Given our alarming lack of central midfielders, I've been having a look down the PFA free agent list to see which players are currently spending more time with their families: http://www.thepfa.com/transferlist/listedplayers/sortbydate/cm/-1/1/ There's not a lot of quality there. The only names that stand out are Nigel Reo-Coker and Owen Hargreaves. Under the circumstances I'd take either of them until the end of the season as cover for Sidwell/Diarra, although both are probably going to want to play. One other possibility might be Somen Tchoyi - who I think scored a belter against us last season. I thought there was a similar UEFA list but I can't find it - the PFA list only includes those whose last club was in England. Interesting to see a couple of familiar faces on there in the shape of Sean Davis and Papa Bouba Diop.
They were the two names that stood out for me. There seem to be a few youngsters Jeff Henderson for example is meant to be a decent player, but we don’t really need youngsters we need experience. On his day Hargreaves is one hell of a player but is a risk with his injury record. Man City took a punt on him last season and I think he only played once or twice before he got injured. On his day a great player but after last season I think he may struggle to find a new club unless it’s on a pay as play deal. I‘d be happy is we got Reo-Coker however I think Captain said we went in for him in January and he turned us down. He’s only 28 so is my no means past it and is a pretty solid player. I’m not sure if he has something going on outside football as his contract didn’t expire he activated a release clause in it. To do that and not move to another club indicates he may not be interested in a return to football… or he possibly hated living in Bolton… which would be understandable.
I think Reo-Coker turned us down early last month, so more recently than January. Which is a shame because, although I don't really rate him, he'd be exactly what we need for the squad. It is strange that he hasn't found a new club...
If Reo-Coker turned us down then he probably has an unrealistically high opinion of himself, a club our size would be about right for him. I'd love to see Hargreaves playing for us, when he plays he's fantastic one of the best in the world in his position IMO but we already have Diarra there and we would obviously need Hargreaves on a "pay as you play" contract which he may not like. He might also turn down a club our size (legitimately in his case). I think however Hargreaves would do well with us, I keep hearing that we have "some of the best medical staff in the premier league" so that would help. Also if he did play I think maybe Diarra could be given a go at filling the Dembele hole... i'm probably talking rubbish again but i'd like to see it tried
I like Hargreaves ... when he was playing for Bayern Munchen, he was certainly one of the best middle midfielders in the business. Read the game, tireless runner, neat with the ball, etc. His problem is the same as that of Michael Owen - they cannot play at a high level any more without (and quickly) sustaining injury. There's a whole list of players out there just like them who faded early due to injuries. To me, those are the saddest of players.
Hargreaves is finished, which a massive shame and very sad. The few games I saw him play for United and England he was superb. He even did well on the right wing in a couple of matches.
Somen Tchoyi would certainly be woth a look. I don't think there is a UEFA list, fulhamish. Rather each league produces it's own - usually listed under 'Bosman'. My choice from those other leagues, in order of preference were : Tim Borowski Thomas Hitzelberger Juan Requelme There are issues about each - heck that's why they're free agents- injury worries mainly about the first two but no worries about work permits for them.
Looks as though we may be about to offer a contract to Giorgos Karagounis who failed to reach a new agreement with Panathinaikos over a new deal. He played for Greece in the Euros and looks like a decent player. At 35 years old he is hardly a long term prospect though… He could be decent stop gap in midfield though. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/09/07/3359878/-?
The ideal would be to fill the CM gap with our own players - Kasami, Ruiz or even the young Mink - but I can see why Jol would go for this guy short term. Ancient he may be but he's very experienced and very hard working. Seems less of a risk than Hargreaves or Ballack.
Steven N'Zonzi We're clearly looking to bring in at least one more. As well as the Greek, papers up North are reporting renewed interest in N'Zonzi - as you'll remember he was close to joining earlier in the transfer window but couldn't agree personal terms. Maybe a period cooling his heels has changed his mind. http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/blackburn-rovers-fc/1213195-fulham-make-move-for-blackburn-rovers-ace-n%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%84%A2zonzi.html
Are you feeling alright C58? That article is dated 21st August and N'Zonzi has since signed for Stoke!
Shuggarr - equivalent of lazy journo Bidley. I was searching Northern papers for things Fulham related and simply did not check the date. Thank you for picking me up and apologies all round.
