New one, bit random. @TransferCentreL: Hull City are interested in signing Bolton Wanderers midfielder Josh Vela. http://t.co/ZMm3iHjoFO
The Brentford forum has unlocked the Gray thread. No new info except they think Derby are also after him. They say Odubajo will have a medical with us later today. Well one person quotes some source saying that and then no one talks about it again so take that as you will.
@TransferCentreL: Derby County have joined Hull City in the race to sign Brentford striker Andre Gray. http://t.co/gpl8bQ98jE
I hope we don't lose out on him because we didn't bid the amount that it was going to take to get him from the beginning.
There is a major difference. With Gray, demand will determine the price we pay. We didn't face any competition when signing Hernandez and Livermore.
3.5 million was a stupid bid for someone his age with 18 goals(16 league goals, and 1 playoff goal) last season and whose contact is not running out. If it was going to take 5 mill we should have bid 5 mill rather than allow a bidding war to start over the player. If other teams join the chase he is likely to end up costing someone 7 mill.
Steve Bruce says Moses Odebaju and Chuba Akpom travelling up to East Yorkshire now. Both players having medicals tomorrow #hcafc Phil Buckingham just tweeted
Gray won't go to Derby...too much competition for a starting place. If we sell our three main strikers he'll be a starter every game this season. Plus we'll offer good wages. £6mish should do it
Hopefully this will be a welcome injection of pace in the team. my only concern now is with Odebaju when he passes his medical, what do we do then hold our breath for 3 weeks.
I saw a quote from Brentford's manager yesterday. I think we're able to sign him in the 21 days if he wants to join. It's down to Brentford to find a higher bidder. I may have misinterpreted though.
I agree with this to a point GCTiger, but the 'if' is important. Gray may well be looking at the fact that currently we too have three strikers. If he signs and they are still here after the transfer deadline, then what's the difference? We know we know about our 'strikers' (and I leave Jelavic out of the equation who I hope stays), but that it might look very different from where Gray sees it, if you get my drift?
Hopefully the fact his teamate is coming here will help and I'm not sure he'd be first choice at Derby aswell
The Brentford forum is quoting the HDM that is listing his value according to Brendford at 8 mill. Their fans think that's to high and he will be sold for 6-7 mill so your evaluation seems about right to them.
I reckon Jela is the only one of the 3 that could possibly stay due to his knee. Him and Gray up front with Aluko and Akpom supporting. Hernandez and NDoye will be gone, interest from Italy for Hernandez is pretty strong even if the terms are pretty **** for us and NDoye will probably lower his wage demands like he did with us to get a move.
The ideal scenario is all three staying IMO. Possibly Hernandez moving on and replacing him with someone proven, so long as we get a good fee. Jelly and N'Doye are far too good for this level and suit Bruce's dour approach perfectly. Hernandez obviously has quality but the jury is still out as not only does he not suit our hoof ball there's an argument he just might not be effective in this country, due to any number of reasons from not settling/being happy in England to not being able to cope with the physicality of the English game. I don't think we've seen him played in a way that suits him enough to draw a conclusion on the latter point yet. I'm also not convinced Gray would be a good fit, that would remain to be seen, if we are to carry on hoofing the ball to one or two isolated strikers whilst the rest of the team parks the bus behind the ball offering no support in attack, Gray would be a complete and utter waste of money. However Bruce surely won't be so terrified of championship teams and will allow the players to actually play a bit, which if he does, Gray could be an excellent signing regardless of fee. It's all ifs at the minute. We'll be better placed to judge at the end of the month.
