I wouldn't be surprised if it is true. Indeed, I've been expecting it to happen - but just keeping me fingers crossed that it wont. For various reasons, I don't see him going to Boro or Cardiff, and on the basis that they are not currently rivalling us I wouldn't mind him going to Leicester, Ipswich or a Premiership club. But West Ham and Hull are different. I could see him going to either of them, and it would cause us great damage if he did.
We can take comfort in other Japanese and Korean players settling in and adapting well. The players that come over here tend to have a very good work ethic, which always helps. Does anyone know if he speaks English at all?
Speaking of work ethic I watched that 15 minute video of his goals... okay there are lots of things you can't tell by watching Youtube but one thing you can is how much he enjoys playing - always has a smile when he scores, always plays to the fans and those celebrations are showing how much fun he has. He clearly loves the sport, so his work ethic should definitely help.
Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but on Sky sports news they were linking us with a move for Liam Ridgewell again. Birmingham have bad financial problems and are desperate to off load whoever they can. Also said Newcastle are interested and another club with I think may have been Bolton (can't remember)
I have also heard about Ridgewell. Would be a fantastic signing IMO, was playing regulary in the Prem a year ago and might be part of our team building for the Prem, ready to play there next or in two years time.
It looks like we are quids in to sign this japenese fella and I am 99% sure that we will be bringing in another striker. I think it would be foolish on sfc's part to think that a japenese player is the answer to all our striking problems I.e. Cover for lambert if injured + pace, poaching ability and a left foot. I've also heard from a fairly reliable source that we are trying to convince Jacob butterfield to sign a pre- contract agreement as his contract runs out at the end of the season, meaning he would join us in the summer. Plenty of other clubs interested though, prem and champ.
After watching the video of the Japanese guy, I cant really say I'm to impressed. He scores a fair few goals in all areas, but I would still rather have an English striker.
Just seen this on Twitter not sure how reliable this guy is though. BBCchrismclaug Chris McLaughlin I understand representatives from #Southampton are here at Easter Road to watch Andrew Driver. He's on the bench. #Hearts #longdrivehome Don't know much about him other than he's a 24 year old winger.
