Ronnie Gill reckons we have spent #500 on an extended loan deal for 26yr old Argentinian Striker Cordone. No idea what that's all about or what it says about Ferguson if we're still after a big name striker as well. Big 'if' that.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

Answers

#500 (- shurely some mistake? - ed)

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

First obvious question is, has anyone got any info on him?

Secondly, we appear to be making good deals with these extended loan deals as they reduce our liability. I assume that we can return the player at any time and he an't sit in the reserves picking up wages, if we don't want him.

Thirdly, it will be interesting to see how Shearer takes to him.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

As I understand it, it is a temporary one-year transfer for a fee of #500k, with an option to sign him permanently for another #2mm.
IMO, this is very good and creative arrangement by The Toon, and one that should be used more to prove out relatively unknown players, their temperament etc.
I feel we still need another top-class striker, and have a suspicion (and hope!) that BR will make one high profile signing - either a left-sided midfield player or a striker.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

Hope you're right, Clarky. Must say that we have to err on the side of pessimism ((-; about this new kid. Look at Cominelli and Fumaca.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

No probs for me and you then....we ALWAYS err on the side of pessimism ;))

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

I agree...it sounds like a very good and creative way of trialing out a player.......

As for a big signing........I still fancy BR moving in for one of the Pinto's........I would prefer Sa, but Joao (or whatever) will do regardless of his suspect temperament.....lets face it, how many of us have not felt like decking the boss from time to time.....oops sorry, I'll no doubt get attacked with a baseball bat by a certain person for that one.....ah well ho hum

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

"You wouldn't let it lie, would you!?"

I can't believe that if Pinto is on a Free then he'll join us. The only attraction we have is Bobby Robson in Pinto's eyes. If the really rich clubs decide to have him they'll be offering more in wages than we pay Shearer probably and on the four year contract he is wanting, he could be another Maric.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

Look's like Cordone's got the right temperament cos he's currently banned by the Argentine FA for 'over celebrating' after scoring against Velez by chucking his shirt at a group of their supporters, watched from the stand by his future teammate Fumaca. A star in the making.

And we've accepted a #3mill bid from Everton for Signore Pistone. He's 'thinking it over'.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

"Argentinian striker arrives at St James's in #500,000 extended loan deal exclusive By Alan Oliver chief Sports Writer NEWCASTLE United have signed their second Argentinian of the summer in striker Carlos Daniel Cordone.

United have paid Racing Club #500,000 so that the 26-year-old striker can come to St James's Park in a 12-month loan deal.

And if the Buenos Aires-born Cordone comes up with the goods, he will be available to United for #2 million this time next year.

It is a deal similar to the one which United used to bring Helder to St James's Park last season from Deportivo La Coruna, although it remains doubtful whether the Portuguese international defender will be coming back.

And United certainly look as though they have got a lively competitor who will join fellow Argentinian Christian Bassedas on the plane from South America next month.

For Cordone is currently banned by the Argentinian FA after getting a trifle excited after scoring against his and Bassedas's former club Velez Sarsfeld.

For with an astonished Bassedas sitting in the stands Cordone taunted the Velez fans after he scored in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Racing Club by throwing his shirt at them.

Nobody knows better than Bobby Robson that if United are going to challenge for honours they need some strength in depth up front.

Duncan Ferguson continues to be plagued by injury problems and both Temuri Ketsbaia and Paul Robinson are available for transfer after failing to break through last season.

And I understand that Cordone was still on his way to St James's Park even if United had not been pipped by Rangers for Danish striker Peter Lovenkrands.

Meanwhile United have denied reports that they are interested on Portuguese midfielder Joao Pinto who scored against England on Monday night and who is available on a free transfer from Benfica.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

"For with an astonished Bassedas sitting in the stands Cordone taunted the Velez fans after he scored in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Racing Club by throwing his shirt at them."

He is the replacement for Ketsy...best reinforce the advertising hoardings!

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

There must be some S.American Indian tribe uses the word 'Fumaca' to mean 'astonished Bassedas'.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

There is a photo of Cordone on the optasoccer website (optasoccer.com). He is nicknamed the Wolf but you get no indication of his height and build etc etc.

So we have the Sparrowhawk and the Wolf now, does Bassedas have a nickname?

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

Bassedas is the 'steering wheel'.

Apparently.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2000

i would have thought that some one would have brought this point up: 1 Peruvian + 1 Paraguan + 2 Argentinians = 4 South Americans. And am I correct in saying that EPL rules only allow you to have 3 non-eu players on the field at anyone time, or is it in the squad.

So how is bobby going to juggle this lot.

That said it good to see we have some transfer activity.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000

I recall that Bassedas has Italian grandmother. Does it mean he is eu player?

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000

I think Gavilan has a Spanish passport.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000

I've heard that Solano like Paella.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000

Obviously we must invade Argentina and colonise it, Fray Bentley corned beef anyone.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000