This summer was crackers for Newcastle United. Hard to get away from that fact. Newcastle proved hard but fair sellers - in truth, they ended up selling more than they wanted to.
Every wantaway player, no matter their reputation or standing, got the exit door they desired, for the right price, of course.
Everyone of Manchester red persuasion told us, with huge confidence, that Lewis Hall was top of the Red Devils’ wanted list. And that Hall would drag himself over hot coals to leave Tyneside - it really did get that strong.
But here we are, Monday, September 7, nearly a week past the end of the transfer window and, unsurprisingly, Lewis Hall is still Newcastle United’s left-back.
Strange that. Players who aren’t 100% committed are found moves, no matter their importance, see Bruno Guimaraes as example. Hall is the jewel in the crown of Michael Carrick’s summer. Hall doesn’t want to play for Newcastle anymore. But there he was - I saw it with my own eyes - in black and white, running up and down the wing, just like he did last season, at St James’ Park. Something doesn’t quite add up, does it? Maybe, just maybe, someone, somewhere has been telling porkies this summer.