Newcastle are the unlikely frontrunner in the chase for pending free agent Marcus Thuram if a recent report from Italy is to be believed. Sport Witness has cited the claim from Gazzetta dello Sport that The Magpies are in pole position to sign the French international.
Newcastle’s latest interest in Thuram stretches back to late last year – even further if you consider he was a target when with Guingamp in 2019. That summer Thuram landed with Borussia Monchengladbach where he has made 128 appearances with 43 goals and 26 assists.
After a lukewarm campaign a year ago, the 25-year-old has refound his form this time around bagging 15 goals in 26 appearances. His time at Borussia Park will end after four seasons with the club accepting defeat in their attempts to retain him.
His value as a free agent makes him a hot commodity entering this summer. However, some reports claim that both Bayern Munich and Chelsea have cooled their interest leaving Newcastle in a better position to land the versatile attacker.
Allan Saint-Maximin admitted late last year to discussing a move to Newcastle with his compatriot. The two have been friends since their days playing youth football in France.
The latest report says Thuram will not make a decision until next month. There are still plenty of top clubs interested like Inter Milan, who have reportedly offered him a lucrative contract.
We’ll soon find out if there is anything in these reports. No local journalists have listed Thuram as a serious target though there haven’t been many reports on which forwards Eddie Howe prefers this summer.
120 comments so far
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:40 AM
Comment #81I’d like anyone who thinks there won’t be a minimum of six signings to explain to me how or why there won’t be and explain the holes in the squad if there isn’t.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:42 AM
Comment #82From his comments it sounds like Kulu will be following Conte wherever he ends up next, he would be an amazing coup.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:43 AM
Comment #83Oh dear 😀
https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1638660745469755392?s=19
BREAKING: Neither Sheikh Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe have submitted bids for Manchester United before the 9pm deadline ???
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:44 AM
Comment #84Make way for Mikey 😀
https://twitter.com/StevenE01103369/status/1638770800357683200?s=19
Regan
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:48 AM
Comment #85Didn’t they extend the deadline..
No timeframe given though..
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:48 AM
Comment #86Just found out that the Hearts Ross County is a half twelve KO 😕
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:49 AM
Comment #87Regan,
Aye, I read the comments after, SSN just stirring shite 😕
Regan
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:50 AM
Comment #88Apparently the glazers want to stay..
Hope that’s true.. 😆
investinyouthtoon
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:51 AM
Comment #89Raj lol re monkey going for manure.
I do believe the Sheik will end up buying them and massively boost them in the top 4 going forwards. Making our attempts to get top 4 and challenging at the top end of the PL on a regular basis all the more tough. Rather be challenging at top end though rather than bottom end, so it’s not a criticism it’s merely an observation imo.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:55 AM
Comment #90Raj
I think it’s hardwired into the nature of Newcastle United fans not to expect us to be exceptionally busy in a transfer window haha
The number of incomings will all depend on our ability to move players on. This is as important an aspect of Ashworth’s job as bringing players in. We’ve gotten great deals for Shelvey and Wood, if we can get good deals for Lewis, Fraser, Darlow and Manquillo while literally giving Hendrick and Gayle away for nowt then that alone gives us plenty of wiggle room.
I cannot see the benefit of re-signing Ritchie and Dummett for another year. Good for squad chemistry? What? They’re class at karaoke and give the lads foot rubs? They’re taking up squad space and we need players who actually can contribute in those spaces. So I’d let all whose contracts are expiring go – though I’d prefer to keep Karius and sell Dubs but that can go either way.
If we manage all of that, 6 first team players is the bare minimum we need
investinyouthtoon
Mar 23, 2023 at 8:56 AM
Comment #91Back to the current article story in hand, Thuram would be a super signing however I had heard his heart is on going to Italy. With the salary and signing on he and his agent would want, it would be a very expensive “free signing” and would perhaps be too expensive for our owners in their current plans.
Plus I thought his dad Lilian was a super player. I’d love both brothers Marcus and Khephren to end up here at nufc. Wishful thinking I know.
Adamn_92
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Comment #92I think we’ll see 6, 7 or 8 new faces be brought in but potentially only 2 or 3 that you’d say could walk into the starting 11 from the get go. The rest will be to add quality in depth to the squad and be upgrades on those who leave the club, but not break the bank upgrades that significantly improve the starting 11.
Still going to take a couple of windows to clear out the squad and significantly upgrade those who have left or been moved on.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:06 AM
Comment #93Adamn
Good morning fella, been a while since our paths crossed on the blog, are you well?
I’d be more inclined to say think we’ll bring in 4 who immediately upgrade the first team – LB, DM, CAM, RW of first team quality and then a smattering of up-and-coming players who supplement the squad and add quality in comparison to those who leave but I’m happy to be proven wrong. What’s key is that any “squad” players brought in will be needed to play a big part and will get plenty of minutes across cup competition, Europe and league rotation so they’ll need to step up fairly sharpish so we need to get recruitment spot on.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:09 AM
Comment #94ToF – Longstaff is a key part of the team that has us in a strong position to finish in the top 4 this season. That certainly doesn’t make him “a Championship player”! I don’t understand why you’re being so negative about one of our own.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:13 AM
Comment #95Karius is in a relationship with an Italian TV presenter and only signed a short-term deal in January. I think everyone at the club believes that he’ll be off in the summer. Unless his relationship ends and he finds a nice Geordie lass of course…
Regan
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:13 AM
Comment #96Bruno.. botman and Isak weren’t premier league players when we signed them..and they will just get better and better..
At a guess I’d say there’d be more little gems like these..
Gonna be some window in the summer hopefully..
sing in the corner
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:13 AM
Comment #97As fans we always tend to overestimate how many signings we are going to make.
I think we will do well to get 6 in the next winda, wether that’s what we need or not.
Adamn_92
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:17 AM
Comment #98Ruddy
Not too bad cheers mate, hope you’ve been keeping well! Aye, any players that come in you’d hope and imagine will be getting plenty of game time, especially if we have a European adventure to go on too! I think we will sign either a number 10/AMF player OR a DM though. I don’t think we’ll sign both as I think Howe is probably pretty happy with his current midfield options. Willock, Joelinton, Longstaff, Bruno and then you can add either a DM or AMF into that mix too, that’s 5 options for a midfield 3 and got Anderson who can fill in there too.
Reckon we’ll then see an attacking wide player, possible new left back and that may be it for immediate additions to the starting 11. Then I see the rest as being upgrades to the squad depth. Like a young striker, young center half, possible young DM or AMF (whichever position we didn’t sign to be a regular starter), a back up wide player and possibly another defensive option depending on what transfers we see out of the club.
Regan
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:18 AM
Comment #99Anyways..
Down near hull to change ONE tile..
Be on the road home in half hour..
Have a good day all..
CLINT FLICK
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:36 AM
Comment #100Sitc
I’d definitely take Kulusevski from spurs.
He looks a real prospect…and, like you point out, he knows Isak.
Good call.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:53 AM
Comment #101Adam
The reason I think we need both a DM and a CAM is that they are both specialist positions that we currently don’t have specialists playing. Bruno is a fine DM but he’s not a natural DM, more a hybrid and in any case, he says he wants to play further forward, so I reckon we are definitely upgrading there. We don’t have any recognised CAM in the squad and signing one gives us a raft of options and affords us a greater degree of tactical flexibility than we currently have. As for numbers? Manchester United have 6 players who can play in midfield, if it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for us haha
I think we’ll sign an attacking LB, right sided up-and-coming centre half, a wide forward (RW ideally) and another striker on top of that. That’s 6 right there, all of which would upgrade our squad. If there’s a smattering of young prospects in the mix as well then I suppose I’ll take that as a bonus 😛
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 23, 2023 at 9:59 AM
Comment #102I think it’s clear that Howe and the owners would rather wait 1 or 2 transfer windows to sign one of their top targets than make do and get one from lower down the list. Of course finances will come into it but I don’t believe we’ll make 6+ first team signings this summer as those top targets are highly unlikely to be available.
I also don’t think the starting 11 needs a massive overhaul. Some people are talking like we’d have 4, 5, or 6 different starters next season. I really just want to see more depth.
sing in the corner
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:02 AM
Comment #1037246 in the queue..
Adamn_92
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:14 AM
Comment #104Ruddy
I think a CAM/10 role type player is the highest importance that we need to address. It’s also the position I think we’ll spend the biggest amount of money on to sort out and address (unless we go and sign Diaby for RW). I think whoever then plays in that midfield with that player, Longstaff, Bruno or Joelinton are more than capable of doing the defensive duties of any DM we could go and sign. That’s not to say we won’t sign one, I said I think we will sign a young one as that’ll be quality in depth. I just don’t think we’ll sign one who comes straight into the starting 11.
I’d love for us to have multiple quality players for each position, but that’ll take time. Center midfield if we add a number 10 to it, I think is strong enough for another season. I think the starting 11 we currently have is pretty strong, shown by our league position. So add a RW, CAM and possible LB to that starting 11 and I think we’re solid. Then we need about 4 or 5 upgrades to improve out squad depth and I think that sorts us out for another season. Then the season after, we can approach it similar again and then in a season or 2 we suddenly have a squad with amazing quality in depth 🙂
Plus Howe seems very keen not to shake things up too much and keeping the great spirit we have at the moment. So I think it’s unlikely we’ll see more than 3 players join in the summer who walk into the starting 11. 3 at most for me, rest introduced slowly or rotational players/back up.
sing in the corner
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:16 AM
Comment #105CLINT FLICK
I just think he would be an ideal upgrade IF we wanted to peddle St Max..
If Miggy was injured or rotating he can play on both wings.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:22 AM
Comment #106Someone to score/create more goals from central midfield is vital in my opinion too. Willock had a scoring patch in his loan spell and Bruno has scored a few too but I don’t think either will ever do what Maddison does (for example). If Bruno can do what the likes of Kante, Viera, or Keane did then I’ll be delighted.
I don’t think we’ve had a player like Bruno for a long time. Thinking of some of our best central midfielders like Speed, Lee, Cabaye, and Tiote, Bruno seems different to all of them really. Maybe closest to Speed but more skilful and less destroyer.
magicmac54
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:28 AM
Comment #107Morning Lads
On players signing in the next transfer window, i really can`t see us signing more than a maximum of 3 to 4 players who will challenge to be 1st team players, the philospophy of Eddie and the owners really seems to be about building a team as opposed to buying a team which in any case historically very rarely works. If we sign say 6 players i would expect 2 or 3 of those players to be young players with raw potential who could be developed for the future. Just my humble opinion.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:31 AM
Comment #108Adamn/TDS
Damn your hyper logical approaches that have now seemingly quashed my desire to sign 6 ‘purples’ :'(
Only kidding, you make a good point as to whether CAM or DM is the priority. We (very) rarely switch things up tactically, either due to Howe’s preference or because we’re limited with the players we have. A CAM/10 would give Howe greater flexibility, but do we know if that’s something Howe wants to do? Our pursuit of Maddison last summer suggests it is, so you could be right that a big money CAM is the priority and a young up-and-coming DM is the way we’re looking at it (again, backed up by our failed pursuit of Perrone in January)
My reckoning that we’ll sign 6 players capable of playing first team football is not based on doubting the capabilities of our current squad though. It’s pointing out the rather obvious fact that our first team squad is fairly threadbare as it is. Peel back the thin layer of first team quality and it’s clear that we’re pretty short on both numbers and quality. The fact Ritchie and Murphy (whose performances have improved yet he is still bang average at best) are still regularly subbed on shows we don’t have any semblance of strength in depth.
This lack of depth showed up when we rotated for an FA Cup third round match and lost to a League One team. It showed during our Carabao Cup run where our league form tailed off a bit. We need depth, not only in numbers but in quality, to be able to compete on all fronts, including a possible European front.
4 first team players and a smattering of youngsters who may improve the squad longer term but may not play is unlikely to leave us capable of competing on all fronts which would likely have a detrimental effect on our league form. It’s a tale as old as time, so let’s just get on with a proper squad build and stop faffing about 😆
bettyswallocks
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:32 AM
Comment #109Just had a quick read through the blog and some interesting content despite Int. Break………..Unfortunately one rotten apple , who I shall leave unnamed, suffice to say he is bald , fat and aggressive….typical archetypal thug….decided to change the mood of the discussion from civilised to inflammatory…
Do we really need someone on the blog threatening others and hinting at dishing out slaps…. ? I think not !
After two hard fought wins and other teams dropping points , I reckon we’re right in the mix now for a CL spot….
A big shake up in the summer will then be needed for us to compete with any sort of a chance on two fronts….. Exciting times ahead… HWTL.
Bills Son Is Back
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Comment #110On “no, no, no” players…
I remember a couple of seasons or two ago there were rumours we were interested in Nathan Ake – “no, no, no” said a good few posters.
He’s now seen off Zinchenko and Cancelo to make the LB spot his own and is a very good defender, quick, strong, technically excellent and a threat going forward.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion but Guardiola is rarely to be argued with.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:40 AM
Comment #111Sitc
I agree, he could be really good in this team.
I like his direct style. He has youth on his side, too.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:41 AM
Comment #112Ruddy – I think a lot will depend on European football for us next season (hopefully CL), who is actually available, and our own outgoings.
Lots of variables to consider. We also know that Howe is insistent on recruiting players with the right personality so it’s pretty likely that many of the names bandied around wouldn’t pass his personality test even if they seem to be quality players.
I doubt any serious moves are being made at this point. Even the players on free transfers will surely usually be waiting to see which of their suitors are in Europe next season before deciding.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:43 AM
Comment #113Bill’s,
I remember it well, no better than Lascelles was a few poster’s claim.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:44 AM
Comment #114sitc,
Hopefully that’ll get you a sine somewhere, I got really lucky and I got 1706 and I’m taking the family, it’s been 1-1 the two times I’ve taken them this season so they’re due seeing a win.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 23, 2023 at 10:58 AM
Comment #115Jail, go to away games. vs Fulham and Saints we scored 4. smugsmile emoji
I was in the home end both times mind.
Wor B
Aug 28, 2023 at 2:07 PM
Comment #116IITianToon 41 – 41 Vask
Clasol 54 – 44 Darnik
Asi Fish 51 – 53 the Eggman
Uncertain 40 – 42 Ashingtoon
Taco 31 – 37 TDS
Zhon G 63 – 39 Chico USA
The Ledge 50 – 40 Benbulben
BigSteve 28 – 44 Average
AncientC 57 – 37 Dubai Micky
Assassins 55 – 39 Scythe
……Team…………W…..D…..L…Score…Pts
1….The Ledges…3…..0…..0….187…9
2….Assassins……3…..0…..0….170…9
3….IITianToon……2…..1…..0…174…7
4….Zhong G………2…..1…..0…169…7
5….Taco……………2…..0…..1…174…6
6….Ashingtoon….2…..0…..1…169…6
7….Clasol…………..2…..0…..1…161…6
8….AncientC……..2…..0…..1…158…6
9….Asi Fish……….1…..1…..1…..178…4
10..Vask…………….1…..1…..1…150…4
11..Scythe………….1…..0…..2…175…3
12..the Eggman…..1…..0…..2…171…3
13..Darnik…………..1…..0…..2…169…3
14…Benbulben……1……0…..2…168…3
15..Uncertain………1……0…..2…160…3
16..Average…………1……0…..2…152…3
17..TDS………………1……0…..2…116…3
18..Chico USA…….0…..1…..2…149…1
19..Dubai Micky…..0…..1…..2…145….1
20..BigSteve……….0……0…3…110…0
Wor B
Aug 28, 2023 at 2:12 PM
Comment #117……Team……………W….D….L…Score…Pts
1….The Ledges…3…..0…..0…187…9
2….Assassins……3…..0…..0…170…9
3….IITianToon……2…..1…..0…174…7
4….Zhong G…….…2…..1…..0…169…7
5….Taco………..……2…..0…..1…174…6
6….Ashingtoon…2…..0…..1…169…6
7….Clasol…………..2…..0…..1…161…6
8….AncientC……..2…..0…..1…158…6
9….Asi Fish……….1…..1…..1…178…4
10..Vask…………….1…..1…..1…150…4
11..Scythe……..….1…..0…..2…175…3
12..the Eggman..1…..0…..2…171…3
13..Darnik……….…..1…..0…..2…169…3
14…Benbulben……1..…0…..2…168…3
15..Uncertain………1……0…..2…160…3
16..Average…………1……0…..2…152…3
17..TDS…………..……1……0…..2…116…3
18..Chico USA…….0…..1…..2…149…1
19..Dubai Micky….0…..1…..2…145….1
20..BigSteve….…….0……0…3…110…0
Wor B
Aug 28, 2023 at 3:36 PM
Comment #118JackCharnley 51 – 32 Romford
Davo 55 – 45 Ruddy
NY Mag 30 – 16 Indytoon
Scott 51 – 32 Phy
Martoon 30 – 57 Herts
Tom68 42 – 36 Simon
Ron Way 41 – 63 Ty21
Adam 34 – 40 Legolas
HK mag 41 – 48 Davas
Wor B 41 – 45 Jay B
……Team…………W…D…L…Score…Pts
1….Ty21……………3….0….0…198…9
2….Herts……………3….0….0…185…9
3….JackCharnley.3….0….0…175…9
4….Tom68…………3….0….0…162…9
5….Wor B…………..2….0….1…194…6
6….davo…………….2….0….1….175….6
7….Legolas………..2….0….1…158…6
8….RonWay………2….0….1…153…6
9….NY Mag………..2….0….1…128…6
10..Ruddy……………1….0….2…181…3
11..Adam…………….1….0….2…172…3
12..HK mag………..1….0….2…166…3
13..Scott……………..1….0….2…165…3
14..Indytoon……….1….0….2…155…3
15..Davas……………1….0….2…151…3
16..Simon……………1….0….2…141…3
17..Jay B……………..1…..0….2…140…3
18..Rom……………….0….0….3…154…0
19..Phy…………………0….0….3…133…0
20..Martoon…………0….0….3…120…0
Wor B
Aug 28, 2023 at 4:11 PM
Comment #119Ibizatoon 27 – 50 Jettson
ComingHome 37 – 55 Local Hero
Playmaker 31 – 55 Raider Pique
Valle 33 – 41 John Carnivore
Clinath 41 – 36 Iotarock
JohnJ 55 – 41 Willgwent2k5
Gothmog 64 – 51 Raj of Hailsley
Regan 37 – 29 Gillmag
Kangatoon 45 – 43 IrishRob
Darkness 65 – 31 Novocastrian
ESPO 47 – 48 JpMayor
……Team………….W…D…L..Score..Pts
1….Regan………….3….0….0…197…9
2….Kangatoon…3….0….0…182…9
3….Irish Rob…….2….0….1…184…6
4….Jettson………..2….0….1…182…6
5….Local Hero….2….0….1…164…6
6….JohnCarni……2….0….1…161…6
7….JohnJ…………..2….0….1…159…6
8….Ibizatoon……..2….0….1…158…6
9….Raider Pique.2….0….1…156…6
10…Playmaker….2….0….1…149…6
11..Gothmog……..1….0….2…187…3
12..ESPO…………1….0….2…180…3
13..Valle……………1….0….2…168…3
14..Novocastrian..1….0….2…158…3
15..Raj of Hailsley.1….0….2…157…3
16..Willgwent……..1….0….2…156…3
17..Gillmag…………1….0….2…154…3
17..JpMayor……….1….0….2…154…3
19..Darkness……..1….0….2…153…3
20..Iotarock…………1….0….2…147…3
21..Clinath…………..1….0….2…142…3
22..ComingHome.0….0….3…131…0
Wor B
Aug 28, 2023 at 4:15 PM
Comment #120……Team………….W…D…L..Score..Pts
1….Regan………….3….0….0…197…9
2….Kangatoon…3….0….0…182…9
3….Irish Rob…….2….0….1…184…6
4….Jettson……..2….0….1…182…6
5….Local Hero….2….0….1…164…6
6….JohnCarni……2….0….1…161…6
7….JohnJ…………..2….0….1…159…6
8….Ibizatoon……..2….0….1…158…6
9….Raider Pique.2….0….1…156…6
10…Playmaker….2….0….1…149…6
11..Gothmog..…..1….0….2…187…3
12..ESPO………..…1….0….2…180…3
13..Valle………..…1….0….2…168…3
14..Novocastrian.1….0….2…158…3
15..Raj of Hailsley.1….0….2…157…3
16..Willgwent………1….0….2…156…3
17..Gillmag……….…1….0….2…154…3
17..JpMayor…….….1….0….2…154…3
19..Darkness………1….0….2…153…3
20..Iotarock…………1….0….2…147…3
21..Clinath…………..1….0….2…142…3
22..ComingHome.0….0….3…131…0