Reap the Wild Wyn on Wednesday

Every Wednesday I laugh. So many W's, and then I think of Elmer Fudd.

Well, after the death march of rumors we are finally seeing the club begin to take shape. Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels has been signed, and it appears that Dwight Gayle is on the cusp of moving from Pardew's squad to Tyneside. Twitter had some interesting dialogue surrounding the potential to grab Gayle, with most of it being positive. Those against the signing concluded that since he couldn't break into Pardew's starting lineup he must not be good value for the money.

For those of us who have followed the club as far back as at least the Pardew Era we are very aware of his mismanagement of players. Hatem Ben Arfa anyone? Looking at Gayle's stats there is reason to be optimistic, and reason to see Pardew as once again failing to optimize talent. In his three years with Palace he has failed to hold down a starting spot, and yet he's managed to be the top scorer in all competitions for the club.

It surely goes without saying folks that wanted Gayle also wanted to keep Andros Townsend, but the reality of this is seeming less negative. We can only trust Rafa, and if his efforts to keep Andros were unsuccessful then surely he sees Gayle as fair compensation, and it gets sweeter if Matt Ritchie gets signed.

Ok, let's kick the ball.

Matz Sels: Newcastle United sign Belgian goalkeeper from Gent - BBC Sport

Newcastle confirm £4.5m signing of Matz Sels to give Rafa Benitez his first addition - The Daily Mail

We must start with who we have signed. Both articles have similar information, with latter giving us images of Matz holding his jersey. We saw last year how depth at the position at least gave us a punchers chance of staying up. If Matz is the goods then our back five give us hope of being an asset. Beating out Middlesbrough is an added win.

EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle could lose one of their star players to rivals - The Daily Star

Go ahead. Guess who this might be.

Dwight Gayle heading to Newcastle United to discuss move to St James' Park - Chronicle Live

He is coming in for a medical evaluation. Gayle has dealt with injuries in the past.

Florian Thauvin told to return to Newcastle - as he blames lack of fitness for poor form - Chronicle Live

Well, I guess fitness might have been the issue.

Roma forward Seydou Doumbia joins Basel on season-long loan - Sky Sports

Losing dead weight makes the burden much lighter.

Leicester City transfer rumours: Foxes 'favourites' to land French star Ben Arfa - Leicester Mercury

Let that sink in. Not good enough for a lower table club (Pardew's Newcastle), but recent PL champions think he brings value.