By Tyne-Talk
April 13 2008

As the season draws to a close, the rumour mill is in overdrive as the media spin the tales of players leaving clubs for multi-million pound deals else where, despite knowingly going to warm the bench. On the other had you have those players who are "unsettled" at their current clubs and from reading the tabloids you could be led to believe that anywhere is better than where they are at present.

Currently the media are speculating over Charles N'Zogbia, James Milner and Emre, all of which apparently seek a quick move from Newcastle United.

N'Zogbia is bound for London, from recent rumours Spurs looks most likely but Arsenal appear to be in the running too. In his eyes it would appear a deal is already done with the club and whoever offers the most cash will provide him with the next chapter in his playing career. He is already out of favour at Newcastle and with the fans for his lack of ambition whilst at the club.

However, James Milner, who almost signed for Aston Villa last season is also said to be on the move, and Villa are once again hot on his heals for a signature. The midfielder is currently out injured with an foot injury and is unlikely to feature at all for Newcastle for the rest of the season. Since his spell on loan at Villa he has become a firm favourite, but they may have a battle on their hands with Manchester City, Reading and Blackburn Rovers all scouting the 22 year old.

Emre however, is an odd one. He too is injured, out suffering with a calf complaint. Emre spoke out in July 2007 and dismissed rumours he was unhappy at the club and rubbished reports that he wanted to leave. He was quoted saying:

"I'm happy in England and I'm not thinking about leaving Newcastle.

I have received serious offers from Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, but I have great respect for Sam Allardyce, and I want to continue my career in England.

I know all the Turkish newspapers will write my name in their headlines during the transfer window.

But the Premier League is famous all over the world, that's why I wanted to come here."

Now those rumours are back, despite having 2 years left on his contract. The latest reports suggest that Emre will be making his way to Bayern Munich this summer.

Keegan has also been linked with many players from the Premier League and from abroad. Today's most high profile links are with John Arne Riise and Peter Crouch from Liverpool who appear to be out of favour with Rafa Benitez and seeking a move away from the club. For Peter Crouch at least, Newcastle look to be in a 3-way fight with Portsmouth and Aston Villa, though Crouch is tipped to return to the Southern club where he started his career.

Mbarek Boussoufa from Anderlecht also appears to be a target for Keegan who has made it clear he will be looking to enhance his current squad, but will not be looking for quantity over quality and would be happy with 3 star players rather than 7 okay footballers.

Keegan is also confident Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins will remain at the club and has stated that he will not be wishing them away anytime soon. Both strikers seem to have settled well under the new management and have not indicated that they seek a move away from the North East.

Is there any of the list above who you would like to see at Newcastle United or would you be opposed to selling any of the 3 linked with an immediate move from St James' Park?

Is there anybody you would particularly like to bring in or release?

The Comings & Goings Of Newcastle United Summer 08

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 13/04/2008 17:46

TyneTalk
13/04/2008 17:46

The Comings & Goings Of Newcastle United Summer 08

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Joe
14/04/2008 12:42

I would hate to see Milner go...although his final ball could do with a little improvement he's a cracking player and he's still only a young lad.

He is the most capped player for the England Under 21's and he is only going to improve...if we let him go we'll only kick ourselves later...I can guarantee it.







Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:04:14:12:42:34 by Joe.

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Dub
14/04/2008 14:45

Jimmy wont go, I would love us to get Bullard

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tunyc
14/04/2008 15:28

I really don't think we need to be strengthening squads like Villa and Spuds-especially the latter as other than decent CBs, a left-sided midfielder is really their only need.

I imagine the Milner speculation is related to rumours of a Zog-for-Lennon swap. One of Lennon, Geremi or Milner would be surplus to needs. If there's any truth in this (and there probably isn't) I wouldn't mind swapping Milner for Bently...

This squad does lack depth-assuming that none of the kids are ready to make the jump from the beginning of next season. I don't know about 10 or 11, but if we sell anyone, they'll have to be replaced on top of standing needs...

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