It was interesting after the game last night that Rafa Benitez in one of his interviews hinted that he was hoping for some good news soon from Managing Director Lee Charnley on the transfer front.
It now appears that Rafa wants to bring in a winger and a central midfield player in this transfer window.
And with the good form shown by Yoan Gouffran last night up front in the 3-1 win against Birmingham and his fabulous goal, we are probably OK for strikers.
Daryl Murphy is also available and Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic are expected back from injury within a couple of weeks.
This is what Rafa said last night:
“I was speaking with Lee Charnley before the game.”
“Hopefully he is working this evening and he will give me a surprise in a few hours, a few days.”
“We will keep working.”
The rumors are that we are close to signing both Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace and James McCarthy from Everton and certainly if we can get both those players through the door this month it will go down as another very good transfer window for Newcastle.
The latest news on Townsend today is that we are monitoring his situation and are still keen to bring him back to Newcastle from Crystal Palace.
We have to hope that Rafa was hinting last night at what could be an imminent signing for Newcastle, with just 12 days left in this important if difficult transfer window.
Here’s hoping.
Comments welcome.
4 comments so far
JP...from The Rock
Jan 19, 2017 at 8:15 AM
Comment #1Was Gouffran playing as a striker last night? His natural position and one he has never played for us.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Jan 19, 2017 at 8:22 AM
Comment #2JP
Yes Goufran was playing up front but I would say not a out and out striker as he worked his socks off up-front and forward midfield. also was very good with – El Mhanni talking to him and encouraging him.
my report on last night – plus
just got in from match
Enjoyed game and result
Started slowly except Tiote giving away a free kick first minute.
Game changed with Shelvey’s superb pas to set up the penalty for first goal from then on we were in charge until midway through second half sat deeper and deeper letting Birmingham have more of the ball.
There goal came from lack of concentration poor marking.
Shelvey Ritchie and Goufran were outstanding but
I am giving young Stuart Finlay MOM for a debut I thought he was outstanding at the back tackled, headed and comfortable on the ball.
Also Dan Barlaser had a good debut.
Merit marks
Self – 5 like Dracula hates crosses stuck on the line time and time again
Yedlin -7 great going forward defending so-so
Hanley – 7 good game but went to sleep for their goal
Finlay – 9 My MOM great debut – makings of a excellent player can defend and PASS
Lazar – 6 good going forward nearly scored but not the strongest in the tackle
Shelvey – 9 Class oozed class tonight – passing was sublime at times
Tiote – 7 stared slowly grew into the game until ran out of puff – put some crunching tackles in but over does the touches on the ball and gets dispossessed
Barlaser – 8 started slowly but as the game went on grew in confidence and wanted the ball got involved in a lot of moves and carried/passed the ball forward – kid going to be a canny player
Ritchie – 9 best game in a TOON shirt for a long long time
Goufran – 9 good game led the line well full of running – intelligent runs in and behind there defence along with his usually tackling in midfield – Took his goal well
El – Mhanni – 7 full of running got up and down the wing but tends to overdo the tricks – did ok
subs Colback – 5 did OK coming on – actually passed the ball forward
Hayden – 6 played as a full back at times and looked very good in that position
Perez 5 – full of running got into some great positions but took the wrong option to many times
Footnote on signings
From watching last night Goufran would be a ample replacement upfront – had great movement last night pulled the Birmingham defence all-over the place quick to see the pass coming from Shelvey – i.e. first run for penalty and his goal.
If we could get I would try to sign a creative midfield player – hard to find – because when Shelvey is out the team – we lack creativity.
Mind you Barlaser tried last night to bring the ball forward and find a defence splitting pass – going to be a decent player.
If we want a winger Townsend – yes – but me I would take a punt on Wildschuld at Wigan – led Dummett a merry dance down there.
kimbo
Jan 19, 2017 at 9:28 AM
Comment #3Only player on the pitch who was PL standard was Shelvey. Head and shoulders above everybody else on the pitch. Ritchie was poor as usual apart from his 2 goals, but I was impressed with Finlay, hopefully we can turn a young player into a first team player for a change.
magspuggy
Jan 19, 2017 at 10:21 AM
Comment #4Top of the league ,still in the cup, playing the bairns and sending a clear message to all if you train hard you will get your chance to prove yourself at nufc..
What’s not to love atm.
Toonsend back would be a cherry on the cake that and a jonjo clone would make me a happy chappie.
Haway the toon..