And the transfer saga rolls on. Despite seriously mixed messages in the past few days concerning the Frenchman's thoughts on his future, and whether Newcastle have actually already agreed a fee with his club or not, Alexandre Lacazette is still not a Newcastle player. The squad numbers confirmation yesterday offered some hope that the club were looking to possibly bring in a centre-back and a striker (since numbers 5 and 12 remained unallocated), but it's likely one defender would have to move out before the former happened, and the latter looks to be grinding slowly to a halt. Not signing another striker might not be the worst thing: Newcastle clearly have faith in the three attackers they've already brought in, or they wouldn't have brought them in, and there's always Papiss Cisse... But then, adding someone who scored as many goals as Lacazette did for France last year should never be discounted as a possibility, and the deal is decidedly not dead yet, according to the Newcastle Chronicle. They say that the club remain determined to sign a striker before the end of the transfer window, with both Lacazette AND Loic Remy still under consideration, despite any deal for the latter looking unlikely thanks to reports of his extortionate wage demands. Though good business has been done, and seven new first teamers have been bought (with two more waiting in the wings for next season at Forest), United remain committed to trying to bring in another striker who will "shoulder the scoring burden". The Chronicle suggest that Newcastle wouldn't look any further than Lacazette or Remy, so it's seemingly them or bust, and the key here, is that though public news concerning the pair seems not to have been too positive, there is understood to have been more constructive talk behind-the-scenes, and a move for Remy still in the offing. His wages would undoubtedly get in the way, but he's not exactly in a strong negotiating position anymore, especially if it's true that he doesn't fancy staying at QPR and potentially fighting to survive. Because there are already three striking options, plus Cisse at the club, if no deal can be secured before the end of August, United are likely to wait until January and try again in January - as they did for Mathieu Debuchy, Remy Cabella and indeed Papiss Cisse. And if a bargain can be found in that manner, that might be the best option, though of course it would be preferable to get another body in before September in the interest of greater squad unity and getting the right start to the season. There may also need to be some squad trimming done before a big contract can be agreed to: Ben Arfa is likely to leave with his £50k wages (unless he goes out on loan), and Steve Taylor remains vulnerable (thankfully). Jonas Gutierrez meanwhile is training alone in Argentina, despite having been given a squad number, and has been told he is free to look for a new club. Do you think Newcastle need Remy or Lacazette? Which would you prefer? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
