A confusing one as it seems like we usually plan our targets unless an unexpected opportunity turns up (which the Mara one is implied to be). So we must have received indication there is a hiccup here when previously we assumed the deal with Leverkusen was done?
Apparently he recently rejected a new deal with only a year to run in his existing one so they are motivated to sell. Could maybe be a “buybackless” one. He was in their team for the Community Shield last year after looking great in pre-season but then got an injury which resulted in him being kicked back down to the youth team.
So there are conflicting reports. Unusual for Fab to jump the gun if there really is nothing in it. He doesn't usually risk being wrong. Suggestion that we might be being used to hurry Leverkusen along. Especially if the talk that they have been linked heavily with him since June are true
It would make sense. After our summer so far it would be very easy to believe we are interested in a City youth product
It would. It is just odd for fab that is all. There are no other obvious links that he is referencing. And he usually only mentions things with substance. And seems cautious. There is a reason all of his tweets for a week or so have been replied to with Chelsea and Barca fans screaming about Kounde. Even the ones about saints transfers - because he hasn’t called it - and won’t until it is more clear Granted all he said is saints are trying to hijack. So deniability if it doesn’t happen. But even that has been dismissed by one person - albeit a daily echo reporter who might not have the best info
We probably aren't in the market for another stupid-young CM, but Kone is gooooood. Came on to the pitch in his debut for the Canadian national team and basically ran the show. More of a progressive player than Lavia, could likely play as either a more attacking CM in a 5-3-2, or as a 10 in our 4-2-2-2.
I do find it incredbile how these rumours start and just how credible the journalists are at reporting these stories. It is almost laughable. Most of the time the stories are hopelessly wild of the mark and even the main newspapers seem quite capable of publishing nonsense. Those people tweeting that they are "in the know" remind me so much of the old transfer news phone lines of the 1980s and 90s where is was obvious ater the first call thay they were quite ridicuous, Like so many things these days, there seems to be more and more information out there, but less and less of it is reliable. I would be more impressed if someone reported that some of the dead wood in the Saints squad was going to be moved on....
Tuanzebe requested to leave.. could be a good signing for us? He was class on loan to villa. Wondering if he’d be an upgrade for us on Stephens/Lyanco
