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

[maidstonevillain]

For me:-


Need to move on
Bent, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Dunne, Warnock, Hutton, Delph, Delfouneso

Just to think a couple of seasons ago these would have been have been the most part of a pretty useful first XI.

Have they simply become crap, or been mismanaged.

[paul_e]

I think that Bannan playing further forward would actually suit him better because of his penchant for high-risk passes, because that's the part of the pitch you want high-risk in.

Although I agree in part, I'm not sure he possesses enough of a goal threat to really thrive playing in behind Benteke and/or Weimann.

if we play a 3 up front so long as all 3 of them are scoring from Bannan's passes it's worth the risk.  Aside from that at the moment most of his shots are coming from 25m+ and he just doesn't have the power to do that without swinging wildly, causing the ball to go all over the place.  If he was playing in the more advanced role I'd expect his chances to come more between the penalty spot and the edge of the box and he does have the quality to score those chances.

The long range piledrivers can be left to the big guy we bring in to support BB and AW.

[Matt Collins]

I don't agree that bannan can play further forward. Space gets tighter and he doesn't have the physique or pace or dribbling ability to avoid getting crowded out in my view

Derek boateng seems set to sign for Fulham.

[Monty]

I'd also say that Bannan might well score more goals if he's playing further forward, just by benefit of balls landing at his feet in the penalty area as opposed to the half-way line.

[Concrete John]

I wouldn't exclude the possibility of him scoring more if played further forward, just that I see no evidence thus far he could be a 10 goal a season player, which I feel he'd need to be.

paul-e - I'd say that it really dpends on the formation.  If we're playing 5 at the back, then we really don't have any advanced width, so the player behind the strikers would need to chip in with goals.  If it's a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 then it may be less important, but still a part of his game he'd need to improve.   

[TheSandman]

We're still yet to find a convincing defensive midfielder, and it's that type of player we've been needing for a bloody long time and now more than ever.

[PaulWinch again]

We're still yet to find a convincing defensive midfielder, and it's that type of player we've been needing for a bloody long time and now more than ever.

We definitely do need that.

[MoetVillan]

I think that selling Delph is tough on him, he can be a walking yellow card, but he is fast and has improved this season from a pretty average player last year.  I would play Bannan further back, in fact so far back id leave him on the bus.  His "wayward" passes have led to a number of opposition goals or scoring opportunities.  I love his attitude, but we cant afford players to continually give the ball away, usually when we are trying to break, leaving holes behind him

[Karl Bridges]

Raoul Loe, anyone seen him play? Big defensive midfielder we're being linked with. French 6'4" and 23.

[aev]

Raoul Loe, anyone seen him play? Big defensive midfielder we're being linked with.

He used to play at Manchego but got cheesed off there.

[ozzjim]

Where is he from? The words big defensive midfielder fill me with joy!

[Concrete John]

Raoul Loe, anyone seen him play? Big defensive midfielder we're being linked with.

6 foot 4 DCM according to Wiki, but never seem him play.  He sounds like what we need, other than being very inexperienced having only made his La Liga debut last year. 

[JJ-AV]

Derek Boateng having a medical at Fulham. There's a perfectly capable and relatively affordable central midfield option gone.

[eastie]

Aston Villa, Newcastle and Reading are keen on Osasuna's Raoul Loe.
The 6ft 4in defensive midfielder has been outstanding for the Spanish side this season but their perilous financial state means they will listen to any decent offers for the 23-year-old.
Norwich have also shown interest in the Frenchman.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2246671/Aston-Villa-Newcastle-Reading-keen-Osasuna

[eastie]

Chelsea have triggered the demba  ba release clause and he has gone to the bridge for talks today, wonder if Newcastle will be interested in bent ?

Odemwingie may be available at about £3m according to press reports - bit of a hit and miss player but decent on his day.