Going back to Mbokani, it seems he only appeared in 8 games last season for a total of 430 minutes. Was that because of injuries, or just because he wasn't being chosen, but in either case it could be a concern.
Looking at his history/record on Transfermarkt, it simply lists him as 'not in the squad'. If they are aware he was injured, they usually would list him as injured, so I'm not really sure. http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/dieumerci-mbokani/leistungsdaten/spieler/44624/saison/2014/plus/1#EL Helpful aren't I!?
Not transfer related, but: Gary O'Neil @Gazoneil Holidays are over!!! Work time.. Big season ahead! And so say all of us OTBC!
Looks like the Sam Clucas rumour has reared it's head again. He's incredibly versatile (played LB, LM, RM, ACM, & ST at various points last season) but that's about all I know about him.
It's Monday, where is there mention of our Wednesday signing for this week by unknown@12435678? He is letting us all down.
They also have an injury section: http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/dieumerci-mbokani/verletzungen/spieler/44624 No sign of anything recent there.
Michael Bailey @michaeljbailey 4m4 minutes ago Mirror reckon Bournemouth want St Etienne striker Max Gradel - if he leaves, makes RVW's stay in France far more likely to continue. #ncfc
Things seem to be heating up a little with this Mbokani rumour, so I've done a bit of digging on foreign news sites and pieced some of the information together: With respect to the earlier games he missed, one article suggests he had an injury for the early part of the season and he certainly had one in August. Added to this, his competing striker (Artem Kravets) apparently took advantage of Mbokani's absence and scored a hatful which kept Mbokani out of the squad. He had a good spell in the team in the middle of the season, but apparently he fell out with the manager, Rebrov (the ex-Tottenham striker), some time in April according to several different articles (it might have been linked to his performance in training after a little injury) - this was denied in an interview with the Kiev president though. The President said that Mbokani is the sort of player that can decide a game on his own, but he won't play "until he is ready". Rebrov said that nobody is irreplaceable but if Mbokani works hard there is a way back into the team for him, but it seems something went on behind the scenes as to why he missed most of April and May this season. Definitely seems like there was some funny business going on there and all an interesting turnaround given that Mbokani played a big part in getting Rebrov the job last summer (having been interim manager). In any event, Mbokani is the one who has definitively said he wants to leave. We've supposedly offered EUR6m (£4.25m), but Kiev apparently want EUR7.7m (£5.5m). It's worth mentioning that he also took part in the ACN this season, with Congo, who won the third place play-off. He finished as joing top scorer in the tournament. He's also been linked with a loan move to Malaga and a West Brom article suggests he's a bit like their Ameobi. Worth also mentioning that there was an article about Anderlecht complaining that they still haven't received a large chunk of the fee Kiev agreed for him (two years later...)
Strangely, Gradel (£5.7m) is rated about £2m less than Mbokani(£7.5m) and only £1m more than RvW(£4.4m) on Transfermarkt.
When I asked the question, I never expected an answer as complete as that, Rob, but I do appreciate it. On the basis of that I can see why we might be prepared to gamble on Mbokani, assuming that Mulumbu has reported favourably on his temperament. Mulumbu could be a good settling in aide if he comes.
Smoke. Fire. ? FutbolUkraine @FutbolUkraine Dynamo Kyiv departed to pre-season training camp in Austria without Mbokani but with Yarmolenko
If he's forcing a move away, and his temperament does seem to be less than perfect, then it might be easier to leave him out to sort a move. Long way between that and him leaving, and no doubt plenty of other destinations.
Apparently there has been another tweet saying that he'd meet up with the rest of the Kiev team on Wednesday, so doesn't look like anything happening soon, if at all.
After that January transfer window when we only brought in Becchio I've always taken what our clubs says with a pinch of salt in regards to signings. Van Dijk would be a superb signing if it happens, I've heard rumours that Spurs were interested him which is a bit of a sticking point if it's true. I'm relatively happy with the rest of the squad with the exception of the defence it's a weak area, there is plenty of time left I suppose to bring in players and June's always a quiet month.
The transfer window opens officially tomorrow. Anything in the pipeline could be finalised for then, but still 65 days till it closes I believe.
Yes plenty of time though as always, great if we can get it done quickly and give the team time to gel and management time to see what combinations work in advance. We need to get off to a positive start next season. No time for a hangover or slow start in this league. Exciting though. Looking forward to seeing some new faces but quietly confident we've got a decent squad to challenge next season already. For me, it's a bit more depth in defensive options and i'm good to go!
Well, here's a new signing for us! {Hope it's a bit better than the 2013 version under Hughton } Rob Butler @BobRutler 3m3 minutes ago Official confirmation from club that RVW will be back. Alex Neil's first Premier League challenge...make the Wolf something to be scared of.
