With Begovic's imminent transfer away from us on the table, and the likelihood of Butland returning if he does what would we do? In another thread it was mentioned that Sorensen is likely to be leaving as well. So who would be Begovic's replacement (if we don't get Butland back) and if we do get Butland back, who would be back if Sorensen left? Attacking options; Diouf and Sam are targets that we had during the summer, and in a rumor site (not reliable) but they mentioned that Hughes scouted Diouf a fortnight ago. Any other strikers we might buy? Gomis? Transfer out: Begovic? (Napoli, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea) - £15 million - Plenty of money to spend on a striker and possibly a goalkeeper! Sorensen? (Ipswich) Jones? (Hull or Cardiff) Whelan? (Crystal Palace) Walters? (Cardiff) Thanks
I'm not to worried about the GK situation, it's in front of goal that is the issue. We need a Demba Ba typed player on loan to get us through the season.
I think my main concern is that we're conceding too many goals. Personally imho it's our new (system) we attack much more now. How Hughes solves that I don't know.
I'm not sure on a goalkeeper, I think if we keep Tommy he can take us through to the end of the season, but then I'm unsure after that. Butland should be good enough from what I've heard of him, but I'd have liked to see him loaned out to a top flight team before we have to rely on him ourselves. I think we need a new CB, not that I think Huth and Shawcross aren't good enough, but they're the only ones we've got, Cameron and Munesia can play there, but I'd much prefer someone else come in, and keep players in one position instead of using them as utility players. But again, I'm unsure of who to go for, there are a several I'd like, but they're all either ageing or very expensive (in the prem anyway, don't see much European footy) but my mate mentioned a dude, I think his name is Bruno Manga, plays for some French side, looks very good and was linked with Everton for 4m in the summer. As for strikers, I've said several times since we never signed him, we should have tried harder for Diouf, I think he could do well for us. I've also though about Pappis Cisse, he is bang out of form, but I think that could be to do with how much of a tool he looked coming out of the shirt sponser/ Muslim belief/ casino story. But, having a bookmaker as our sponsor could kick it all off again. I also like the look of Gomis, whom Newcaslte were after but never got, apparently they're going to try again in January, but it sounds like they've already messed him about a bit, so sounds like a deal that could be hijacked.
I dont think we will be buying a striker in the window, its an inflated widow at the best of times and we are either paying stupid money for an inform striker or big money for one who isnt playing. For me this position is a loan deal for a proven striker who isnt getting the game time they want/need. I have stated Demba Ba because I think he could fit right in, but maybe Defoe because in the new year the europa run will slow down and if they go deep AVB will play his 1st team more leaving Defoe on the bench for most of 2014. I agree on the CB cover, plus it would put pressure on both Huth/Shawx. I would be happy to give Butland a run for the rest of the season or let Tommy finish the season. We probably could do with a natural winger as it appears neither Pennant or Ethrington are going to see much time in 2014. Outside of that offload the likes of Whelan, Walters and one of either Jones/Crouch, bring back Jerome as an impact sub and I think we can see the season out.
Wouldn't mind having Jerome back and possibly buying Antonio from Sheffield Wednesday Antonio would be great. been scoring recently and has pace and strength!
Many sites are pointing toward a "cut priced bid for £2.5 million center back" which is Lescott. Would be great in the defense!
@StokeLoudProud: GUTTED Potters bid to secure work permit for Juan Agudelo rejected STOKE CITY have been unsuccessful in their... http://t.co/GPxQUniQfH
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini wants Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 26, to be his new number one and Joe Hart, 26, could head the other way on loan in January.
Maybe we could get a good link with City by completing this deal. We could even add Lescott and Guidetti to that!
Today's game was a clear reason why we should invest in a good center half (preferably Lescott) The BBC said that Muniesa was leaving too many gaps in the defense and that is why Everton got through so many times.
Just seen a rumor stating that "Mark Hughes is looking to sign Joe Allen for £7 million from Liverpool in the upcoming Winter transfer window" What are your thoughts fellow Stokies? Going from £15 million Rodgers favorite to bench warmer and then Stoke player.
Luuk De Jong linked with us during winter transfer window: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stok...tory-20267192-detail/story.html#ixzz2mgC1fWCj
I do think these are the type of players we need to create more pace and attack in the team so happy to be linked with him. We dont need too many of these players though because we still need the balance.
I am very wary of sticking that sort on money into a striker and wonder why we didnt do this type of business in the summer? I know I have said this before, but for me the better option would be to go for a Demba Ba/Defoe type player on loan. Some of the big clubs have 4 or 5 strikers and they wont all play the run in so there must be one who can make a difference to us!
On another note we still need to sell. If a striker is coming in one of either Jones or Crouch will have to be moved on, and we need to move on 1 or more of the the midfiled lot, Whelan, Walters, Palcious etc... We are now very heavy in this area and need to make room, and trim some wages.
Stranger things have happened. However, if he doesn't even inquire about any of them what does that say?
