#TransferWatch15 Update #1 - 1 Target Lost, New & Old Faces Emerge

We are still two weeks away from the transfer window officially opening, but that has not stopped media outlets all over the world from speculating on transfers across the Premier League and the rest of Europe. There are too many rumors to report and chase on a daily basis, so the once or twice a week updates will be coming your way from Coming Home Newcastle.

Last Week's Updates

Last week, a few choice strikers were linked to a Tyneside move. Some of these rumors have picked up steam, and others have already committed elsewhere.

Charlie Austin

The back and forth regarding the young QPR and England international has been intense. In addition to Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool have been linked to the 25 year old. The links to Chelsea have died down after they agreed to a year long loan for Falcao, quickly departing from Monaco again after a disappointing season at Manchester United.

Newcastle have reported to be standing firm on their £10m valuation, while QPR are allegedly holding true to their £15m price tag.

Updated Likelihood Rating: 6/10. The longer the reports of haggling go on, the more weary Toon fans (including myself) will stop believing this deal will happen. I know the transfer window opens in a couple of weeks, but any commitment to a signing will be welcomed with open arms. Make it this one and get the fans back on your side!

Bas Dost

If I had to place a bet on Newcastle's first summer signing, my money is on this lad. We reported earlier this week that we are near signing the Dutch international. The amount of press about the Dost and Charlie Austin has been near even. The difference between the press about Dost and Austin is Dost's press infers we are on the verge of landing his signature.

Update Likelihood Rating: 9/10. I firmly believe he will be our first signing this summer. It's a nice start, but we will need more.

Juanmi aka The One That Got Away

As we reported before, the young Spanish starlet dubbed "The Next Ayoze" was signed by Europa League placeholders Southampton. Perhaps pursuing him was an oversight while going after bigger targets, or maybe he was not as high on the pecking order we thought he would be. Either way, he's now a Saint.

Instead of wallowing in our losses, let's move onto new speculation.

New Faces

Louis Dunk

Holy crap! A defender! We reported a £5m bid has been placed for Brighton & Hove Albion central defender Louis Dunk. Brighton's defense was among the best in the Championship in the goals against department, conceding just 54 goals in 46 matches. With defense this poor, it's a shame they did not have the goal scoring chops to support the back line. They scored an abysmal 44 goals, with Dunk leading the team with 5 (yes, just 5) goals. With Mike Williamson potentially leaving for the Championship, Dunk could see a fast track into the Newcastle squad.

Desirability Rating: 7/10. Brighton's defense was one of the strongest in the Championship, and Dunk was an anchor. It wasn't his fault the rest of the team couldn't score goals! With no Premier League experience, he could still need another year's time before he is able to step up and be a regular in the Newcastle side. 
Level of Possibility: 8/10. He is good English talent at a cut-rate price. This sounds like a no-brainer for our boardroom.

Jesse Lingard

Young Manchester United star impressed Steve McClaren while on loan at Derby this past season. He is impressed so much, he wants him another loan spell.

The England U-21 star registered a single Premier League start against Swansea last season. He was replaced by Januzaj due to injury midway through the first half. He was out on loan to Derby from February 1 to the end of the season. Louis van Gaal went on record in the Telegraph saying he is willing to loan him out again to aid his development as a player. He is more likely to get a game in the Newcastle side than breaking into the Manchester United squad, and the experience in front of the Geordie faithful, both in good times and bad, could do him well in the long run.

Desirability Rating: 6/10. He is a young talent, but relying on loaned players does not bode well for the long-term development of the squad. I would rather see us put more effort in developing our own young guns than act as a minor league team for one of the big 4.
Level of Possibility: 5/10. This will come down to the transfer wire window. Who knows if Lingard will impress van Gaal on their US tour or in the first few games of the Premier League season. if that happens, don't expect him to leave Old Trafford.

Old Faces

Andy Carroll

As we discussed last week, Andy Carroll has once again been linked with a return to his hometown club. The Mirror has also reported that Carroll was tabled an offer from Newcastle that did not meet his wage package. They instead offered him a pay-as-you-play contract due to the multiple injuries he has sustained since he left Newcastle for £35m

My previous ratings of desirability and likelihood still stand from last week. I think he is a gamble, even on the pay per performance. We were already in the top of the league for injuries, and adding another injury prone striker does nothing to improve that.

Yohan Cabaye

After just a season and a half away from St. James's Park, the PSG castaway and former Newcastle playmaker is reportedly accepting offers from Premier League Clubs. A return to Newcastle has been rumored, but stronger links to West Ham and a reunion with Crystal Palace's Alan Pardew has also been mentioned.

The 29 year old is seeking a spot on France's Euro 2016 roster, and national team manager Didier Dechamps reportedly told Cabaye he must seek regular first team football to have a chance at making the squad. He is currently low on the pecking order, registering only 13 Ligue 1 starts this past season.

Level Of Desire: 6/10. Cabaye is an established playmaker in a Toon shirt, but I am not sure where he will fit. He was a fan favorite when he played for Newcastle, but I do not see him breaking into the squad ahead of a healthy Siem de Jong or Moussa Sissoko.
Likelihood Rating: 2/10. At 29, Cabaye was sold for maximum profit by Mike Ashley within the age he allows few players to pass. He teamed well in executing Alan Pardew's game plans when they worked together, and I suspect he will be welcomed there with wider arms than on Tyneside.