AC Milan linked with Santon again

I've grown to really like Santon on a lot of levels.

If he did go (and it's a big if) I think Haidara could be a perfect replacement (if not at times actually a better defensive option).


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/01/ac-milan-chasing-newcastle-defender/


AC Milan are once again being linked with a move for Newcastle’s Italian international Davide Santon to fill the problematic left back area.

The Rossoneri are looking to strengthen the fullback area, and have shifted their interest to the Premier League, and in particular, Newcastle United.

According to RaiSport1, Milan will attempt to convince Newcastle to let the Italian leave in January. If the move for Santon does not materialize then Milan could move for Genoa left back Luca Antonelli.

Santon has played for Milan’s city rivals Inter, and has been a key member of Newcastle’s impressive season thus far, starting in all 21 games for the Geordies in the Premier League this season

 

I'd be happy for him to go.

Very likeable and seems fond of the club and City. He's just not a top 6 LB for me and that's ultimately where we should be aiming. He's just blocking Haidara's development IMO. We're well stocked at LB with Haidara and Dummett so I'd be happy to sell for 10m, not bring in a replacement and use the money to sign Remy permanently.

 

It's AC Milan we're talking about, I'd stretch it a bit more than £10m.

 

Not sure Italian clubs have much money these days.

I'm not sure if we'd sell him for 10m but to be honest I think that's roughly what he's worth and think it would be a fair price for us and the buying club.

 

There could be another attraction for him over there of course.

 

Would the £10m be used to bring in a replacement or go into MA's bin?

 

I personally think that Ashley get's some and the club get's some which is something I have no problem with as the sooner he's paid off the sooner future transfers all go in to the clubs pot.

If you look at us under Ashley there are very few players that don't get replaced.

Santon replaced Enrique, Debuchy replaced Simpson, Mbiwa replaced Perch, Cabaye replaced Nolan, Ben Arfa replaced Routledge, Sissoko replaced Barton, Gouffran replaced Jonas, Cisse replaced Carroll etc.

We normally replace for cheaper and younger and in most cases (other than Santon and Enrique) the replacements are better. Now I know some of the above were signed before the player they "replaced" left but IMO it's pretty clear that they were the clubs version of an upgrade/replacement for the outgoing player.

Only area we haven't re-stocked if you like is upfront as Ba has left, Remy isn't ours and a replacement is needed for Shola. I'm hoping De Jong will be Shola's replacement and that then leaves us in the position to either try and make Remy permanent or to replace him.

Once that's done it's then a case of getting the kids to a higher standard so that they're able to fill in for 5-10 games a season without reducing the quality of the team too much. A young RB & CB for instance wouldn't got a miss.

I do think that the only two who look likely to be able to do this anytime soon though are Campbell and Bigi.

Sammy, Tavernier, Vuckic etc will never be good enough for the Prem.

 

Two good young kids in Kemen and Quinn.

 

Indeed. Although I'd suggest we're a good 2/3 years away from knowing if they'll have a good chance of making the grade.

I'm hoping Campbell continues to score in Scotland and then gets the first 6 months of next season at a Championship club where he again proves capable. After that we could then look at giving him some proper game times ourselves. not sure what's happened to Bigi. I was very surpised nobody took him on loan and due to midfield being our strongest area he rarely even makes the bench these days.

 

I'd retain him. Pretty versatile.

 

I'd want us to hold onto him unless we're offered mega money (£20m+) or he starts trying to force through a move. Incredible talent!

 

Think we need bodies in before we think about letting anybody go.

We're a bit thin on the ground.

 

I'd like to keep him. He's good (if not great) defensively and I believe may also have a future as a more offensive option when needed. I also don't think AC Milan could come close to affording what we would want for him. Big money is always quoted in rumours, but the Italian league is not what it was financially.

 

That's been mentioned quite a bit recently.