I think the sell Cort stuff is legit. Ameobi is a reliable 3rd striker. Ideally you'd like a 4th, and it looks like Chops could be ready next year, and he's a lot cheaper than Cort. Southgate clearly has a couple of good seasons in him. I'd think that a Southgate/Woodgate/Bramble rotation in the center of defence would be more than adequate for the 60 or so games that a european campaign/premiership season would mean. Toss in a few FA cup/League cup games, and there's plenty of minutes to make folks happy. Somebody else is probably gonna have to go, too. Dabizas has some value and has my vote. But back to Southgate -- he needs some sort of silverware. He's not going to Arsenal or Man U. Chelsea's not buying domestic these days. That makes us as the logical place he'd want to land if he wants to play for a contender. I think it's a good fit. He's only got a year left on his contract (I think) and at 32, his market number is going to be down. It makes sense. The usually reliable www.nufc.com thinks it's a case of Southgate or his agent putting his name out there (bottom item), but Cort's probably on his way (possible offer from Wolves). In short, who knows? But He's good enough to be the 3rd defender for England behind Campbell and Ferdinand. That's quality enough for me.
If this works out, a central defense of Woodgate and Southgate would be the best the Toon have had in the time I have been following them, and that has been 20 years.