LAM09

Because he's a natural RB and look who scored the winner. You could have this attitude where someone like Nkunku is concerned. With the option we have now, he should be nothing more than a last restort.

I wouldn't go that far. If everyone is fit, James still has to be number one. These constant layoffs are getting too much now, though.

Deja vu. We beat them again. Another £13m~ in the bank, and a step to the to doing the unthinkable (we were ranked as slight favorites before today). This time, a reunion with Silva, another former player.

Santos hasn't put a foot wrong all night. Providing James isn't out for an age again, it was a blessing in disguise. I'd start him again (should we hopefully hold on).

How is it smart to have this card system in place? Key players missing for semis is so stupid.

Of all people! Gusto!!!!!!!!!

Moments like this are where James' impact is missed.

No idea what happened at HT. We haven't turned up so far. Need to wake up while it's still level.

Madueke just lost on the left. He has no right foot whatsoever.

Sanchez looking lost per norm. Estevao hasn't scored in this tournament. Ofc, he'd do it against us. Bound to happen. Joao Pedro on instead of Jackson is positive, though.

No idea what's worse, James in midfield after what happened in our only defeat or Nkunku starting a game of this magnitude. This isn't where you flaunt players on the shop window.

They wanted to renew his contract as well. Sickening.

You can always live in hope, eh. I might be mistaken, but I'm sure I read something in recent months that said we'd be willing to make exceptions for exceptional talent. Rodrygo would fit that and his age wouldn't be an issue like recent top talent we've been linked with. The rumoured transfer fee for Petrovic seems far too low unless there's clauses.

I've seen noise that we could be willing to let George go out on loan. Would be a very bizarre choice unless someone like Rodrygo was lined up (only played 23 minutes~ over four games at the CWC).

If Newcastle are bidding £55m for Elanga, Madueke, an English INT, has to be worth at least £65m+. Don't need to be giving bargains out, especially to direct rivals.

I see there's talk that Neto could be excused from tomorrow's match (completely understandable). I'd say he's been our best attacking player in this tournament by some distance. All I hope is that Delap starts without question. Jackson has to atone at some point for his behaviour. No more excuses about replacements not being available either.

Awful news about Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Just goes to show how precious life is.

Not at the rumoured price. Sunderland clearly have money to burn with the Jobe sale and PL money. If there isn't some sort clause (buy-back or significant sell on), it isn't good business.

Kalou could at least be relied on as an impact sub, more often than not. Jackson has been a certified starter for two seasons, and the most noticeable thing about him is his petulant behaviour.

I did seem like it was going to be a whitewash. In the end, Ramos probably had the best chance with a header just missing the post (they had a goal ruled out for offside, too).

If Maresca wants to keep playing him at LW when given the chance, there's absolutely no point in him staying around.

I constantly keep hearing noise about their financial restraints, so I feel if not this summer, he'll be gone the next, whether the Geordies like it or not. An awful refereeing decision effectively gifted them CL as is. Whatever the reason, if he doesn't gel with the person picking the squad, he's a goner. If we were talking about an untouchable like Caicedo or James, we would be having a completely different convo.

Don't know why, but I have a sneaky feeling about Monterrey. I honestly didn't realise they had that many big names on their roster. It's definitely shown so far, not to mention their manager was Pep's former assistant. Still puzzled as to how Kovac keeps finding himself in top jobs, though.

If he goes, I doubt it will be down to just footballing ability. There's been previous where his attitude has come into question and with Estevao set to be part of main squad, I wouldn't be surprised to see him move on. I'd seriously enquire about Isak should Newcastle have a real interest in him. Use any possibility leverage we have for a change.

That's what we are lead to believe. Either way, I'm sure we could have come to a reasonable agreement for one of the best CF's around. £165kpw for someone of his calibre was insulting.