With service from Elmo, Dave, Robbo and Snodgrass - he'd be a good shout. Perfect foil for Hernandez too.
Are we a better set up though? I'd see what McCormack would cost, up to £8 million might be worth it, then go for a young lower league scorer, Winnal at Barnsley or Roofe at Oxford. Maybe trial Roofe & see how he does pre season. I'm sure we'll have a better idea who's available when a lot of teams retained lists are announced.
We struggled for creativity in the Premier league and our midfield build up was slow and ponderous at times, I really think what is needed is a dynamic young midfielder who has a bit of pace, and vision, I`ve said it once and I`ll say it again, Will Hughes looks to fit the bill perfectly, if we could get him. I do think we need a new number one, but that`s a personal thing, and of course another striker to compliment Abel and take the burden off his shoulders.
Fee was agreed with Rhodes, he was looking to join us until the Blackburn owner (or rather the head of the family) decided they didn`t want to sell him, It appears people tend to conveniently forget about this. Gray on the other hand was Ehab failing to deliver.
We only need a few good additions. People have been saying this is a premier league team all season... and now nobody's good enough? We can't and shouldn't be signing 9 or 10 players over the summer. We should be signing 4 or 5 great ones in positions where we need to strengthen, not as backups but as competition. For me... A very solid GK to push McG for top spot A versatile defender that can fill in and push for a place anywhere at the back A midfield general to dictate play A pacey striker to hassle defensive lines (Long-esque) A target man that can pass and finish
Not so much a midfield 'general' for me, but definitely someone with a bit of movement and creativity- Will Hughes if you like, and he can even play more of a holding role as well if needed. Someone like him working with Diame and/or Livermore would be ideal- Huddlestone has earned another go for me as well.
Huddlestone has had better games recently. He's being more direct. Diame & Livermore should do well in a full season. A striker is the main priority.
Very well I believe, one of their best players this season. Don't think he'd come back if Bruce was here though
Ruddy would be a decent grab from Norwich. Or even Krul at Newcastle if he is over his injury. Gestede would be good as well, but it's what these lads would cost us. Thought Westwood had a stormer against us and I'd have him if the price was right.
I know he took a while getting in our team but I thought that was more down to injuries, was there an issue with him and Bruce?
Don't know of any real issue but can't see him choosing a team and manager where he wasn't given too much of a chance over one where he prospered.
Some young players who have performed well in league 1 & 2 this season: Kemar Roofe (League 2, Oxford) Bradley Dack (League 1, Gillingham) Marus Maddison (League 1, Peterborough) Adam Smith (League 2, Northampton) Nicky Ajose (League 1, Swindon) It may be a big ask for them to step into a PL starting 11, but could be a good investment for the future. Especially if we find ourselves back in the championship within the next few years
