Transfer Window Special: Three Days Left

The transfer window closes on Wednesday at midnight (local time).  With that in mind, let's check in on some players recently connected with Newcastle.

Davide Santon

The big news of the day is that Newcastle are reportedly negotiating with 20 year-old right back Davide Santon after agreeing a fee (reported to be anywhere from £5-10 million) with Internazionale.  Santon is a fantastic talent, and if you don't believe me, check out this scouting report on Santon that Steve Schmidt wrote up at We Ain't Got No History when Chelsea were linked to him last December. 

More on Santon and 6 other players after the jump.

Santon could easily step into the left back or right back role at Newcastle, and though left back is currently the more glaring need, right back is his natural position.  I would imagine that his interest in Newcastle over other clubs like Chelsea and Roma has a lot to do with playing time and possibly even a promise to play him where he wants.  That's pure speculation, but the point is that we shouldn't assume that he'll simply slide in on the left side.  In a perfect world, Pardew signs both Santon and Erik Pieters and there's an upgrade at both positions.  Speaking of which...

Erik Pieters

There was rampant speculation that the Pieters signing was in the bag and that he would finish the deal on Sunday.  Nothing happened, and Pieters ended up playing with PSV that day.  That's it.  I haven't seen any reports on whether the deal has been delayed, canceled, or never really was.  Still a situation worth monitoring.

Modibo Maiga

Maiga played for Sochaux this weekend, ending his boycott against the club as he tries to force a move.  Turns out the gesture of goodwill was actually another ploy to get out of there, according to his agent:

He played on condition that the club allowed him to leave this month, providing they find a replacement.

via People Online

It sounds like Sochaux are also operating on the one-in, one-out policy, and this move is contingent on them being able to find somebody else.  Maiga has made no secret of his desire to play for the Toon, and I expect this to get done before the deadline.

Petr Bolek

The Slovakian goalkeeper is on Tyneside for a medical, according to Sky Sports.  This makes about as much sense to me as Rob Elliot, which is to say that I'm not exactly on board.  Apparently Pardew and company are either very worried about Steve Harper's health, don't think he can hack it anymore, or a combination of both.  Graham Carr has apparently been focusing on older, unproven keepers, and if I'm Ole Soderberg, I'm wondering why these guys are getting the benefit of the doubt over me.

Aly Cissokho

Newcastle reportedly attempted to land the 23 year-old Cissokho from Lyon this weekend, bidding £8-10 million, but now sources are reporting the deal is dead.  Cissokho made public comments about wanting to play for Newcastle, but is now having to clarify them, saying he never wanted to leave. 

Nolan Roux

Roux seems to be the consolation prize if Maiga cannot make the move, and Newcastle appear to have the luxury of waiting due to a release clause in his contract.

Nile Ranger

Ranger is in trouble again, but this time it's more serious than a mere photograph.  He was arrested Saturday after allegedly assaulting a man outside of a pub and breaking his jaw.  Newcastle are now trying to unload Ranger.  Chris Hughton has shown interest in him, but it's unknown if this most recent development will cool that interest.  My guess is that another striker with assault charges on his record is not in Hughton's plans.