"Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" : Magpies Tell Mike Ashley

Thousands of angry Newcastle supporters gathered near the Barras Bridge in Newcastle to protest against Newcastle United's owner, Mike Ashley.

"Put your money where your mouth is, Ashley!" read a banner.

The Magpies accused Mike Ashley of making false promises, after he swore to provide a budget to strengthen the squad. However, the squad has weakened.

Steven Carr, Peter Ramage and David Rozenhal have already left St.James Park with rumours, suggesting Shola Ameobi, James Milner, Charles N'Zogbia, Obafemi Martins and possibly even Micheal Owen could follow.

Departures ... but no arrivals! The Geordies have yet to sign a player this summer and the fans aren't too happy about it.

Newcastle is attempting to convince Tottenham to part with Aaron Lennon. With the winger reportedly keen on a move to St James' Park, Lennon could be joined in Newcastle by team-mate Michael Dawson.

The defender is a hefty £4 million target.

Newcastle is in a three-way race to sign Orlando Engelaar, the FC Twente player who solidified Holland’s midfield at Euro 2008. Everton is also interested, though it appears Schalke is leading the race having agreed to terms with the player.

Shola Ameobi is wanted by West Brom and could leave the Magpies for around £2.5 million, while FC Basel striker Eren Derdiyok could be heading in the opposite direction if Kevin Keegan gets his £6 million wish.

Newcastle has rejected an offer from Liverpool for winger James Milner, revealing that they were offered three "non-entities" in return. Instead they will demand at least £9 million.

Real Zaragoza midfielder Pablo Aimar is being lined up as a potential £4 million replacement for Emre who is returning to Turkey, while Kevin Keegan is following Paris Saint Germain's France Under-21 international Didier Digard. Em-re

Emre, however, might not be able to take up his place at Fenerbahce, as he faces a call up to the army.

Newcastle has shown interest in Le Mans midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, who is flattered by the attention.

"I am in contact with Le Mans, they told me Newcastle has watched me and I am flattered to be linked with a big team in England," Sessegnon declared.

"There are a lot of African players in the Premier League, it would be a dream but I have to work hard and one day I could be there."

I'm sympathetic towards Newcastle supporters because they are a big club and never play to their potential, but huge expectations usually lead to huge problems.