The Newcastle Evening Chronicle is reporting today that Newcastle United are looking at a double swoop for Frenchman Albin Ebondo and Cameroon International Stéphane Mbia.
Stephane Mbia and Albin Ebondo - two Newcastle targets?
Sources in France have confirmed to the Evening Chronicle that the two players, both desperate to make the move to the Premier League, are being chased by the famous Newcastle club.
It could be that Newcastle sign these players on loan with a view to making the deals permanent at the end of the season. But loan deals like this can go both ways. The club can see how they do, before making a decision, and that’s certainly a plus for the club.
But if they do really well then other clubs could can come in, as happened with Sylvain Distin a few years back, when he eventually signed for Kevin Keegan, then at Manchester City, after Sylvain spent a season on loan on Tyneside.
It’s not the first time we’ve been linked with Mbia, but is the first time we’ve been reported interested in Frenchman Albin Ebondo.
Newcastle manager Kinnear pleaded with the Newcastle owner yesterday for funds so he can bolster his paper-thin squad.
Joe said last night:
“We do need funds. It won’t be a massive amount, but I’m still hopeful Mike will release them.”
Cameroon international midfielder, born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, has 12 caps and 3 goals for his country, and the reports suggest that Mbia has already asked his club Rennes if he can make a move to the Premier League, and Everton are also keen on signing the player, but hey, like Newcastle. have no funds available in January.
We also read last week that Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate was interested in Mbia, but don’t know if that story was true.
Mbia, believed to have two years left on his contract, is rated at £10M, but we think that’s way too high, but at 22 and standing just under 6′ 2″ tall, he certainly fits the type of player that Newcastle want to sign. He seems similar to Sebastien Bassong, and we know how well that French youngster has done on Tyneside so far.
Mbia said:
“There are clubs after me but Rennes did not want to let me go.
“Rennes are looking to improve my pay, but everyone knows I want to move to the Premier League to improve myself and play in the biggest league in the world.”
Toulouse star Ebondo, born in Mareilles, France, turns 25 years old next month, and would give Newcastle some cover at right-back when Habib Beye finally returns from his injury and Ebondo has played 86 times for Toulouse with one goal and is a former France Under-21 International and stands at 5’11″.
He looks more than a decent player from what we can tell, and is the type of player we want to see the club keep signing.
Let’s hope these two players don’t talk to Charles N’Zogbia who has recently told the press that the Newcastle club gets worse every season – what a disgrace.
When asked about the subject of transfers today Kinnear said:
“What I’ve got are options for the directors and board to look at.”
“I’ve given them a list of players and loan fees, and the possibility of maybe buying one or two.
“At present it’s tight, but I’m waiting to hear whether one player moves.”
If we can get two loan signings in this week, and Peter Lovenkrands, and can then buy these two players, then we’ll be doing very well in the January transfer window, so things aren’t all gloom and doom.
Let’s keep the faith until the January transfer window closes on February 2nd, and we can still do well in this winter transfer market.
Comments welcome.
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62 responses so far ↓
1 lesh // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Ho hum!
2 Toon Graeme // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Lee Ryder writes some decent articles – now that Alan Oliver has retired and guess what no AO on the board – coincidence or more that AO cant face the grief from us for the spuds getting beat yet again.
Anyway – lets just hope that whatever JFK has said and done with the meeting that its enough for them to BLOODYWELL wake up!!
3 lesh // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:40 PM
If Joe’s given the so-called board options to look at, recent performance’d suggest he’llhear back in March!
4 RyanToon // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:40 PM
mbia would be awesome but i dont know to much about the other one
5 Dan_Scott157 // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:45 PM
I posted this on another page but Ed is typing new articles like a lunatic. On the two loan deals i have been checking out stats of players for ages and worked out which recent Italian and Argentine internationals and not featuring regularly in their club sides.
Alberto Aquilani has been in recent Italy international squads and even went to the Euros in the summer but has only made 6 starts for Roma this season. I reckon it could be him.
Jose Ernesto Sosa has played 5 times for Argentina and was in their most recent squad however he is only a squad player at Bayern Munich, only started 1 game according to Sky Sports and made 6 sub appearances.
6 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Ye because M’Bia is gonna go on loan.
What rubbish journalism.
7 WesToon // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Mbia is quality,in the Essien type mould,could be a cracking signing lads….GET IN JFK!!!
As for Ebondo,dont know much about the lad,but fekking hell,we need players,so get it done JFK pls mate!!
Plus we need the Argie & Italian….we need all for,Hopefully its Aquilani(spelling) & D’Allesandro(spelling)….That would suit me just fine…Thank-You
Still cnt believe we didnt buy Anthony Annan though,now thats a proper player
HOWAY NUFC
8 Dan_Scott157 // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Tom_Toon
M’Bia wouldn’t be the loan, he isn’t itlaian or argentinian. I think this is why Kinnear called a meeting with Ashley and Llambias to get him to release funs so we could buy players like those 2.
9 WesToon // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:50 PM
* Four Not For
10 Dan_Scott157 // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:50 PM
*funds
11 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:52 PM
It say M’Bia as a loan in the article.
M’Bia said he’d only play fo Arsenal and Man Utd.
He said Everton weren’t good enough for him just 2 weeks ago, we got no chance, especially not on loan.
12 Dan_Scott157 // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:54 PM
Kaka has rejected a move to City. For me that has renewed all belief that every footballer isn’t a mercenary.
13 TheToonKing // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:55 PM
both these guys would be absolutely brilliant buys.
Mbia is a beast and he is pleading since last august for a move to the EPL, however if i remember correctly he wants to go to Everton….but they have no money to buy him
Ebondo is also a great player he’s very close to breaking in the France national team.
Both players are young and would also give us, among other things, strenght and height in midfield, which we lack.
I would be Oba the moon if these transfers happened, but i can’t see it to be honest.
Edondo maybe we can get, but Rennais won’t let Mbia go for less then 8 M is a fact.
14 Paul. // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:56 PM
this guy sounds like another zoggy in what hes said to the press anyways, if this was one of our players sayin how much they wanted a move to the frence league ud all be bashing him….
15 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:57 PM
ToonKing – He recently said Everton aren’t good enough and big enough, the only teams he wants to go to are Madrid, Juve etc.
16 Dan_Scott157 // Jan 14, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Kinnear mentions above in the quote about money to buy one or two. M’Bia is certainly not a loan player anyway as he is a regular for his team. If he wants a move to the premiership then he will have to come to a club like us because im not sure he is good enough for Man Utd or Arsenal.
17 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Dan_Scott157 – The article says he’ll be a loan!
He rejected Everon saying they aren’t good enough or big enough for him, he wont come to us.
18 Dan_Scott157 // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Tom_Toon
Do you think those to loan deals could be Aquilani and Sosa? Is there any more news on a left back. Seems to be all midfielders. Though after watching the West Ham game that is where we are weakest so i can’t argue.
19 TheToonKing // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:01 PM
oh, then that’s puts us back in the race doesn’t it…….
I’m pretty sure though that if by some miracle we do make a good bid for him, let’s say 8 Mil, then he would come. He really wants to play in England and i can’t see anyone in the top 4, except Arsenal, taking him.
20 Dan_Scott157 // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Tom_Toon
Did the lads at nufc.com correct that mistake you were on about yesterday?
21 broon ale // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:04 PM
its a sorry state of affairs if you ask me. Kinnear and his questionable PR skills, ashley, wise, lamb-arse and their questionable running of the club (although stardust beleives we should be gratefull)
loan signings, no money, players wanting to leave, contracts remaining unsigned!
dark times.
it feels like a permanent headache!
22 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Dunno yet.
Absolutely no chance getting Aquilani on loan, it wont be Sosa either I dont think, we dont need anymore wingers.
23 sirjasontoon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Agree BroonAle..when i am reading teams like Man City are chasing Kaka and we are in for loan signings and bargain bin players it makes my head hurt.
Ashley talks out of his backside,I knew this window would be a complete disaster..Hull will murder us tonight.
24 sirjasontoon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:12 PM
ITS JANUARY THE 14TH FFS….
“What I’ve got are options for the directors and board to look at.”
“I’ve given them a list of players and loan fees, and the possibility of maybe buying one or two.
This club is being run by idiots!
25 sirjasontoon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Surely the above should have been done months ago…I can’t believe non of the groundwork/budgets etc have been done before now.
26 Nick D // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:19 PM
M’Bia and Ebondo would be awesome. Like everything else we wish for, it ain’t going to happen sadly.
I wonder why we keep getting all these injuries.
You have to look at the training methods.
Who on earth do you think does the technical skills training at Newcastle ? You can’t imagine some FA cloned, long ball, trained goons showing any of our lot how to do a Ronaldo type step over etc !!
No, they probably just make it dark age piggy back races and stuff. What a joke.
Would love to see Krul, Tozer, Kadar, Ranger, Lua, Xisco and even Spear tonight. At least the academy / reserves coaches seem to be doing a job.
27 punk skunk... // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:22 PM
kaka to a crisis team in the bottom few of the premiership…HA!..
…He wouldn’t f**k up his career like that, what a pathetic attempt by manc!..
…& he ain’t worth £100m…
28 Toon_Ksk is back! // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:23 PM
If we sign these two players on top of the two loan signings, I reckon we have a shot at UEFA cup spot this season and probably Champions League next season.
However, certain problem still lies, a backup for Enrique and our defense falling asleep at certain period of the game. Sort that out and we will be as good as Villa.
29 sirjasontoon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Nick D-Dark Age Piggy Back Races haha : )
Wonder who trains us on Free Kicks and set plays…they must be cross eyed too.
30 sirjasontoon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:26 PM
28Toon_Ksk is back! // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:23 PM
If we sign these two players on top of the two loan signings, I reckon we have a shot at UEFA cup spot this season and probably Champions League next season.
Errr No…champions Lge you must be off your rocker fella.
31 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:29 PM
There is also a little problem we can only have 3 loan signings and Gonzalez is still here.
32 sirjasontoon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Punk Skunk Disagree TBH Man City will flourish trust me they will challenge for the title very soon.
At the moment City have many poor players that will be replaced with Stars and will probably get a world class manager as well…the future at Man City would look a far brighter prospect for a player going there than to our place defiantly.
33 matty_g // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:33 PM
TT,
Jk has already said we are sending Nacho Gonzalez back mate. As much use as a chocolate firguard is probably what he was thinking!
34 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:34 PM
matty_g – I know but it looks like nout is happening about it.
35 matty_g // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:38 PM
TT
He’s probably stuck to the treatment table and they can’t move him
36 sweendog // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Mbia is immense .. hope its true. exactly the player we need.
37 punk skunk... // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Sirjay,
What stars are gonna go there, in the current position?..
…The only reason would be for big wages, which is a recipe for catastrophe, as they won’t be bothered about the club & that could just make it worse…No fight!..
…Not sayin’ that there is no chance of them turnin’ it round, but it may take ’til next season, if they survive this one!..
38 DanToon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Man City will be Premier Champions within 4 season’s!
39 Pons Aelius // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Dunno DanToon – apparently Kaka has rejected the idea of Man City
40 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 2:59 PM
DanToon – Doubt it.
41 punk skunk... // Jan 14, 2009 at 3:04 PM
We’ll see!..
So, 3 seasons after this one?..
…That still gives ‘em time to go down & come back up i suppose!..
42 chuck // Jan 14, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Mbia is quality, dont know about the other guy.
What happened to Sissoko and Sahko ? also quality, could fit in now and for the future.
Hear Appiah turned down Harry`s offer, would he come on loan, could suit both him and the club.
Hope Ashley realises we are one game from a relegation spot and desperately need re inforcements, with some tough games comming up.
43 sirjasontoon // Jan 14, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Man will be challenging the top 4 next season and will have a massive squad of stars as well…it wont be a disaster they will fire hughes get an excellent manager and become a class act.
44 Archie Mag // Jan 14, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Its inevitable that Man City will make the top 4 into the top 5 with that sum of money, just a matter of time… I reckon 5 seasons.
45 punk skunk... // Jan 14, 2009 at 3:15 PM
It’ll be a disaster if they DON’T fire hughes!..
46 punk skunk... // Jan 14, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Can’t buy love!..
47 Ericles // Jan 14, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Anybody else on the sherry? I am beginning to wonder if nobody is still standing in the media circus pubs today. I am more concerned about the reality of tonights game than I am about transfer dreams. Howay the lads – Wembley is not all that many games away. Or is it Wombley with JK?
48 Piers // Jan 14, 2009 at 3:23 PM
These players are class, doubt it though…..the story was from goal.com, right Tom Toon?
49 Piers // Jan 14, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Just waiting for the supposed loan signings in the next 24 hrs
50 Nick D // Jan 14, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Yes what happened to Sissoko and Sakho ???
51 Alex // Jan 14, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Well they are both from French clubs so lets try involve Nsobia in any deal . Cant see us getting Mbia somehow so we should offer the cry baby for Ebondo
52 Doocey // Jan 14, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Mbia is good and as for Ebondo, the French rate him quite highly.
£10m would be nothing to Ashley though in all honesty!
53 Obafan // Jan 14, 2009 at 5:30 PM
One day we will go after Meireles or Sissoko, now we are after M’Bia end Ebondo. Whiwh players will we be after tomorrow???
If it wasn’t as cold as it is now here in Belgium, I would have thought it was the summer of 2008, in which NUFC was linked with almost every player and in which finally not that much happenned.
Let us hope that 1 Feb 2009 will not be the same bad day as 1 Sep 2008.
54 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Ebondo is valued at £4mil, N’Zogbia is valued at £8mil, barely a fair trade.
Like Chuck, I hear Appiah has rejected Spurs and might come to us!
55 Alex // Jan 14, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Tom_Toon
Which club do you think would pay 8 million for Nzogbia ? Ebondo is highly rated in France so i think it would benefit us to swap . Nzogbia does not want to be here and we would be getting an experienced right back who is , at 25 years old coming into the best years of his carrier .
56 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Doubt any club in France would pay £8mil for Zog, but I’d trade him for Kallstrom if Lyon want to do a deal.
57 Alex // Jan 14, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Kallstrom would do well in EPl no doubt about that , but how old is he now ? he seems to have been around for a while now . Would he fit into Ashleys buy them young plan.
58 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 6:56 PM
26 or 27.
59 Alex // Jan 14, 2009 at 7:05 PM
That’s the best age to buy players in our situation . Experienced but not past their best so as Butt & Geremi
60 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 7:27 PM
Agree, we should definitely try our luck with Lyon on that one.
61 Sav // Jan 14, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Ryan Toon and Nick D :-
- “Mbia and Ebondo would be awesome!”
Good Lord above!
Is it not bad enough we had to call in Rentokil to get rid of all these Cockneys?
Geordies reared on the OC….! tsk! tsk!
62 Tom_Toon // Jan 14, 2009 at 9:07 PM
..
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