Ekitike

[Nufcian]

I’m interested in how we’d play him.

He could rotate with Isak obviously but there is noise around wanting him to play with Isak.

That would take a bit of pressure off the midfield depth if we were to play a more traditional 4-4-2 formation in some games, but if you have both striker on the pitch, that means we likely are not playing all of Bruno/Tonali/Joelinto every game.

I’d think that one of both Gordon/Barnes and Elanga/Murphy would still play on the wings… so which two of the three in the middle get the nod?

Bruno as captain is likely to start I’d have thought, so we have one of Tonali and Joelinton on the bench, or rotating. Add in Miley to get some games, and rumours about interest in Gallagher… makes me think that the door might open for both Longstaff and Willock soon.

Add in a RCB and a keeper and I think that would be a strong squad with options to change formation and bring players off the bench that could compete across all 4 competitions we are in next season… very excited, and would be an AMAZING transfer window if it were to happen.

[Guybrush]

Real statement if this comes off!

Mind you, I think I would prefer a midfield enforcer to go with a centre back over the GK position

[Ragatino]

Until he is signed, I will assume that his agents are using us to get other teams to bids in

This is too advanced and being reported by too many official channels with confirmation that club reps are in face to face meetings.

This isn't Agent talk. It's beyond that.

We don't hear about deals being this advanced for NUFC these days unless it's credible and serious.

Whether we can close the gap in club valuations with add-on.

I've heard that personal terms have been not a problem.

Let's see what shakes out next few days.

[Ragatino]

I?’m interested in how we?’d play him.

He could rotate with Isak obviously but there is noise around wanting him to play with Isak.

That would take a bit of pressure off the midfield depth if we were to play a more traditional 4-4-2 formation in some games, but if you have both striker on the pitch, that means we likely are not playing all of Bruno/Tonali/Joelinto every game.

I?’d think that one of both Gordon/Barnes and Elanga/Murphy would still play on the wings?… so which two of the three in the middle get the nod?

Bruno as captain is likely to start I?’d have thought, so we have one of Tonali and Joelinton on the bench, or rotating. Add in Miley to get some games, and rumours about interest in Gallagher?… makes me think that the door might open for both Longstaff and Willock soon.

Add in a RCB and a keeper and I think that would be a strong squad with options to change formation and bring players off the bench that could compete across all 4 competitions we are in next season?… very excited, and would be an AMAZING transfer window if it were to happen.

It gives Eddie a like for like quality replacement. We need that to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Top European clubs.

We've got Gordon & Barnes on the left. Now we have Elanga & Murphy for the right. Ekitike and Isak up top just makes sense.

Take all the pressure off Isak. Means he'll not be run into the ground. Isak will be at full energy, won't be run into the red and less likely to sustain injuries or irritate that groin.

Played together one dropping off into the SS role / No.10 - If Isak and Hugo can start to make it work together that will be frightening!

With the power and pace with Gordon & Elanga making the pitch wide, with Bruno & Tonali providing from midfield... Scary!

[Ragatino]

Bruno as captain is likely to start I?’d have thought, so we have one of Tonali and Joelinton on the bench, or rotating. Add in Miley to get some games, and rumours about interest in Gallagher?… makes me think that the door might open for both Longstaff and Willock soon.

Exactly man, In games when we need more tekkaz to break down a team sitting deep and parking the bus we don't need J7 and play 2 in the midfield. Against teams that will play on the road we play a more combative Midfield 3. It's great to have options.

Gallagher is an options. He's got the UCL & Prem Experience. However, I'd still prefer to take a punt on Amir Richardson, More powerful with a much similar profile to Joelinton.

Richardson has that same ability as Willock to drive forward with the ball but he's more of an athlete. Got the same physical profile as Isak & Ekitike. Long 6'6", wiry, strong, good in the air.

Add in a RCB and a keeper and I think that would be a strong squad with options to change formation and bring players off the bench that could compete across all 4 competitions we are in next season?… very excited, and would be an AMAZING transfer window if it were to happen.

Scalvini or Guehi, I prefer the Italian and think that Guehi will run his contract down and sign for Barcelona on a free next summer.
He'll captain Palace in Europe this coming season, leave the as a hero and go to Catalunya and live the dream.

[Nufcian]

I’ve seen Liverpool are now supposed to be saying if they don’t get Isak then they could be going in for Ekitike. They’ve turned down a 70m bid from us, probably aware Liverpool might enter the race for him… which is understandable really from their perspective.

I’m not bothered by that…

1. We’ve shown interest in Elitike before, whereas he will know that he was always second best to him for Liverpool. I know the argument will be that he is going to be contending with Isak for starts in some games here.

2. If he chooses Liverpool, and given they are the current League Champions I could see that happening regardless of .1, then we’ll move on. The important thing for us is we’re offering 70m for a forward, we’re showing we have the finances to bring players in of that ilk… if not Ekitike then we’ll move on, but we are a buying club not a club that has to sell… and that’s the key thing for me.

[toonviking]

With the reports of our bid rejected and the news that Liverpool also is around the table, I think its ZERO chance that we end up with both Isak and Ekitike.

Liverpool will end up with at least one of them, as they need a striker and have no problem in outbidding the rest.

[PhoneymcRingRing]

I wonder what the Saudi?s will make of Liverpools power play? I don?t think they?ll like that, they?re gonna stick it to them. I?m still hopeful the deal will be done.

[Derek57]

I half hope that this is Newcastle drawing out the dippers to buy Ekitike and then with them and the Arse both having signed strikers could put the Isak matter to bed for a while.

[PhoneymcRingRing]

I guess the silver lining would be Isak would probably sign a new contract if Ekitike signs for them.