I know people were ruling it out above, but I wouldn’t It is worth having one or two old hands to pick the lads up when the going is tough Plus he does seem to still have the energy and desire still. Colin described him as “the only true premier league player on the pitch” or words to that effect in the motd interview (wonder what his own players thought of that!)
Do you think Pinto could be offered a new contract now as back up RB. I thought he was decent when we were last in the Prem but it’s 3 years ago now. Does he still have it? He was also captain wasn’t he?
I know I'm contradicting my own 'young and hungry rather than old and mercenary' but Babel might be the exception. He would offer another option to Buendia and Hernandez as well as being able to play as a striker, which in our fluid attacking style could provide interchangeability that would prove difficult to defend against. He'd also be a cracking impact sub. On a free with a one year contract and a signing on fee we should be able to afford without committing to long-term high wages. Perhaps an option for a second year if we stay up. Worth considering IMO.
Really? Norwich want Reed return Norwich City are said to be keen on Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed after their promotion to the Premier League. The Canaries sealed their return to the top flight for the first time since 2016 with a 2-1 win against Blackburn Rovers. They can now plan for the summer transfer window and want to bring Reed back to the club, according to the Sun. Reed spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Carrow Road, making 43 appearances and scoring once. They will wait to discover Saints’ plans for the 24-year-old, who has spent the current campaign with Blackburn Rovers, and swoop if he is made available. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sp...ws/leeds-united-set-bargain-transfer-16194847
It seems to be a lot of sources copying and pasting the Sun story. Not convinced that there's much in this as we made no attempt to resign Reed on loan last year so he went to Blackburn instead. DF praised him a lot when he was here, so if he does want him back on loan then that's ok with me. It could be that he is seen as a DM/RB option to back up Trybull, Tettey and Aarons. Stil don't think it's likely though.
I was assuming that Vrancic was taking that role, but you could be right canario. It may be why McLean had such a quiet game. Interestingly, WhoScored has him down as a DM in 13 of his starts, with an excellent average score of 7.53 for those.
McLean was definitely deeper on Saturday - often sitting just in front of Zimbo and Godfrey. He was effective and competent but not as influential as he has been in other games recently. At least that gave Vrancic more creative licence and he certainly used that to great effect didn't he ??
Not seen a rumour yet, but I'm expecting it - Muric from Man City. Once Bravo is fit, Muric is third choice goalkeeper at City, essentially the role Angus Gunn had. He needs game time, and he's spent a long while with Pep improving his comfort on the ball. He's that modern 'keeper we're looking for, an absolute giant who can command his box, and presumably not bad at shot stopping either. Given Man City had a good experience sending Gunn here, I wonder if they'd be open to a loan. I think he'd be competition for Krul rather than coming in as an instant #1, which would be important for squad cohesiveness, and gives us an option to freshen things up if needs be.
Muric is an interesting one, but if it happens, I'm left wondering why we gave McGovern a new contract, given the 25 player squad limit. One rumour I hope is true is that Time Klose is in contract talks with City: https://readnorwich.com/2019/04/29/timm-klose-in-negotiations-with-norwich-over-a-new-deal/ After that, another rumour that we'vd made an offer has now surfaced: "Norwich have reportedly made an offer to sign Rotherham defender Semi Ajayi this summer. According to Sport247, Norwich are one of a number of clubs to make an offer for Ajayi, following his impressive form for Rotherham this season." I don't know about the source, but this has a SW type logic about it. At 6'4" he plays CB or DM and is a Nigerian international. Interesting if it happens, but it may depend on whether Klose signs.
Klose being linked with Scotland. I really hope Stuart finds a way to keep him here. Timm took a few games to get used to the PL when he first came to Norwich, but soon showed his talent before getting injured.
Maybe he's miffed at losing his starting place to Godfrey? Within Farkeball, the whole squad would know that if you do lose your place for whatever reason, you have to be on ultra-top form to reclaim it - just ask Leitner and Vrancic!
Which I hope he does - with this guy more of a Tettey replacement as our Alex's knees can't have much longer at the top level.
I don't think TK would be too put off about losing his spot to Godfrey. As you suggest, Klose had lots of company with Hanley. Tettey, Leitner, Vrancic. Am I missing anyone? I guess nearly every starting position is up for grabs again next season.
Thoughts - https://readnorwich.com/2019/04/29/norwich-make-offer-for-rotherham-star-ajayi/ Also not sure that 'Read Norwich' is a very reliable source Edit - https://norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk/experienced-norwich-defender-in-negotiations-over-new-contract/
MUCH more believable - https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/canaries-transfer-rumours-mehdi-zeffane-1-6023167
So we know our scouting network are the best at unearthing gems from abroad but having recently been linked with an Algerian, a Greek and a Nigerian from Rotherham, how would / do we stand on the home grown player stakes? Not sure how it works in the Prem, though I think Arsenal and Chelsea have fielded teams with no British players in the past?
