Turk two?

So, the transfer window has been flung open and, as expected, we're at the centre of countless stories and speculations.

Yesterday lunchtime came the revelation that (according to his agent, at least), Real Sociedad's Turkish international striker Nihat Kahveci is in negotiations with the club over linking up with compatriot Emre on Tyneside. Welcome news round these parts - Nihat is a proven international, wouldn't cost a great deal of money (around £2-3m) and, in Owen's absence, would probably fill the England striker's boots well as a quick and mobile strike partner for Shearer. The one concern, however, is whether he will be prepared to sign knowing that as soon as Owen regains fitness he'll drop out of the first team.

The other area that needed strengthening urgently was the defence (as ever). Our interest in Marseille's out-of-favour centre back Abdoulaye Meite has apparently waned owing to his participation in the African Nations Cup with Ivory Coast and the fact that Souness is ideally looking for a player accustomed to the Premiership who wouldn't need a period of time to bed in. So quite why we seem about to offer a contract to Yoann Lachor, who can't even get into the Lens side, is anybody's guess. The move has something of the Craig Moore about it, if you ask me...