When the Remy Cabella signed for Newcastle United last summer, it was seen as a signal of intent by the boardroom. Finally Mike Ashley was dipping into his very deep pockets and looking to replace some of the stars he had previously made a mountain of profit on. The chunky cockney spent close to £40 million last summer with Cabella the biggest signing, coming in at around £12 million. Not since the signing of Fabricio Coloccini in 2008 for a reported £10 million had Newcastle splashed out an eight figure sum on a single player. The £9 million spent on Papiss Cisse in 2012 came close, but this was the first time in roughly six years that Newcastle had shown REAL ambition in the transfer market. And given the way the Frenchman has performed so far in the black and white it could be the last for some time. After splashing out £12 million, Mike Ashley, who has attended the majority of games at St James' Park this year remember, would have been expecting instant brilliance from his marquee player. What he's seen has been anything but from RC, there's no way of hiding that. Alan Pardew even saw fit to drop the newbee after a string of displays that flattered to deceive. It has been such a frustrating start for the now former French international. Whether it be beating one man, coming back to try and beat another and losing the ball or just having no effect on the game whatsoever, we certainly haven't seen enough from Remy that justifies his £12 million price tag. He has shown flashes. Nothing more. His display on the opening day against Manchester City, the goal at Hull and the second half at home to Arsenal were all fantastic and showed he can do it against the very best. But it isn't enough. This will get Mike thinking as he has seen a lot more from players that cost a lot less. Andy Carroll: Free (technically) Kevin Nolan: £4 million Demba Ba: Free Yohan Cabaye: £4 million Hatem Ben Arfa: £5 million (ish) Moussa Sissoko: £2.5 million Ayoze Perez: £2 million Jack Colback: Free There's just a few examples of where Mike has got plenty of bang fro his buck. So being as naive in football terms as he is, he will now be convinced that you can find players of that ilk without paying the huge transfer fees. This is worrying for Newcastle who need are in need of a drastic rebuilding of their squad ahead of next season, whatever league they are in. Cabella had the chance to prove to Ashley that spending big (within reason of course) is the way to go. Simply put, he hasn't. Given that Ashley is set to leave Newcastle at the end of the upcoming season you would hope that he would do enough to ensure that the club flourishes in the Premier League to make it a more attractive proposition for a potential buyer. But due to the fact that we all know how he thinks (drastically backwards), don't be surprised to see plenty of bodies through the door but not a lot of money spent. Worrying times ahead. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.