Toon plan Mega offer - Sunday Sun

NEWCASTLE United will bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on top target Kevin Gameiro by tabling a mega-offer for an international striker at one of Europe’s top clubs.

United have missed out on France striker Gameiro, who agreed terms with Paris Saint Germain yesterday. His agent Thierry Gras told the Sunday Sun there was “no chance” of the player signing for Newcastle – a blow for the club after they had lodged a £10m bid for him.

But St James’ Park insiders have brushed off the snub and will launch an ambitious move for a striker who has a proven record in one of Europe’s top leagues and United’s favourite hunting grounds.

Newcastle are keeping their cards close to their chest when it comes to targets for fear of scuppering the deal, but it is someone other than West Ham forward Ibrahim Ba or Ivory Coast striker Gervinho – although United retain interest in both.

Lille’s Melvin Martin – France’s hottest property after some scintillating performances for his country – is also not on Newcastle’s list, which runs to four players based in Continental Europe.

Although progress will probably not be as quick as it was with the Yohan Cabaye deal, United’s hierarchy – all now back in the country – are hoping to step up their efforts at strengthening the squad this week.

A move for West Ham forward Ba is high on the agenda although it is not as far progressed as some have made out. United had doubts about a knee injury, but believe he represents good value for the money – and the player is desperate to come.

His agent has let it be known that terms have been agreed.

United will decide whether to launch another bid for Charles N’Zogbia as well as tabling the eight-figure offer for a striker attracting interest from a host of clubs.

Meanwhile, Kevin Nolan has told friends he will not be signing for West Ham because he does not want to drop into the Championship.

Club sources told a sports news channel that the £1.5m up-front offer tabled by the Hammers was “derisory” – but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway, as Nolan does not want to go back to the second tier.

There are hopes that contract talks can be resurrected and Nolan – who still has two years left on his deal – would prefer to stay on Tyneside.

 

Mark Douglas:

The article says it isn't Gervinho, Ba (obviously), or Martin.

Who could it be?

 

Beat me to it by a minute or two. According to Mark Douglas (who wrote this) the offer will be £7m.

 

mevlut erding maybe

 

Things not looking too bad at the moment.

 

Carlton Cole.

I'd be happy with Ba on a free, save the money for Zog and a centre half.

 

Get Cole and I'll start supporting the mackems.

 

won't be cole not really Ashley type signing

 

Obvious NO to Cole.
Ba on a free YES
Centre half YES (Dann or Samba preferably, I don't think an others will be a massive improvement)
Zog NO, our midfield is too packed as it is, we don't need another in there, especcilay not an arrogant, cocky little... (complete sentence yourself)

 

He's probably from Ligue 1 (but could also be from Eredivisie), 'around' under 25, similar scoring record to Gameiro. Cwarr suspects its Negredo.

 

Negredo would be a top buy

 

Would love Erding or Martin, two cracking players. If we get any one of them plus Ba, Zogs, Naylor and maybe another central defender I'd be chuffed.

 

El Arabi?

 

Wouldn't that be above the Fat Mans budget though?

 

Good shout, reminds me of Taarabt though.

 

Could be Cheick Diabate. We were linked with him a while back, and fits the bill perfectly, especially if we get Ba as well, so there is no pressure on the young lad.

 

Could we cope with two Cheick's in the team?

 

What if we sign Cheick M'bengue as well...

 

I thought that, quick feet, decent shot, and both of French/Moroccan descent.

 

Mario Gomez?