The agent of Nikola Vlasic yesterday confirmed that his client is in talks with CSKA Moscow and that a permanent deal is now looking likely.
According to a Russian report in Championat, Vlasic’s agent Tonci Martic has confirmed that talks are taking place.
This is what Martic said to the Russian outlet:
“I can’t confirm that CSKA and Everton have reached an agreement for Vlasic. All I can say is Nikola and CSKA are in talks and we are negotiating.”
Over the weekend, it was reported that Everton were keen to sell Vlasic but were waiting to see if Newcastle would make a move.
These events lead us to believe that Vlasic is possibly close to agreeing to personal terms with the Russian club. However, the issue with CSKA Moscow has always been the transfer fee.
This could be why Everton are still waiting on Newcastle as they could afford the reported £12M Everton want for the player.
With Newcastle currently under a prolonged takeover, we will be losing out on some of our targets. However, if all goes as hoped we will have Rafa as manager and a new owner.
That will be worth not only the wait but missing out on a couple of our targets. As Rafa has many contacts and will have a nice wishlist to present to Sheikh Khaled.
157 comments so far
ToonRich
Jun 18, 2019 at 10:45 AM
Comment #1F*%$ FIFA…thats the least of our problems unless they can implicate MA/Sports Direct in it – could he be a main sponsor haha!!
According to the Times’ Gary Jacob, Rafa Benitez received an offer worth £12m per year last night to take charge of Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang. – Worrying??
If true, its certainly a tempting money offer. I dont think Rafa would take it though. Too far from his family.
On topic; we can do better than Vlasic IF the takeover ever happens!!
Return of the Geordi
Jun 18, 2019 at 10:47 AM
Comment #2Agent BS driving up the price.
Just a thought on transfers. I would think Rafa and the scouting team have been compiling a list of target since the close of the last window,with probably a A,B and C lists which he’ll pick n mix from depending on his budget. If the sale goes through and he has a much bigger budget than he was planning for I would expect him to still go for players on his his A list targets at around the £15 to £30 million mark. Then maybe just the one marquee signing as a statement of intent from the Sheikh but someone who will fit in to Rafa’s philosophy.
Bobbybee
Jun 18, 2019 at 10:49 AM
Comment #3Toon rich, aye, can’t see him going to China for any money. He’s not motivated by money anymore – if he ever was. We’re his project and he wants to see it through. He’ll be able to complete it if this takeover goes ahead. I think he’ll leave it as, long as possible before making a decision.
Return of the Geordi
Jun 18, 2019 at 10:55 AM
Comment #4Can’t see Rafa going to China, he wants to stay in England where his family are. I have always thought Rafa wants to leave a legacy something like Shankley did at Liverpool, I think that’s why he’s stinking around at the toon
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Jun 18, 2019 at 10:56 AM
Comment #5Return of the Geordi
I was wondering the same thing kind of.
If there is this takeover going on and Rafa is kept then has Rafa and team been putting out feelers/scouting – putting the nuts and bolts in place for when the takeover is announced to they are ready to move???
Return of the Geordi
Jun 18, 2019 at 10:56 AM
Comment #6sticking lol
RobLeenio
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:00 AM
Comment #7return of the Geordi, agreed – I think Rafa’s transfers if the sheikhover happens will be very much like his transfers if it doesn’t. He has been scouting for his Summer acquisitions since January or before, he’s identified players with the right temperament to do a job. It’s highly unlikely he’d risk the progress he’s made to throw that list out and start again with players he’s not sure will do a job for him.
The difference is likely to be seen in 12 months’ time, if the Sheikh actually gives him a good budget. How rich the Sheikh actually is remains to be seen (as does the actual club purchase and Rafa being retained, obviously).
Tony Baloney
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Comment #8Somebody was questioning earlier why there is all this continual Rafa contract talk and takeover talk on here? Because they are two of the most important decisions in the last 25 years. John Hall buying he club, Keegan 1st time around, Bobby Robson stabilizing the ship and Ashley buying the club are the other most important decisions.
With 12 days to go on Rafa’s contract at which point there will only be 5 weeks left in the transfer window, are we not supposed to worry? Look at the Managers (puppets) before Rafa – Schteve, Carver and Pardew. We might go back to that quality FFS and we are not supposed to talk about this issue because it will take care of itself. That’s a very strange argument to make.
Then there’s the budget. If Ashley doesn’t make promises to Rafa he will get in a yes man and will go as cheap as possible and we will be in another relegation fight.
The next 12 days are some of the most important in NUFC history so if we are not going to talk Rafa and takeover now, then when? And what should we talk about instead?
Return of the Geordi
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:07 AM
Comment #9Charlie Rob.
Rafa doesn’t just go for the most technical players, they need to have the right attitude, be prepared to listen to him and work for the team, Matt Richie is the prime example. Rafa’s not infallible when buying players, Jacob Murphy? My be they have had a poor game, but I can’t think of one example of a player not giving 100% for the team.
Mitrivic and Mbemba didn’t follow the game plan and are gone
Tony Baloney
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:09 AM
Comment #10On the other hand I do ignore most of the transfer rumours as just filler to keep the blog ticking over. 99% will never happen and about 80% is just totally made up shyte. I know this and I think most others do and take most with a pinch of salt.
If you look at the comments though there is usually a couple of mentions of the transfer link and then it is dismissed and ignored.
neverwin
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:14 AM
Comment #11Just where does this speculation keep coming from and why on earth do you persist in reporting such nonsense.
Who would be making bids anyway when there is no one to make any “football” decisions.
Please stop doing a Chronicle.
Return of the Geordi
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:21 AM
Comment #12Transfer rumors, how many top targets are we up to now, over a 100? Most of it made up by agents to boost interest in their players. Easy to drop it to journos desperate for news (gossip). Funny how it’s always the same group of clubs who are mentioned, us, West Spam, Southampton, Everton etc. only for the player in question ending up playing for a Russian, Turkish, Italian club.
Jail for Ashley
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:23 AM
Comment #13neverwin,
Ed and Neil haven’t made that rubbish up, they are using media outlets to give us a blog, no doubt you would complain if we had as many threads as .co.uk. I wonder where these links come from as they are most likely BS but it’s no good calling the two lads for reprinting them.
ToonRich
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:24 AM
Comment #14Neverwin, it could be argued that Rafa still holds his position for another 12 days so he could make ‘footballing decisions’! But then we have the potential sheikh-over, is this the real reason nothing has moved forward involving the club since the close of season?
Has it been agreed that no footballing matters are addressed until the sale completes?
If no takeover, has MA removed Rafa from duties until he signs a new contract?
Does MA have a vested interest in Greggs?
Jail for Ashley
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Comment #15Return of the Geordi,
It annoys me when Jacob Murphy is used as a stick to bash the managers nous in the transfer market, he will, by his own admission get 25% wrong, I’m sure he’s studied what an acceptable stat is on that somewhere along the line, imo Murphy was bought as a compromise to show he was willing to go along with the U25 malarky, the club wouldn’t buy Townsend and do you think they would have forked out 25M for Maddison, do you think Rafa was unaware of Maddison?
Return of the Geordi
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:34 AM
Comment #16Spot on Jail. We have players like Murphy, Yedlin, Manquillo, Atsu, Clarke are average lower premier league squad players but always give it their best and follow Raf’s game plan.
Tony Baloney
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:35 AM
Comment #17And where is Rafa? It is 5 weeks since the end of the season. I know you can do things remotely now but doesn’t he usually get back to the office?
What did he do last year when there wasn’t this contract situation?
droppy in Wallsend
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:35 AM
Comment #18Here’s a thought.
For those of us with a glass half full attitude, the links and stories are just that, stories to keep discussion flowing.
For the glass smashed on the floor in a temper, and then I cut my foot on it to make me even angrier brigade, they are a waste of time.
Perhaps in the interest of fairness Ed or Neil could write an article along the lines of….
NUFC never to buy another player again, takeover will never happen, Rafa is going to sell every player we have for a fiver and then leave. In 6 months time SJP will be levelled and turned into an SD warehouse.
Seems fair.
scott
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:35 AM
Comment #19Dubai Micky
I can see what’s coming next a mile off!
Tomorrow is your guesstimate for an announcement day!
You have kept an extremely low profile for a couple of days now raising the tension on the blog as we have nobody to ask questions!!
Then tomorrow I’m guessing around 11.30ish you will reappear with a massive long update report written in Arabic meaning we are all being nice to Jib as he spends all day on google translate trying to work it out! I just know it’s coming! Winky smiley face with tongue oot!
Return of the Geordi
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:38 AM
Comment #20Tony, I think he worked from home in the Wirral and came back to Benton with his coaches the week before the players, so next week could be telling.
Tony Baloney
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:42 AM
Comment #21Rafa has been in Newcastle for 2 hours in 5 weeks from what we have seen. The Chronicle seem to have a photographer permanently at the training ground and we would know if he turns up. Does this mean anything? I don’t know.
barkel
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:45 AM
Comment #22Means SFA to be honest, what would he be doing in Newcastle that he can’t do elsewhere? There are a couple of players back but with the physios who I’m sure can e-mail reports if needed. I’ll only be concerned if he’s not back on July 4th when the playing staff return
martoon
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:46 AM
Comment #23ToonRich @1 – Ed ran a story on this http://www.nufcblog.com/2019/06/18/report-rafa-offered-huge-deal-by-chinese-cub-why-he-will-turn-it-down/
Return of the Geordi
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:53 AM
Comment #24Tony, why does he need to be at the training ground when there’s no one there. I’m sure he has a home office with a phone computer and big f*@k off video monitor. Also, he’ll have Montse bringing him cups of tea and biscuits, chocolate hobnobs no less, not the cheap broken custard creams he gets of Lee “the tea” Charnley
Return of the Geordi
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:55 AM
Comment #25Anyway, off out with my dogs. Catch y’all later, keep believing.
Tony Baloney
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:55 AM
Comment #26I am sure I am making something out of nothing. There was a lot of fuss when he turned up last week.
martoon
Jun 18, 2019 at 11:56 AM
Comment #27Tony Baloney – I’m pretty sure Rafa did the same last close season. If you think about it if the players are not there then in these days of Internet, Email and Mobile Phones there is nothing he can’t do from his home that he could do at SJP.
Bambams
Jun 18, 2019 at 12:05 PM
Comment #28Tony Baloney
The Sky cameraman turned up last Monday after Sky London office told him Rafa would be there.
We are unsure who tipped Sky off about this short meeting, Rafa or CharnLIE.
toon22
Jun 18, 2019 at 12:13 PM
Comment #29Have we been sold yet ?
barkel
Jun 18, 2019 at 12:18 PM
Comment #30yea toon22 .. contract was literally signed seconds ago so no need to ask any more
Novocastrian66
Jun 18, 2019 at 12:24 PM
Comment #31I cannot see Rafa going to China. He has his sights on grander things than the clay pots on offer in China. He hopes he can take Newcastle forward, if not I’m sure some progressive club in Europe will offer him a deal. It’s not always about the money.
ToonRich
Jun 18, 2019 at 12:33 PM
Comment #32Cheers Martoon, for some reason my browser hadnt refreshed todays articles, so missed that one! Saw the other articles from Newsnow!!
Oldgit1
Jun 18, 2019 at 12:42 PM
Comment #33Anybody got an inkling as to who the other two alleged bidders for our club are, appears the chronicle is still pushing these two, suggesting that the Arabs are not the only ones.
If as suggested that one is an American surely someone on this blog or twitter would have unearthed their identity by now.
Not convinced.
Genjikai
Jun 18, 2019 at 12:44 PM
Comment #34Lee bowyer signed a new contract now that take over talks are o going.
That gives me hope with Rafa.
Optimistic Oryx
Jun 18, 2019 at 12:59 PM
Comment #35Oldgit
The two bidders are BZG and the blog consortium
Tsunki
Jun 18, 2019 at 1:02 PM
Comment #36Neverwin I’m sure you’re a jolly spiffing young chap but you are also one of those unfortunate limp jawed slackwitted ignorami that completely allows the point of this blog to whoosh over your head. No offence.
I bet you would be oblivious to a low flying typhoon fighter buzzing past as you stoop to attempt to tie your shoelaces.
Perhaps you should find a rumour free blog, like .org where you can be happy sitting in a room by yourself twiddling your thumbs and whistling.
chancel be a fine thing
Jun 18, 2019 at 1:04 PM
Comment #37Oldgit, I don’t have a clue, but my take is the chronic are used by the club (Ashley) to push their own agenda, possibly being used to get the most out of the negotiations for Ashley. How do the chronic know this? If they have info, how come they know nothing else? Seems like proper journalism is dead now, papers are just PR for those with the money and power.
Tony Baloney
Jun 18, 2019 at 1:04 PM
Comment #38This is not a knock on Ed or Neil because all of the following links are taken from the press and therefore have some sort of backup. But I looked through the articles and these are the last 6 players linked. I think it shows that nobody really knows anything about our targets at the moment and are clutching at straws:
David Okereke – Serie B
Ismaila Sar – Rennes for 30 million Euros
Jeff Savarino – Real Salt Lake
Nemanja Gudelj – China
Nikola Vlasic – Everton
Alexis Claude Marice – Legue 2
I had only ever heard of one of them. Maybe I should start playing Football Manger or Fifa2019?
Novocastrian66
Jun 18, 2019 at 1:07 PM
Comment #39The club like to create the impression there are multiple suitors. They think it will help the purchasers maintain focus.
DaveD1000
Jun 18, 2019 at 1:08 PM
Comment #40KBA twitter no longer locked…go ask for a job frog