I clearly saw something that was a mistranslation because I saw something saying we were happy to pay a small fee to get him early but it has since come out that this was true of Torino and not us
I'm hoping that Taylor will be that squad option. Taylor is a superior LB to Manning (though that isn't hard). But as I've said before, I'd be underwhelmed if he was our first choice LB - and especially so if it's first choice LWB. But putting Taylor aside, my train of thought was more that if Wellington's ability is only high enough to be a squad option, then it's not overly important as to whether we get him signed or not. If we weren't to sign him, we probably won't be regretting it later down the line.
I expect there are a couple of factors here. It might well be that Fraser is the LWB option. Or a LWB option. I’m not sure how keen I am on this but he might be. Also - wouldn’t Manning be less exposed as a LWB? Additionally it might well be that we can’t really do anything about a higher profile LB/LWB until Manning is moved on. Which might not be possible (or might not be desired)
Agreed, Fraser will most likely be the lwb with Manning being the back up. The question is, do saints see Taylor as a LCB or a lb
I’ve seen that per transfermarkt Suguwara can cover in central defence. Same as Taylor. So whilst I do expect our standard formation to be a back three with wing backs I could also see a back four with those two as full backs and one tucking in to make a three and the other going forward further
I wonder how much of our business is still contingent on player trading and getting some larger fees in - KWP, Alcaraz, Sulemana and Tall Paul? It seems like to get a new winger (early rumours were Clarke) we’d need to move on to Sulemana and similar with O’Riley (and Alcaraz)
Hopefully there is movement on Downes now especially if KWP was actually a more prominent part of the negotiations. It would be nice if by the end of next week we had deals completed to Downes, Suguwara and Fraser. With a month left until opening day that will seemingly make people breathe a little easier. Not saying that’s the end of the business required of course
Indeed get those over the line and we can focus on the big transfers, Creative 8(O'Riley) a winger/wide forward (Clarke?) And a striker... take a guess on that one.
I wonder if the links to Camara and rumoured enquiry over Reed are instead of Downes / O’Riley or in addition (so three “new” central midfielders). Hopefully the latter I remain skeptical about winning the race for O’Riley
Is Larios being written off as a LB or LWB? Manning, Taylor and (if he signs) Wellington, still leaves us with Larios and Meghoma. How many LBs do we need?
I'm surprised that Wellington is being considered considering Larios. Can only imagine the player will be heading on loan somewhere.
Larios hasn’t kicked a ball in ages. Something is wrong there. I expect we might as well right him off completely. Even if he is fit he will surely have to be sent out on loan or restricted to the reserve teams to get fitness.
Did he come back from his massive injury then pick up something else? That happens pretty often after such a long time out. Although not playing for about 2 seasons at his age can't do any good at all. Suspect we will get him fit then loan him out to see if he can cope with regular football.
