OPINION
Fans of clubs around Britain and the world might not hold the date of 31 August, 2005 in much regard, but for the supporters at Newcastle United it holds special significance for all the wrong reasons.
It was this day, which is now over a decade ago, that the Magpies broke their long-standing transfer record to snap up the signing of Michael Owen from Real Madrid on a £17million swoop, as reported by the BBC – and stunningly it is a record which still stands to this day.
While every other of their Premier League rivals have spent more and more cash, Newcastle have never seen a bigger spend than that on Owen, and it is a milestone that the Toon Army are desperate to see smashed sooner rather than later, although with Mike Ashley at the helm it has not seemed likely.
So could this be the summer that finally sees the Sports Direct supremo sanction a purchase which breaks the threshold?
If reports are to be believed, then fans can begin to get expectant.
The Chronicle have revealed the terms of Newcastle’s reported bid to try and sign OGC Nice striker Alassane Plea, with a £20million offer said to have been tabled to the French side.
If that is the truth, then it looks as though the Magpies are finally ready to break down the barrier and give manager Rafael Benitez what he wants – within reason of course.
It would be a massive breakthrough for the history of the club and the next chapter looking forward, and with 13 years of history on the shoulders of whoever is the next record signing, some serious pressure.