Summer 2013 Transfer Rumour Thread

No, it is not Douglas. Was due to complete last weekend but hasn't yet. There was a stand off over the structuring of instalments too. Should hopefully now progress quickly.

 

The player's cat got sick. All very tragic, had to fly home to attend to matters, but it appears now that it was just a bad case of the sniffles, no harm done. Player's spending the weekend to be sure, though, and returning back to sign the paperwork on Monday.

 

Sounds like our man!

 

I dream about the following scenario:
Player: I have waited so long for the day I could sign for Southampton. I have been a fan since I was in my Mother's womb.
Nicola (handing over bag of swag): You are an absolute bargain. No argument. Here's your watch.

 

So it's neither Astori or Lovren but a CB? By the sounds of it it's not a cheap one either!

 

What? Why is it neither Astori or Lovren?

 

Last time I looked, Astori was a centre-back [CB]

 

Lovren it is

 

Lovren. Tell me about him.

 

I like Lovren as a potential defensive midfielder to add to our MC's, with CB ability as a nice bonus. Lovren as our big CB signing I am much less enthused about. Unless we're convinced Forren has the goods and then maybe Lovren/Forren works as a pairing.

But if MP and NC say it's okay, I'll trust them for now.

 

First signing and more to come hopefully

 

Couple years ago was probably among the top few CB prospects in the world and playing well, had a bit of a problem with inconsistency and cards and then fell out of favour. But still, 23 years old, CL and International experience and can play anywhere across the back four, 6ft 2(3?), about average pace if a little on the slow side, pretty good passer of the ball.

Bit of a risk/reward kind of signing, he said that he felt like he was in hell at times at Lyon, so perhaps a change of scenery will be good for him. I think there are probably more solid, steady players out there (like Astori), but Lovren has a much higher ceiling.

 

Well just on my way back from London and a dinner in a Belgium restaurant. We were served by a short balding/shaved headed Belgium fella. The thing is, he looked cheery, friendly, very nimble and quick in his feet. He dashed everywhere all evening and early on i thought that this kid looked capable of some excellent service. He was nipping between tables, cutting back with a plate of food just when I thought he was going to deliver it to someone and went the other way. We all warmed to him, but gradually we became confused. Nothing seemed ti happen as it should. The early promise began to blend into a cross between a frightened rabbit caught in the headlights and a headless chicken.

By the end, when we paid the bill, we realised that we had had not quite got what we paid for. We hadn't noticed for a while because the promise was there and it seems for ages that the service would be good, but it just wasn't quite right. The delivery wasn't right.

The good news for us is that I think Steve De Ridder HAS found another job.

 

Belgian restaurant in London......was it Belgo in Covent Garden/Holborn?

 

Has this been posted?? Apols. if it has!

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/06/15/soccer/frustrated-lee-leaves-tokyo/?#.UbuTAfnVCuI

 

Belgo Centraal, Covent Garden it was... And the waiter did resemble SDR

 

Their drinks menu is ridiculous; I must go back there, especially if I get to meet Steeeeve.

 

Poor Steve.

 

Thank you for your pity

 

We seriously need to get rid off him.