Deadline Day Done

On the face of it this Deadline Day was as quiet as most others, and certainly for Newcastle United.

Three, there were no last minute signings, no Andy Carroll to Liverpool type moments, no selling the crown jewels.

Indeed Newcastle had already had what many would consider a reasonable transfer window with the arrival of Lazaro from Inter, Betaleb from Schalke and Danny Rose all on loan. With Rose and Bentaleb proven to one degree or another at this level the hope is that Lazaro too will bring flair and a cutting edge to the Newcastle front line.

But in the background there was a great deal of activity.

In terms of incomings there was almost a major breakthrough. Rumours started just before Bruce’s press conference that United had made a significant bid for an ‘unknown’ player in the days preceding deadline day. And in said conference those rumours were confirmed.

And whist the Newcastle manager wouldn’t confirm who the player in question was, it didn’t take long for the media to do their thing. Boubakary Soumare turned out to be the player in question. With LOSC Lille confirming in a statement that they had accepted a deal worth an initial £35m, rising to a potential £45m, for the 20 year old French youth international. Only for the player himself to turn down the move.

At the other end of the spectrum was Jarrod Bowen. It had been widely reported in the weeks leading up to deadline day that Bowen was interested in a move to the Magpies. And on this, the last day of the window things got pretty weird.

First was news the Palace had agreed a figure of circa £20m for the Hull forward. Then, in a twist, West Ham went after the player in an ultimately successful attempt to hijack the deal. But before that protracted saga was concluded there was a pretty clear ‘come and get me’ message sent from Bowen’s camp to Newcastle United. West Ham were attempting to insert a relegation clause into Jarrod’s proposed contract, but with the player desperate for a move to Tyneside the agent reportedly contacted Newcastle to offer them the same deal at the players’ behest. Newcastle though were content with their business. Bowen signed for West Ham.

And then there was Olivier Giroud. Bruce this time confirming that Newcastle had made an offer for the striker, but again the player was not interested with his heart set on a move to Italy or possibly even Spurs. In the end, he would stay at Chelsea however.

Getting players out of the club was proving more difficult.

In mid afternoon it was confirmed that Ki Sung-yueng was to leave the club by mutual consent. A sensible move on all counts with the player getting no game time and his £60k a week going to cost great deal more than the payoff that would allow Ki to move on a free to anywhere he sees fit as of tomorrow.

There were also strong rumours that United were trying to shift Gayle, Aarons and Atsu, with the latter turning down moves to more than one club, including Celtic.

Aarons would eventually find loan move to Motherwell whilst there would be no takers for Gayle with Atsu deciding to stay and fight for his place.

An eventful day, considering the lack to movement.