Joka is reported as wanting four players in for January... At first I thought this sounded crazy as our squad is probably a bit two large anyway but as you read it sounds like two of the four he wants are Martin and Piazon, plus Kalas or more likely another centre half if we can't sign him permantly also with the reports that Tunnicliffe and Woodrow are free to leave it actually breaks down to following which actually is realistic.... Sign the three loanees so permantly or if unable suitable like for like players plus another striker so that would actually only be one extra player to the squad and at least a few out. On the subject of a extra striker I think if we sign Martin we won't splash the cash, Onar Bogle is intriguing and possible and the other link I liked but has gone quiet I'd the highly rated Arsenal youngster on loan Akpom
The CB back spots are a tad unsettled at the moment; Kalas injured/loan expiring, Ream said to be eyeing the MLS and Sigurdsson mildly out of favour. So it's no big surprise that we're being linked to others. One such, according to the Daily Mail is Rob Kiernan of Glasgow Rangers. Standing at 6'1" the 25 year old Irishman from Rickmansworth has been around a bit. He impressed Brendan Rogers when playing for Watford U18s and was involved with their first team squad, including a debut game in the Cup, before going out on loan to various clubs. He then joined Wigan, who at the time were in the Premiership, in 2011 but couldn't break through so had another series of loans - the last before joining Rangers was a sucessful (ish) period at Birmingham. Warburton, who knew him from the Watford days signed him up in the summer of 2015. Safe to say, "the boy's done okay" since joining the Ibrox outfit and his contract was extended last summer until 2018. However, the reputed asking price of £2m is way over the top (he cost them something like £300k and his performances don't merit a hike like that - even if it's the infamous January window.)
Kiernan is no better than what we have at the moment, if anything he is worse. I don't like him at all, not many Rangers fans actually rate him but Mark Warburton certainly does. His positional play for a centre back is basically non existent. As a Rangers fan I'd love to get rid of him and bag £2m but as a Fulham fan I want him nowhere near Craven Cottage.
Well, if our analytics have a 'tick' box based on Gers' fans comments about Kiernan after their game against St Johnstone, interest in him will be a no-brainer. The prize one being; "Rob Kiernan would be lucky to get a game for Arbroath after that gaffe never mind Fulham" Here's a link to a match report and video highlights - his blooper is 1min 40 secs in. [As an aside hadn't realised before now that his current CB partner is the old QPR boy Clint Hill.] http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38387787 Also, here's a link to some other choice comments made by fans: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/opinion/sport/hotline/rangers-defender-rob-kiernan-would-9532455
Fulham are interested in Derby County defender Jason Shackell Inverness CT fear losing Larnell Cole as parent club Fulham ignore the Highlanders asking for extension to his loan.
Judging from his Wikipedia page Shackell is a big centre back with lots of experience at Championship and Premier League level. Sounds like a good short term option, but at 33 years old he's hardly a signing for the future.
Jordan Rhodes anyone?? Surely he's certain to move in this window whether on loan or permanent. He can't get in the Boro team and looks like falling further down the pecking order with them close to signing Gestede from Villa. We should get in there early cos I'm sure he won't be short of offers from the championship.
If Joka wants Rhodes, we should go and get Rhodes. In a worst case scenario he fails and we recoup 75% of his fee anyway. Based on today's performance, I just can't see Matt Smith thriving in our current formation. We should be targeting a main striker to replace Martin and a young (maybe League One) striker to compete with Smith and Humphrys from the bench.
Matt Smith looked as though he was saying "goodbye" when he walked off after being subbed today. A year ago I probably would have given my left leg for Rhodes. Right now, much less convinced. Especially because of his lack of games and given the wages and fee likely to be involved. Probably would prefer a hungry youngster like Bogle. Social media has been speculating about the possibility of Newcastle's Mitrovic on loan. He was left out of their squad today and of course, Jokanovic is very familiar with the attributes of a fellow Serb.
I've never really liked the look of Mitrovic, looks like he could be hard work. Bit of a hothead and his performances don't really justify taking a chance on him. Perhaps Jokanovic could get the best out of him though, would be an intersting one if we took him on.
Acording to the local West London paper we're interested in taking 'Boro's David Nugent. please log in to view this image We've been linked with him in the past and the 31 year striker has plenty of Championship experience. He helped Leicester win promotion in season 2013/14 before joining Middlesbrough for something around £2m in summer 2015 and helping them get promoted last season. This year though he's struggled to get antwhere near their first team and it seems that Karanka has decided he can move. So does that mean we've no interest in Jordan Rhodes ?
Nugent is a good player, particularly at this level, and a lot cheaper than Rhodes. He could be a good fit for us.
Nugent is good, very good and would also be superb in the dressing room and training ground. A man who loves his football, and the man who helped develop Jamie Vardy.
Would you have McCormack back? Wolves and us are interested. I'm not sure. I think it best to get someone with a slightly smaller ego and wallet!
Personally I'd take McCormack back in a heartbeat... I've seen a few rumors on twitter the last few days linking him with a return move but am not sure how much is in it.