Transfer Rumours Ahead Of Signings Next Week?

With Matthias Jaissle now in charge and with just two weeks to go to the PL opener against Liverpool, Ross Wilson needs to get his skates on and roll in some signings.

As usual, transfer rumours need to taken with scepticism especially as the club have a habit of blind siding their real targets and pulling off surprise signings quickly.

So, with that in mind, here is my take on the recent rumours...

Victor Froholdt (FC Porto) Age 20

The Danish midfielder looks like Newcastle's priority target in the middle of the park. At just 20, he's technically excellent, comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and has the energy to thrive in Jaissle's high-pressing system.

The stumbling block is Porto's high valuation, but if Newcastle can negotiate the price down to £40M-£50M, this deal makes a lot of sense.

Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) Age 25

Stiller is arguably the most polished passer Newcastle have been linked with. He's the type of midfielder who dictates the tempo and exactly the type of player we need to replace Bruno.

The downside? Stuttgart know exactly how valuable he is, so he won't come cheap.

Manu Koné (Roma) Age 25

Koné has reportedly been on the radar for well over a year.

Powerful, athletic and capable of driving through midfield, he should have no problem with the physicality of the Premier League.

However, the rumours have slowed down compared to other targets.

Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord) Age 25

One of the strongest rumours but Ross Wilson has publicly cooled talk of an imminent deal, insisting reports of an agreement are premature.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Marseille) Age 31

Not the glamorous signing fans dream about, but I was impressed with him when he last appeared as a sub for Spurs at SJP.

He is no Rodri, but is similar in that he dictates play in the final third, rarely gives the ball away and could be a good sub or occasional starter.

I wouldn't rule him out as long as his fee is well under £20M.

Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund) Age 25

A physically imposing midfielder with Champions League experience.

Newcastle have been credited with interest, but his fee and wages might be beyond what we would pay or can afford. Unlikely IMO.

What next?

I expect at least three significant arrivals before the window closes and I'm hoping all come through before the seasons kicks off - with at least one next week.

The word is that PIF have OK'd up to four signings and if that is true then let's leave no money unspent in the kitty.

There could still be players leaving ie., Pope, Willock and Murphy although Man U have been told Lewis Hall is definitely not for sale - let's hope that is 100% true.

My bet is that at least one signing won't be on the list above and that one will be in the £50M-£60M bracket which I think will be the limit of what we'll spend on one player.

What do you think?

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