January Transfer Speculation (or lack of) Thread

[Concrete John]

Alex is on for Arsenal isn't he?

I think they were after him in the summer, but not sure if signing Mertesacker changes things?

[ozzjim]

They are light at back though still I reckon, with Koschenly or whatever he is called finally not looking a total liability by playing full back. Djorou, Squillachi are both poor realistically, Gibbs and Santos are out for the next few weeks, and Vermaelen is made of glass. Alex would be a good addition there, or indeed at United.

[SoccerHQ]

When Baker's loan is up at Millwall, I'd just recall him and have him as the cover on the bench rather than get in someone like Boumsong.

He did o.k in the games he played last season apart from Wolves at home so I'd rather do that then sign more 30 + players on big money.

We have enough defenders/utility players to last us till the end of the season even if we sell Collins and in any case the awful way McLeish organises us means we'll never ship that many goals in whoever the back 4 is.

Top priority in Jan needs to be a decent central midfielder.

[Clampy]

There's only 2 players i'd consider getting rid of in January and they're Beye and Heskey. I'd keep everyone else until the summer then do whatever needs doing then.

[BedsVillain]

There's only 2 players i'd consider getting rid of in January and they're Beye and Heskey. I'd keep everyone else until the summer then do whatever needs doing then.

The only other player I'd add is Ireland, I'm not sure if we're ever going to see the best of him. So if an offer of around £4m comes knocking I hope we take it. His wages alone would finance 2-3 up and coming, hungry youngsters or someone from the French/Dutch/Lower leagues. 

[KRS]

I would take Dempsey with glee, but he would be way too expensive to make it a deal worth doing, and he must be 28 ish now.

I would much prefer the club adopt a stance of no incoming player, unless on a free and thus only costing wages on a maximum 3 year deal, being over the age of 26, preferably under 24. Thus giving time to grow, good sell on value and an opportunity to develop a team.

Agree with that.  I'd prefer that we offered "dempsey's" transfer fee and wages to a player like Hoillet.  He may not be as good right now but has the potential to get even better and crucially will have a much higher sell on value in the future, whether that be Bolton or Barcelona buying him from us.

Dempsey is the kind of player we should be in the market for right now...creativity battling midfielder and contributes with his fair share of goals. His age is a non issue if we can get him at the right price. £7-10m would be a fair deal.

Theres no point signing young players without having experienced quality players around them. I would also like Hoillet but cant see Blackburn letting him go on the cheap even with just a few months remaining on his contract. He'd be a great addition and could be an Ashley Young type signing.

Try and get them both but a player like Dempsey is what we really need right now.

[SoccerHQ]

Dempsey's a good player but I'd say 7-10m would be a bit steep for him.

[olaftab]

I think we should stay put in this transfer window. No point in dragging in some cast offs. Best to move some players on and make a plan for  the summer.

[BedsVillain]

Reports circulating Twitter that Nigerian international right back Chibuzor Okonkwo has been given permission to leave the Super Eagles training camp to have a trial with us. From a small amount of research, he's 23 and has had numerous trials before but never left Africa. Well at least it seems we're looking for some inexpensive hidden gems. Would prefer that to the likes of Boumsong, Zamora or Steven Davis!

[ozzjim]

Whats he like on football manager Beds?

[BedsVillain]

Whats he like on football manager Beds?

Not a clue Ozz, all my ill informed information comes from Transfer Markt and Twitter. I could dust down my '98 copy of Championship Manager but I think the lad was still sucking his mothers tits back then.

[Hoppo]

Just did a quick search on him. Only in  Nigerian squad because he {allegedly} shared bonus with coach. Sounds promising!!

[hawkeye]

I am guessing that the Club is being run on a cash not a balance sheet basis, this means we are likely to ship out players below thier value to generate cash and only bring in players on lower wages for minmal transfer outlay. This narrows our market somewhat.

[olaftab]

I'll be gutted if MON steals Bobby from right under our nose but hey how can we compete with him... After all he is a GIANT of a manager.

[timeoutbigbar]

Wasn't Okonkwo a character from a book often studied in literature?  Not one of my better assignments, so I can't be sure.  Think he was a tribal African though, not sure about his footballing ability.