De Jong: Wants Gladbach and Champions League football.Newcastle United striking target, Luuk de Jong, has discounted the idea of joining Europa League Newcastle United, telling German tabloid, “Bild” that he only wants a move to Champions League German side, Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Having written that, it was for German consumption in a German publication, though it certainly looks as if Newcastle’s plans for the striker are all but dead in the water now, especially with the club being now notoriously unwilling to meet the true valuation of players in terms of both fees and wage terms when the club is in the market for a player.
The Dutch hitman told Bild of his discussions with Gladbach’s coach, Lucien Favre, saying:
“I have spoken to Favre several times.”
“We talked about how he wanted me to play. I’m sure the way he wants to play fits perfectly with the fast pace that suits me.(more…)
What's the odds of him staying at the Toon?Reflections on Saturday’s game and a look ahead at what might and might not be happening in the January transfer window as far as Newcastle United is concerned.
How did we not win that game on Saturday? Swansea have one of the best defences in the league but luck was certainly on their side too, particularly in the first half where we were totally dominant throughout. I suppose it’s a case of what goes around comes around – I’ll be the first to admit we rode our luck a lot in the first half a dozen games this season.
The return of Colo was welcome and I thought he was fantastic on Saturday. Likewise I was impressed with Santon and Jonas. As to Obertan, Alan Pardew has been springing to his defence after he noticed the crowd getting on his case a bit. Pardew said:
“That’s a bit harsh. Because he is so quick you always want him bursting down the outside. I thought he played well first half. He created three or four situations for us. He is a player who has only played 14 Premier League games, he is learning, his discipline was much better defensively but when you get a 0-0, there can be frustration from the crowd.
“Overall, I though the crowd was very positive and I thank them for that. Yes, we want to win. We want the possibility of the top six. Don’t make me think I am happy with the draw.” (more…)
Luuk de Jong on Toon's Christmas list to Santa?The international break heralds a mini ‘silly season’ as Newcastle United are reported to be interested in no less than 5 new players.
With January fast approaching and no Premier League football for two weeks, it’s inevitable that the names of potential targets will be bandied about.
Our impressive start to the season and the recent spate of injuries to our squad may both, in their own way, raise questions about where we need to strengthen things in January if we’re to continue to push hard this season.
Mike Ashley may also be somewhat re-enthused by the way things have gone and perhaps support Alan Pardew by allowing him to buy a few more players than he would have done if we had not started so well. But who are those players likely to be? The press have a list of potential contenders for us.
The first such player is Modibo Maiga, Sochaux bad-boy and Toon transfer target from the last window. According to some press reports, the deal is all but done and a four and a half year contract awaits the player as soon as trading can commence next year. (more…)
