Summer 2013 Transfer Rumour Thread - Mk3

Although Coutinho is excellent, I still think an on song Banega would be more efective for the way we play, and contributing to all phases.

 

to combine the sentiments of two recent posts here. I think it's clear that a pacey attacking player will come in regardless of whether we sign Banega.

Pace is one thing that players themselves can be objective about (you've either got it or you haven't!) and hearing Lovren say that we need more pace up front is not a criticism of anyone else, more an indication that it's something which we clearly don't have (Mayuka aside) and something that the squad agrees would be an asset to the team.

The interest in Coutinho/Lens in January is further evidence that MP quickly identified this as an area where that sort of player could make a real difference as well.

I'm confident of our ability to keep the ball for large parts of the game and pulling defenders around and also think that the defensive shape and personel will be fine. If we could then bring on some serious pace on the wing/up front once the game opens out/to have something different/against teams that play a high line then I think it could make the difference.

I like Mayuka's directness and think he will be given a chance but a Coutinho type player who can also unlock defences with a clever pass or a bit of trickery would also be welcome.

 

I'm pretty certain that Nigel was the one who wanted Lens, last summer.

 

Maybe, but he didn't comment on it so we have nothing indicating we were ever actually in for him. Also the manager is clearly only part of the decision-making process regarding who to bring in (so a change of manager doesn't necessarily mean our targets would have changed).

 

Yes, thought about that as I was typing it! The interest in Coutinho was well documented though and with what Lovren said and the general rumours and pieces of info coming from the club I think we'll see a pacey player come in (unless, I guess, Isrgove and Mayuka have shown enough star quality over the summer)

 

If targett was intended back up he would have been on pre season tour

 

That's why I said 'in a few seasons'.

 

Very true, but it's difficult without actually anything definitive from the club (i.e manager quotes), to know whether player links are just rehashs from previous windows. Hooper would be a good example of this.

 

Newcastle have pulled out of bidding for Gomis, come on Saints make a bid.

 

Sounds a bit like a "Saints put off by Wanyama's agent demands" sort of story to me. Wouldn't be surprised if Lyon end up accepting the offer.

 

Newcastle bid £6.8m but Lyon want £9m, apparently Newcastle are after Bent instead now.

 

Was thinking about Gomis actually, wondering why we hadn't been sniffing. Seems to fit the profile....

 

What profile does he fit?

 

I don't want to speak for LTL, but I'm guessing he means that we have been looking at a striker in this window who is in his prime, strong and able to play up front on his own. I understand with Gomis that a few clubs have tried to shift him over the years without success.

Leave the pedantry at the gate.

 

Saints have been sending scouts to watch Remy Cabella of Montpellier. Attacking midfielder.

Nothing major, I know - but just a name for us.

 

Hmm yes please, I remember him standing out against Arsenal in the CL last September. Seven goals and eight assists in 26 league starts last season isn't bad at all. He's got three years left on his contract though, and has numerous U21 caps so I imagine we'd be looking at £7.5 million at the very least.

 

Former Birmingham striker, Christian Benitez, who has been scoring for fun in South America and linked with a PL move, has died in car accident. Only 27. Terrible news.

 

Mentioned in Beefys, wasn't a car accident was from complications with peritonitis.

 

Watched Zapata play against Atletic Madrid yesterday, played very well and took his goal well and I think he would do well in the PL. He may have to move to Europe if he wants to get into the Colombian World Cup team

 

So not this chappie then, who died from peritonitis: http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/7/29/4567382/christian-benitez-chucho-dies