Andy Carroll

The name is never to far from the tip of the tongue when 'Arry's transfer targets are speculated between us everyday. A big forward that has knocked up 10 goals this season for the Geordies and one player that new boss Pardew is holding onto with both hands. The 6' 3'' striker is not only very lean for his size but also has a very good shot on him, something that Crouchy has never really acquired.

Pardew told the Newcastle Chronicle: "It (the transfer speculation) does get boring but it is not going to stop - it will never stop.
"It won't stop because he's a talent and that's what happens at big clubs.
"We have to have a big-club mentality and hold on to our best player."

I'd prefer the forward over Peter Crouch and think he would prove a superb compliment to Rafa. Although, £20 million? No chance. The guys good but not £20m good. Still though, if we brought him in for a player-plus-cash deal involving one of Keane or Crouch then I think we'd have done well.

Thoughts?

Regards.

Bassong set to leave

You'd think this was a bleedin' Newcastle blog because of all the news surrounding Sebastian Bassong.

Well it seems as though there's another 'twist' in the saga as the 23 year old has been cut from the N'castle squad to play Dundee despite being fit. The new Championship team have started with: Harper, R Taylor, S Taylor, Kadar, Enrique, Gutierrez, Barton, Smith, Duff, Nolan, Carroll.

Newcastle have effectively started with their first eleven against Dundee and have left out arguably one of their better players from last season.

Whether he's gone for talks somewhere is really anyone's guess amongst us. Harry had recently refuted claims we'd stuck in a bid for the player.

Regards.

What Bassong bid?

Only hours ago, reports were being thrown about that Spurs had made a £10m bid for Newcastle Centre back Sebatien Bassong. It made sense, the guy seemed to have a good season in what was a poor Newcastle side and we are in the market for a centre back.

Although, speaking after our 2-0 loss to South China, Harry had this to say:

"It is not true. Not since I have been here today," said Redknapp.

"He is a player that I was interested in. I like Bassong, he is a young player with a good future and a good central defender.

"I don't think we have made an offer as far as I know. I am sure the chairman has not made an offer."

Would Levy stick in a bid for a player without consulting Redknapp first or is Harry not being totally honest with the press?

Regards.

Newcastle look to disrupt our Premiership start

It looks as though Harry has acknowledged that a defender is number one priority and have finally stuck in a bid for one. Maybe old 'Arry has decided that mimicking the management style of Ossie Ardiles isn't really the way forward in the Premiership today.

Anyway, Sky Sports have today said that we have been rebuffed by Newcastle for their 23 year old centre back, Sebastien Bassong. Reports say that we offered them the equivalent of purchasing a 10% stake in Newcastle, 10 million pounds.

So Harry is looking to draft in a Centre back before our home start against Liverpool in under 2 weeks, anything to do with a 2-0 loss to South China perhaps? Newcastle should be grateful, £10m for a Championship centre back is a fair amount of money. I'm sure old Mike Ashley had a problem turning that bid down.

Regards.

Championship defender to gain Spurs Champions League qualification

Reports lately have suggested that Spurs are interested in a £12m raid on relegated Geordie's for French international Sebastian Bassong, sorry who? I do laugh when such reports are read, and even though the odd few are laughable, some reach the point where there may just be an element of truth in them.


From a fans' point of view, Harry stated (like many other managers over the years), that he expects Spurs to mount a strong challenge for the Champions League this year. Now-a-days, Spurs fans take these comments with a pinch of salt and pre-season optimism for the fourth-coming season usually turns sour before Christmas.


More to the point, I question whether, if true, why Harry would go for a Centre back that could barely make the Newcastle first team and further, why he'd be willing to splash out £12m on him as well. I can understand the need for depth in a squad but I doubt a £12m signing would be happy to camp on the bench every week and remain lower down the pecking order behind the much loved Micheal Dawson.


Still though, I cannot see how Harry expects the likes of Sebastian Bassong and Paul Scharner to really propel us into the top four, I mean, they're not exactly world beaters are they? Then again, this is paper talk and I will wait until mid-August to see who turns out wearing the badge at the start of the new season.

Regards,
Ben