Few minor, youth-related things from Pinkun podcast: -Bushiri on trial at Coventry -Matthew Dennis on trial at Southend (they think they'd start him if they secure a loan there, but if he's excelling at a National League club then maybe he'd be able to play League 2) -Omotoye on trial, possibly at Swindon but unsure. -Adshead looking at a loan
Pinkun dampening down the Tzolis hype... "Our understanding is that the Canaries have been monitoring Tzolis' impressive development but that reports of a bid are premature, although City are keen to bring in another winger with a month of the transfer window remaining." https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...all-about-reported-ncfc-target-tzolis-8198414 I hadn't noticed Nelson Oliveira has popped up at PAOK. He's probably not going to do us any favours.
I was just going to quote the same paragraph, DH. That certainly quietens the rumour for now, so barring a player on that flight from Hannover, it looks like another long weekend.
EDP probably told to reign it in. SW does not work in the spotlight so wants speculation stifled is my take on the situation. I think this story has legs.
What about Danny Drinkwater? He must be 30/31, doesn’t seem to be in Chelsea plans. If we could get him cheap with significant wage contribution from Chelsea, he could be a good experienced DM for us for a couple of years.
Leeds trying to make a case for Skipp to come to them on loan: https://tbrfootball.com/leeds-have-...-make-reported-u-turn-on-midfielder-tbr-view/ Nice try.
Hmmm, 31 and had failed loans at Burnley and Villa, followed by half a season at Kasimpasa interrupted by 3 injuries. He's starter fewer than 10 Premier League games since 2017. I can't help but feel if two bottom-half Prem sides don't think he's worth playing, age isn't going to have improved him. His personal life/personality might not suit Farke either. Drink-driving charge in 2019, nightclub fight in 2019, criticised by Chelsea fans for celebrating Lampard's sacking, thrown out of Villa training for throwing a headbutt at a teammate in 2020.... He did get some decent reviews after a recent Pre-season game however: https://www.givemesport.com/1728791...social-media-after-performance-vs-bournemouth But if we give up on Skipp, Chelsea pay 80% of his £100k p/w salary, Farke's prepared to take on a challenging personality (which Sean Dyche got rid of at the first opportunity), and somehow the club turn Drinkwater back into a Premier League player, is there any point? He'll be 32 next summer, if he impresses to such a degree that we want to take him on, we could easily be outcompeted for his signature (his head was turned by money before). Even if he did stay, there's no resale value and we'd be lucky to get another season or two out of him. It doesn't help our reputation for developing youngsters for big clubs either. Feels like a move where everything has to go absolutely perfectly for it not to be a disaster!
I hadn’t realised he had that many loan moves and had forgotten about his attitude issues. I was just trying to think of someone with a bit of experience that we could try and get cheap for DM. Jack Wilshere? Although the fact that Bournemouth haven’t given him another contract suprises me
I reckon Skipp had a chat with Spurs bigwigs and said, If I'm not going to get games this season can I go back to my mates on loan where I'll be one of the first on the team sheet . He doesn't need time to adjust he can just hop on the train .
Not much of an exclusive... Villa have announced a fee agreed for Leon Bailey, and now presumably leaked this "going to bid" line. Sounds like managing the fan base ahead of a Grealish departure.
For a player in his last year of contract? There must be an option year for the club. I was surprised when SW said if any club wanted Todd or Max , they would have to bring Buendia type money.
Thanks Suffolk! I looked on TransferMarkt and it didn't say anything about an option year. I'm more relaxed about Todd's situation, now.
Price is related to player quality, contract, but also "game state". If you want to take a second of our "crown jewels" with a week or so to the start of the season, you're going to have to pay a premium. It upsets preparations and leaves us having to find a replacement at short notice. That won't be cheap, so those costs get "passed on" in a higher transfer fee. It won't be as fair a price for the player as the Buendia deal was, but it reflects the fact it makes a bigger impact on the club. As it stands, we probably end up with Placheta or Onel starting in the 4-2-3-1?