Am shambles

Just what IS going on with Shola Ameobi?

First of all we were led to believe that a deal had been struck with Stoke as part of last season's loan and that a mouth-wateringly large fee could be on its way to Tyneside in return for his services on a permanent basis.

When that trail went cold his likely destination looked set to be Ipswich, the Tractor Boys apparently prepared to pay up to £4m for him - a great deal for us, whichever way you look at it.

Then yesterday it was rumoured their East Anglian rivals Norwich had bagged him from under their noses, the presence of Glenn Roeder and Lee Clark at Carrow Road no doubt a key factor.

And now today it's been reported he could be staying in the Premier League, as a cut-price £2m target for new boys West Brom.

Where he'll actually end up is anyone's guess. One thing seems to be for certain, though: he won't be on the payroll of his hometown club for much longer.

Meanwhile, still no news on the incoming front. The latest player to be linked with us is Argentinian centre back Fabricio Coloccini. He's an accomplished defender in one of the best (if not the best) league in the world, but I can't help wondering if our interest is only the consequence of Keegan's penchant for uncompromising central defenders with flowing locks. Think Kilcline, Venison, Peacock - hell, even Phillippe Albert had a bit of mullety tuftage going on...