Strong rumours coming out today linking the Toon with Kevin Nolan from Bolton and Ryan Taylor from Wigan. In my eyes, both would be welcome additions to the depleted Newcastle squad. Hopefully Toulouse full-back Albin Ebondo will also put pen to paper before the end of the transfer window.

Our being linked with Veloso of Sporting Lisbon seems like agent talk to drum up further offers. He’s a good player, but at this point in time we need fighters, a midfielder not used to playing in the Premier League when we’re in a relegation scrap is not what we need right now.

Man City’s derisory offer for Shay Given was given all the credence it needed and laughed off by Mike Ashley. I think if we get an offer of 8 million or above we should take it, but only if that money gets invested in new players.