Well, surprise, surprise - it seems that Howson to Leeds was a made up rumour: "Leeds have not made a bid for Jonny Howson, nor is he on the club's radar at this moment, I'm told." Source: https://ninetyminutesonline.com/journalist-states-leeds-interested-midfielder-despite-transfer-talk/
Hope this Farke gets announced soon so we can get signing some players! I know, i know... long process and all but i cant help but be filled with ridiculous optimism! Im hoping we can get shot of Naismith, Jarvis, McGovern, Wildschut and Andreu and bring in some cheaper replacements, as well as some bloody defenders and a GK! need to get rid/need a replacement/replaced: Ruddy-need replacement Whittaker-might not need a replacement as Martin is likely to take a back seat this season and play back up to Pinto? Bassong-need replacement? Naismith- needs to go Jarvis-needs to go Wildschut-needs to go- may have a replacement in Watkins if/when he signs. Mulumbu-may not need a replacement if Thompson gets fit and new HC sees Godfrey as a CDM? Lafferty-need replacement? Preferably someone who can give Jerome and Oliveira a challenge. Andreu-needs to go Bennett- need replacement? Turner-need replacement? McGovern-needs to go-no replacement necessary unless Rudd goes too. That is a lot of players to replace but as you can see some may not need a replacement/ might have one lined up. Exciting times providing we do make some signigns and we do not sell any of our top players (Pritchard, Howson etc).
But he cannot deal with crosses into the box! He gets ironic cheers when he heads the ball away from crosses into the box. Disastrous if he keeps playing CB.
Bloody 'ell Bedford, i don't think we will get rid of McGovern twice, but maybe two transfer (small) fees may be beneficial.
I'm not suggesting he's the answer, but we can't afford wholesale changes in defence and our record of hiring at CB over the past years is not inspiring anyway. Unless the new HC has a real issue with him, it seems the rest of the club see him as skipper and therefore one of the first names on the team sheet. I just read a lot of comments assuming that he'll be taking a back seat next season or even moving back to RB as backup for Pinto. Can't see it personally.
I think we have to be realistic about where we are now. IMO, Martin will be a useful back-up at both RB and CB but should also be competing at both positions if he stays. Naismith and Wildschut will depend on whether someone is willing to pay for them, but I'm OK with them staying as long as we can still get the other players we need. Jarvis could go out on loan to finish his contract. Much will depend on how players fit the new HC's tactical approach. Looking at what we have and what we need: GK Rudd, McGovern, Jones, Matthews RB Pinto, Martin CB Klose, Martin, Efete CB 2 Players needed LB Dijks (hopefully), Player needed? Toffolo CM Howson, Dorrans, Adams DM Tettey, Thompson, Godfrey WR Jacob, Naismith, Watkins? WL Josh, Hoolahan, Wildschut, Jarvis AM Pritchard, Hoolahan, Maddison S Oliveira, Jerome, New Player, Morris From that we need 4 new players not counting Watkins if he joins. Should Klose and/or Dijks leave, we'll need more. Rudd and McGovern are both at least Championship standard and a quality replacement would be expensive. It's crucial that we concentrate on strengthening the defense and then look elsewhere with whatever money is left or that we get from others leaving.
I'm not that keen on him. At free he is the right price, at 32, he is the wrong age. Is he going to improve our starting XI or just take up valuable wages that 1 or 2 younger hungrier players might take? We have had enough trouble off loading the likes of Turner and Bass, we don't need another over paid, over the hill CB straight away, even if we are sensible enough to offer a limited contract. Bah!
Bedford, how would naming our new head coach now help to speed up incoming transfers? The transfer window doesn't open until 1st July!
As have I JMF. I was just pointing out that it should take precedence over another GK at the moment. Even more so now that Hamburg are rumoured to be interested in Klose. http://readbundesliga.com/2017/05/24/hamburg-keen-move-norwich-defender-timm-klose/
Jesus. I love Monaco, their squad, the amount of young players who are outstanding to watch. To add to that! This signing!!! One of the hottest prospects in world football! Outstanding work, yet again.
It's not much of a rumour as the original source is HITC, but at least it's about a CB: http://www.norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=492815 He's only 19, but was loaned to Birmingham by Arsenal last January and impressed in the 10 games he played. He can also play as a DM, which could be useful for us.
I meant in terms of the HC identifying new players that he wants to sign. I assume that when whoever comes in, we will suddenly be linked with a lot more players. Even if we don't sign all of them, it is much more exciting when players are being linked!
I like the young and hungry bit but he played 10 games for a pretty poor side who were nearly relegated. Edit: Although, apparently Arsenal payed nearly £3m for him @ 16yo so he is obviously highly rated. Birmingham fans seem to like him!