Or the £17m even. But no, the point of my post was a comparison of what the respective clubs had paid to date on 4 players - and indeed 4 playing in similar positions.
Meanwhile we're still looking at 'splashing the cash'. * report this afternoon are that we're close to agreeing a deal with Swansea for CB Alfie Mawson * while we are still considering going back in for Matt Targett, The Sun (and others) say that we scouted Celtic's LB Kieran Tierney and are considering a bid. He'll come in a whack above Targett - around £25m As our 'Old Firm' guru, any take on this guy Fab Fabio ??? * German papers are also saying we're in discussion with Wolfsburg about their 27 year old French defensive midfielder Joshua Guilavogui. Tall chap (6' 2").
Tierney is a good player but £25m seems a bit steep and to be honest I think Celtic would accept less for him. He's only 21 but does already have a good bit of Champions League and International experience. Theres talk of him moving on almost every transfer window now, been linked with some big teams in the past. Be good business if we could get him, but for a bit less than the £25m
Apparently the Mawson deal is close to completion, could there be another double announcement tomorrow for him and Mitro?? Anyone have any thoughts on where the new guy Le Marchand fits in this season? Assuming the Mawson deal gets over the line then him and Ream are the likely CB pairing. Clearly we are also still in the market for another left back (Le Marchands other position) and if Targett is signed he would be first choice. I know its a squad game and we will rotate at times, but its hard to see him get a regular run in the team.
La Marchand seems both comfortable at LB and CB and by all accounts had a very good season at LB in France last year though I did read one report which suggested one of his reasons for moving was he sees himself as a CB and not a LB.
With Mitrovic and Mawson apparently very close that would leave just a left back on my wanted list and would complete a very good transfer window on paper. Having said that we have linked to a lot of defensive midfielders so maybe a cherry on the cake may come in. Either way it will be nice for once to go into transfer deadline day happy with what we have got already.
I agree with all of this, apart from the assumption that Targett would automatically become the first choice ahead of Le Marchand, I think that could go either way. Like Cookie, I'd also heard that one of Le Marchand's reasons for leaving his old club was that he didn't want to be a full-back, so presumably he's hoping to compete with Ream for the left centre spot - for that one, I do think the incumbent will take a lot of shifting!
It would appear we are looking to have players that will be challenging for their positions, but at a higher level than last season. I think we will have 3 or 4 more in following Mitro and Mawson, assuming these are done deals.
Would not mind us putting in a bid for Joe Bryan of Bristol a natural full back. I also like the idea of bulking up the 1st team squad,for as we all know injuries will occur during the season and we don't want to put square pegs in round holes or rush youth players into a team unnecessary.
If Alfie Mawson comes in he's still got that knee injury to get fully over and not guaranteed to be match fit from the off. [Hope not, but a whiff of Soares?]. However, when he is up and running would expect Le Marchand, like Odoi, to be the necessary cover at CB and FB.
I suspect the club are, in effect, spending against the potential Sessegnon money. It's a gamble, as a bad season will bring down the c£50m they are thinking he's worth, but a much smaller gamble than spending without those potential funds. If we spend £80m and get relegated, they would assume c£100m in player sales to balance the books.
I can see the logic but am glad it's not an approach we're taking. Putting the purchase price to one side, the salaries of some of those signings will be high as well. Was there a loan fee for Schurle? Can imagine a sizable wedge going in his back pocket as well.
Coral and The Guardian are saying that an initial fee of £15m has been agreed for Alfie Mawson and he's having a medical tomorrow. He's expected to be able to return straightaway to full training after the knee injury and could be available for the opening game.
Mitro just got his foot in the door and already stealing players numbers. He will wear the number 9, currently worn by Fonte. One wonders if Fonte will even have a squad number next season....
Apologies Fab, I posted the new thread about Mitro before reading yours. Fonte has been wearing the No. 17 in our friendlies so guess he knew what was coming.