I appreciate we'll be linked with millions of players over the summer, most with no foundation, but the link to this guy seems real given we tried to sign him in January. Just can't see why we are aiming for his level? I'm not expecting us to bid for Messi, but I actually rate Daryl Murphy higher
On a technical level he'd be too superior for Rangers - imagine Andy Little standing wide-eyed in training and Leon Best shows him how to kick a ball - and i don't even think he'd consider taking such a massive step down from the reserves at Newcastle to play for such a horrible club. Remember, he's also played for Coventry as well, so i just can't see him lowering his standards and setting his career back by 10 years just to join such a poor excuse for a sporting institution.
In fairness lads, I quite rate him. He didnt manage to feature much for us with Ba, Cisse and Ben Arfa leading the attack but I think hes very underrated and would do a very good job for yous, if he stays injury free, which is why he lost his starting berth in the first place. Id rather keep him as we will need extra bodies that can actually do a job with our extra games in the Europa League. Dont write him off just yet if you do sign him.
He's a good striker when relied upon for goals, he's one of the main reasons we stayed up after Carroll left. At SPL level I reckon he could score 15-18 goals for you, plus assists plenty. He wins things very well in the air, his chest ball control is excellent. He's a good striker.
Just to echo the other Toon lads, Best is pretty reliable when given games and would terrorise at least half the division and be in contention for top scorer. Not his fault he's behind two excellent strikers in Cisse and Ba. Playing in the SPL he'd have a real chance of cementing a place in the national side so good move all round if it happens.
What's he like in the air? That's what we really need. Someone to get their head on crosses, bully defenders and hold up the ball.
If we went for him, it would be for a plan C. I am not sure that suits either us or Leon Best. I do see what he brings to teams as I have an interest in all players that might bring something to the national side. I think he can deliver exactly what you would expect from him but I think both Celtic and Leon Best need more than a bit part player.
That is his forte. IU just don't think it is the right fit for either of us. He wants games. We want more than what he has.
