Newcastle United Transfer Watch; News and Rumors Edition 1: The Story so Far

"I can’t wait. I’m sure the Newcastle fans will be bored of the cricket and tennis by now and will be desperate for us to get back into action and show them our new wares." 
- Alan Pardew

As any good fan will tell you, most of the big stories circulating around the football world are the transfers in anticipation of a new season. This offseason is particularly meaningful, with UEFA looking set to implement their Financial Fair Play policy.

Over time, this column will become a collection point for all the rumored and completed trades undertaken by Newcastle United, complete with independent research as well as commentaries from myself and other fans.

I had something similar active over on my blog (shameless plug) and hope to use the same format here.

And in case you've missed it all, here's a quick rundown of what's happened.

Confirmed In

Mehdi Abeid (Lens)

The 18-year-old Tunisian was snapped up early in the transfer window. He comes "highly regarded in Europe," which can't be a bad thing and a bit of added depth in midfield doesn't hurt if he remains with the club for most of his career.

Yohan Cabaye (Lille)

The attacking midfielder arrived on a five-year contract with great promise from the French champions, and it was disappointing that his departure hasn't led to more players arriving in the north-east with Gervinho looking almost certainly bound for Arsenal.

Demba Ba (West Ham)

After a solid half-season with West Ham United, the Senegalese striker adds valuable power up front. If he can remain uninjured for most of the season, he should serve as a valuable asset.

However, taking on a striker who has an ongoing knee injury is always a dangerous game.

Sylvain Marveaux (Rennes)

The French midfielder should offer useful depth to the club with the list of midfielders who are heading out or are thinking of it. I can't see him getting a whole lot of starting time, however.

Confirmed Out

Kevin Nolan (West Ham)

Covered in more detail here.

Sol Campbell (Released)

Shefki Kuqi (Released)

Rumored In

Shane Long (Reading)

Having scored 21 goals in the nPower Championship last season, Long would make a valuable partner for Ba and could become a strong scorer in the Premiership if he replicates his form. The reported package for him is Leon Best plus cash.

Mevlut Edrinc (Paris St. Germain)

Discussions for the Turkish striker have become long and drawn out, but the fact that Alan Pardew continues to hunt for a second new striker bodes well for Newcastle fans.

Neil Taylor (Swansea City)

As with Edrinc, talks have gone on for longer than necessary, with Swansea supposedly wanting £10 million for the potential Jose Enrique replacement. The end result of this deal hinges largely on what Enrique does.

Charles N'Zogbia (Wigan Athletic)

Rumors have been floating around for Wigan's talismanic midfielder since the end of the 2010-11 season. Reportedly missing Tyneside, N'Zogbia sounds willing to return, a move that most Geordies wouldn't mind seeing provided the transfer fee isn't too high.

Rumored Out

Jose Enrique (Liverpool)

Reading what the Spanish star has to say on the matter, anything could happen here. By all accounts, he's enjoying his time at Tyneside and wants to stay but isn't impressed with the way things are administered.

A decent offer could easily sort the issue out, but Newcastle fans will be hoping against such an event.

Nile Ranger (Released)

News on Ranger has been quiet recently. Apparently his off-field behaviors and training ethic have done little to endear him to Alan Pardew.

While his pace would be missed, no player is bigger than the club and Ranger could still be replaced fairly easily.

Joey Barton (Free Agency)

After contract talks reportedly stagnated in a similar manner to Nolan, anything could happen to the playmaker. Reports can be found citing his desire to stay, to leave for a club with bigger ambitions, and you could probably find a quote about a desire to play in warmer weather. 

Alan Smith

James Perch

Xisco

Wayne Routledge