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Newcastle United have accelerated talks with an influential figure over a key off-field appointment this summer, according to a fresh update.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies will be wanting to do plenty of key transfer business in the summer window, with funds hopefully available to strengthen Eddie Howe's squad. They will have to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, however, and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is seen as a target who they could have to avoid signing, for example, given Forest's lofty price tag as they themselves try to avoid further PSR issues.

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has reportedly agreed personal terms over a move to Newcastle, coming in to provide stiff competition for Nick Pope, who suffered an injury-plagued 2023/24 season. The youngster is arguably viewed as the most exciting emerging 'keeper in English football, potentially being lined up as Jordan Pickford's future replacement for England.

The Magpies are also thought to be interested in acquiring the signature of Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze, lining up a £60m move for him and making their attack more formidable in the process. The 25-year-old scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season, earning him a place in the Three Lions' Euro 2024 squad, but comes at a huge cost.

Kelechi Iheanacho has also been spoken of as a possible target for Howe's side, having left Leicester City recently, meaning he is now available on a free transfer this summer. The Nigerian has scored 42 times in the Premier League, showing that he knows how to be a threat in arguably the biggest league in the world.

Away from the signing of new players, however, it is also important that Dan Ashworth is sufficiently replaced in the role of sporting director, in order to have someone on board who can help mastermind transfer activity. Now, a new update has emerged regarding that appointment.

Newcastle in talks for sporting director appointment

According to a new update from Give Me Sport, talks have sped up between Newcastle and Johannes Spors over the vacant sporting director role at St James'.

The Magpies have "accelerated talks to bring the German to the club and succeed Dan Ashworth", with the Englishman placed on gardening leave earlier this year ahead of a potential move to Manchester United. This comes after a failed attempt to bring in Dougie Freedman from Crystal Palace.

Spors could be precisely what Newcastle are looking for this summer, with the 41-year-old currently the global sporting director of 777 Group, who have been touted as potential owners of Everton, even though that now appears to have fallen through.

The company owns various clubs across Europe, from Genoa to Hertha Berlin, of which Spors has played a massive role in, with a report from The Athletic describing him as "the architect at the centre of the group’s football operations".

Howe can finally complete Newcastle's midfield by signing £38m "machine"

The Magpies are still looking to sign a new midfielder ahead of the summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 10, 2024

The German's reputation in the game shows why he would be an exciting appointment by Newcastle, at a time when Ashworth has left a sizeable void, and as long as he and Howe can work smoothly together, he should be considered the front-runner to come in and help take the club forward.

Aston Villa could be in the market to add a new centre-forward to their playing squad during the summer transfer window to replace Jhon Duran.

The Colombia international is reportedly closing in on a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea, which would leave a gap behind Ollie Watkins in Unai Emery's attack.

Sporting director Monchi is said to be lining up a swoop to sign Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer when his contract at Leicester City expires at the end of the month, and has already had a meeting with the player's representatives.

What Villa could do, however, is bring in a versatile attacker who can play in multiple positions across the frontline, rather than signing a winger and a striker as two separate deals.

That may be their intention with one of the latest players to have been linked with a move to Villa Park, as they are reportedly eyeing up a former Manchester City star.

Aston Villa told asking price for Barcelona attacker

According to the printed edition of The Sunday Express (16/06/24), via TBRFootball, Aston Villa are one of four Premier League clubs interested in a deal to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres this summer.

The report claims that the Spanish giants need to cash in on the Spain international in order to fund their own business, as they would like to submit an offer of £20m to sign full-back Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.

It states that Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Villa have all been put on red alert by the news of his availability, and they could now swoop to land the versatile attacker.

This suggests that there will be plenty of competition to sign the talented gem, who won the Premier League two times during his spell at The Etihad earlier in his career. The report adds that the 24-year-old star is set to be available for a fee of £30m, although it remains to be seen whether or not the Villans are prepared to pay it.

Why Aston Villa should sign Ferran Torres

Firstly, the Spanish ace is a versatile forward who can cover multiple positions, as he has played 39 games or more in his career as a centre-forward, as a right-winger, and as a left-winger respectively.

This could make him a very useful addition to the squad to replace Duran due to his ability to offer Emery an option out wide or through the middle when needed.

As you can see in the table above, both players offer a decent goal threat off the bench but the Spain international could provide more as a creative outlet for his team. Torres, who was once hailed as "brilliant" by Pep Guardiola during his time with City, would also come in with experience in the Premier League, having produced nine goals in 28 top-flight games for the English giants.

Monchi lining up Aston Villa swoop for "scary" star who just won promotion

The Villans held a meeting with his representatives ahead of a move earlier this year.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 17, 2024

Therefore, the £30m-rated ace could be a shrewd addition to the squad to provide quality depth ahead of the Champions League and Premier League campaign to come for Villa.

A new professional women's soccer team is coming to Boston, as Bos Nation FC will begin play in 2026

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• NWSL reveal expansion side "BOS Nation FC"
• Set to begin play in 2026
• Professional women's soccer coming to Boston

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Boston has been awarded a 2026 NWSL expansion team, with the club announcing its name as "BOS Nation FC."

  The primary colors of the club will be "Championship Green," according to the team. It draws similarities to the NBA's Boston Celtics, with whom they share a majority owner in with Jennifer Epstein. The accent colors will be "“Relentless Raspberry, Loyal Charcoal, Daring Pink, Rise Yellow and Orange Press."

  The team's permanent crest will be launched at a later date.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The team will play their matches at recently renovated White Stadium in the Jamaica Plain/Roxbury neighborhood of Boston.

  Investors in the company include Hollywood actress Elizabeth Banks, and former USA olympic gymnast Aly Raisman.

  “I grew up a Boston sports fan and have special memories of going to Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots games with my dad,” Raisman said in a statement. “It’s so important for kids to see themselves in their role models and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to support the growth of women’s soccer and sports in my hometown.”

  Banks, who produced films such as Pitch Perfect 2 and Cocaine Bear, added "I am thrilled to join this female-led ownership group, each of whom has made a remarkable impact in Boston. The inspiring team of investors, along with their mission-driven vision for the stadium, will leave a lasting legacy on future generations of women’s athletes and fans.”

• WHAT'S MORE?

  Epstein and Banks appeared on CBS Mornings on Tuesday, speaking on the founding of the club name and what creating a professional women's soccer team in the city entails.

  "BOS Nation, it starts with the word Bostonian – those nine letters that make up that word are so meaningful to those of us that come from there, and when you rearrange those letters, it's an anagram, and you get the words Epstein said.

  "That was very intentional because this team name is fan-centric, fan-first. And our new identity is made up of the diverse communities that live in our strong city, and have a love – or will soon to have a love – of the world's beautiful game."

  Banks, who is a local to the city, said the opportunity to support women's sports was a motivating factor in her joining the group.

  "I am a proud Massachusetts native and huge sports fan, I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to get involved with this female fronted team in Massachusetts, a great new sports franchise in Boston," she said. "I didn't grow up playing soccer, and I didn't grow up watching women play sports on television, and I feel like this is the moment right now women's sports are peaking. We are seeing so many people get involved, and I didn't want to miss out on that opportunity."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR BOS NATION FC?

  The team is set to hold an announcement Tuesday in downtown Boston, where Raisman, Boston mayor Michelle Wu and former USWNT star Sam Mewis will all be present.

  A club badge, more information and hirings will all be announced in the near future.

Lionel Messi has been told it is a case of “MLS Cup or bust” for Inter Miami if they want to be considered the “best team ever” in American soccer.

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• Herons have captured Supporters' Shield
• Could post single season points record
• Sights locked on lifting the MLS Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Herons have assembled a star-studded cast at Chase Stadium, with co-owner David Beckham – courtesy of his standing as a Manchester United and England legend – able to attract top talent to Florida. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has been joined by the likes of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Inter Miami claimed a historic first trophy shortly after Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023, as they lifted the Leagues Cup, but failed to make the playoffs in said campaign. They are now Supporters’ Shield winners and could post the highest single season points tally in MLS history – with one more outing against the New England Revolution left to take in.

• WHAT EX-USMNT STAR SAID

  Messi and Co will then open their quest for MLS Cup glory, with former USMNT star Herculez Gomez telling when asked if the Herons are heading towards a standing as the best side MLS has ever seen: “If Inter Miami can win MLS Cup, it will be difficult for me to say there’s another team who has been better than them, because of the players they have, because of the staff, because of how they did it and how they continue to do it when nobody thought they could.

  “I raise my hand, I sat here and said: ‘There’s going to be a day where Messi is going to get injured, he won’t play all these games, the summer schedule this the summer schedule that,’ and I was right. But I was wrong with how the rest of Inter Miami under Tata Martino picked up the slack.

  “They didn’t miss a beat, and because of that, when Messi was back, they were Inter Miami again with Messi doing Messi things. So, MLS Cup or bust for them to become the best team ever, because that’s what he was brought here to do.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & INTER MIAMI?

  Messi has delivered on his remit when it comes to raising the profile of soccer in the United States, with big money and household names flooding into the division. He remains under contract for at least one more year, so is not in all or nothing territory just yet when it comes to MLS Cup honours.

A Premier League star is likely to choose to sign for Chelsea this summer ahead of Manchester United, according to one journalist.

Chelsea transfer rumours

Another transfer window, another big spend from Chelsea? The west Londoners have become accustomed to splashing the cash since Todd Boehly took over, with around £420m spent on signings during the 2023/24 season. The campaign prior, meanwhile, saw the Blues bring in a number of players for around £590m. Spending over £1b in two seasons is quite a feat but the club are seemingly not done on the transfer front despite their big squad and major spending.

Maresca can unlock Colwill as Chelsea eye "high-quality" £26m sensation

He has impressed this season in the Premier League

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 1, 2024

Ahead of Enzo Maresca's arrival, his new side have seemingly been quite active on the transfer front already. Chelsea want Brest defender Bradley Locko, they are reportedly eyeing a move for former Leeds United winger Raphinha and may look to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer.

Elsewhere, Chelsea are interested in signing Georgiy Sudakov, who currently plies his trade with Shakhtar Donetsk, for whom he is regarded as one of their most important players.

Journalist confident £60m star will pick Chelsea over Man Utd

Now, a long-term target has been tipped to make the move to the Emirates in the coming months. The player in question? Crystal Palace's Michael Olise.

Last week, it was reported that Arsenal were the side leading the race for the 22-year-old. However, it appears that it is Chelsea and Manchester United who will battle it out for the winger's signature this summer, with the former looking to have the advantage over United at present.

Discussing Chelsea transfer news recently, journalist Simon Phillips told Caught Offside that he has heard confidence Olise will pick Chelsea over the Red Devils: “I’m hearing more and more winger noise from sources, and the two names I’m hearing the most is Michael Olise and Crysencio Summerville of Leeds United.

“Olise is a long-term club target now with Joe Shields driving the move. A second source has now added more confidence that Olise will pick Chelsea over Manchester United, following on from my top source saying that last week. We will have to see how that one unfolds in the next days/weeks.”

Olise is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027 but is reported to have a release clause of around £60m. While that is a large sum, Chelsea have proven under Boehly that they are more than willing to spend in order to get their targets, even if they do not have Champions League football. Olise is also Premier League-proven, having scored 10 and assisted six in 19 league outings for the Eagles across 2023/24. Two of those goals came during Palace's 4-0 drubbing of Manchester United in May, giving the Manchester outfit a close-up look at the talent they are vying to sign alongside Chelsea.

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has opened up on the difference in the team under Vincent Kompany as compared when Thomas Tuchel was in charge.

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• Neuer describes difference in Kompany's Bayern
• Takes shots at Thomas Tuchel's man-management
• Bayern Munich currently unbeaten in all competitions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern Munich are currently the only unbeaten team in Bundesliga as they won their first four games on the trot. They faced off against the defending champions Bayer Leverkusen who stood as their biggest hurdle. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The difference in quality between last season and this season has been stark and very apparent, and that has helped Bayern take an early lead in the race for the Bundesliga title as they sit two points clear of RB Leipzig. Neuer has now explained how Kompany has helped the Bavarians find their feet once more.

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  WHAT NEUER SAID

  Speaking to the media, Neuer said: "We have that confidence back again. No matter which team we're playing against, even against Leverkusen. We're sticking to our style, we've been dominant. That's something different than before.

  "The security that Kompany gives each individual is noticeable on the pitch, the connection we have. We play as a team!"

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• WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN MUNICH?

  Kompany will now have to work on the Bavarian side to prepare them for their Champions League clash against Premier League side Aston Villa on Wednesday, October 2.

One candidate for the vacant Chelsea manager role has been encouraged after recent talks with the club.

Chelsea's managerial search

Mauricio Pochettino departed Chelsea earlier this week after just one season at the club. The Argentine had a rough start to life back in the Premier League, with the Blues languishing in mid-table for much of the first half of 2023/24.

The west Londoners went on to end the campaign by losing just one of their last 14 outings, earning them a 6th-place finish and Conference League football. However, this was apparently not enough for Todd Boehly and co, as the South American has left and the search for his replacement has begun.

Chelsea have seen a number of names linked with Pochettino's old role. Last month, it was claimed that Chelsea were "monitoring" the status of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim "should things not progress further with Pochettino in [the] summer". Elsewhere, Chelsea are said to have identified former Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi as a candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge.

The potential appointment of Hansi Flick has also been “discussed internally” by those within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, though he now looks set to take up a position at FC Barcelona following Xavi's sacking.

Next Chelsea manager: Who could replace Mauricio Pochettino?

Pochettino has sensationally left Chelsea, but who could be in the running for the job?

By
Robbie Walls

May 27, 2024

£8.5m boss encouraged after Chelsea talks

In recent days, meanwhile, a trio of fresh names have been linked to the Stamford Bridge dugout. According to The Sun, Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is "one of three leading candidates for the role, alongside Ipswich's Kieran McKenna and Brentford's Thomas Frank".

Maresca has impressed during his time in England so far, leading the Foxes to the Championship title this past season. Speaking back in February, Leicester midfielder Harry Winks backed Maresca to go to the very top of the game.

“He’s incredible in every way,” said Winks. “He’s a manager who I think will certainly go to the very top. His understanding of football is something I’ve never witnessed before. I think his approachability and man-management is exceptional. I’ve really enjoyed working for him so much already and I’m still learning so much every day.

“When you go out on the pitch, you know exactly what to do and how the opposition are going to operate and what you can do to affect that. To do it so simply is the most important thing. That’s a thing a lot of managers probably struggle with – getting the message across, but the gaffer does it so well here.”

But unfortunately for Leicester, Maresca's ascent to the top may come sooner than they had hoped. This comes with The Sun reporting that while "there is no clear favourite" at this stage, Maresca has held talks with Chelsea and is thought to have been left "encouraged".

Regarding details of getting the Italian away from the Midlands outfit, he has a reported €10m (£8.5m) release clause in his Leicester contract, while it is thought he could get a longer deal than what was given to Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

With Pochettino handed a two-year contract with a year's option, it appears the Blues hierarchy are set to put their faith in their new man, whoever it turns out to be.

Ranking Chelsea's worst Premier League managers by win percentage

Mauricio Pochettino’s late-season revival was too little, too late for Chelsea…

By
Alex Roberts

May 21, 2024

Newcastle United have enjoyed another successful campaign in front of goal, with the club scoring the fourth-most goals in the Premier League so far this season.

However, it hasn't been enough to propel the Magpies back into the Champions League places for a second successive season, with injuries preventing the club from welcoming any of Europe's biggest clubs to St James' Park next term.

The defensive department has taken a battering during 2023/24, with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles all missing large parts of the season, which has often resulted in a makeshift backline for Eddie Howe's side.

Newcastle's forward line has undoubtedly saved the Magpies from a disastrous campaign, with striker Alexander Isak single-handedly keeping the club within arm's length of a European spot.

The Swedish international has scored 20 times in 27 Premier League outings over the course of the season – a tally that has attracted interest from multiple sides across England's top division, namely Arsenal.

Howe certainly won't want to lose his talisman this summer, but if the club are forced to part ways with the 24-year-old, then PIF may well turn their attention to another Premier League forward, with the Magpies already keen on the attacker.

Newcastle enquire about 18-goal Premier League striker

According to GiveMeSport, the Magpies have already enquired about the availability of Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke ahead of the summer transfer window, after making contact with their fellow top-flight outfit.

The 26-year-old has bagged 18 goals in the Premier League this season, in an unexpected season for Andoni Iraola's side, which sees them occupy a place in the top half of the division.

His most impressive display undoubtedly came in the 3-2 win away at Nottingham Forest in December, with the former Liverpool youngster grabbing his first career hat-trick.

He's also managed to find the back of the net on three occasions against Howe's side during the current campaign, including a double in the meeting at the Vitality Stadium back in November.

Solanke is currently enjoying the best Premier League campaign of his career, with the striker expected to cost any potential buyer a pretty penny in the summer.

Football Insider have reported that the Cherries are set to slap a £50m price tag on the forward's head, with Solanke the perfect replacement for Isak should he leave Tyneside in the coming months.

Why Solanke would be the perfect Isak replacement

Whilst no Newcastle fan would want to lose Isak this summer, they would be in safe hands should they replace him with Solanke during the off-season.

The pair have both excelled in the league, despite being utilised in slightly different ways by their respective managers.

The Magpies forward has been given a free role to create carnage in attacking areas, whilst the Cherries attacker has been more of an out-and-out striker who's scored most of his goals within the 18-yard box.

They both average a similar number of shots per 90, with the pair only separated by 0.1. They've also been nuisances in the opposition penalty area, with Solanke averaging 5.7 touches, compared to Isak's 5.4.

However, the Englishman has dominated in the air in comparison to the Swede, winning 2.6 per 90 – a tally that is over two more than the current Newcastle striker who could only muster 0.3.

Whilst they operate in different ways, Solanke could potentially be the perfect alternative with his poaching instincts seeing him operate in and around the box rather than roaming freely like Isak.

With Anthony Gordon contributing with 11 assists this season, he could take the 26-year-old to the next level with his creativity in the final third playing into the hands of the striker should he move to Tyneside.

Having already plucked Callum Wilson from the Cherries in 2020, the Magpies could be set to raid the Vitality Stadium once again under PIF's watch.

Newcastle eyeing "prolific" £17m striker who's outscored Isak this season

This could be a welcome boost for Howe…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 17, 2024

Tom Brady's Birmingham City have been told they will have to "work much harder" than Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham to balance the books.

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• Birmingham City beat Wrexham 3-1
• Blues must 'work harder' to balance books
• Reynolds & McElhnenney having huge impact at Wrexham

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite Birmingham beating Wrexham 3-1 in League One on Monday, a football finance expert believes the Red Dragons are in a better spot stability wise – and much of that is down to Hollywood owners Reynolds and McElhenney. He pointed to their links with broadcasters, the Welcome to Wrexham TV show, shirt sponsors and more; and while minority Blues owner Brady will generate more interest – the West Midlands team need to do more to be financially stable.

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  WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Dr Rob Wilson, an expert in the economics and governance of professional team sports, told Grosvenor Sport: "The big difference between Tom Brady at Birmingham City and Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham is that they have huge links into Hollywood, into TV broadcasting and into media operations. That's how they've been able to leverage the Wrexham story through the docu-series, but also through new partnership arrangements and new front of shirt sponsors.

  "Look at some of the activations they did in particular last summer whilst touring the United States. They had that game against Manchester United which brought in record revenues for an overseas tour for a club the size of Wrexham. Whilst Tom Brady will generate an additional following and he might be able to open new doors for Birmingham in terms of commercial and sponsorship opportunities, he certainly doesn't have the access to those kinds of media rights organisations in the same way that Ryan and Rob have at Wrexham.

  "So I don't think the story will be similar and that will mean that Birmingham have got to arguably work much, much harder in order to generate a sufficient amount of revenue to balance their books. When you spend the sort of money they have done this summer, there is naturally going to be a really, really big hole in their books as a consequence of those transfers in that they'll either need to plug in this year or they will fall foul of the wage cost controls that they have in the Championship."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wrexham are riding a wave right now after back-to-back promotions, whereas Birmingham were relegated from the Championship in the first season US-based Shelby Companies Limited took control of the club. They have spent heavily to get out of League One at the first time of asking and while they are on track to do that, the club's owners may need to think outside the box to bring in much-needed revenue to counteract their losses.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Wrexham, who saw their unbeaten run this season come to an end this week, next host Crawley Town in League One on Saturday, whereas Birmingham travel to Rotherham United on the same date.

Ivan Toney was in generous mood ahead of his move to Saudi Arabia, with the England international telling friends and family “the flights are on me”.

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• Striker has severed ties with Brentford
• Embracing new challenge in the Middle East
• Has committed to a lucrative deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 28-year-old striker has secured a £40 million ($53m) transfer from Premier League side Brentford to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli. He had been heavily linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea during the summer window, but is now embracing a new challenge in the Middle East.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Toney will be handsomely rewarded financially when linking up with Al-Ahli, as he has reportedly agreed a £400,000-a-week contract. That will leave him with plenty of spare change to invite his nearest and dearest out to experience his latest professional adventure.

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  WHAT TONEY SAID

  Toney told revellers at his farewell party: “It's a simple one, obviously love for coming. You know the love. You all got invited for your own reasons we've had some good memories everyone, more memories on our back I'm sure. Might be a bit older, but still get down with it, you know, like that. But, yeah, you're all welcome to come pull up anytime. Flights are on me. Don't worry I've got you. We will enjoy.”