Sports writer Dean Jones works for the Bleacher report and right out of the blue today he says that Newcastle could now make a move for James McCarthy who we have been after since early January when we tried to sign him during the last transfer window.
We know Rafa is keen on the player but not too keen on the £25M price tag it may take to get the very experienced Everton player to Newcastle.
But on the other hand, we have not spent much money in the transfer market so far and in fact by our reckoning only £4.5M net for the first five deals including Mikel Merino. – who should sign for us on a season long loan deal today with an obligation to buy next summer for £6M.
The 21-year-old Spaniard should sign for us on a season long loan deal today with an obligation to buy next summer for £6M.
26-year-old James McCarthy in Republic of Ireland colors
So we certainly have money available to buy some class players this summer, as well as Rafa and Lee Charnley getting some decent deals completed fairly cheaply so far this summer.
This is the tweet sent out by Dean Jones:
Sounds like Newcastle could go ahead with a bid to sign James McCarthy from Everton.
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesBR) July 27, 2017
James McCarthy was injured a lot last season and seemed to be out of favor with new Dutch manager Ronald Koeman and we cannot believe James would be happy to stay at the club for another season.
He is available for transfer but maybe what the Magpies need to do is to test the waters with say a bid of £18M and take it from there?
James has made 220 total Premier League appearances for Wigan and Everton and he’s certainly available.
He has played 127 times for Everton with 6 goals but has been out of favor since Ronald Koeman joined the club and he seems to have no future at the Toffees.
James was born in Glasgow and has played 41 times for the Republic of Ireland and grew up supporting Celtic as a child would you believe
Newcastle was supposed to have made a £16M bid for James in late January but that was turned down by the Toffees.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
165 comments so far
Moonraker15
Jul 28, 2017 at 10:54 AM
Comment #41We need a replacement for Perez; he doesn’t do it and is not good enough for such an important position! We need a number 10 who can create and score goals! Add to that another striker and we’re ready!
AncientC
Jul 28, 2017 at 10:57 AM
Comment #42http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39878063
“Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez can expect up to £100m to spend on new players following “positive” discussions with owner Mike Ashley.”
No journalist named – probably for the best.
magscar
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:01 AM
Comment #43Still think we will bring in a mobile striker albeit as a loan as Gayle and Mitro not enough for PL.
Side is shaping up with seemingly better passers and possession players being brought in alongside more pace.
Also evident Rafa fancies a keeper a who is more than a good shotstopper but who can quickly turn defence into attack. We need to keep ball a lot better than we did in some games last season and if we can defend consistently and pass well and quickly hurt teams on break.
Don’t see many high scoring games as Rafa will remain cautious in style but as often happens in promoted clubs first games there can be some surprising results. Hull had a very unexpected start last season for example. Hoping for a good start and something to build on.
jimmysmith
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:06 AM
Comment #44McCarthy is better than Diame and Colback. If we could shift those two and with the proceeds buy McCarthy then it’d be good business. And I don’t think we will need to pay more than 15 million for a player unwanted at Everton, and who doesn’t want to be there either.
magscar
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:06 AM
Comment #45Ancientc
Given your avatar and apparent political cleaning I am surprised you believe much of what you read in press especially where we are concerned. Even BBC can pass on Chinese whispers from other journalists just to stay current it would seem.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:08 AM
Comment #46@Toon KK
Yeah how we play can be erratic but I think Rafa is trying to coach that out of the team so that they play more consistently he will have noted that a lot of teams play a high line and press so we need to be able to spread the play and pass quicker to get in behind as we have plenty of pace up top.
This season I think teams will be waiting till the last week to see if teams budge on their fees the rise in fees has been mental and a lot of teams have not really bought anyone mainly because they are struggling Mark Hughes said the other day he can’t see them spending Arnautovic money on one player
How many loans are we allowed this season? As we will probably need to use all of them to bring in players to cover us
magscar
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:08 AM
Comment #47Jimmy
I think this is the sort of equation Rafa is having to work on so could happen later in window. Lot of balls in the air still I think
RUNAWAY777
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:09 AM
Comment #48Morning Hibbit and toontaff2 hope all well we don’t need this shit player lads shirebrook toon up in j bro
AncientC
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:20 AM
Comment #49magscar, I generally do not believe what is written in the press, not without first making my own judgements. This is why I have been claiming all along that £75 to £100 million has not been made available to spend. I am not attempting to crow about being right… just responding to your post, btw.
toon kk
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:21 AM
Comment #50Magscar @43
I agree Rafa is on the causious side, he’ll know we won’t have the players to out play other teams. Expect alot of back and sideways football but quick counter attacking side to our game also.
As for Mitro I know he’s a fans favourite but he’s not a premier league players.
I do expect a quality striker through the door otherwise we lack cutting edge without Gayle.
jimmysmith
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:25 AM
Comment #51Yes, Shelvey, McCarthy, Merino, Hayden would probably win the midfield more often than not. Certainly would represent a pretty significant strengthening. Perez is fine by the way. Of a similar standard to Merino and Hayden I think.
Hail Wor Ashley
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:27 AM
Comment #52Colback riles me up probably more than most, but paying £25m, even £15m for a minor upgrade if that, would be squandering precious resources. No thanks.
For me it’s becoming apparent how the 25 man squad will shape up and after Merino I don’t see another CM coming in.
GK: Elliot, Darlow (if he leaves a replacement), Woodman (but doesn’t count as a place due to being under 21)
RB: Yedlin, Manquillo, Gamez
CB: Lascelles, Lejeune, Clark, Mbemba
LB: Dummett
DM: Hayden, Colback
CM Shelvey, Merino
LW: Atsu, Aarons
RW: Ritchie, Murphy
AM: SDJ, Perez, Diame
ST: Gayle, Mitrovic
2 spaces and the obvious places to strengthen are LB and ST.
For me the ST will either be a young player on loan like Batshuayi or somebody to come in initially to play the Daryl Murphy role in the squad just at PL level, an experienced head.
Depends on the type Rafa wants too.
LB I’m really not sure, because we have 3 RBs 2 of which can play LB, so don’t know if Rafa will deem that enough.
Out:
Krul
Hanley
Haidara
Lazaar
Saivet
Riviere
£15m raised from that lot?
Oldgit1
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:29 AM
Comment #53@ Magscar I just don’t want to see our Rafa being part of the conspiracy that is Ashley and charnley, I have too much respect for the man. He must have bought into this but Ashley stating he would have all the money, I assumed the 40m plus sponsor monies etc would be handed over, appears not. Why say it though.
I accept we have too many players and the need to downsize, but as we went into the championship and bought players fit to play in that league I would have thought we would buy players fit to play in the PL.
We are again looking at bargain players, now tell me where things have changed
Sav
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:32 AM
Comment #54Ask most Ireland fans. No. McCarthy hasn’t done it for a long time. I’d be very surprised if Rafa is seriously going to blow his meagre budget on this bloke.
magscar
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:33 AM
Comment #55Toon kk
That was pretty much our style last season but with better passers of ball and retention it can be easier on the eye if there is pace and finishing up front. I am hoping goals will be shared out across front players with odd one from CB’s but still need a goal scorer in high double figures.
Not certain that Gayle can hit that level or stay fit throughout but he deserves a chance. I like Mitro and think there is more to come but not sure he is A Rafa type player and he would sell if price right and replacement of type he preferred also available at good fee. We are still light there anyway and maybe likes of Rolan is a fallback position if Rafa can’t get anything else to happen?
toon kk
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:36 AM
Comment #56Imo we over prepared for the championship and some players we got were not good enough.
Having said that we were promoted and that was our goal at the time.
DaraghL
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:42 AM
Comment #57Ancient – British & Irish isles 😉
No man from the Republic is British but you corrected yourself about his Birthplace in fairness.
Oldgit1
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:43 AM
Comment #58Talk sport are saying we have agreed terms for the Greek fella. Can see at least one of our midfielders going, Colback ?
magscar
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:43 AM
Comment #59Oldgit1
One thing that has clearly changed is that even within a relatively lower budget than even Bournemouth Watford etc. Rafa is in charge of how money is spent. It seems he was instrumental in having Carr moved out to give him free reign. I believe all the money that club has or makes is being made available to Rafa. Hoped for some money from other sources but that seems to be on a back burner for some reason?
Rafa has integrity and long experience of owners so I am not concerned that he has bought into the conspiracy you speak of.
I think he has more control as a manager than most in the modern game even though he has not yet got mega funds. I don’t believe Ashley is taking out of the club so unless that changes I am of the view that Rafa knows he is not involved in a quick fix but in building an infrastructure for the club for more than just this season.
Patience as ever is needed and that is all I have ever known as A Toon supporter since 60’s unfortunately 🙁
toon kk
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:45 AM
Comment #60Lee
I’m not sure what the loan cap is or if there is one?
I’m sure Rafa will want us to pass and move quicker, although he was baffled himself at some of our lacklustre performances last season. I do like the pace we’ve got in the team now. A couple more of the right additions should hopefully keep us out of the dreaded relegation zone/battle.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:46 AM
Comment #61One of our weapons last season was goals from set pieces we scored quite a lot of them and I suspect that with Merino and Lejuene both being over 6ft they will be expected to continue the good work from last season!
The standard of defending in the premiership was not good City , Arsenal , Liverpool , Bournemouth , Stoke , Watford and West Ham were a couple of teams I watched who were all over the place at corners and free kicks so we can take advantage in tight games with good set pieces !
Also wouldn’t surprise me if it ends up being Merino and Hayden as the midfield 2 with Shelvey and the front 3 doing the attacking
magscar
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:48 AM
Comment #62Ancientc
Fine – just a little ribbing 🙂
Only ones who know the budget aren’t going to tell us or the press so I haven’t worried unduly about press guesses. Only thing seems obvious is that with money from Championship, Parachute payment and incoming fees it won’t match any of the existing PL clubs for this season.
Mister Tuff
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:49 AM
Comment #63Strange goings on – was it not Rafa who said recently the money was there and now it appears we have very little.
Just as well he is here – imagine King Percy or Wally Brolly trying to sort out the club and sort out a team of youngsters and misfits/under the radar players/bargain basement/discarded players/forgotten players.
(And theres a few -“football sages” on here (as is their right) who were hailing these charlatans as top managers)
Some of the press are saying Merino will be announced today – so that is good.
No sign of the abusive gutter lout Jib – so that is good as well.
Little c continues his poor contributions – again highlighted by the most gut wrenching sycophancy on the blog – pass the sick bucket please.
AncientC
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:49 AM
Comment #64DaraghL, that is not what I posted. I stated somebody that is Irish isn’t British. I agree, but technically, Ireland is part of the British Isles.
Hail Wor Ashley
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:49 AM
Comment #65Mash loaned money to the club to break even last season.
The club made no money.
When we last went down we brought forward the next summers projected money in an effort to stay in the PL due to the new TV deal and spent a net £80m. It was a gamble that really didn’t pay off and hit us hard. That was actually some flexibility in “the club can spend what it makes” policy as we had not yet made that money by surviving.
I half expected Rafa to be afforded the same privilege of having next summers projected profits to work with based on a 17th place finish, but it seems not. Though Rafa is a much safer pair of hands Mash obviously doesn’t want to be loaning the club more money should we go down. Fair enough as far as I’m concerned and Rafa must think so too, he knows if he can muster a squad to stay in the PL this season then we’ll be in a much stronger position next season when we have the £60m+ profits banked and he has the reigns to do how he pleases – he believes he can do it no issue and accepts the terms – so should we.
Quit the negativity and certainly don’t take it to St James’ Park with you as Rafa pleaded last night.
WLtoon
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:50 AM
Comment #66Apparently Samaris has agreed terms with NUFC. Cant see us agreeing to pay the 18M asking price though.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:50 AM
Comment #67@Toon KK
Yeah just had a look there it doesn’t look like there is a limit on premiership teams for loans there is for the football league of 5 players in
Last season was a strange one some of our players seemed to struggle with getting kicked up and down the pitch every game although I hope Diame and Perez if they do end up getting game time will come back stronger for it ! Perez by the end of the season had looked to have toughened up a bit but I don’t see him as a starter this season anyway
posada
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:53 AM
Comment #68McCarthy cannot get into the Everton side.
They will be as desperate to get rid of him as we are to off load the likes of Saviet.
If we buy him for serious money I will smell a rat.
I will give up all hope of NUFC conducting a serious transfer policy.
My faith in the manager will be zero.
magscar
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM
Comment #69Lee
Can see the attraction in having Hayden and Merino as two but not sure how far forward Shelvey can play without losing some of the effectiveness of his long range passing. Gerrard under Rafa played in behind Torres at times but can’t see this role for Shelvey. Noticed against Bradford as in last season he played deeper in between centrebacks whilst in possession quite a lot.
Maybe Rafa is looking to have the 3 change about during the game as all can play deep and move forward comfortably? Not sure how that would fit into his preference for his team’s to keep shape though. Interesting problem.
Mr Funk
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM
Comment #70I have said it before and i will say it again – how about Jordan Amavi in a swap deal with Hanley or Colback plus £3m. Solves our LB issue and in my opinion is a win-win for both clubs.
Also, the feedback from Rafa’s meeting last night could still mean that we have £40m to spend. He is just not going to spend it all on 1 player. You could get a good ST, AMC and CDM for £40m.
Novocastrian66
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:57 AM
Comment #71Every team outside of the top 7 will be in a relegation battle. It will be interesting to see how Everton go.
Theyve paid a fortune for average players. They’re the team that has blew the transfer fees out the window. They’ll miss Lukaku’s goals and haven’t replaced him.
Wandering Geordie
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:58 AM
Comment #72According to Talksport Samaris has agreed personal terms with NUFC
toon kk
Jul 28, 2017 at 11:59 AM
Comment #73Lee
I would like to see Diame and Colback moved on, Diame was like a donkey trotting up and down the pitch and Colback was always a player who could cost us points at any time through his fouls in dangerous areas. As for Perez the lad definitely has quality’s he’s probably more suited to European football.
lesh
Jul 28, 2017 at 12:00 PM
Comment #74Speaking of loans, Chelski have and will have a number of players loaned out to Prem teams and assuming they’ll be first team regulars at their borrowing clubs and won’t be allowed to play against Chelski, then Chelski will be a number of weakened teams in the Prem.
Mmmm, clever footwork by Chelski, being generous but cunning at the same time.
beermonkey
Jul 28, 2017 at 12:00 PM
Comment #75hail
the gulf in prize money forwinning the champ and getting relegated is huge
maybe rafa will get another pot to spend in jan
beermonkey
Jul 28, 2017 at 12:04 PM
Comment #76no pics of merino with the shirt yet then
ravz09
Jul 28, 2017 at 12:05 PM
Comment #77Merino done – just finished his photoshoot!
AncientC
Jul 28, 2017 at 12:05 PM
Comment #78TalkSport seems a bit late to the watering hole. Ed already reported (7am this morning) that personal terms had been agreed with Samiris, only for the link to be quashed again. Unless the report from TalkSport is a newer development.
Ron Knee
Jul 28, 2017 at 12:06 PM
Comment #79https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/merino-joins-magpies-on-loan
Ron Knee
Jul 28, 2017 at 12:07 PM
Comment #80beer
See @79!