Neil Cameron in the Journal today reports that Newcastle have been quoted an £8M transfer fee if we want to get 23 year-old Celtic center-back Virgil van Dijk to Tyneside, although he only moved last summer from Groningen for £2.6M, and as we said yesterday, it’s just a pity Newcastle didn’t move for him then, after tracking the player for over two years.
What was Joe Kinnear thinking – not much it seems. 😀
Virgil van Dijk – playing against Barcelona last season
So Newcastle must pay over £5M more than we could have signed van Dijk for last summer, and that’s one way to look at it.
But from his top form at Celtic last season, when he was outstanding for the Celtic defense in the Champions League, this lad could be worth more than double £8M in the next couple of years, if he does move to Newcastle and plays (very) well in the Premier League.
There’s also little doubt that Newcastle still need some reinforcements in defense, especially in central defense, and we again witnessed some weak defending against Huddersfield last night, in the 2-2 draw at John Smith’s stadium.
If Celtic are knocked out of the Champions League tonight in their second leg qualifier against Legia Warsaw at home (they lost last week’s first leg 4-1), it seems almost certain the Scottish club will want to cash in on Virgil.
But there are also other clubs after the talented defender, and they include Swansea and Southampton, and the south coast club could be an attraction to the center-back, with fellow Dutchman Ronald Koeman the new manager.
Southampton also have plenty of money to spend after selling so many of their top young stars this summer.
Whether we can get van Dijk on board or not could be a measure of Newcastle’s ambitions this summer, and we have already done very well in bringing in seven players, plus those two Nottingham Forest defenders, who should be announced very soon – like today?
But to top off Newcastle’s transfer window this summer, another striker and a top center-back like Virgil would give us a very good squad for next season. and would be the best transfer window we’ve seen for at least 10 years.
We hope Newcastle go after this center-back, and we certainly have the money to get him on Tyneside.
What do you think?
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504 comments so far
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:45 AM
Comment #81*those = does
Rotonda heights
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:45 AM
Comment #82markakkus
as the self designated leader of the blog maybe you could list down some topics that are deemed worthy enough by you for us to discuss. I think the ego has landed there just a bit pal.
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:46 AM
Comment #83Markaccus
H……….P sauce is quality
Rotonda heights
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:47 AM
Comment #84bills son
didn’t you get markakkus’ memo, we are not allowed to discuss HBA, period
Markaccus
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:47 AM
Comment #85Jeff
To be fair, the rest of celtics defense are also responsible for the 24 goals. Playing alongside somone of colos experience will create a much mote balanced defense imo
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:49 AM
Comment #86Jesper
Little games?
No pal just a bit sick of hearing you create situations in an attempt to justify a sudden shift change in your code of morals your always preaching for others to adhere too….
Apparently it’s has nothing to do with morals, just how your self worth to the team is viewed
bills-son
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:49 AM
Comment #87Last word on HBA…
Laurent Robert was a similar type of player BUT he held the ball up well and rarely gave the ball away, was a brilliant crosser of the ball, brilliant free kick taker and averaged a goal every four games – some of them the equal of Benny’s best.
And then there was Ginola…
HBA comes way behind either of these two great NUFC players.
JAMSHA(PARDEW SLAYER)
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:49 AM
Comment #88OFFTOPIC
any1 works on oil rigs???
Our Toon
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:50 AM
Comment #89Rotonda
They were down to 10 men…probably why they lost 4-1.
Jeff
I’m not surprised he conceded goals, look at celtic compared to the other teams, since when did 1 player make up the entire defence. Forster also conceded them goals yet he’s possibly off to Southampton and is regularly called up to the England squad…are we to believe he’s pants? BTW 24 goals is what they conceded, are you certain of that?
Markaccus
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:52 AM
Comment #90Rotonda
I am disappointed you have taken my comments that way. I am simply stating that repeating the same old sh1te on a subject that people are quite simply NOT going to agree on is A) pointless. B) annoying and C) something that can get you warned or banned of ed!! Repetitive posters have been banned in the past. I would suggest that the real egotists are the ones who insist on diverting every story on to a monologue about their one pet-subject.
Our Toon
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:52 AM
Comment #91TADS
So it after the game so check sky for the interview…For future reference though I’ll make sure I record all things toon related so I can show you 🙂
By the way where’s the links for all the accusations you level at 1 player who’s been made a scapegoat for losing games we were already losing….If that makes sense!!
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:53 AM
Comment #92Rotonda
Don’t know much about De Vrijs tbh
Looked solid in the World Cup, been linked with a few of the big boys but can’t say I’ve seen much of him
http://www.football-oranje.com/scout-reportstefan-de-vrij/
Try this?
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:55 AM
Comment #93Tads…I know my English is not as good as yours and there are plenty of type-o’s or misspelling – especially when I use my phone. But please read my last comment again and show we you have ad least understood what it was about!
…it still seems you don’t quite understand me and keep on arguing everything from your vantage point disregarding the notion that other’s might have a different one.
Meaning what is ideal or what is honorable depends on the matter at hands and not on the words themselves. It’s like going in circles with you and no one ever seems to tell you when to stop.
I don’t think that should be my job? Now can we get back to debating football and cut the personal crap?
Our Toon
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:56 AM
Comment #94Bills son
Different times and different managers, hba works harder than ginola and Robert….They wouldn’t have got a look in under pardew
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:56 AM
Comment #95Our Toon
No, it doesn’t
And once again, don’t forget the fans were championing Ba for the wing so wouldn’t that come under a lose lose scenario for Pardew?
And how come you can dismiss hearsay against your argument but claim it as fact for your argument?
Bit one sided?
Average_Contents
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:57 AM
Comment #96More proof that people have been blinded by parsnips PR bollox….benny has similar stats to the two players that YOU just mentioned bills-son and when I get the time I will post them on here so what does this prove? People listen to parsnip to much as you clearly had/have no problem with Robert OR Ginola as proved by the fact that you used them as examples
Our Toon
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:57 AM
Comment #97Ok change of subject from me unless I’m I have to retort to someone
What did everyone make of yesterday’s game?
nut meg
Aug 6, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Comment #98Markacuss
It doesn’t seem like anyone on here has actually seen him play.I would have thought that somebody would have. I know you tube isn’t the way to judge players but it does give you a little idea of what they are capable of & unfortunately that’s all I have over here in Thailand.If you were around & lucky enough to see Albert play you should see a resemblance between them that Wandering Geordie referred to,a joy to watch. A bit of Albert mixed with a bit of Sissoko………yes please. I hope all is well with your boy & he’s running around soon.By the way your from my neck of the woods,a long time ago I used to drink all around the West Moor area.
Jeff from Benwell
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:00 AM
Comment #99Markaccus
The constant problem with the EPL is the time factor , in defence especially. You just don’t have the time to learn on the job. I have no doubt that big Virgil has the potential to become a cracking PL centre back but that’s not what the Toon need at the moment . I’d far rather they looked at the top 4 clubs defensive rosters and take one or two CB’s , on loan if necessary.
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:01 AM
Comment #100Jesper
Everything in the post can be levelled right back at you
We can’t debate football when you continue create scenarios and standards to shut the door on opposing views finishing the post with I’m not going to talk about this anymore!
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:03 AM
Comment #101Markaccus
Your right though, apologies for getting sidetracked!
Our Toon
Didn’t see the game but going of the commentary and highlights we were playing well but Taylor and Willo imploded at the back
Average_Contents
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Comment #102I think this is aligned to the fact that the managers they played under let them play their way and didn’t scapegoat them to the degree that parsnip does with he who shall not be named….just a thought!
Markaccus
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Comment #103Nut meg.
Aye was just a little joke about the you tube thing. I do think this lad can be a good player and i seriously think the toon should take the risk and pay up.
My lad is playing with his trains and watching cbeebees. Not quite his usual self but not too bad, cheers.
The George Stephenson has been closed and re opened so many times recently i have lost count. Its never been quite the same since the long time owner left years ago and went bankrupt. Its had some right dodgy characters since!
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Comment #104Out Toon…I didn’t watch it and have found it difficult to get a balanced view of it on here. Did you see it?
…if so, how did our defense do and what about the balance in central mid?
These have been my concerning point when ever we haven’t had a forward scoring for fun.
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Comment #105Regardless if he played in a 4-1 defeat I think we can all agree he’s a better option than Taylor or Williamson!
Mister Tuff
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:07 AM
Comment #106I am thinking about preparing a list of Toon topics that really bore me -granted they may be Toon topics -but they are topics -that have been discussed before -I dont care if a new angle on the story is introduced – I will still be bored. I do not want to avail myself to the blog default position of not reading a post if I think it bores me – far better not having posts I do not want to read in the first place.
Comrades and fellow Stalinists – if you do not agree with me you will be sent to the Goolag. The revolution ( well my revolution) must be kept alive it we are to prosper as a society. Storm the gates comrades!!
Our Toon
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:07 AM
Comment #107TADS
The fans were championing him for the wing bit the player had himself in mind, he apparently asked for assurances for wanting to be played through the middle, pardew changed the formation to accommodate him.
ToonRich
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:08 AM
Comment #108Why’s there even mention of Stefan de Vrijs?! He’s just signed for Lazio :/
Blackley and Brownlie
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:08 AM
Comment #109Bill-Son
Why is Cabella here and not at the clubs you mention? For the same reason as HBA? He’s not a team player? He’s not good enough?
Toon Tang
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Comment #110I will be almighty peeved if we manage to get some good attacking play going and grab a few goals but our defense lets us down again. We should have prioritised adding just one really good central defender. The ones we’ve got now are no where near good enough to get us where we want to be.
I can see us doing fine in midfield and up front, but the CB’s give me the heebee geebees.
Markaccus
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:10 AM
Comment #111Jesper
Simply put. Both their goals were against the run of play. We created plenty of chances, and lack a goal scorer, but rivvy took his chance well and we should do fine if one of the strikers finds form. Our defense has been, and remains W@NK. We need a comanding CB to play alongside Colo. That was the sole reason we only drew last night.
Hope thats balanced. Its the way it seemed to be from the text comentary 😀
Toon Tang
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:11 AM
Comment #112GET ONE DECENT CHUFFING CENTRAL DEFENDER FOR CHUFFS SAKES…
Our Toon
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:11 AM
Comment #113TADS
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/05/15/3103791/demba-ba-plots-summer-newcastle-exit
http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19635010.app
bills-son
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:12 AM
Comment #114On van Dijk,
I’ve not seen anything of the lad but I hear he is good going forward.
That reminds me of when Arthur Cox was manager during Keegan’s time as a player when we had the same leaky defence. Cox wanted to sign Mick McCarthy who at the time was an outstanding young out and out defender with Barnsley.
McCarthy was a battering ram CH who never strayed ten yards out of the box never mind cross the half way line. Just the type of real defender we needed.
The problem for Cox was that Norman Hunter – who was Barnsley’s manager at the time – hated Cox because of the slagging Cox gave him when as coach of Sunderland they beat Leeds in the FA Cup Final + when Cox was manager of Chesterfield he sold two duff players to a green behind the ears Hunter. No way was McCarthy going to be sold to Newcastle – even though he was desperate to sign for us – and he ended up at Man City.
Who did Cox sign instead? Glenn Roeder.
And the first thing Glenn did in his first game was intercept a ball, charge up field, do his famous Roeder shuffle and … lost the ball.
Roeder was the complete opposite of a CH to McCarthy and I couldn’t understand where Cox’s thinking was in signing him and the defence was no better for it.
Why is this relevant?
Because what we lack is a big powerful out and out CH who is a level or two up from Williamson – not a fancy football playing CH who likes to get forward.
Tony Adams, Vidic, Terry, Sol Campbell in their prime – hard as nails no nonsense class defenders who bossed their defence and opposing CF’s.
That’s what we are desperate for.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Comment #115Mark…I have had your view mate – and I took that to heart trust me 😀
…I just never got and answer from you about the defence and the midfield (I think you had gone to bed something)
Wasn’t implying yours wasn’t balanced!
toonarmydownsouth
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Comment #116Our Toon
And it paid off as he was on top scoring form yet again
ToonRich
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Comment #117Markaccus
Do you think Colo can still cut it against the younger/faster/more agile players in the league, i.e sturridge, aguero, sanchez?!!
beermonkey
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:14 AM
Comment #118our toon
did u see the match last night
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:15 AM
Comment #119What about the central mid. One of out problems have been the balance here – both protecting the defense and adding pressure going forward.
Our Toon
Aug 6, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Comment #120Lads I didn’t watch the game but heard the reporter say that Huddersfield had the better of the chances before we scored the opening goal of the game, after that I went to a league match I had, my worry is that for both of there goals we didn’t put pressure on the ball….allowed there.lads to turn.
TADS – we have changed the subject but I have posted a couple of links for you about Ba and what his agent said and the rumours of his unhappiness….We have moved on from that debate since but they are awaiting moderation