Newcastle seem willing to go higher than the £8M they are reported to have bid for Brighton’s Anthony Knockaert yesterday and seem willing to increase that bid to £10M.
Newcastle have a number of players who are said to be close to signing and manager Rafa Benitez wants to get a few of them over the line before the season starts at Fulham next Friday night.
Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert
Newcastle want to sign a left-back, central midfielder, striker and winger and it looks like Knockaert is our number one choice for winger.
As we reported yesterday, Seagulls chairman Tony Bloom and manager Chris Hughton do not want to sell any of their best players from last season as they mount another promotion challenge in the coming season.
Knockaert only signed for Brighton in January from Standard Liege on a three and a half year contract, so Brighton are well positioned to hold out for a higher fee for their French winger.
With the transfer prices having gone up big time this summer and likely to keep increasing, £10M may not be a bad price for a player who has loads of skill and can score goals too.
The other thing Newcastle will be hoping for is that Anthony is keen to join the Rafa revolution going on at Newcastle and join a club that we hope will be going places with Rafa Benitez in charge.
That lure to work with an established world-class manager has worked well with the six signings we have already made this summer.
We hope we can get Anthony to the club within the next 48 hours, but Norwich will not want to sell one of their best players to a club who will also be challenging for a promotion spot in the coming season.
This is what we published back in December, 2011 when Newcastle were thought to be close to signing Knockhaert from Guingamp.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
87 comments so far
posada
Jul 30, 2016 at 12:19 PM
Comment #81On Robert. Did we not finish 4th and 5th a couple or three times. Inconsistent yes I have to say and a poor attitude towards the end.
On Ginola. Did we not finish 2nd twice.
With flare players you often have a down side with attitude and consistency.
Jail for Ashley
Jul 30, 2016 at 12:21 PM
Comment #82FLE,
Nufc.com published all the attendances of friendlies over the last few years, 32K was the highest when Ashley first took over, I think bobbies estimate will be nearer than mine.
Bobbybee
Jul 30, 2016 at 12:21 PM
Comment #83FLE, hope you’re right, but there’s a lot still on holiday. These games usually bring in around 30k, give or take. Haven’t heard anything about the top level being opened, hence my guess. Doesn’t matter anyway, as long as we enjoy the game. Can’t lose because SBR benefits. 😉
SUTTY1978
Jul 30, 2016 at 12:24 PM
Comment #84Kin kart looks reasonable at Championship level but doesn’t look a patch on Tom Ince. How many would pay £10m for Tom Ince? Not many. For a winger to score 5 in a season at that level is below par. He’s certainly not the best winger in the division.
JIB, what point were you trying to make, if Benitez hasn’t seen him, he hasn’t seen him. Your imaginary script of a conversation that no doubt didn’t happen between two blokes who happen to both be Spanish is a bit ridiculous.
funlovingexpress
Jul 30, 2016 at 12:26 PM
Comment #85jail its a good point but we havent really had anything at home. We also have quite a few new signings who should be (hanley aside) near enough to being match fit.
Bobby has a top point though. I also don’t know if they are opening the top level.
If demand arises they would open it, wouldn’t they?
funlovingexpress
Jul 30, 2016 at 12:31 PM
Comment #86Thought I had better add that the City hasn’t been this excited since Sir Bob arrived.
So recent preseason attendances you might as well just forget about.
How many on here are genuinely excited to watch them in todays game?
I would wager quite a few and the City is no different.
Bobbybee
Jul 30, 2016 at 12:35 PM
Comment #87FLE, there’ll be cash only gates in need arises. You don’t think Ashley would miss out do you? 😉 Anyway, got to call into blyth for my mate, so need to be setting off soon. Hope you all enjoy the game as much as i know i will. Howay the toon!!! Catcha all tonight. 😉