Summer Transfer Thread: Speculation, Lies, Absolute Cr*p and Bosman Rumours

[andyh]

Looks like some exciting options though, despite the lack of experience. Oh, for a Petrov in there eh ?

[Ryu]

underland are willing to take a chance on Stephen Ireland.

The midfielder was regarded as one of the best talents in the country whilst at Manchester City, but he has struggled to find his best form in recent times.

Ireland, who had a loan spell at Newcastle United in 2010-11, did impress term at Aston Villa, where supporters voted him Player of the Year.

However, the future of the 25-year-old remains uncertain, particularly following reports that Martin O’Neill is keen to take him to the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats boss made good progress upon replacing Steve Bruce last season, and he would look to take the Villa star for £5million.

The player who's arrival, apparently without MON's knowledge, as part exchange for Milner led to him leaving the Villa and suing the club for constructive dismissal?  I find that unlikely myself.

Well, unless your assumption about the reason for MON's leaving is incorrect.

Well that's very possible but something about MON being in for Ireland doesn't fit for me.  Could well be wrong but so could the Journo who wrote the article!

[Clampy]

Holman has a reputation as a worker, so with him ahead of say Al Ahmadi and Makoun, I think we'd be pretty solid in the centre.

I have no desire to see Ireland leave either, just speculating as to how the two stories seem more plausible if considered together.

I like Marc, but I think this is a make or break season for him. 

Only think to bear in mind with Makoun, El Ahmadi and Holman as our midfield is two of them have never played in the PL, and one has a handful of appearances.

That may not matter too much. Cabaye and Tiote did well enough for Newcastle. That said, i'd keep Ireland, he started to look interested last season and Lambert might even bring more out of him.

[tomd2103]

Guzan will only come back once he has received assurances that he'll get first team football.

Maybe Lambert has said he can fight it out with Shay for the number one? I think that is fair enough after Given's Euro performance but slightly harsh considering how well he played in, for example, the West Brom game.

According to the Evening Mail, Lambert has assured Guzan that he would retain his starting spot should he get in the team and do well.  Also says in the article that Andy Marshall has signed another one-year deal at the club.  That's our goalkeeping options sorted. 

[ozzjim]

Guzan will only come back once he has received assurances that he'll get first team football.

Maybe Lambert has said he can fight it out with Shay for the number one? I think that is fair enough after Given's Euro performance but slightly harsh considering how well he played in, for example, the West Brom game.

According to the Evening Mail, Lambert has assured Guzan that he would retain his starting spot should he get in the team and do well.  Also says in the article that Andy Marshall has signed another one-year deal at the club.  That's our goalkeeping options sorted. 

As is only right. As well as Given did in some games, there were many times from set plays that we conceded due to the defence dropping too close to him and him not coming for the ball. It is his big weakness, and Guzan was very unlucky to be dropped last season.

[tomd2103]

Guzan will only come back once he has received assurances that he'll get first team football.

Maybe Lambert has said he can fight it out with Shay for the number one? I think that is fair enough after Given's Euro performance but slightly harsh considering how well he played in, for example, the West Brom game.

According to the Evening Mail, Lambert has assured Guzan that he would retain his starting spot should he get in the team and do well.  Also says in the article that Andy Marshall has signed another one-year deal at the club.  That's our goalkeeping options sorted. 

As is only right. As well as Given did in some games, there were many times from set plays that we conceded due to the defence dropping too close to him and him not coming for the ball. It is his big weakness, and Guzan was very unlucky to be dropped last season.

Would agree with that Ozz.  Maybe the fact that he would have genuine competition for his spot will bring out the best in Given.

[Toronto Villa]

Signing Guzan is very smart business by the club and player. Lambert rightly will hand Given the starting position but holding no loyalties will tell Guzan that if Given slips up then he'll have every chance in making the starting position his own. I don't think Guzan would re-sign for the club just to be a back up again. He's a solid keeper at a very good age, and even if Given plays well for another 2-3 years, Guzan will only be 30 or so if the then takes over permanently.

[pestria]

Holman has a reputation as a worker, so with him ahead of say Al Ahmadi and Makoun, I think we'd be pretty solid in the centre.

I have no desire to see Ireland leave either, just speculating as to how the two stories seem more plausible if considered together.

I like Marc, but I think this is a make or break season for him. 

I too don't see the point in flogging Ireland after we've finally started getting something out of him.

Know what you mean, but it makes sense if Lambert isn't keen and we can recoup a fair amount (£5m mentioned) for reinvestment and reduce the wage bill.

[Concrete John]

The problem with Ireland is you just know he's only ever one slight thing away from spitting his dummy and we then have an expensive flop on our hands.  It could be anything from a falling out with the manager to him not liking the colour on the napkins in the restaurant at Bodymoor, such is his mental fragility.   

[Toronto Villa]

I don't for a second think that Ireland is going anywhere. He'll be a very big part of the side this season. We got to see a bit of what he can do in a very defensive set up last term. Imagine how good he would be when the shackles are removed. I'm convinced that every player at the club will feel an inch taller this season and be allowed to express themselves properly. Ireland proved earlier in his career that he is very capable of scoring on regular basis from midfield, and what makes him more valuable is his work rate wheich we began to see consistently last season. It's a very good combination to have in a football player and something you pay a lot for on the open market.

[evalast1910]

http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Hull-City-lodge-Nick-Proschwitz-Vito-Mannone/story-16478809-detail/story.html

Says that Brad Guzan has told Hull City he is rejoining Villa?

[pauliewalnuts]

Holman has a reputation as a worker, so with him ahead of say Al Ahmadi and Makoun, I think we'd be pretty solid in the centre.

I have no desire to see Ireland leave either, just speculating as to how the two stories seem more plausible if considered together.

I like Marc, but I think this is a make or break season for him. 

I too don't see the point in flogging Ireland after we've finally started getting something out of him.

Know what you mean, but it makes sense if Lambert isn't keen and we can recoup a fair amount (£5m mentioned) for reinvestment and reduce the wage bill.

I think you might be on the money with the wage bill thing.

If it's a question of "is it worth keeping the player?" it is one thing, but if he's on a huge wage, that complicates matters a lot.

[Stu]

Lambert looking to sign Rennes midfielder Yacine Brahimi according to the Daily Heil.

[tomd2103]

The problem with Ireland is you just know he's only ever one slight thing away from spitting his dummy and we then have an expensive flop on our hands.  It could be anything from a falling out with the manager to him not liking the colour on the napkins in the restaurant at Bodymoor, such is his mental fragility.

I would agree with that John.  There is no doubting his footballing ability, but there still remain major questions about his attitude and his mentality.  Yes he had some good games last season, but the fact remains he could only manage 19 league starts.  I really hope Lambert can get the best out of him as he is a talent, but I honestly don't think he will be at the club this time next year.

[JJ-AV]

According to the Evening Mail, Lambert has assured Guzan that he would retain his starting spot should he get in the team and do well.

Good. Shouldn't have lost his place to Given last season tbf.