Botman

[Alberts__Lob]

BTW on a scale of 1-10 does anyone know how dead the Ekitike deal is at this moment in time? Dead dead or just hard ball?

I think it's a 9, so almost completely dead. My understanding is that his agent told us there was serious interest in Ekitike from PSG, then PSG denied it in the media saying it was to jack his price up. We're right to walk away if this is the case, especially if we offered a decent fee and wages

[Zippity]

Absolutely. Thin end of the wedge if we fold easy on this one.

We'll have other targets. Plus, if we have a good first half of the season, he might come in the January window.

[Alberts__Lob]

I should add, you can guarantee we'll be in the market for someone as good as Ekitike though

[Sclox]

I've heard that he is really keen to come but his hangers-on are pushing for an unrealistic deal which our negotiators won't be held to ransom on.

It's going to be a case of who has either the strongest nerves or the most sense.

I can understand it on our club's behalf. If they give in now every transfer will have to be fought the same way. It doesn't say that because you have huge funds available that you pay over the top. We've seen it time and time again with the likes of Manure, Citeh, and Chelski, in particular, pushing the market prices up to unrealistic heights and spoiling deals for less wealthy clubs.

With you there. For our own future sake in the transfer market, we must hold firm.

[Sclox]

I think it's a 9, so almost completely dead. My understanding is that his agent told us there was serious interest in Ekitike from PSG, then PSG denied it in the media saying it was to jack his price up. We're right to walk away if this is the case, especially if we offered a decent fee and wages

We should drop our offer a little every week now.

[Alberts__Lob]

We should drop our offer a little every week now.

That, or say bollox to ya, you've missed the chance to join one of the biggest clubs in England and play in the best league in the world

[Jammy89]

I trust Ashworth on this one.

He apprently told Lille, this was a take it or leave it deal, makeing it clear we'd walk.

Need to do similar I think.

[Alberts__Lob]

Confirmed for sure now:

https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-n...otman-signing/

"I'm really happy - delighted - and I can't wait to start this new adventure. This is the best day of my life, to sign a contract with Newcastle United. It's a day I've worked hard for and I'm very excited.

Newcastle had a long-term plan to get to the top, for both me and for the club, and they play in the Premier League which is the best league in Europe. The whole package is just perfect. I'm looking forward now to meeting the fans and also my new team-mates."

[MidsMagpie]

Forget him get Schick or Jovic in instead both much better then Ekitike.

[Alberts__Lob]

Forget him get Schick or Jovic in instead both much better then Ekitike.

Schick signed a new contract until 2027 with Leverkusen so can't see that happening. Never seen Jovic play myself