Reddish-Blue

I don't see how we are 'rebuilding' as most of the players from our title winning season are still here.. We haven't sold any ageing or under performing players from the abomination of last season (letting go of Ivanovic, Matic would have been a sensible decision) The only new face in the team is Kante...and we're just as unconvincing as last season (apart from the Burnley game)

It's not that bizarre. He's been playing the game since 16 years of age, and now all those minutes/kilometres on the pitch/training ground are taking its toll on Rooney. He's been involved in about 600 games (club + international)...most of his former team-mates/colleagues are either in the MLS or pundits It will be interesting to see what position he plays for the rest of his career....as he isn't a striker and he's definitely not a midfielder...

Pogba - Felliani as a two man midfield is like a Matic - Kante midfield...there is no balance between attack and defense They need a Carrick or Schneiderlin in the midfield if they want to see the Juventus Pogba...

Young midfielder capable of dominating a game, high workrate, isn't afraid to make a tackle, good passing, under-25 years of age I can see where the hype comes from...

Pedro was always going to be disappointing. He was a system player for Barcelona and Spain, he knew his role to perfection for so many years, it's very hard to suddenly change the way you play/think about the game. I really wish we had gone after Alexis Sanchez, he would of been perfect attacking support for Hazard and Costa! As for Moses, he's a bit-part player who should be adding some fresh energy into the attack after 70 minutes...if he can't do that, then why is he at the club instead of the promising Kenedy (who showed flashes of his skill and will to get forward with the ball last season)?

Perfect chance for Alonso & Batshuayi to come into the team If Leicester score first, I think we'll lose

That shadow is still lingering around as most of the first team squad are 'Mourinho' players. We should have sold some of the first team regulars (like Matic, Ivanovic, Oscar) and brought in fresh faces in the transfer window Our squad is the same as last season apart from 1-2 changes...and as a result, we will continue to see the poor form/inconsistencies from last season. Conte is a fresh face but everything I've read/heard about him from Juventus/Italy supporters suggests that he is a man motivator, rather than a brilliant tactician. It will be interesting to see whether we can finish in the top 4 this season...as our only convincing performance has been against Burnley

Even with a good euros, he's not worth that much. Newcastle are gonna be stuck with a unmotivated player for another year or two...

We used to have cover for defence, midfield and attack (Ferreira could play RB/LB, Ramires was like a jack-of-all-trades midfielder & Kalou played his part as the backup winger/striker) until 2012/2013. I feel the club was a bit short-sighted with the return of Mourinho. Most of our potential squad depth was sold off to win one title in 3 seasons and now we're back to square one with another new manager.

If we wanted someone that could play the defensive backup role in midfield, we should have kept Romeu. Van Ginkel has quality but he wouldn't be able to cover for Cesc defensively.

Great news. Hope he earns a permanent move to a Championship club.

If Matic is sold, we'll have to sign TWO new midfielders.. (hopefully one of them is Kante)

For whatever reason, Rodriguez has always been linked to Arsenal/Liverpool in the premier league....even though he would be a nice upgrade on Baba I'm guessing the wide players will be Pedro, Willian, Kennedy and Cuadrado/Moses (depending on who Conte prefers).

I just don't see the club spending 80+ million (30 for Michy and 50 for Morata) on two strikers....especially when you consider our lack of defensive quality

I'm surprised the rumors of Lichsteiner joining Conte at Chelsea went quiet. He would be perfect for the RWB role

It's a dailymail source...so most likely false rumors.

I doubt it would be Lukaku as..I don't see Conte starting the season with two young strikers up front.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/11986595/Premier-Leagues-top-10-creators-in-201516-according-to-the-statistics.html?frame=3496919 Willian isn't even in the top 10 for 'chances created'...not sure where your getting your statistics from.

We definitely need more clinical finishing up front!! Will be interesting to see how Conte uses him & Costa.

Based on what you've described, he sounds like the opposite of a Conte player (e.g. hard-working, plays for the team, understands the importance of tactics)

If we're talking about the same French midfield maestro...he has been linked with United as well Not looking good on the transfer market so far....all of our rivals have strengthened in at least 1 position

I'm sure Azpi could be used as the third defender (assuming we sign a quality CB like Koulibaly). Ivanovic should be the one being sold. He's past his peak and we should look to get some value before he gets even worse

Napoli won't accept that. If we really want Koulibaly, it's going to cost around 35 million

Can only hope you're right

Doesn't he basically play the same position as Hazard? (LW/LAM)