The Metz football club, on their official site, are announcing this evening, that their defender, Sebastien Bassong is joining Newcastle United.
Seb Bassong - Matz is reporting he is joining Newcastle United
This is what is on the Metz web site tonight, changed somewhat to better English, from their translation:
Football Club of Metz and Newcastle United forged a financial agreement today, concerning the international defender Sebastien Bassong.
He will very soon sign a contract with the English club, which he trained with throughout last week.
A Metz youth product, Sebastien Bassong carried the garnet-red shirt for 87 appearances.
This is not official, and Metz are probably jumping the gun a little, but it’s not too surprising that Kevin Keegan wants to sign the youngster, and for a reported £1.5M, it will certainly be a low risk deal for the Tyneside club.
There’s plenty of upside for the club with this lad, who will only get better, and that will give our own Charles N’Zogbia somebody to travel with to the French Under-21 games - that’s got to also be a plus. :D.
Any signing is only official when reported on the Newcastle United web site - at www.nufc.co.uk , but we feel this is good news for Newcastle, and must be great news for young Sebastian.
Everton were also interested in the player, but it was Newcastle who moved to grab the youngster.
Here’s a description of Bassong, who stands just over 6′1″ tall, and only this month (July 9th) turned 22.
Sebastien Bassong is a left-footed center back but who can also play on the left side of defence at left back. He plays at center back for the French under 21 national team.
He has been likened to the Nigeria and Everton center back, Joseph Yobo, with both players being good on the ball, good passers and have good aerial prowess.
Bassong is a real athlete on the pitch and is also very fast.
We also reported on Sunday that 15 year-old Aaron Spear - the new Wayne Rooney - will also sign for the club this week, after Newcastle had raised their offer for the player to £250K, from their initial offer of £150K, which his club Plymouth Argyle accepted.
So that should be two youngsters signing this week.
Now to get Fabricio Coloccini this week too!
Comments welcome.
365 responses so far ↓
1 Whitters // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:03
Wehey! Thats so close to actually being official…
2 Chris H // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:04
Yeah, looks like he should be wrapped up pretty soon.
3 kierran // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:05
great stuff. this guy is a solid defender and will be a good squad player next year and probably a long term first teamer in the years to come. made cacapa look very ordinary against rovers (even though he kind of is). Nice one Kev!
4 Spyro // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:09
please replace taylor
5 Spyro // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:10
if your good bassong, please replace taylor, PLEASE!
6 Toon1978 // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:10
What about Coliccini anymore news?
7 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:11
Not yet Toon1987
Edit: That said - various press in spain reporting about Coloccini not being present as he is figuring his deal to Newcastle - as well as Deportivo starting to look at replacements
8 HKtoonfan // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:13
I would love to see another Sebastien (Larsson) moves to Newcastle as well.
9 Mac // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:13
I am now convinced more than ever that we are not signing Coliccini. Don’t know what,i just am.
10 Toon1978 // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:16
Just got in from work Harrier so aint heard much. Was hoping it would of been signed sealed and delivered by now.
11 Davies // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:18
Nice.
Has anybody seen the Yahoo homepage?
Paul Parker has decided to stick his oar in on the Barton issue. Every man and his dog has an opinion. People are w@nkers man. I know we all disagree on the Barton issue, but this is just another fine example NUFC bashing.
Paul Parker has my contempt. He’s as good a sports journalist as he is a footballer. Get on there and give him some stick!
12 Robby Bobson // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:18
Very good move. Never seen him play, but Kevin obviously had a lock at him and liked what we saw and for 1.5 million we can’t really go worng because im sure we would be able to sell him back to france for around that it he fails to perform.
With him covering left back and centre back, and collocinni (hopefully) at centre back and covering Beye our defence will be sorted. altough Warnock wudnt be bad along side them either.
Contrast to the last French Defender we signed, who was overpriced and who we obviusly didn’t have a good look at.
13 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:19
If reports are to be true then one of three things must happen before that:
1. Deportivo drop their valuation and accept our offer
2. We up our valuation and meet their demands
3. Coloccini files for an Article 17 from FIFA
If 3 happens than he is as good as ours despite the 14 days notice, since we will have to pay him the fee to buyout his contract
14 Toon1978 // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:22
Why is it we are finding it difficult to sign players there always seem to be complications of late.
15 Robby Bobson // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:25
Harrier - number 3 isn’t what we should want to happen. I’ve seen to much this transfer window. If he uses Article 17 then he becomes a free agent. Who’s to say that some other team (spurs) may jump in and take him from under our noses. Hopefully he sees how much effort toon are making to sign him.
16 Michael // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:26
I can’t imagine Metz would lie on their official website about agreeing a fee, that would be a rather bizarre thing to do.
Wikipedia have certainly jumped the gun by saying he’s already a Newcastle player.
17 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:26
Because for #3 to take place somebody has to payoff his contract, since we would be the ones paying, we would make him sign a contract to sign a contract
18 Toon1978 // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:27
Deortivo president wants shot for his greed.
19 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:28
Go and do it Toon1978 - take one for the team!
- 
(I am joking to the PC ****ers out there)
20 tony // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:29
depor will drop there price proberbly by 500 grand which is half if they dont they will lose alot of money if coleccini uses article 17
21 Robby Bobson // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:30
Toon1978 - Colocinni using Article 17 would be great, teach the greedy %*$*% a lesson.
22 Toon1978 // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:33
What i have read says that the Deportivo president accepted our offer but then changed his mind at the last minute. There needs to be a rule to stop that from happening.
23 Spyro // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:35
the depor president is trying to see how much he can squeeze out of us
its like a playground transaction.
1 “ill sell it to ya for a fiver”
2 “yeah ok then”
1 “..ermmm…actually 6quid”
2 “hmmmm…well i guess thats still ok”
1 “err…errr…actually, what i meant to say is 6.50″ etc
where is this guys professionalism!? I say do a webster and teach the idiot a lesson
24 valle // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:35
Anyhow… you gotta take your hat off for Coloccini, the guy is being fair to the club he has served under for years and only uses the webster as a last resort… To bad his club president is such a greedy vulture
25 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:38
Good move by Newcastle this one….
- He went to Clairefontaine
- Only 22
- Has already played 70 times in France so is very experienced for his age.
- At a fee of 1.5 million
- We have had him on trial so we know what we are getting
There is nothing but good business here…Could be a very very shrewd move by Newcastle and the fact that Moyes was after him shows that he thought he was good enough for a team in the top 5 and in the Uefa Cup.
Well happy! Now lets get Coloccini and Inler!
26 AndyNUFC // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:40
Playground transaction haha
And basically the toon would pay the money for him to buy out the rest of his contract so he would have to honour that.
27 oga // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:41
Good news if he’s like Yobo. Sounds like a defender who uses his brain, but has enough pace to recover if he makes mistakes.
Geremi, Taylor and Bassong (maybe Taylor) should be sufficient back up for the defence next season.
28 the black magpie // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:42
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/7527503.stm
always good to hear the king talk
29 sirjasontoon // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:44
Like that sound of this lad and he came here with one intention to play his socks off and impress Keegan..low risk worth a punt.
Now nail our man from deportivo please.
30 toonoholic // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:47
anyone hear about villas bid for ruben de la red ?
31 normski1930z // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:49
anyone hear about villas bid for ruben de la red ?
when did that happen then kid?????
32 toonoholic // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:52
skysports report villa bid 9.5 mn for him . if its true , i feel gutted .
33 Alex // Jul 29, 2008 at 19:55
Brilliant news sounds an exciting prospect . All the attributes required to be a top defender . Strength , pace and skillful with the ball.
34 Hadji // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:00
We have a saying in my country which reffers to Deportivo’s president.
I’ll try to put it in the nicest way cause its little bit naughty.
GREEDY ASS TAKES 2 DI..S AT THE SAME TIME.
Do the webster and teach him a lesson and make him pay for Coloccini and Luque at the same time.If we can get this on the Webster rule,then we’ll recuperate 60% of the Luque transfer fee aswell.
35 Black and White Blood // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:02
I wonder how many more deals are being thrashed out behind closed doors…!
It’s been claimed FC been going at full pace for almost two months.
36 Ross G // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:05
Mumurs in Newcastle are suggesting we will have Bassong, Coloccini and Warnock completed by the weekend. With Bassong, and Collocini likely to feature in the up coming Mallorca tournement. Also we are apparently being backed to make another Central Midield Signing in the same role to that of Aimar. The player mentioned being Ruben de la Red o Real Madrid who impressed on loan last season and would cost around £7m. Kim Kallstrom has also been mooted after scouts watched him last season.
37 Leo // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:07
i actually think we will not get coloccini if im honest, not because we are getting bassong but i read a quote someone put up earlier on another thread and it just screems of please depor increase my wage and i iwll stay.
obviously i hope im wrong.
bassong looks a top prospect from what we all have heard
38 normski1930z // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:08
ross where you getting that info from like kid????
39 Tom_Toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:12
What is the need for Bassong if we are getting Coloccini?
I’d love Kallstrom here if he can get back to his Rennes form because at Lyon they stifle him from attacking and play him in more defensive roles.
40 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:12
Kallstrom would be a fun signing - he once knocked somebody unconscious while shooting haha
41 Rob Lee // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:13
Sky Sports seem to think it is only personal terms that now need to be sorted. I like the sound of this guy and hope Colloccini follows. I am a little disappointed we dont seem to be after Inler anymore! Anyone heard anything bout him?
42 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:15
Over at the Luisao blog I think fernando / Oliver has been barred. His comments are disappearing like Spurs’ chances of scoring
43 Hadji // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:16
TT…..If we get Coloccini and Luisao,then for sure we’ll sell either Faye or Cacapa…..or maybe both.
Lets wait and see.
44 Piers // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:17
We already knew this Ed….. on the Metz website it basically just says that he is close to signing with Newcastle.
45 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:18
Tom Toon
I don’t think KK rates Edgar or Cacapa
Hence the new CB’s are (hopefully)
Taylor
Faye
Coloccini
Bassong
Unless Taylor is to be used as RB cover in which case we may yet use either of the two
I think 1 of Edgar and Cacapa will go if Coloccini signs
46 normski1930z // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:19
tom if we get collacini and basssong personally i think thats a good move strength in depth and all that kidda…
47 Danish_Magpie // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:20
Kallstrom is a really good player. I really cannot understand why Sweden decided to not play him in the Euros… Anders Svensson and Daniel Andersson in CM…. Kallstrom is tons better than both. He is a neat player, good passing and pretty creative. I would take him too. I doubt they would sell him though, especially as they have let Ben Arfa go to Marseille.
48 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:20
Assuming Coloccini signs who is everyone’s preferred CB partnership
I’d plum for Coloccini and Faye (but I’ve not yet seen Bassong play)
49 Tom_Toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:22
Coloccini-Kadar
but realistically
Coloccini-Faye
50 Danish_Magpie // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:23
Now the CBs that will definetly be here next season are: Faye (best CB last season), Tayler (just signed a new contract), Bassong (just signed).
That’s 3 for sure. If we bring in Coloccini (I am really hoping but far from sure) that’s 4, so surely Edgar and/or Cacapa would be on their way? We do not need 6 CBs at the club.. I would let Cacapa go if he wants, because I think he’s on relatively big wages. However, if Edgar does not want to remain a sub, then keep Cacapa as cover and let the younger guys learn from him, and let Edgar go to the Championship.
51 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:23
Sky sports said that Bassong is headed for tyneside for talks….hes already bloody here and has been all week!
Idiots haha
52 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:23
Hang on a mo’ - Sky are calling Bassong a full back. I know he played CB against Donny but is he the LB cover we’ve been planning?
53 AndyT // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:24
I know nufc.co.uk is the “official site” when it comes to transfers, but I wish Ashley would give me the contract to run it for him, its crap. The first team page has been updated with the players out, but not with the players in, and even then the links have been mis-typed (copy & pasted) to the profiles for Enrique, Edgar and Cacapa.
I now think that might be deliberate, because if you look at Enriques’s profile, you’ll see that some how he managed to make an appearance in he FA Cup with Villareal. I know its been a while, but you would hope the lads ‘n’ lasses in the press office would still remember how to spell UEFA cup!
http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Profiles/0,,10278~38253,00.html
54 Mad_Magpie // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:26
Danny - I think Bassong temporarily went back to France.
55 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:27
I think Taylor needs to play every game for him to get better…Realistically Taylor, Bassong, Edgar, Kadar and Tozer are our future at centre half so we need to play them as much as we can so they can improve…
Reserve football doesn’t really bring on young talent the way it should….
I would send Tozer, Kadar and Edgar out on loan until Bassong and Coloccini get settled and then bring the youngsters back in January when they are better players!
That would give us some real strength and depth at the back…
56 JonGoodwyn // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:27
I read somewhere that he does normally play left back? So I guess he will be the, or atleast some cover for left back
57 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:28
Let’s chat about midfield now that defence is agreed
Van der Vaart (bear with me TT) is available for 1.5m euros at the end of this season, hence Real’s derisory bid of 6m euros.
He may not want to join but let’s give it a whirl with a bid of £10m english pounds
what say you good people of newcastle?
58 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:28
Oh so hes in France….My bad! haha
59 Danish_Magpie // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:29
Tom_Toon, no way Kadar should be ahead of Faye, Taylor or even Cacapa and Edgar! Not to start the season anyways! He may be a good prospect, but you can’t just throw kids in the first team to start, especially not at CB. It will harm their development more than help it. Also, while I don’t think Steven Taylor is a Maldini in the making, I think people are way too harsh on him. It’s not like he’s the worst player in the world. He does have some weaknesses, but he has some strengths too - and I don’t just mean “oh, he is a Geordie so he’s alright”. I mean his determination, his shot-blocking, his no-nonsense approach (especially when coming out to the sidelines or going up field to meet a player before he receives the ball). He is lacking some calm and vision, but to be fair to him, he has never had a solid experienced centerback next to him to learn the trade. Imagine how hard it has been for him so far to get into the PL! Bramble, Boumsong etc. as partners, plus a new one every year. Let the kid settle a bit, and he will come good. He looked alright with Faye, and I think that shows potential, even if he is far from a superstar still.
Anyways that’s just my opinion. I am just a little annoyed as opinions seem to get so extreme. Either he is a world-beater or he is useless…and opinions often get presented as facts…
Anyways, to answer the question: If Coloccini signs:
Coloccini-Faye
If not,
Taylor-Faye and Bassong as 3rd choice (though I’ve never seen him play - or at least didn’t pay attention enough to remember how he did).
60 Tom_Toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:31
Kadar = Young Nesta
61 normski1930z // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:32
thats a bold statememt tom you sure???
62 Danish_Magpie // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:33
I have not seen nearly enough of Kadar to be able to call him something like a young Nesta… that’s again a pretty extreme branding of a young boy who is yet to have his debut for the first-team…
He may have good potential, but that doesn’t mean he should be starting at CB in the PL yet..
63 Tom_Toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:34
He looks immense, so calm on the ball for someone of his age.
64 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:34
I want this team please Mr Ashley
Harper
Beye
Coloccini
Faye
Warnock
Wright Phillips
Barton
Van der Vaart
Jonas
Owen
Ashton
Subs
Given
Bassong
Taylor
Nzogbia
Milner
Martins
Viduka
65 AndyNUFC // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:35
Wright Phillips? No thanks!
66 AndyT // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:35
Bassong has a simmilar level of experience to Enrique and is about the same age. If he can play LB and is 3rd choice for CB (4th probably if we get Coloccini) then that should generate a lot of competition between himself and Enrique. A couple of young talented left backs competing with each other for the position and looking to grab the attention of their national coaches - that sounds a hell of a lot better than the situation yesterday at any rate :o)
67 Danish_Magpie // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:37
No thanks to SWP.
Let Milner, Jonas and N’Zogbia take care of our wings, with young Lua-Lua as backup. If Duff wants to stay, if noone wants him, and Keegan can get the best out of him, we are more than set on the wings… no need for expensive SWP on huge wages. Spend the money elsewhere!
68 normski1930z // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:37
mag pie change ashton for pobgreneyak and we are cooking with gas kid….
69 AndyNUFC // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:37
Enrique is ok at left back, sometimes he is way too cocky on the ball and makes silly mistakes. Hope he has a good run next season.
70 valle // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:39
Ross G… That sounds absolutly immense and i would be VERY hopefull for the new season if all those transfers happened… BUT… Are you sure, how far up is your source (without revealing ofc)… I hope its not a joke on your part, because every toon fan on here are quite at the edge these days i reckon.
71 Danish_Magpie // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:40
I would really like to see us sign Pobgreneyak, but Ashton is another good shout. Pobgreneyak would probably get more goals than Ashton when he adjusts to the Prem, but Ashton - if he can stay fit - will be a hell of a player too, and gives us somethign quite different from Owen and Martins.
Mind you with:
Owen, Oba, Viduka, Smith, Ameobi, Carroll
I don’t think Keegan is looking for a striker
(even if he wants to move Ameobi on, Carroll is young and maybe should go out on loan, Smith cannot score to save his life,Viduka and Owen are often injured, and Oba is in Nigeria atm)
72 Toon1978 // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:40
Yeah i would like to see Enrique make a huge step foward this coming season, make left back his own. Sick of waiting for news of Colicinni wish we couldjust get him signed up
73 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:41
Who said SWP ? I meant Bradley. He could ‘nick’ the odd goal
But seriously - I forgot about Lua Lua
TT - can he play wing or is he AMC ?
74 Patrick // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:41
I have watched MLS All-star vs West Ham. Although West Ham lost, Ashton was very fit and he scored two goals.
75 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:42
Imagine
Beye Coloccini Faye Warnock
So we could have
———————— Given ————————
—- Beye — Coloccini — Faye — Warnock —-
- Gutierrez — Barton — Guthrie — N’Zogbia -
————— Owen ———- Viduka ————-
Bench: Harper, Bassong, Taylor, Enrique, Milner, Duff, Martins
Reserve: Krul, Kadar, Tozer, Butt, Geremi, Smith, Ameobi
76 Tom_Toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:42
I thought he was a RM/AM, same as Dyer.
77 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:42
My team for next year…
Given/Harper - Either
Beye
Taylor
Coloccini
Warnock
Jonas
Inler
Guthrie
Martins
Derdiyok
Owen
Given/Harper
Bassong
N’Zogbia
Faye
Duff
Viduka
Milner
78 Marty // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:44
1.5 million is a steal for any type of player these days n this guy looks good so say just get him signed.No lose situation!
79 oga // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:44
Dont even think we need Warnock, but he’d be a nice signing, especially if we can offload Duff in the process.
80 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:45
harrier - I like your team but Owen and Viduka will probably never play together as they are unlikely to be fit at the same time
81 Tom_Toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:45
Yep, to be honst id take 500k for Duff.
He is just stifling Lualua’s development (Milner can go to LM and Lualua to RM)
82 micepie // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:46
Tom Toon - of course we’d need Bassong too even if we do get Coloccini! Say we buy Coloccini and he gets a serious injury almost straight away - which I think happened to 3 new West Ham players within a short space of time a year ago!
83 oga // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:46
4th choice striker should be Jermaine Beckford. Well worth a risk!
Dunno why everyone wants that Swiss/Turk youth after one game.
84 SAMTHECAT // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:47
Dont see the point of signing Coloccini and Bassong-bit strange for Edgar who was told he would get a chance this season? Not that i think he is good enough.
Looks like no further strikers and we still need competition for Butt?.
85 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:48
someone post on the Lusiao blog or my joke won’t work
go on
86 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:49
I would rather have either swiss/turk after one game than a london playboy after a decent season in league one to be honest mate…
Beckford is just another baby bentley member…
87 Patrick // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:51
Edgar is in the loop for sure. He is an adapted full back too, not just a must-be center back, so it doesn’t harm Edgar’s chance. It will hurt, certainly, Tayl’s who is tried as RB without much of good result.
88 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:51
SAMTHECAT - just wait for the injuries
89 sirjasontoon // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:51
I can confirm Ross’s Sauce seen him in burger king and he is a ketchup man : )
90 Marty // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:52
GIVEN/HARPS
BEYE COLOCCINI BASSONG/FAYE ENRIQUE
Spidey/Lua Joey Butt/Zog Duffer/Zog
Owen Martins
Kadar,Tozer,Tayls,Viduka,Milner,Krul,Smith
91 oga // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:52
Wouldn’t rule out signing anymore strikers. Keegan is playing chess instead of checkers this time round. He’s probably saying 4 players to cover his back.
92 JonGoodwyn // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:53
Guthrie, Barton, Milner being played in the middle? Seems like competition enough?
93 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:53
Hang on - wait - are people complaining about having too many quality defenders competing?? Huh?
94 normski1930z // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:54
three players id like….collacini,inler and pobgreneyak….backbone of the team would make a big difference….defo top 7/8.
95 Marty // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:57
Tom_T
Think youre wrong on the Duff analogy there that he is stifling lua lua and i don`t know what you are thinkin with putting James(i can`t cross my feet)on the left wing???Have you not seen him play there before???
We need some1 to cross from the left and every defender will know that he will cut onto his right foot before trying anything that looks like a cross
96 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:57
If we sign Coloccini does anyone think Hate Prawn Sandwiches will be cheerful?
Where is he anyway?
97 Ally // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:58
Do you lads think the Coloccini deal will go through? im starting to get a bit worried
98 micepie // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:58
I don’t see why we should sell ANY defenders whatsoever. even if we do sign both Bassong and Coloccini. We WILL get injuries (probably one or two long term ones) and we’re supposed to be building the squad, not just the team.
Also, I don’t know where people get ideas from that KK rates or does not rate a player unless he says so or transfer lists that player.
99 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 20:59
Has anyone noticed
Nobody’s team of choice has Geremi in it
Is this because he never beats the first man at corners
Is it because he’s very slow
Is it because he spells Jeremy wrong?
100 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:00
micepie
the idea that Kev does or doesn’t rate someone comes from whether or not a player is played.
not much sign of Edgar in pre-season so far
101 Tom_Toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:03
Persoanlly i think Milner is better on the left and his inswinging crosses are more effective than his outswinging.
102 normski1930z // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:04
mag pie bcos geremi is slow and his best days are well and truly behind him mate…
103 valle // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:04
Whats up with the blog?… i cant post links anymore?
104 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:05
In memory of Oliver fernando
Spurs 2008/09
Gomez (flapper)
Scots bloke
Woodgate (crocked)
King (crocked)
Dunno
Bentley (swish ooh)
Modric (i like tottingham - dont tackle me!)
Arshavin (how many games in a season?)
Jenas (goldfish)
Dos Lobos (swish ooh)
Bent (not Defoe)
GOING DOWN!!!!!
105 benn // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:05
Any news on collocini yet??
106 Geordie Nick // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:07
i really wish everbody on here wud get over spurs, every single thread on here, a NUFC blog has more talk about spurs than the toon, get a grip ppl on talk abot the toon not spurs its gettin pathetic now
107 robertsa // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:10
dissapointed to be honest with this one. I only expect to see 2 cbs come. collocini is gr8 for me. much rather have burdisso or cuellar instead of bassong.
108 Geordie Nick // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:11
mag pie- edgar started against hartlepool and came off the bench against doncaster so where do you get ‘ not much sign of edgar in pre-season so far’
109 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:11
Anyway, about Spurs …….
110 Frankieboy // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:11
Last i heard on Collucini was we had £10M bid rejected by Deportivo and the spaniards have upped their valuation after previously accepting bid for him.
Bluff them out n we will get our man.
Collucini’s agent reckons the player is not happy with the Spaniards.
Anybody know owt different.
111 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:12
Geordie Nick
I stand corrected
112 Geordie Nick // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:14
mag pie- i wasnt actually havin a go at you personally regarding spurs but they just get discussed far too much on here and it annoys me, especially as the reason for the majority of it is just sour grapes over modric and the fact that they are spendin freely and attracting big names
113 Fraser 2K8 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:14
I think come tomorrow morning Coloccini will be a Newcastle player which i’m sure would please us all and i’m also pleased with this new signing (Bassong). IMO i would put milner in the centre get a new LM and stick Guti RM. Any choices of LM?
114 Geordie Nick // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:15
everyone goes on about spurs fans comin on a nufc blog yet they then sit and talk about the stpuid cockney wankers half the time, thy rnt worth the time of day to even mention
115 Oba // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:16
Nice signing. Will improve the squad.
Collocini now, then someone big, I really hope we are looking at Moutinho.
116 Geordie Nick // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:16
fraser-arda turan if ashleys willing to stump up the cash
117 robertsa // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:17
totally of the subject lads but I have bloody brilliant news. There is a new jaws film coming out in august.hopefully we will have our squad finished before the season starts cos last season on fifa we didnt have beye or faye cos we got them on the last day. And also wen are fifa Gunna stop calling martins geremi. god al mighty I have to sell them both cos it gets on me nerves.
118 Ally // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:17
Oba really good call on Moutinho, would be ideal
119 KEVIN BROCK & HIS SOCK // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:17
Does anyone think that with a fair amount of cash flung about these last couple of days the transfer wheels are grinding into 2nd gear.
Liverpool 20m, Fulham 11m, Everton 11m bid Moutinho, Pumpey 12m on Crouch - even the filth off the 1231 have spent a few bob!
We must MUST have some biggies in the pipeline MUST - I can’t see KK sitting back letting everyone else sign players up without something quality up his sleeve for the faithful.
Also does anyone else think there’ll be a BARNSTORMER of a signing from us - a 20,000 at SJP and a LIVE Sky Press Conference jobbie - I do! Berbatov is my outside shot - just watch.
120 Fraser 2K8 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:20
Geordie Nick- I totally agree, good choice and yes it all depends on if MA spends the money. If we placed a 16 million pound bid in for Modric surely we could sign Arda or the likes of.
121 robertsa // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:20
if u are looking at long shots ive still got an eye on arshavin
122 Geordie Nick // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:20
why wud berbatov come here over man utd? i know hes a fan but i still cant see him choosin us over man u in our current state
123 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:22
Nick 109
It’s cool pal
Spurs is not the topic
Moutinho reminds me too much of Viana. I wouldn’t want to risk it. He looked canny in Euros but a little lightweight like Modric (sorry Nick)
124 Geordie Nick // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:22
fraser- u wud think tht yes, but since the modric thing he seems to be gettin tighter and tighter until possibly this coloccini deal, maybe he realising he NEEDS to spend now, and hoefully we will start to see sum good signings
125 robertsa // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:22
and another one we have been linked with is eto thats a bloody trek of a long shot but id have him. And we were linked with frings mind u it was by the muched loved gadgey who scribbles on the back of the chronicle allan oliver.
126 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:24
My long shot - VDV
I would love it, love it
127 WIGAZ // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:24
Great shout for ashton as he is class & i think would be our best “number 9″ since big coz he is al! but did he not just sign a new contract extension with west ham & therefore is now not for sale? i hope he is & that KK wants him in coz he i class! i may even take him over berbatov? mind you wouldn’t mind us havin a choice of either of them! dont think we’ll be signing more width now so no go to SWP, shame coz he’s a good player but he wont be in black & white next season, but it would be a dream come true if Ashton or Berbatov were!!!
128 Hadji // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:25
The prononcination of Bassong is very similar to Boumsong
129 Fraser 2K8 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:25
My long shot would be Matias fernandez or Arda.
130 Geordie Nick // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:25
mag pie- i agree moutinho looks a little light weight and COULD possibly be another viana, but i think hes worth the risk cos he cud be amazing, also we cant get caught up in the whole ‘viana was crap so lets not buy any more portuguese cos they will be the same’ which is what quitte a few ppl seem to say
131 DanToon // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:27
Moutinho is quality, get him in… or Matias Fernandez equally!
Modric is a dirty little rat faced yid!
132 Geordie Nick // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:27
id have to go with arda/moutinho as a long shot
133 Fraser 2K8 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:29
Geordie Nick i hope your right, i’m sure if we get Coloccini, MA will realise that he needs to spend the cash to get some quality players like Coloccini to challenge for 7th or 6th.
134 Midjew // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:30
Team for 08/09
————Given————–
Beye-Coloccini-Faye/Taylor-Warnock/Bassong
——-Jonas—Veloso—N’Zogbia——-
——————owen—————
———–martins—-Gomes——
I know Veloso and Gomez is a bit out of range but HEY worth a punt.
even without them 2 still great team
135 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:31
well at least Toffees have laid the ground wrk for a Moutinho bid
We know the price (ish)
We know he wants to leave SL
136 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:31
Allegedely ly Spurs have dropped a 24 mill bid for Villa and an unknown premier league team have joined them
137 Michael // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:32
Viana wasn’t that bad, he was hardly a failure of Boumsong proportions.
138 Midjew // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:32
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/07/29/Prem-Bassong-exclusive-on-Newcastle-move/
Looks like its a DONE deal!
139 DanToon // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:33
Viana was very good imo, just never got the chance!
140 Stardust // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:33
Great Attitude by this lad - Not only was he prepared to come on trial for a chance with us - his interview to Setanta reaffirms he has a good head on his shoulders.
Sebastien Bassong has exclusively told setantasports.com how happy he is to have signed with Newcastle United, following a successful trial.
French second tier club Metz revealed on Tuesday they had agreed a transfer fee with The Magpies for 22-year-old defender Bassong, who impressed during a week-long trial.
Kevin Keegan strengthens his squad with the former France Under-21 international, who has expressed his intense joy and emotion to us.
“I’m content, very satisfied to sign with Newcastle,†Bassong told setantasports.com.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect this to happen, it’s huge for me.
“No, it’s not a dream come true to me, but it’s impossible to measure how motivated I am.
“The law of competition will show who plays and who doesn’t.
“I’ll have to adapt during a period of time, I don’t know how long it’s going to take me.
“Nevertheless, I’m ready to sit on the bench if I have to.
“I will be played at centre back, oh yes.â€
141 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:33
Perhaps official site is tying up other deals before they announce it
;)
142 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:34
Everyone!!
Check Wiki for him now…Just updated it a little…Its all truth too!
143 Midjew // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:35
ONE thing i DO NOT GET!!!
WHY did Liverpool spend up to 20.3m on Keane
when they could of brought Villa for 24m?????
Villa and Torres Work SO well together, i really dont get benitez, i do like liverpool just waste their money on AVERAGE players,
well not that Keane is average but all those defenders.
anyone agree?
144 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:35
Hang on - wait - I was told I was a second rate fan and my opinion was worthless to suggest that we would sign anybody for over 2 million just a week ago and now everyone thinks we will make a sneaky 20 mill super signing???????
145 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:37
official site is slow on this considering
fee agreed
presumably he had medical during loan period
terms can’t have taken long
maybe they are delaying the news to counter the bad news that Coloccini has been lost
Don’t want to be negative but it would be typical of the window so far if we dont get colo and bassong is offered as the consolation prize
146 toonarmy1 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:38
my long shots would be: fernandes/arda/moutinho
i would love them 3 and then sell Smith,Ameobi,Gerami
147 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:38
I concur harrier….haha
148 Alex // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:38
I honestly think Edgar would be a decent PL defender if he had a decent run in the side . We should of loaned him out before now to get games under his belt like we did Carrol & Krull .
149 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:38
harrier - Hate Prawn Sarnies isn’t on the blog tonight - keep your powder dry
150 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:39
Longshot - Arda or Gomis
151 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:40
I wasn’t saying I was mad, just that I found it really amusing
152 Fraser 2K8 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:40
Long shot could be Podolski
153 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:41
i wasnt saying that you were saying that you were mad
154 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:42
so are you saying i should ignite my powder in HPS’s face??
155 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:43
cheeky
156 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:44
if we do make these signings - what are the chances of seeing daiv, angryman, HPS etc around here?
157 toonarmy1 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:44
i think bassong is a done deal
158 Chris_toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:44
Setanta sports news is sayin that Bassong is thrilled to be joining NUFC apparently he talked exclusively to them
http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/07/29/Prem-Bassong-exclusive-on-Newcastle-move/?facets/sport-space/great-britain-locale/football/
159 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:44
Consider
Bentley to Spurs (sorry Nick)
Duff to Blackburn
Arda to Newcastle
Trophies to Newcastle
Beer to Mouth
160 AndyNUFC // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:45
Danny G did you make that wiki page?
161 toonarmy1 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:46
we should swap duff for warnock and then sign arda turan
what you think
162 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:47
toonarmy1
great minds……..
163 robertsa // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:47
id swap duff for konchesky
164 Tom // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:48
I still think we’re getting ahead of ourselves calling for people like Berbatov, van der vaart etc etc. What is the obsession many people seem to have (not limited solely to Newcastle fans I must admit!) for the club to make big signings? “We must have big money signings or we’ll never get anywhere!!!!” Why??
Bassong signing on will be great, by all reports he seemed really solid against Donny (yes I know it was Donny, but still!) and I hope beyond all hope that Collocini will now sign on too. That way, we can have a bit more depth in the defence and maybe begin to look at the midfield, maybe Inler, do our best to snatch him up right now!
Assuming Bassong ans Collocini sign on, then my team this season would be….
Given
Beye, Collocini, Bassong, Enrique
Jonas, Butt, Guthrie, Duff/The Zog
Viduka, Owen/ Martins
Harper
Faye
Taylor
Barton
The Zog/Duff
Martins/Owen
Milner
I think Enrique will come good this season and secure the lb spot as his own, but the club may sign Warnock so we will see. Duff to be back to his old best for me, I think the main thing once we’re able to sign up Collocini and Bassong is to target a replacement for Butt. If Guthrie is to become the sitting and passing midfielder then we need to look to a creative attacking midfielder.
165 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:49
Link - I updated it with the Clairefontaine stuff and the “likeness to Gallas”…I am sneaky! lol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9bastien_Bassong
166 Stay Tooned // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:50
My outside shot would be an argentine midfielder because that seems to be the nationality of footballer we are going for, maybe Lucas Biglia from anderlecht
167 toonarmy1 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:50
heres my staritng line up vs Man U
Given
beye coloccini taylor warnock
guthrie
jonas turan
?
owen martins
just need a AM
168 valle // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:52
Danny G… Boumsong a legend???, bad joke mate.
169 scotty // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:52
Sorry, but i just can’t excited about signing someone from a weeks trial. Worth the 1.5 mil gamble though all the same….
170 AndyNUFC // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:54
I had a sneaky little update aswell on his page
171 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:55
valle - I didnt put that about Boumsong
That was probably Oliver/Fernando/Simon
This is what I put down…
He is a graduate of the famous Clairefontaine youth academy. It has a high reputation of producing some of the world’s most gifted players, including the likes of Frenchmen Nicolas Anelka, Louis Saha, William Gallas and Thierry Henry.
172 robertsa // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:55
my perfect back 4
beye certain quality.
collocini he wud be a massive star.
senderos or cuellar both brilliant in the air.
rat or konchesky both reliable.
what our back 4 will probly be
beye certain quality.
taylor useless.
bassong not really persuaded by young lads at the back.
enrique makes too many mistakes.
I hope I get what I want!
173 liamtoonbirchy // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:55
Collocini, Warnock and De La Red to complete our summer transfers and then id be happy with our squad.
Pay 5m for Warnock and offer 8m for De la Red and haggle the colo deal.
Given
Beye Faye Colo Warnock
Guti De La Red Barton Zog
Duke Owen
174 Fraser 2K8 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:56
I would agree with that one toonarmy1 though thats where Frings would of been a saint just sitting behind our front two, sadly he ain’t an option no more. I would like to know who we choose for that position.
175 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:56
Yeah I seen Andy…ha loved it!
176 toonarmy1 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:56
who is rat?
is he good?
177 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:56
scotty - what does the trial have to do with anything? KK wants a look at all players proposed to him by the scouting team - scouts say look at bassong - KK says OK see if he will trial with us for a week so I can evaluate. Sounds like a good system to me with nothing to lose.
178 valle // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:57
Had to delete that part about Boumsong being a legend for us, im sure most NUFC fans agree with me.
179 toonarmy1 // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:58
i argee valle
180 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:58
Rat was class for Romania in Euros
Best LB in the tournament
181 AndyNUFC // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:59
Hmm KK is a smart man indeed, buying CBs who are comfortable at full back. Bassong for CB/LB and assuming Coloccini for CB/RB.
Hope we get some top star in for centre midfield, either creative or defensive, and another striker, so we have a good spine in the team.
182 scotty // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:59
Harrier - so why can’t we take all the players on trial and choose who we want???
183 robertsa // Jul 29, 2008 at 21:59
razvan rat played mint in the euros for romania he is a left bak who we have been linked wih
184 Fraser 2K8 // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:00
I love the ending on wikipidea on Bassong.
185 robertsa // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:00
who wud yaz rather have
rat or warnock? anyone
186 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:01
scotty - bassong is obviously unknown, unheard of and was playing for a relegated team, other targets like Coloccini would never agree to a trial.
187 Tom_Toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:01
Warnock easily.
188 AndyNUFC // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:01
You’ll have to pay credit to me for the ending mate
haha.
189 harrier // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:01
robertsa - either
190 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:01
I agree with those who say we need a creative midfielder
I myself once enjoyed playing in the hole
the wife won’t have it now though
191 toonarmy1 // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:02
duff could be leaving
http://www.ireland-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=TMNW&id=399406
192 valle // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:03
I would take rat i think… Warnock is pretty good, but i think rat is a class above
193 AndyNUFC // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:03
Hmm she probably prefered you having sex with her then ‘playing in a hole’
194 Danny G // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:03
Yeah Valle that bit about Boumsong was obviously done by a Spurs fan after Andy wrote that bit about spurs stealing our targets!
They can’t come on our blog so they try via wikipedia…they are pathetic!
195 Fraser 2K8 // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:03
Andy= legend. Haha you have got to love the ending.
196 Tom_Toon // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:03
Rat the best LB at the euros?!?!!?
Lahm, van Bronckhorst, Grosso, Chiellini, Pranjic, Jankulovski and others were better than him at the euros.
197 liamtoonbirchy // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:04
Anyone seen De La Red play? I think he is just what we need in our midfield.
Warnock would be great at left back for us!
198 scotty // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:04
harrier - 70+1st team apps for metz and he’s unknown? Our scouts were the only scouts to spot him? is that what you’re saying?
199 AndyNUFC // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:04
I’ll only want Duff to leave if we bring in an out and out left winger first, or if Zoggy actually can step up to the occasion.
200 toonarmy1 // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:05
i would have warnock rather than rat
201 CRAIGG // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:05
Lahm was shocking at the Euros!
202 MAG PIE // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:06
TT 193
I beg to differ
RAT RAT RAT RAT
Lahm was subbed at half time in last game for being so very poo
203 Michael // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:07
I really can’t understand why so many people seem to want rid of Duff. A swap for warnock? What a rubbish deal that would be.
People are too quick to forget how good a player he was. We should definitely keep him at least another season because he is potentially a huge asset to our team.
204 toonarmy1 // Jul 29, 2008 at 22:07
CRAIGG- lahm was brilliant at euros i would love to have him