Think they've missed out a word. Adkins may HAVE to offer 6 million...not that he will. Will be very impressed if we are able to offer that money, but won't be surprised if it's a little too hot for us. Unless Nicola is ready to speculate.
If Hooper is the man Nigel wants then it's not "too hot" for us. We are potentially 3 and a half months away from being a Premier League team. Would anyone bat an eye lid if a Premier LEague team paid £6m for anyone? I doubt it, and some may say the normal is closer to £10m for a Premier league striker these days. I would not be perturbed if we spend that money. Cortese will only spent it if it's there. He won't spend £20-30m on speculating we'd go up and recoup the cash, but if it's there (and I'll assume it is after Chambp deal) then he'll spend it if needed. What will happen if we spend it, is that the pressure will be on NA to deliver then.
And Japan striker Ryoichi Maeda is poised to join the Hammers after flying to London to train with the Championship club, according to a Japanese newspaper. Full story: Nikkan Sports [in Japanese] Looks like West Ham are following Saints to Japan
Word on the grapevine is that continental star, Ben Quadinaros is coming in on a 3 year deal. He's a versatile attacking player and scouts have described him as being 'out of this world'. I've seen some videos of him on YouTube and he really does look promising. He'll give us much needed pace up front. It'll be a real coup if Adkins and Cortese can pull it off.
Interestingly in his latest intevriew, when asked about Hooper he doesn't say no simply as he has done for the likes of Sharp, Lukas, Commons (at l;east he said it wouldn't be happening) and goes on to make the point of what he did for his career. Maybe some truth in this one?
What kind of striker is Hooper, don't know much about him, and I don't funny enough watch the Scottish Premier!
A goal poacher like Gary Lineker I think describes him best, lots of goals from inside the six yard box... [video=youtube;jHovSSW-Dwg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHovSSW-Dwg[/video]
So we have missed out on Lukas Jutk and Billy Sharp. Doesn't look likely that we will sign nicky maynard. Celtic fans are adamant that we won't get him and he doesn't want to come here. What strikers are there left that a club in our position could buy without spending £15m and without taking a risk on an unproven striker?
Personally think it's gonna take 8-10m ish to get Hooper and even then only if Hooper says he wants to go. Seems to be on half the wages that Lamber/Lallana are on so wages aren't going to be a problem but can't see Celtic letting him go for 6. Still think he is worth the 8-10 though. good striker and Nigel already knows what he will get from him so it's not a gamble. I say if 6 is unsuccesful put 8m cash on the desk in front of Lennon and give him 10 minutes to take it or leave it