Newcastle are one of the many clubs reported to be interested in signing 23 year-old Nigerian international central midfielder Eddy Onazi, who joined Lazio back in 2012.
The Italian media has never been too accurate with some of their transfer stories and Newcastle, along with Swansea, Everton and German club Werder Bremen are said to be interested in the 36 times capped Nigerian Intentional, with Everton having apparently lodged a bid for the player.
Newcastle linked with Lazio midfielder Eddy Onazi
This has been a story doing the rounds on the internet for the last day or so, as Newcastle have been doing the deal for 24 year-old Andros Townsend, who is expected to sign for Newcastle today after having a medical.
According to web-site Calciomercato.it Lazio have lowered their price for the Nigerian midfielder to just €7M (£5.3M).
Apparently Lazio are willing to sell their midfielder at the right price in January, but we’d be very surprised if Newcastle are in the market for another central midfielder having just signed Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet.
Newcastle have brought in three midfielders during this window although our weaknesses are at striker and in defense.
And while we are expected to sign a striker before next Monday when the window closes – there have not been too many stories that we are after any defenders, even though we have conceded 41 goals in our first 23 league games.
That’s the third worst in the Premier League to go with our points total of 21, which is also the third worst in the league.
Do Lazio have any good strikers or defenders they want to sell in January?
Put this down to a potential made up story – at least as far as Newcastle’s interest is concerned.
For the record the 5’8″ tall Onazi has made 101 appearances for Lazio with 6 goals.
Comments welcome.
84 comments so far
Blackley and Brownlie
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:05 PM
Comment #41Lochinvar
You’ve been enjoying yourself there, I see. You’ve got to laugh at Charnley and Carr.
Mister Tuff
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:05 PM
Comment #42toon kk – I do see Mitrovich scoring goals with his head but mainly when a decent cross comes in say from the by line or anywhere out wide adjacent to the box. A ball he can attack – he has got the power to out muscle defenders.
His hold up play is not bad – good with the chest. Trying to retain a long high punt/hoofball he invariably loses out to the CB – at leat 90% of the time and we are under pressure again.
I just do not think we can gamble by not getting in a “name” so as to reduce the risks.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:09 PM
Comment #43Yo…this is Austin asking his wife if they can relocate up north:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=psZKgdNaibk
croftus5678
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:10 PM
Comment #44@wwsbrd
honestly hand on heart i think elliott is a better all round keeper and our defence seems to play better with him in our goal as he comunicates with them unlike krul + elliotts kicking never gets us into trouble.
@hibbit
i dont think hairdryer is fit yet no but he imo is our best lb choice along with mbabu.
WWSBRD
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:12 PM
Comment #45jesper
Then u argue that he is damaging his career, u offer him more, u buy him a house up north, u talk to his wife, u help him move, u show him schools for his kids, u offer to help his youth set up, u get him a ticket to a home game, u show him the stadium, u explain to him the affection fans have for their strikers, u fill his head with ur vision for the club and u make him believe that there is no other options
(If we missed out on Austin because we couldn’t afford him or he could buy into the plan fair enough but if we didn’t bother because he’s heard the norths a tad chilly that’s terrible)
If NUFC want a player he can be convinced as far as I am concerned
toon kk
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:13 PM
Comment #46Geordiemark
Do you really think Van Percey would want to come to Newcastle? As for Remy, and you not wanting him to come, sounds like a schoolboy attitude to me.
We would have been relegated without him last time. If he comes again great if he helps keep us up.
chewbaccy
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:15 PM
Comment #47Hands up those who still think we will beat the drop.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:15 PM
Comment #48Senor Tuff…I don’t mind us going for Remy, but I fear too many are hoping / thinking Remy will just start banging them in!
He hasn’t played much this season. In reality we need a sure thing…or what ever comes closest!
SPRINGY
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:17 PM
Comment #49chelsea are apparently interested in taking van persie on loan….but the turkish side want a huge loan fee….he’s unhappy where he is and trying to get a move
LGFUAD21
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:17 PM
Comment #50Read an interesting piece in 442 about PL teams strengths and weaknesses.
they said one of our weaknesses was tactical incoherence:
– Our defence drops deep while our attack presses high.
The Result:
– A huge gap in front of our defence that opposition can exploit.
Although that wasnt the case at Watford for large parts, thinking about it, they could be on to something.
Which is why I keep banging on about the importance of Tiote to this team.
We picked up when he came into the team. While we did good against West Ham without him, I think his position certainly grounds the team. Keeps the back 4 calm while allowing the front 4 to attack.
I was one of those calling for a 3 at the back formation as I didnt see any alternative in the team to play at LB. It clearly didnt work and Steve got that call wrong. However, lets not forget he employed a similar system in the cup and we were the better team for most of that game.
Bambams
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:17 PM
Comment #51Toonrich
Not bothered about me fella but concerned if I put something on here it may ID the person I spoke to.
I don’t know anything about any potential signings
Sorry fella
SPRINGY
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:18 PM
Comment #52chewy
50/50…..depending on who else comes in i think its that close
WWSBRD
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:19 PM
Comment #53croftus
Nar can’t come close to agreeing with u there. Distribution Elliot has over Krul but communication is on par imo neither are brilliant but Elliot is so painfully slow it’s scary and off his line it might aswell be an open goal for me
For me had Krul stayed fit we would have more points now
If I am brutally honest come summer I’d sell Elliot
chewbaccy
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:20 PM
Comment #54where are these type of players for the toon these days
https://www.facebook.com/topic/Ross-Barkley/117597361625472?source=whfrt&position=2&trqid=6244453618752536541
lochinvar
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:23 PM
Comment #55Blackley and Brownlie
Just trying to lighten the tone or maybe lower it I don’t know !
lochinvar
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:27 PM
Comment #56Liverpool have put in an offer for Schalke defender Joel Matip, according to Sky sources.
Don’t they have any Scouts of their own – cheap skates
SPRINGY
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:29 PM
Comment #57wwsbrd
krul at his best is a great keeper and would be hard to shift but i do think he’s been poor the last season or 2…..not at his best before his injury as well tbh…..he may come back and be what he was then its up to the gaffer…i think elliott has came in done really well after settling in this season
nightfa11
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:30 PM
Comment #58http://www.goal.com/en/news/1139/croatia/2016/01/27/19727792/-
i dont think mclaren has the balls to drop mitro ;D
WWSBRD
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:35 PM
Comment #59SPRINGY
I’d say Krul has stopped developing over the past few season yes, I’d argue the rot started when Harps moved on
And Elliot has been decent this season but for me an average Krul is on par with a red hot Elliot
DicBDownUnder
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:35 PM
Comment #60Toon_Tom
catchy in norway
Good point about balance. It makes it a hard one for SM. I agree that Perez is a CF and should be played there. Wini looks top notch in the n10 position.
Would you think about benching Mitrovic since he’s not scoring, but he does an awful lot of hold up play and bringing other players into the game. How long can that go on though since a CF’s job is essentially to score goals. And only scoring goals will keep us up, because we sure aint gunna stop conceding them!
WWSBRD
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:36 PM
Comment #61Anyhoo must dash enjoy Townsends unveiling and all
LGFUAD21
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:37 PM
Comment #6257SPRINGY
Completely agree.
I think Krul lost faith in his defenders.
His decision making declined drastically over the last year and a half. He seems unsure of what to do almost like he feels he has to do the CBs job and his own.
Elliott came in just happy to play which I think has given him a clearer mind.
LGFUAD21
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:40 PM
Comment #63DicBDownUnder
Tricky one.
I dont think our players suit Mitro at all.
Only Janmaat seems interested in servicing him.
if Townsend plays left maybe he will. But if he plays Right then we’ve go no hope.
However, at least when he’s not scoring he’s doing other things with his hold up.
I think Perez can play CF and would do a better job there this season than last with the players we now have (mainly Shelvey’s passing) but the problem is that when he isnt scoring he can be very anonymous which is why I think Schteeve has stuck with Mitro.
bettyswallocks
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:44 PM
Comment #64Jesper…….. I agree we need a sure fire goal scorer and sharpish. Who would you suggest we should go for?
SPRINGY
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:44 PM
Comment #65dicbdownunder
perez could do with putting a bit of weight and strength on then he could hold the ball up better and he would still have the quality finishing he’s shown….he’s not the quickest but his runs are intelligent and he’s clever……basically needs beefing up…..mitro has the beef but he’s woefully lacking confidence and like perez will never sprint away from anyone….both need work but for different reasons…..unfortunately they both dont look like scoring enough to keep us up…..hence the striker search
croftus5678
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:53 PM
Comment #66@63 lgfuad21
you have a very good point.
looking at our players who does high crosses in the box ?
only janmaat and occasionally hairdryer imo.
sissoko/wijnaldum and everyone else inc perez play through balls or balls on the ground which mitro is not fast enough to get onto.
shelvey hopefully will improve on this a lot from his set pieces and townsend surely will but sissoko as exciting he is with his runs and strength does not seem all that great with high balls which imo is why wijnaldum scores so many with him being fast and nippy and mitro does not score as many.
make no mistake though the importance mitro plays in a lot of the goals we have scored without getting on the scoresheet himself or getting an assist will be high in numbers.
lets not forget the lad is a lone striker normally with 2 cb’s marking him yet he mostly wins those battles so if the balls was in the box for him i’ve no doubt he would score a lot more.
toon kk
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:55 PM
Comment #67Perez and Mitrovic are both very good players, Mitro needs a couple of seasons to be great in the premier league as for Perez he also needs time but to be class he would be more at home playing in maybe France, somewhere without as much physicality.
DicBDownUnder
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:55 PM
Comment #68LGFUAD21
SPRINGY
Yeah, I know Perez has put on some weight since he first arrived, but still could do with that extra bit of strength behind him. I think he goes down easily sometimes too.
I’ve been away from home for the last 2 seasons, I keep up to date with toon but no other teams so I’m a bit out of touch.
Other than Remy, Berahino and Gomis, but I would rather buy someone without any PL experience than him, can you suggest any other PL ST we could go for? It might sound daft, but what ever happened to not caring if players were for sale/out of favor, and just sticking bids in for them and seeing what their club say?
DicBDownUnder
Jan 27, 2016 at 1:56 PM
Comment #69***or is that just me when playing FIFA?
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Comment #70Yo…Graeme posted a link to and article the other day my Don Hutchinson where is explain that a club always knows before hand whether or not a player is interested!
…I do believe this might just be that case with Austin. His wife just wasn’t interested.
SPRINGY
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Comment #71dicbdownunder
we’ve been linked with caicedo from espanyol,he had 3 yrs at man city….but theres not alot of good,quick quality premier experienced striker out there…..keep hoping they find a gem is the best idea….other then that the players you mention are it!!
2 goals 1 cup
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:03 PM
Comment #72everybody need to stop pining after austin hes gone move on i happen to think mitrovic is a far better option than him cant believe people are calling for him to be dropped every forward has there dry runs even shearer had a few of them .mitrovic is like any other striker he need a confidance boost and he will soon start banging them in.
SPRINGY
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:03 PM
Comment #73ssn townsend passes medical…..no confirmation yet been shown round st james
LGFUAD21
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:04 PM
Comment #74Down under
I think with more teams favouring 1 up top strikers are harder and harder to come by. Especially with prem experience.
Remy seems best bet.
I like the look of berahino too.
Aside from that I cannot think of any realistic targets available.
Maybe Shane long as Southampton just brought in Austin but I know they rejected an offer.
Everything suggests pelle is done at Southampton but his conversion rate this season has been appalling.
I actually think that cisse would do well in the side based on last 5 games or so.
emperor
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:07 PM
Comment #75Im confident we will get someone in deadline day.
Surey even ashley and his cronies are not that blind to see spending 15- 30 million on a striker is worth it considering the 100s of millions that premier league clubs will be getting from next season.
Im still dreaming of Lacazette coming and banging in 12 goals and a comfy 14th place finish
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:08 PM
Comment #76Betty…I got to tell you I think this is a catch 22 because I don’t believe the answer is in the PL and if we buy an untested player from abroad and he doesn’t hit the ground asap there will be no end of it on here!
I believe we need experience above all else and it need to be someone on fire. Someone like Aubameyang would probably be the answer, but will Dortmund let him go 😉
SPRINGY
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:16 PM
Comment #77cisses a poor player,decent finisher…..his first touch and passing is woeful so cant play up front by himself.
DicBDownUnder
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:18 PM
Comment #78SPRINGY
That is just absolutely pap, for 19 other teams in the league, and 3 strikers essentially possible targets. I know obviously there are teams that we can’t touch so to speak. So that narrows it down straight away, but still, 3 is pathetic. I’ve heard a few mention Bony, which I would have no objection to, extremely unlikely, but worth a punt.
Out of those mentioned, Remy does seem our best chance. I’m hoping he feels slightly guilty for ditching us twice, and wants to help us stay up, and enhance his chances of Euros.
Did Caicedo play much at city? Can’t say I’ve ever heard of him!
bettyswallocks
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:20 PM
Comment #79Jesper……. I think we need to be realistic here. The chances of us signing him are very slim. Within the premiership other than Remy and Berahino there don’t seem many options and Lacazette seems to prefer to stay put. I thought you had a better option than Remy up your sleeve.
bettyswallocks
Jan 27, 2016 at 2:25 PM
Comment #80I have a hunch that McC doesn’t really fancy Perez and if Spurs come knocking we might just let him go. This may have already been discussed as apparently Ashley and Levy have had a little chat to push the Townsend deal through.