Jean-Michel Aulas: Dark forces at work in Gomis deal?Newcastle United’s pursuit of Bafetimbi Gomis is rapidly becoming what Churchill would have called “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma,” and for once, it doesn’t even seem to be Newcastle United’s fault!
Below is the latest bombshell from Olympique Lyonnais chairman, Jean-Michel Aulas, speaking after his side qualified for the Champions League playoffs against the Grasshoppers of Zurich yeterday, which might also be a factor in this labyrinthine tale which seems to have had everything but the kitchen sink so far judging by the stuff I have been following in the French media. Without further ado, here’s Aulas’s latest incendiary words on the frustrating Gomis deal:
“I am very disappointed that operations have not been concluded with Newcastle. I am very pessimistic, it needs to be said that someone behind the scenes is pulling the strings. I think a number of people will be unmasked. I have also tabled yesterday (Monday) a complaint to the Committee on Legal Affairs for the destabilization of some players. Some clubs have made dishonest proposals.(more…)
Joe Kinnear welcoming new signing Loic Remy to the club.Speaking in another ‘exclusive’ interview with Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct News, Alan Pardew was repeating his protestations that Joe Kinnear was only brought into the club to work on the financial side of transfers like Derek Llambias before him.
Anxious to reassure worried fans that he is still in charge of all football matters (please kill us), and that Kinnear was only brought in to make life easier for himself and Mike, Pardew explained:
“It’s quite simple really, it’s not too different to what we had before with Derek Llambias. Mike and Joe work the finances of the football club. Therefore I have to make sure, with Joe, that we’re approaching players in the right financial bracket for us and that we’re doing the right amount of scouting.
“Joe’s job is to co-ordinate that and put it all together. So he has my input, he has Graham Carr’s views and also Mike’s opinion as well in terms of the finance.
“Basically, he gives me a ballpark figure of the sort of player we can perhaps afford and me and Graham give him the targets we think it works for. Joe then works towards finding a solution and it’s as simple as that.(more…)
Remy – On his way to Newcastle, apparently.QPR forward Loic Remy is undergoing a medical on Tyneside today (Monday) after terms have been agreed for him to spend a season on loan at Newcastle United.
Speaking after a charity cricket match at Totteridge yesterday, Newcastle United’s Director of football, Joe Kinnear, had this to say about the pursuit of Remy:
“I would think that we are very close to agreeing that. By maybe Monday or Tuesday, we would be in a position to say yes or no.
“I’m very happy with how that deal is going at the moment. I’m very happy with the conversations we’ve had. I’ve been to QPR and spoken to the people who represent him (Remy), and in my opinion there is every chance that the deal could take place.” (full interview here)
Though the the exact terms are uncertain, QPR manager Harry Redknapp had the following to say a couple of days ago on what they would be looking for out of a loan deal for the 26 year old hitman: (more…)
Joe Kinnear gives his latest interview to Sky Sports after his latest charity cricket match with a Bunbury 11.
In it he gives the latest news on his quests for Loic Remy, Bafetimbi Gomis and Darren Bent, along with a bit of insight into his general thinking towards the end.
He wasn’t brave enough to have a crack at saying “Bafetimbi” yet, but he’s still referring to Newcastle United’s top striker as “See-See.” (more…)
Gomis: It’s all agent’s fault claims Lyonnais President. Whilst the recent narrative in the English media has been that Olympique Lyonnais turned down Newcastle United’s last bid for Bafétimbi Gomis, and also that Newcastle walked away from the table on one occaision, Lyonnais Chairman Jean-Michel Aulas actually confirmed several days ago on his Twitter and elsewhere that a deal had been struck.
It must be set on the unfortunate problem with Bafe (Gomis) that it boils down to a problem of money. “We are in agreement with Newcastle…
However that part was mysteriously removed. What remains on there now is this (once again with my rusty translation):
“Then it is Pierrot (Pierre Frelot – Gomis’s agant) who stopped Newcastle since the transfer is 8m euros? This would be the commission of the agent? Do you know this also?”
The French media have also been providing a rather different narrative more along these lines too. However, Aula’s how now made things slightly less cryptic with a further statement today which reads: (more…)
