More Chelsea and Newcastle United rumblings! Must be that new manager smell (see also: Real Madrid and Benítez). While technically Steve McClaren has yet to take over up on Tyneside, the local papers are already full of rumors of new signings. (And the local papers' comment sections are full of comments befitting a frustrated and disillusioned fanbase.)

In any case, in addition to supposedly being interested in Marco van Ginkel, Newcastle are also intrigued by a certain Patrick Bamford, Chelsea loanee of much promise and perhaps even a semi-realistic expectation of making it at Chelsea proper at some point.

Chelsea have slapped a £10million price tag on Newcastle United strike target Patrick Bamford. United have been eyeing the England under-21 forward as part of a summer overhaul, but Newcastle, along with Sunderland, West Brom and a clutch of other clubs who are interested in him, have been told it will cost an eight-figure fee to prise him from Stamford Bridge. United are unlikely to pursue their interest at that price... -source: Chronicle

Now, I may be biased, but £10m sure sounds like a pittance in this day and age of record TV contracts for the 21-year-old Championship Player of the Year who has so far managed to prove his goalscoring credentials at every step and every turn. But apparently it is enough to ward off Newcastle's interest. So that's good. But I worry that may not be enough if others come calling.

Whatever the case may be, Bamford's future, if Chelsea still believe he may yet make the grade here, won't be decided until all the stories around Falcao, Benteke, Rémy (and others?) have run their course. Just like this time last season, Bamford's probably penciled-in as our third striker for next season, but the current situation might change as future transfers shake out.