John Carver on Ben Arfa, Gosling and transfers.

John Carver has been speaking in depth to the local press today about a whole host of happenings at NUFC.

From talk of transfers to revelations that both Hatem Ben Arfa and Dan Gosling will be back in pre-season training much earlier than the rest of the squad in a bid to get fit again after such long injury absences - Gosling has played for five minutes since his move to Newcastle last summer while Ben Arfa has been out since early October with his broken leg - Carver has had his say on the lot.

They should both be fine for the start of the season though according to Carver.

“Both Dan and Hatem will be back and up to scratch for the new season," Carver told The Chronicle. “Dan is going to the US first to have a family holiday, then he’ll do some warm weather training before joining us for the games in the States."

“It’s the same for Hatem. Last season we knew there was no point in risking anybody once we were safe. Dan and Hatem looked really good in training.”

Having these two back is literally going to be like having two new signings. Hopefully there will be no long-lasting issues and the pair can and do make a full recovery. With medical science the way it is at the moment I would hazard a guess that the likelihood of a recurrence has been assessed using fancy techniques that you or I wouldn't see at an NHS hospital.

It's still not a guarantee though and the only way we'll be able to tell if they are over their injuries is by giving them time. Fingers crossed that they have both made a full recovery and suffer no setbacks. If would be nice to have two 'new' faces around the squad.

Speaking of new faces, Carver also insists that Newcastle are working hard to find those players that will "put bums on seats". With the deal for Yohan Cabaye seemingly done and dusted, albeit not officially as yet, it does give some indication that signing good players is aprt of the agenda at Newcastle.

Carver said: “The manager has already said that he wants players to get bums on seats at St James’ Park, and that’s what we’re working to do. There are a lot of negotiations going on, and there has been progress. But, like everyone else, we’re waiting to hear back from clubs and players."

“This is a huge club, and not so long ago it was playing Champions League football and attracting top players. We hope, in time, we can get back to that situation, but this is still a club which sells itself because of its fan-base. We’re in a strong position.”

Another indication that Newcastle are busy in the transfer market? Or is John Carver just another one who is towing the party the line? I would suggest it's the former. I think we've heard enough rumours and chat regarding transfers to suggest that we are up to something, but I guess the only way we can really judge it is by looking back on the transfer window in September and evaluating what we have left.

Two bits of good news anyway. One about injuries to two of last season new recruits, and the other about this seasons new recruits. A bit more communication from the club....

I like it!