Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 20th July: Part One

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew wants to sign 27-year-old Lyon forward Bafetimbi Gomis and pair him with Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, 29, in a new-look attacking partnership at St James’ Park.

Full story: The Times

What’s the story? It’s not up to Alan Pardew though right? Isn’t that why Joe Kinnear was appointed as Director of Football? Do Newcastle even know themselves?Does it make sense? Yes. With Papiss Cisse seemingly wanting to leave the club, more of which here later, it makes sense to plan on how to replace him. Pardew seems to want to revert to his trusted 4-4-2, even though it doesn’t suit his players, and these two look like a dynamic strike pairing. They’d combine pace and power and look capable of 10-15 goals each.Is the price right? If rumours than Gomis is available for £4m are true then it’s unfathomably cheap. He hasn’t failed to get to double figures in goals in his career since 2006. Likewise, with Christian Benteke now re-signed, Aston Villa need to get David Bent and his starters wage off their bill so seem to be willing to listen to offers of £5-6m. Again, very cheap for a proven scorer. If Newcastle get them both for £10m it will be sensational business.Will it happen? 9/10 – There aren’t many other suitors for Bent surprisingly and Newcastle’s good record in recruiting from France should work in their favour.