SWANSEA City are lining up a fresh move for Middlesbrough star Matthew Bates. Brendan Rodgers tried to bring the Boro skipper to the Liberty Stadium in August but the two clubs were unable to agree a fee. And it is understood the Swansea manager is now preparing a January bid for Bates, who has only six months to run on his Riverside contract. The defender, who turns 25 this week, will be able to quit Boro on a free transfer at the end of the season and it could be that the Teessiders would rather get some sort of fee during the winter transfer window than lose him for nothing in June. - EP Link: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Swans-hunt-Boro-ace-Matthew-Bates/story-14068243-detail/story.html
State my ignorance .... What's the deal here, is this guy that good, if so why haven't other prem clubs been sniffing around.
Have to say lads, he's not one I know much about, came through the Middlesbrough ranks, all I know is that last time Rodgers went in for him, he was none to keen on moving club!................... please log in to view this image
I think (could be wrong) he's been out 3 times with serious knee problems, but played over 30 times for Boro last year and has been first team this season too. Centre-back, defensive midfield (wouldn't be surprised if that's where Buck is thinking of using him) and right back, handy options to have. He was the captain of their youth team and won the FA youth cup, and was really highly rated going back a few years before he picked up the injuries. I think it's nice to see a player a lá Ferrie Bodde who has come back after a long time out.
We did all this last season...between this and the Borini article that re-surfaced, is it not just a case of the newspapers digging up an old article and re-publishing it?! Yes, he's a good player, and now that he's had a consistent spell injury free he would be a more viable option, that said he's also added an extra million or so to his value, so maybe not Although just seen he's out of contract as you say. I would imagine Middlesboro will be hoping for promotion though, so may decide to keep him until the end of the season to see if he can help them secure it (a la Pratley)
Iffy form at the moment but only 7 points off the top....to lose their captain and lynch-pin in defence would be a bit crazy at this point.
he is not a player you instantly recall also he is a bit injury prone with a dodgy knee so we had better be careful that we dont buy another boddie, thats the last thing we need...
