and i dont mean replacing international players with u-21’s !!
63 dingo // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:37 PM
Who is this Di Maria that we have been linked with?
64 Tom_Toon // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:40 PM
Benfica winger.
65 Hertz // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:42 PM
geoffo- hope these are true
not all but at least one.
please
66 Keeganisourking // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:47 PM
Keep calms guys, club is working hard on bringing the right sort of the player to the club and have had to be patient due to Euro champs being on this summer, the good news is they have three signings agreed in principal who should be announced this week
67 dingo // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:51 PM
I know the ’silence’ is good for the club and all that but it’s also killing me! I work alot with the Galaxy in LA and I want to go back in 2 weeks with some good news for the Toon. Geoffo I hope youre on the ball mate.
68 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 13, 2008 at 2:58 PM
Spyro – Ive given up ranting about MA, we’ll all find out one way or another!! + you all no my opinion!! just want the best for the club!!
TT – I thought t.silva was a cf not a defender?
+ whats Dia Maria like!!
dont rate ferdy but I want duff gone?
How we going to get rid of Smith ???
Can’t see any big signings !!
69 Tom_Toon // Jul 13, 2008 at 3:03 PM
nah, he is a cb.
Di Maria is a very attacking winger, can play either side. He can score, he is quick but not like that is his ain asset, great ball control.
70 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 13, 2008 at 3:10 PM
dingo is saying we are linked to him? where’s the link? how much is he up for? any would we get him?
71 Tom_Toon // Jul 13, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Doubt it, he says he will stay with Benfica for another year and by that time he’d probably be too good for us.
Arsenal have been tracking him for ages too.
72 gas fan down under // Jul 13, 2008 at 3:59 PM
why ar you buying another turk to replace a turk – emre.
inler is of turkish origin therefore he tried his luck with a couple of turkish clubs but was told that he was not good enough for the turkish league.
The player you got rid of Emre on the other hand is a legend in turkey.
73 Tom_Toon // Jul 13, 2008 at 4:09 PM
keeganisourking – how do you know this? an who are they?
74 tian // Jul 13, 2008 at 4:12 PM
I CANT WAIT FOR MORE SIGNINGS.
COME ON KINGKEV!!
75 Mehzeb // Jul 13, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Aimar is completing his move to Benfica. We’re not signing him, that’s for sure. And with the surprises we’ve been getting, it appears that we many never have been interested in him in the first place.
76 harrier // Jul 13, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Guthrie might have been bought to replace a certain jailbird.
77 Beattie // Jul 13, 2008 at 4:47 PM
gas fan down under, what a retarded statement,
Inler was foreign player of the year in italy last season. Emre was injured all of last season. So what he’s of turkish decent, because he’s replacing a turk that is better than him in your mind, the transfer will never work? that just doesnt make sense.
and Faustino, i too placed a comment on the mail’s page slating their biased article, they clearly arent going to put them up though, it would show the journo in a bad (and correct) light
78 cunners // Jul 13, 2008 at 5:54 PM
ne chance ov signing anybody nt wit ashley in charge hes tight as a ducks arse it seems
79 figsdad // Jul 13, 2008 at 6:16 PM
So who coming this week then.?
80 Mitch H // Jul 13, 2008 at 6:36 PM
@ gas fan down under,
Emre was no legend on Tyneside. Not good enough for the premiership. Too small, no pace, & not the most creative player either.
The only thing he brought to the table was the odd good freekick & very rarely a good strike from outside the box.
Glad we’ve got shot.
81 Mitch H // Jul 13, 2008 at 6:38 PM
@ gas fan down under,
Why does it matter which country a player comes from?
Are u a red-neck?
82 gas fan down under // Jul 13, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Mitch H i disagree with your assesments on emre’s abilities. Emre was one of the quickest players over the all important first 10 metres in the league, he had skill and plenty of it, and most importantly emre had a real competitive spirit which is a quality hard to find in players which are as technically gifted as emre.
i do concede that he looked a broken man sitting on the bench as his team were smashed week in week out last season.
And i do agree that he gets injured too often. Had emre been fit for the Turkey Germany semi final i am convinced Turkey would have gone through.
If newcastle united are interested in a turkish defensive midfielder i suggest that they have a look at everton target Mehmet Topal of galatasaray. Topal is only 21 189 cm tall but very quick and good technical ability.
83 daiv // Jul 13, 2008 at 7:18 PM
Who can believe anything the press writes. We’ve probably bought Inler for £10M already!!!
84 shearer4pm // Jul 13, 2008 at 10:06 PM
gas fan down under – how many times did u see emre play last season, tbh mate againest liverpool at home he was none existant and gave the ball away everytime he had it and that is not an exageration, he was rubbish, i seen him play againest portsmouth when shearer broke THE record he was great, i dont get to many games cus im not from newcastle,
in fact im from down your way im guessin, gas fan down under, bristol rovers haha shant laf tho yeovil mate
cud be worse cud be citah lol
but nah get to as many nufc games as i can 15 last season, but aint really seen alot from emre this year shame cus when he came i loved it
85 Mark // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:05 PM
this is emre: game back from injury..plays really good yay!… next game average…next game pretty crap…gets injured training …game back from injury plays well etc etc
86 Ausgeordie // Jul 14, 2008 at 1:01 AM
What worries me is the players our rivals are buying. Portsmouth and Tottenham are looking good and will be strong next season.
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