It looks liem Sunderland may be zoning in on Freiburg striker Papiss Cisse as a replacement for the departed, Asamoah Gyan, who went loan for big money and left Sunderland high and dry.
Pappis Dembe Cisse – Newcastle target in January?
Newcastle were credited with a bid of £10M for Cisse on the last day of the transfer window last month, but we find it hard to believe that Mike Ashley would bid £10M for anybody, at least initially.
The news is that FC Freidburg want around £13M for their top striker, and some news today that Sunderland want the Senegal International as their top target in January.
But he’ll be playing in the African Cup of Nations in January, which will be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and it could be hard to negotiate a deal then, and apparently SC Freiburg want to keep the player until next summer in any case.
Cisse recently signed a new contract with Freiburg until 2014, but that was more a Freiburg move, to ensure they get top dollar for their star striker, which is fine of course.
And news today that the striker Newcastle almost brought in on 31st August, Modibo Maiga of Sochaux, has settled his differences with his Sochaux club, and now wants to stay there.
The 24 year-old has said today he is now happy to remain at the Stade Auguste Bonal, as he told L’Equipe:
“Everything is forgotten. I don’t want to speak any more on the issue,” “I have now recovered from some physical problems and I now have the chance to play in the first team.
“Every player likes to receive offers but in my case the president did not want to sell.” “He spoke with me and told me I needed to stay at Sochaux and I prefer to leave things the way they are.”
Newcastle are expected to try once again to bring in a top striker in the January transfer window, and Maiga and Pappis Demba Cisse could still be targets, as could be PSG’s Mevlut Erdinc.
But if the club wants to be successful in bringing any player into to the club, they may have to fork out the necessary transfer fee, rather than doing everything on the cheap.
We’re all for doing good deals, and there’s no doubt Newcastle have done a lot of those over the last 18 months or so, which is great, but it can also be overdone.
It was overdone in late August, with the result that manager Alan Pardew was left without the top striker he was promised after Andy Carroll departed last January.
And while we are the transfer topic, why don’t Newcastle bring in Erik Pieters from Dutch club PSV, because the full back position seems to be the weak link at Newcastle right now, along with a shortage of experienced central defenders.
A striker, full back and central defender would be terrific acquisitions if Newcastle can get that business done in January.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
157 comments so far
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 6:53 PM
Comment #41I wouldnt want Saha back at Newcastle…he isnt better than what we have would rather have Macheda
geordiefinn
Sep 21, 2011 at 6:54 PM
Comment #42Junior Hoilett is another one who I’d sign. His contract runs out in 2012, so I think he’d cost max 4 millions in January. Even though his best position is left winger, he can aswell play as striker or as second striker. I’d be surprised if he was not on ‘Pardew’s list’.
Ollieh51
Sep 21, 2011 at 6:54 PM
Comment #43@ WWJBD+The_Toon – Yes I would.
I think if it all comes crashing down around him at Liverpool though, he will not be the same player.
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 6:55 PM
Comment #44The_Toon
Yeah I said when he left that I thought we would see him in a toon shirt again and that belief hasent changed
Tbh I think thats why he is poor at Liverpool…his heart isnt in it as much as it was in front of us screaming mags
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 6:57 PM
Comment #45Ollieh51
I dont think it will come crashing around him though I think he will probably coast at Liverpool unless something bucks him up soon
CuPiD
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Comment #46@ YankeeToon
Erding is turkish
The_Toon
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:02 PM
Comment #47@Ollieh51
I think the reason CARROL is not scoring now is the system that liverpool uses, no wingers besides Downing which never crosses always prefers to come in and the fact that Suarez is the star player which prefers to run with the ball rather than passing it around but of course he is class in what he does…. imo Dalglish made to many changes to the team which is turning against him now
Timmers09
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:09 PM
Comment #48Off topic – has anyone ever seen where you can buy a replica “Howay the lads” tunnel sign. Searched for years.
Ollieh51
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:09 PM
Comment #49@ WWJBD+The_Toon
That’s more me hopign it would I suppose!
Yeah, the system has changed and it was Joey dropping balls onhis head (no puns please!) all day long but still, he can hit them too as we saw vs. Vill and Liverpool ironically…
He’s comfortable at Liverpool but I strongly believe that they have not played well all season and have been lucky to be where they are now.
5under1and could have done them, Arsenal had 10 men on the pitch and they couldn’t get through a tough Stoke team and look at Spurs? They couldn’t get near them even before they went down to 9.
There’s something missing from them that we appear to have found, just hope we can be consistent…
GeordieDan
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:13 PM
Comment #50If we are going to get a top striker in then why not try to pull off a deal in a similar way to the way we got Cabaye in?
Why not really seriously go after a realistic target, all in the right manner and get the deal wrapped up before the window even opens.
The likes on Man U always do it and although we don’t quite have their pulling power right now we’ve still got a great reputation for loads of reason , not last loving our no.9’s.
Just my opinion like but I’d love to see Ashley actually impress us for a change and pull of a wonder signing, not necessarily for £billions but just a proper striker we can be proud of.
I’ll not be holding my breath just yet tho eh?
2 AMEOBI'S
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:15 PM
Comment #51Our target should be keeping hold of best (can’t belive am saying this) because if he keeps on scoring there will be a few teams sniffing round and we all know fat chops loves a sale.
AMEOBI
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:16 PM
Comment #52Would I take Carroll back? Erm yes I would, he’s a good team player but shit individual (liverpool move wink wink)
15m not 35!
JP...from The Rock
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:19 PM
Comment #53I’d go for Marvin Martin and stick him in the hole whe Bennys out or play him as a winger. The kid is dynamite and really knows how to finish, strong, young, quick and French- what more do you want?
He will be a star for certain let’s just make sure he’s ours first.
MARVIN MARTIN GO GET HIM FAT ASH!!!!
Milking Mikes' bulging pockets
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:21 PM
Comment #54Best has 9 in 17 appearances, emphasis on appearances, not whole matches! In fact none of those have been 90 mins.
With the creativity of the returning players and the settling of new ones, he will only get more chances to score.
Just saying.
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:23 PM
Comment #55Leon Best has 9 in 28 appearences for us
Milking Mikes' bulging pockets
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:24 PM
Comment #56No, I wouldn’t take Carroll back. He’s like Crouch, you’re restricted in playing to suit his aerial strengths, if not, he’s very average.
I want to see sharpshooting, precision snipers (like we now have), not littering artillery fire!
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:24 PM
Comment #57Before that 19 in 90(ish)
Milking Mikes' bulging pockets
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:24 PM
Comment #58WWJBD
9 in his last 17.
boater
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:25 PM
Comment #59Chuck – who said anything about a big guy? It’s more a tactical weakness as I see it, and there is room in this squad for someone who can turn from 30 yards, create space and their own goal scoring chance.
Having said that, discussing striker targets is stupid on two counts- 1) we haven’t seen the willingness from the club to shell out on transfer fees 2) it’s a long way off and we don’t know how the current lot will do.
Dannyo
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:30 PM
Comment #60@Milking Mikes’ bulging pockets
If i remember correctly, someone here, after the Villa match, posted minutes and goals for Best.
It was 1030 mins, with 11 goals.
Thats 11,3 matches, with 11 goals.
My favorite stat for him yet 😉
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:31 PM
Comment #61MMbp
Well then you are ignoring a fair bit of his NUFC career now I like to joke with my mates he has found his level but he a top striker lets face it
Works hard and I really like him but hes just not that good whereas the 9 in 17 stat makes him seem very good
Dannyo
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:32 PM
Comment #62I think that’s the PL alone, altho i can’t remember for sure tbh :/
Dannyo
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:35 PM
Comment #63@WWJBD
He’s a poacher tho, but he’s strong, and he’s shown a great willingness to work hard even without the ball.
Shola is not doing that by any means whatsoever.
Loven tries to work hard, but i just think he’s past his prime, and would be like Boothroyd was for QPR in their match.
Lots of “nearlys”.
However, even if Best is a poacher, he’ll clearly start to get the right service now, and he should really be slammin them in soon if he can position himself.
And thats kind of what a poacher does, position.
JP...from The Rock
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:41 PM
Comment #64Why have only one wonderkid with amazing dribbling skills in Ben Arfa when you can have two or three. Marvin Martin and Boudebouz are just that. Their technical brilliance is matched by Ben Arfa they all know eachother and are French and young.
We could depend on Best and Ba for the goals as well as Ben Arfa, Boudebouz and Martin. The amount of chances those 3 together would create for our front two would be insane. They would compliment our already impressive midfield brilliantly.
This is not far fetched and very possible Fat Ash only has to spend the cash. We could offload the dead wood to aid the burden in Perch, Xisco, Smith, Shola and Guthrie.
That would leave us with 3 Ben Arfa flair type players instead of the one. Now that could almost certainly have us landing a Champions League spot.
What do you guys think????
HTL
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:42 PM
Comment #65Dannyo
Oh aye as I said I really like Best hard worker and gets the job done but he isnt world class bless him
But he is a good poacher however it wasent to long ago he could score a goal to save his life now he has found some form and he is looking good but is he the answer to our prays? I doubt it (as much as I’d love him to be)
Its easy to forget how bad he was not so long though
chuck
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:43 PM
Comment #66Geordiefinn
Yes i agree Junior Hoillett is a very good player, watched him on the weekend, had an excellent game.
I was impressed.
As an upcoming free agent, a bid for him during
the next window, should be able to land a target we have already identified as someone we want at the club.
Milking Mikes' bulging pockets
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:44 PM
Comment #67Yeah well, you continue to ignore the fact it takes the majority of players, a while to adapt to new surroundings. It took him a year.
He now looks comfortable and confident.
The heckles will become murmurs, the murmurs whispers, the whispers; deafening silence!
Don’t mess with the Best because the Best don’t mess!
Another brace on Saturday. HTL 😀
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:44 PM
Comment #68JP
Would be grand but I doubt Sochaux would be keen on selling their top 2 players to a team who tried to snake their best striker through dodgy dealings
roshan MAGPIE
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:45 PM
Comment #69i liked your idea JP FROM THE ROCK but the fat man will not be ready to spend that sort of money for those 2 players even if we sell the so called dead wood Pearch smith xisco
ilovetoon8788
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:50 PM
Comment #70I don’t think we need another striker as long as Ben Arfa is going to be playing.. Hopefully HBA can recover his old self back. He was just absolutely brilliant.
countrylad14
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:51 PM
Comment #71Do you think its possible we could bring in 3 in January with a pre contract offer for Hoillett to join in the summer? Im most likely dreaming but why not??
CB – J Tomkins – West Ham
LB – Erik Pieters – PSV
Striker – Erding/Cisse/Roux/Maiga
Dannyo
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:54 PM
Comment #72@WWJBD
Aye, he’s not a world beater, not by a longshot.
But he’s a type of player who works hard for the team, sometimes players heart are just as great to watch as a players skill.
Him and two top strikers would be all we would need for a 4-5-1 formation imo.
Loven and Shola should know their limitations and see that they no longer cut it in the prem.
They’re good to help out a tired squad in cups and incase of injury.
But neither of those should never be started in the PL.
Would like a Bellamy type player, that type would fit right in. Small, powerful build, pace and technique.
Must be someone out there like that?
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Comment #73Dannyo
Oh aye I wouldnt sell the lad (I was p**ed when he was put up for sale during the summer) but I want strikers in above him. 3rd choice Best would work like a treat 😉
To my limited knowledge Cisse fits the Bellamy type judging by what I have seen of him
Dannyo
Sep 21, 2011 at 8:02 PM
Comment #74@WWJBD
Aye, i was drooling over Cisse all summer, was chuffed to see we where linked with him, then gutted to see him stay at Freiburg :/
Much like a million other targets this summer, lol.
Pardew said the transfer list on Best was just a rumour tho, wether thats true or not, we’ll never know, but happy he’s still here. Our goalscoring chances would sink with 50% with him gone and no one else in.
Did u see Obertan in the highlights btw? I thought he did quite well from the limited times i saw him in action.
Seems to be growing into the role imo, improving game to game, ever so slightly.
JP...from The Rock
Sep 21, 2011 at 8:04 PM
Comment #75If only The Fat one had more ambition. We have the foundations of a great team, with those signings we could be an Amazing Team.
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 8:05 PM
Comment #76Dannyo
Aye me too mate haha ah well on wards and up wards 😉
I hope it was just a rumour because Best lifted his game to a new level when he read that which is great to see. He fought for his NUFC strip this season which fills me with pride
Havent seen the full highlights just the goals…good to hear Obertan is getting better though Id still drop him for Marv haha
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 8:06 PM
Comment #77Hargreaves scored a goal!!!!!!!! Aww I am chuffed for him.
WWJBD
Sep 21, 2011 at 8:11 PM
Comment #78Anyway am off to have a good old drinking session have a good night lads
Keep the faith 😉
Hemel Mag
Sep 21, 2011 at 8:19 PM
Comment #79The toon- wwjbd-olieh
Take Carroll back, are you F*****g mad, that judas C**T can rot in the bin dippers reserves, I wouldn’t take him back if he was on a free and begged. I dont care hw good he turns out to be:
He was playing for his home town club, wearing the most famous shirt in football and had just recently signed a new multimillion pound contract only to go and demand to speak to Liverpool.
You lot have got short memories
So no, he can F**k right off and live wth his decision
toonthompson
Sep 21, 2011 at 8:21 PM
Comment #80is there any streams for man city