Juts like Newcastle signing top Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum yesterday will make it a bit easier to persuade Aleksandar Mitrovic to sign for us – then if we do manage to get the 20 year-old to sign for Newcastle – it will make it that much easier to then sign Charlie Austin.
The latest news on Mitrovic is that his parents are in Newcastle talking to club officials about the potential move of their son.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – Newcastle talking to parents about the move
Don’t forget the lad is still only 20, so it’s important that Newcastle show they will take care of him and that he has a great chance of being on the world stage playing in the Premier League – with the games being televised live around the world.
If we do get this youngster through the door, then that will be a shock to us first of all – we thought bigger clubs than Newcastle would be in for him.
But if he is signed – and that’s still an if – then it will make it easier to sign some of our other top targets like Charlie Austin, because it will show that Mike Ashley was serious when he said he would give some big money to Lee Charnley and the Board to bring in top players this summer.
That was after we only just survived the drop last season in that very last game – which would have been an absolute disaster for Newcastle United.
Charlie Austin has recently talked about a potential move, but is giving nothing away:
“What’s going on back at home is for other people to worry about,” “That’s for Les Ferdinand, Chris Ramsey, my agent and Tony Fernandes to sort out.¨
“For me, I’m here to get my head down and work as hard as I can, hopefully play in a couple of games whilst I’m out here and prepare for Charlton on the 8th.¨
“Until I’m told otherwise, I’m a QPR player and I’m preparing for the Championship next year, and if I’m told otherwise, then so be it.”
Newcastle have also been linked with 22 year-old Stuttgart center-back Antonio Rudiger, who has already played 6 times for Germany, and is one of the top youngsters playing in the Bundesliga.
Perhaps this 6ft 3ins defender is one of the players we are busy trying to sign right now?
Getting Mitrovic in shortly after Wijnaldum would also help to sell whatever season tickets are still available at the club.
The news in the Chronicle today is that Ashley has given £60M to the Newcastle Board to spend on players to improve the squad this summer.
Departures may also happen, but it looks like Newcastle are being sensible and want to get their top signings in before letting any players – maybe Cheick Tiote, Fab Coloccini and Haris Vukcic – leave the club.
Finally, Georginio Wijnaldum seems to have quickly become Newcastle’s main cheerleader and says that last season was disappointing but an exception and this season we have to qualify at least for the Europa League.
Comments welcome.
141 comments so far
LewSpi v2.0
Jul 12, 2015 at 3:42 PM
Comment #41Ameritoon
You will at least get chance to see pretty much all of the players out there. Will be another 2 teams getting 45 minutes each.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 12, 2015 at 3:43 PM
Comment #42I wonder how the face to face chat went with Colo and Mclaren when he asked him about his performance from last season !?
Colo , Tiote , Sissoko and Gouffran for me have been the most senior players we have and they are the ones who have let us down the most in the last season and a half
Sissoko I think though could change his attitude if we keep making signings possibly Tiote but not sure if there is a way back for Colo or Gouffran
Williamson has poor ability but Colo has ability but zero heart the sight of him dodging that shot against QPR from Fer or shirking the challenges in the box against Leicester was unacceptable from a captain in a relegation battle
Our Toon
Jul 12, 2015 at 3:45 PM
Comment #43Let’s try to have 1 season where we don’t sabotage or self destruct, 1 season when we don’t bring the Circus back into town. Remember we’ve been down this road before when signing Ba, Cabaye etc. The following summer we blew it. I’ll always remain cautiously optimistic….more cautious with this lot than optimistic.
will die for the toon army
Jul 12, 2015 at 3:48 PM
Comment #44Toon
I want to keep Cisse but he doesn’t provide longterm while Austin will provide next 5 years. Cisse is always looking for the next deal. His last pay. Guy is 30 yrs and cracked.
AmeriToon
Jul 12, 2015 at 3:54 PM
Comment #45LewSpi
That’s what I expected since McClaren said no one would play more than 45 until our third game. It’s a shame Wijnaldum won’t be with the squad yet. It would have been nice to see Cabella’s tricks too.
I’ll be sure to let you all know how the game goes! I think it’s kind of strange to have a soccer game in a baseball park but I’m sure it will be a good time.
Toon-Prodigy
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:00 PM
Comment #46AmeriToon,
Do you know if our tour is being beamed out on any American or Canadian networks? Im hoping to watch the games from over here in the UK. I have some American and Canadian sports channels and hoping they are being covered somewhere.
AmeriToon
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:00 PM
Comment #47Onto Rudiger
I think he would be an amazing signing for us. He’s the exact type of CB this squad is screaming out for, quick, strong, tall, and quite athletic. I’ve read some reports that he relies too much on his athleticism so his reading of the game isn’t the best. Regardless he’d be great and maybe this Veltmann fella would be a good partner since he seems to read the game very well.
The real question is can we sign him?
BandB
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:01 PM
Comment #48As we are not playing football manager here, I’m more interested in who we get in rather than playing “let’s balance the books.”
That’s the club’s job.
Cisse is our only proven goalscorer. Take him out and Riviere becomes the number two. He is not a proven goalscorer. If anyone should go, it’s him.
Our Toon
I am thinking consistently. I don’t feel conflicted. I haven’t changed my mind.
For years I have been asking Ashley to sign players. I don’t see the point in me hanging off his back like a slavering tart while he’s trying to do it.
If the squad starts the season weaker, then they will have failed. They need to do massively more in key areas.
AmeriToon
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:01 PM
Comment #49Toon-Prodigy
I’m not aware of any channels but i’ll search my tv guide and let you know if i find anything. There’s always a lot of soccer going on in the US this time of year
funkness
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:05 PM
Comment #50Honest question:
Why would you, Ed, and anybody else want both Mitrovic AND Austin?
We are rarely gonna play two up top and none of the above mentioned can play anywhere else than in the CF position.
For me it is one of the who – never both ..
Toon-Prodigy
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:08 PM
Comment #51AmeriToon,
Cheers bud. Im hoping it is being beamed somewhere.
BandB
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:10 PM
Comment #52funkness,
If Mitrovic signs and Cisse is staying, our next big signing should be a defender.
The weakness in the set up is that we bought, in Old Manu Riviere, a player who in the opinion of many good judges will never be able to kick a cow’s a**se.
Ian Toon
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:10 PM
Comment #53BandB
July 12, 2015
Jib….
You know I love you really.
I wouldn’t be without you for the world.
So it’s not just me then!!!
BandB
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:12 PM
Comment #54Ian
You know I love you too…
The blog needs more opinions, not fewer.
Though that Carl seems very keen on only hearing from “decent posters.”
scout
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:13 PM
Comment #55Mcclaren sides aren’t one up front. Its normally a three pronged attack. Its not Pardew style mate.
Its not how Shhteeve rolls…..
Our Toon
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:13 PM
Comment #56Will die for toon
Sorry mate I didn’t see where Cisse has said he’d like to move? This theory of last pay day is completely unsubstantiated. Austin did well mainly thanks to Zamora, when Zamora didn’t play Austin went missing. In my opinion we don’t need Austin
Our Toon
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:16 PM
Comment #57B&B
Agreed consistency is the key, I’m also not going to hang off Ashley’s back but still won’t return to SJP until we have 2 back to back seasons where I think he is actually being genuine and wants to achieve something without sabotaging it
Toon-Prodigy
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:16 PM
Comment #58On Austin and Mitrovic, if Cisse is staying one will do for me. If Cisse is leaving we could do with both.
I don’t want to see Perez’s progress be hampered next season, he deserves to be battling it out for second.
Cisse
Austin or Mitrovic
Perez
Riviere
That is fine. But this is not..
Cisse
Mitrovic
Austin
Perez
Riviere
Great to have them all here if it were to happen but Perez wouldn’t get a sniff then, but as I say if Cisse goes by all means bring both in if possible. If Cisse stays I’d much rather see the money spent elsewhere in the team than buy an extra forward.
Deffo not fine.
GEORDIE69
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:17 PM
Comment #59funkness – If we sign Mitrovic and he gets injured or suspended then having two CF’s is a must. They could play together. Worked well with Shearer and Ferdinand.
BandB
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:23 PM
Comment #60Ian
And while you are here.
I can smile when Jib calls me an old lady.
Though his posting in Arabic is a turn-off, I don’t doubt his genuine depth of general knowledge or the quickness of his wits.
No-one could ever accuse him, or Blackley, or you, of not knowing exactly where I was headed with something.
Which I find kind of enjoyable, and a blessed change from the usual.
optimistic prime
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:26 PM
Comment #61I’d hope we’re going all out for Mitrovich, not to fussed on Austin and would prefer just to keep Cisse.
I don’t know much about the CB we are linked with but IMO its the position we need a quality addition the most.
I’d be well happy to see shot of Colo and I’m available to piggy back him to London should the need arise.
Bit strange to see a couple miss out on the USA trip, thought they may have went just to be around the new set up.
Jib
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:29 PM
Comment #62This is supposed to be Tuesdays game.
No guarantees
http://premier-league-lives.net/live/newcastle-live-stream/channel-1/
Munster Mag
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:31 PM
Comment #63Geordie69 u dont neef two strikers to be effective…but i dont think cisse is in steves plans to be number 1. Mind u it doesntvtake a genius to see that 🙂
ShirebrookToon
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:39 PM
Comment #64Anybody know what’s happening with marveux?
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:44 PM
Comment #65A big change in mood on here, I understand why, but I’m not sure it is totally justified. As Our Toon said, if the season starts or window shuts with the squad still short then one or two big signings means very little. Just last summer there was optimism at this stage having signed Colback, Perez, De Jong, Cabella on his way etc but the squad was still week at the back, and up top.
Even if the squad is well stocked come the Southampton match, it will take another 18months of progress, improvement and no more destabilising the squad in Jan to convince me.
IF we get Mitrovic, and I hope we do, I’d hope a centre half is the net target, followed by a genuine winger and topped up with another centre half and centre forward. Not Austin though, I’d prefer to go for Berahinho if we got Mitrovic.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:48 PM
Comment #66Shirebrook,
Hopefully he is packing his bags to go back to France. No place for him if we want to move forward.
Jib
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:48 PM
Comment #67http://sipse.com/galatv/merida/
This one also is supposed to be showing the game.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:52 PM
Comment #68It would make such a difference if we got a proper centre back who is a beast and can play on the deck ! I feel we need a left back as well though so Haidara can be back up and Dummett can be a centre half which is his best position
If Sissoko stays he has to be playing right wing its his best position hes not a play maker and wont put a tackle in so hes no use in the middle put him one on one with a full back though and he will usually roast them with his pace him and Janmaat on the right could be deadly
We still need a quality left winger as well Aarons is still raw Perez could play left wing forward I suppose
Jail for Ashley
Jul 12, 2015 at 4:57 PM
Comment #69Lilongwe,
What’s your take on Anita being the cover for Jaanmatt, I would prefer a young specialised RB who understands he is back up but has the potential to keep Jaanmatt out of the team if the situation arose.
ShirebrookToon
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:03 PM
Comment #70Lilongwe I couldn’t agree more. As for LB I would of put a bid in for jetro willems from PSV while we were signing Geordie winjaldum
overtheline
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:03 PM
Comment #71I always assumed BandB was a reference to 10cc’s “we all got balls and chains but some’s got balls and brains”.
I know you like abtruse references – your posts are littered with them and I’ve always wondered if the pithy and supposedly dismissive one liner was to make you seem just a little more clever than the average blogger.
This, however,
“Don’t be caught on slicks when you should be on intermediates.
Or the other way round.
Keeps you out of the gravel. ”
is nonsensically meaningless even by your standards.
For one thing, as a confirmed tree hugger, I loathe motor sport as a total waste of petrol.
BandB
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:04 PM
Comment #72Shirebrook,
Lilongwe is saying exactly what I have been saying all day and for six weeks.
Why do you agree completely with him?
manni
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:06 PM
Comment #73THAUVIN BID REJECTED SSN!
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:06 PM
Comment #74Jail,
Fully agree on that. Anita could do a job there, but why would you want him to? Anita could become an important part of our midfield if we are to retain possession more, so if he did, where is the sense in disrupting the rest of the team because you didn’t get specialist cover.
Having said that, I think a couple of central defenders and the attack are priority though, so would like that sorted first. It is definitely a position that need some attention though.
Jib
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:07 PM
Comment #75Federer getting a tennis lesson now
funkness
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:07 PM
Comment #76@BandB: Though I agree on you regarding Riviere not being anywhere close what we would have hoped, I think flogging him off now would just mean taking a rather serious financial hit on that deal. I say keep him as a 4th choice, and say a few hail mary’s to hopefully getting him to develop under the new coaching setup. If not – sell him next summer.
As both you and Toon-Prodigy mention, if Cisse stays, one of Mitrovic and Austin will do, as we also have Perez to play up front, and I would hate to see him warming the bench for a whole season.
@Geordie69: Shearer & Ferdinand worked a treat! But that was more than 15 years ago and we were playing a classic 4-4-2 at the time. That isn’t the case anymore, and if we brought in both, that would – even if one got injured – presumably leave Perez on the bench for the entire season.
As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I’d much prefer Mitrovic and a winger / wide forward.
Thoughts?
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:07 PM
Comment #77MARSEILLE REJECT TOON’S THAUVIN BID
Marseille have turned down an approach from Newcastle for winger Florian Thauvin, claim La Provence.
This from Sky Sports just now !
I would like to see a proper left winger with pace I think for the money we could get someone better than Thauvin?
What about using Cathros Spanish contacts to try get a winger from Spain instead?
check the toastie
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:09 PM
Comment #78Shirebrook – I like Marveaux as a talented ball player, but and its a big but, reckon he just cannot be parsed to knuckle down and be the player he should be with maximum sweat and graft.
The new coaching staff have probably already sussed him for being hAlf hearted, shame as hes gifted with the ball, but he’s on his way, mark my words, taking it easy in France is his bag…
Looney_toon_89
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:12 PM
Comment #79I think if Newcastle were to sign Mitrovic AND Austin, wide players & CB & LB not only would that help sell season tickets, there would be a waiting list.
JamesToon
Jul 12, 2015 at 5:14 PM
Comment #80LCBP
We should be going for shaqiri