It can be a tough time for reporters and story-makers between transfer windows, and the fact that Newcastle tend to keep their cards close to their chest (to protect themselves and stop other suitors nipping in and stealing targets) makes "speculation" even harder. But if there's one lesson the tabloids have always taught us it's that you should never let the truth - or a complete lack of any information whatsoever - stand in the way of writing stories. And that seems to have fed into the way fan blogs report "news" about the club, as Newcastle are today being linked with a move for French Guingamp midfielder Giannelli Imbula, the driving force - along with on-loan Magpies midfielder Sylvain Marveaux - behind some of the team's better form this season. The 22-year-old has a passing success rate of almost 90%, with 501 completed passes, and has legitimately drawn the attention of Chelsea and Arsenal - who have scouted him. Both clubs - especially Chelsea - have been linked by the Sun with a January move for the player, and it seems an older story about Imbula has fed into claims that Newcastle are also interested. Back in March 2013, the Guingamp player was linked with a move to Tyneside, and dismissed it as nothing but speculation:
"I have a contract until 2015 so let's see what will happen. Guingamp is my club and they will have their say. "Newcastle are in the Premier League, you are talking about a big club, but nothing is done. It is only paper talk."
And while it may be true that Newcastle continued to scout him, it is garbage to lump the club in with Arsenal and Chelsea as firm suitors: he would cost upwards of £12-15m, is a world away from the player we were linked with last year. The idea that we are chasing him at all should paint the picture of a straggler trying to stalk from the distance as the real contenders pursue properly.
