Well maybe none of it's new but atleast it's interesting, the name are reconisable and would give us a half decent team.

ROBSON BIDS FOR PORTUGUESE ACE

Newcastle have tabled a #3 million bid for Benfica's Joao Pinto, one of the men aiming to put a spike in England's Euro 2000 hopes, according to Planetfootball.com

The forward will be in the shop window during Euro 2000 after feeling the time is right to quit the Lisbon giants and accept the opportunity of a lucrative move abroad. Napoli, Paris Saint Germain, Monaco and Valencia, among others, have also been linked with the 28-year-old. Pinto has played in Spain with Atletico Madrid in the past, and he has previously rejected a move to Deportivo La Coruna, so he may be attracted to playing in England. Well known to Bobby Robson, he has the class and experience to make a real impact in the Premiership. The Magpies have stolen a march on their rivals to table the first concrete bid for the Portuguese international, who is rumoured to be at loggerheads with the Benfica hierarchy. Robson has offered the striker a three-year deal, but his agent, Jose Veiga, is demanding a four-year contract for his client. Speculation last season linked Newcastle with a move for Joao Pinto's namesake striker Sa Pinto, but it looks as though it is the Benfica star who has emerged as one of the top targets for Robson, as he continues to build for next season. Local press reports have also linked Robson again with a swoop for Fernando Meira, although he appears to be set for Italy after agreeing contracts with two clubs - Vicenza and Udinese. It would appear the only way the player could move to Tyneside is if Fifa intervene and deny the player a move to Serie A - as happened when Luis Figo joined Barcelona, after agreeing deals with two separate Italian rivals.

Magpies eye wing wizard.

Newcastle United are believed to have entered into a race with local rivals Sunderland for the signature of Belgian winger Bart Goor. Ajax and Celtic have also been linked with the #4 million-rated Anderlecht star, but the north-east rivals hold a trump card, since Goor has already stated his desire to play in England. His agent, Fernand Goyvaerts, said: "I can't deny there is interest and Bart believes he would be perfectly suited to the Premiership." Goor favours Newcastle's problem position of left midfield, but is a converted striker who showed his eye for goal by hitting the first strike of Euro 2000 on Saturday night in the Belgians' 2-1 win over Sweden.

Meira Checks in.

Portugal defender Meira signalled his intent to move to Newcastle by making a trip to Tyneside a few days ago. The 21 year old is anticipating being granted a free transfer from Vitoria Guimaraes because of an irregularity over his wages. Meira expects to become a free agent by the end of the month and, although he'll be much in demand, he seems to be favouring a move to Newcastle. He said: "Everyone in Portugal has huge respect for Bobby Robson and it wouldbe an honour to play for him." Meira, who just missed out on making the squad for Euro 2000, is also wanted by Italian sides Vicenza and Udinese. But he travelled to Newcastle to assess the region on his own initiative, which encourages United officials that he will sign once he becomes available. Bobby Robson will be delighted to secure Meira's signature, and said: "He's a very good young player and if we sign him he'll be a valuable acquisition to our squad."

(Guess who learnt to copy and waste - the bbs is doomed mwhahahahah)

-- Anonymous, June 13, 2000

Answers

Pinto looks tasty but think he would cost more than just 3m when Euro 2000 ends...especially if Portugal qualify further than group stages.

-- Anonymous, June 13, 2000

Jaoa Pinto looked decent against England last night and scored a great header after he was allowed to get in front of Campbell. I thought he was available on a free, as he has been sacked by Benfica, reportedly due to his excessive wages, which the club can't afford.

Bart man would be a good signing just to piss the mackems off. Left sided midfielder with an eye for goal at a fairly decent price. Our last Belgian did us no harm, maybe he could persuade Bart how good a club we have!

Miera seems to have been mentioned for a long time now and if the Portugese FA let him go on a free, I'd snap their hands off, young and apparently a left sided midfielder but he has been playing central defence for his club due to their shortage and his height. Could be a good defensive midfielder in the Viera mould? However, Bobby has once again said he would be a good acqusition which means he'll probably sign for Rangers.

Totalling this lot up they should cost no more than #7million. I think that would represent the end of Bobby's dealings for the summer!

-- Anonymous, June 13, 2000

After last night`s game, I suspect J. Pinto`s price will go up! Anyway, he`s a difficult person to get to sign - I tried for three seasons on Champo, and never succeeded! (:o)

-- Anonymous, June 13, 2000

Well it looks like all the latest transfer links are down the tube, as aparently Benfica have joined the race for Meira and are willing to offer his former club some cash just to make sure they get him. Pinto wants more than we can afford. And for stupid reason the Makems are supposed to lead the chase for Goor, but Deportivo La Coruna have joined the chase and can offer champions league football.

On top of this we end up with no recognised left sided players as Pistone is said to be waying up Evertons offer, we all assume that Bobby doesn't rate Domi at LB and the player wants to move, and we still have no left sided midfielder.

I hate the off season as we are always left behind all the big clubs in terms of early and big name signings, and are left to pick over what's left.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000

I don't know why this comes as such a surpise to everyone. All the emerging stars in Euro2000 will be snapped up by big Clubs offering CL participation and huge wages.
Like it or not, we are not in the CL, have a very limited transfer kitty for reasons debated ad nauseum on here, and right now are unable to compete on wages with the very biggest Clubs.
Facts of life gang.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000

Exactly Clarky, I would expect to see only one more signing at the most, unless they are free transfers.

It is going to be a while before we are in the CL spots because we don't have the quality in depth. Gradually the quality will come but let's face it it's going to take at least two years.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000