I have a special page devoted to tracking the transfers over January here but its going to be a difficult few weeks on and off the pitch for us. We’ll need to pick up a wins desperately over the upcoming Hammers, Rovers and City matches and Kinnear needs to start selling the benefits of playing at Newcastle!:|

With confusion still in the air, reports suggest that the squad are getting restless with the questions hanging over St James’. They haven’t taken it kindly that every player could have been a potential transfer target over the summer and KK was the only person to fight for them. Apparently, a group of players led by Owen are demanding answers.

We know discussions are ongoing and Keegan has stated he would not resign whilst Ashley is not willing to pay compensation for sacking Keegan. It’s a little like a game of who blinks first. Considering that fans are painting Ashley and Wise as the villains of the piece, it doesn’t entirely look rosy for our beleagured Chairman. Right now the stalemate is damaging the club and morale so I’m hoping for a resolution to this mess soon.

Fans gathered outside of St James’ park demanding answers and some demanding Ashley and Wise to quit. As of this moment, confusion reigns over our club which is extremely sad and yet again the good name is dragged into the mud. Ashley who has no experience running football clubs is essentially learning the hard way on what it is about. It certainly is to me that giving the manager, the person he most trusts  to run the team, the largest say on who comes in and out. That doesn’t seem to be the case here. We don’t need some Dennis Wise pulling the strings in the background! No matter how much some fans wish Barton gone, Keegan opinion counts and certainly reports that Ashley tried to offload Owen sends out the wrong message completely.

We know the board issued a statement saying that Keegan has not been sacked but the man himself has remained worryingly quiet. I hope he does stay but the strained relationship with Ashley doesn’t help matters at all. Right now, the board need to do some serious explaining as to why the summer transfer window has been uninspiring and why Ashley has failed to back his manager of choice on contract issues and existing players. Hopefully, all this can be resolved with Keegan staying, Owen with a new contract, Wise out and Ashley staying away from the fans by the time we get to our next game.

All eyes are now pointing at the board and the nufc website for official confirmation.

UPDATE: Certainly a lot of confusion at St James’ at the moment. Let’s hope Keegan can carry on.  The Chronicle are currently following the story here

News can be found on the BBC here

Newcastle United transfer activity has been crazy with a deal with Spanish striker, Xisco for £5.m from Deportivo. Pretty conflicted reports coming in on this and even I’m not certain as if this is a done deal or not. The Evening Chronicle says yes. Also, on loan but not confirmed is Urguayan midfielder for Valcenia, Ignacio Gonzalez

Michael Owen was offered an improved bumper deal on the table . This comes shortly after talk of reducing his wages and a tame United preformance against Arsenal. On top of that, he was ditched by Capello, so it comes to no surprise the Owen has not immediately responded to the enhanced deal. Speculation about Owen re-joining Liverpool is rife at this moment since Benitez has lost Torres to injury over a dull 0-0 draw with Villa.

Alan Smith is still strongly linked to Everton as Moyes looks to strengthen his squad. Ameobi on the other hand looks set to stay for at least a little while longer just to demonstrate once again how he can’t play in the Prem anymore.

BBC link here

Keegan states it was his decision to let Milner leave. We’ll play Villa on November 3rd so let’s see if he’ll regret it then. He suggests three or four new players coming in.

In a club statement:

England Under-21 international James Milner today became Villa’s eighth summer signing as he completed his switch from Barclays Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

Milner, who spent the 2005-06 season on loan at Villa, scoring three goals in 33 League and cup appearances, has returned signing a four year deal.

The 22-year-old completed a medical at Bodymoor Heath this morning.

Oh Crap!

Keegan has so far remained resolute about keeping Milner and if speculation is true, it would have a big impact on the team ahead of tomorrow’s big match. With the transfer window coming to an end, the board will need to move fast to secure targets. Also questions will be raised about Wise and Ashley handling of the whole Milner saga which dragged through the summer and explain their relunctance to enhance Milner’s contract.

All this is happening and it doesn’t help when Milner’s situation begins to turn into a full blown row. Apparently, Milner handed in a transfer request last Wednesday (and not yesterday) citing a lack of an improved contract. I’m sure fans won’t be happy to lose Milner but it does demonstrate some of the hard nosed budgetry constraints Ashley has been imposing on the squad. Talking of that, fans still impatiently awaiting new arrivals to strengthen our depleted team and Keegan has reportedly had recent crunch talks with Ashley, Wise and international man of mystery, Derek Llambias.  What was said will probably remain in the boardroom but I’d imagine Keegan would say: “Where the fookin’ hell are my new players, ya tight ar*ed crunt!”. Well, words to that effect anyway.