Kuyt opted for Liverpool, but it has become clear that Freddy Shepherd was not prepared to go anywhere near the £10m asking price. But that is another Toon target off to pastures new, and some fans are starting to wonder if Roeder has what it takes to attract the foreign stars. Ruud Gullit, Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, Sir Bobby Robson and even Graeme Souness were all household names across Europe. But who has heard of Roeder?
Elsewhere, the Toon's interest in Nigerian Obafemi Martins has cooled. Apparently because of this bizarre question of his age. He claims he is 21 - the club say he is at least 28. But does it really matter?
So, will we sign anyone? Roeder said: "I'm confident we will have signed at least one striker before the window closes. We are working to get those few players we need before the deadline."