Transfer Rumours The Summer Transfer Rumour Thread 2016

It makes sense. He seems to be entertaining the idea of a "new challenge" and we've been linked for some time.

I could see him visiting, but tbh don't see us landing him. Probably just checking out the facilities and at least keeping a bit of an open mind on his way to visiting Anfield or some other place(s). It's what I would do if I were thinking about the PL. We're in that area where we should be an option for guys like Mertens, but probably only the second or third option.

 

Can you explain who, Dries Mertens is?

Thanks

 

Suprised plea hasnt been linked

 

I think it's key he wasn't really a first choice at Napoli during his time there, and seemingly didn't have great last season.
He's apparently rated at £12m - our typical domain. At 29 he would like experience the premier league, while probably wanting more game time to do so. He'll face being a squad player a Liverpool; but at Everton, West Ham, and us he'll be getting more game time. Ok we might be a 2nd choice, it's only a rumour, but I would be positive about our suitability to this particular player.

 

Yeah, I could see us being preferred if he doesn't want to be on the bench anymore. That said, it's been some time since he has been heavily featured with Napoli, and he's much better on the left, as is Tadic. Which would be fine if we're planning more additions in attacking midfield, but an awkward fit if not.

 

Belgium winger who plays for Napoli. Good player, although at 29 a little older than our usual targets (Pelle the exception).

 

With Kante off to Chelsea it's seems Leicester forward Riyad Mahrez, 25, is also likely to leave the champions after turning down the offer of a new contract. (Guardian)

Meltdown for Leicester perhaps?

 

Very sad if true.

And further evidence that greed is a cancer in the game.

 

If true, I would be gutted for the Foxes fans who deserve better but not surprised that greedy players are rushing to get bucket loads of cash from the big clubs

 

Totally agree, players go on about "ambition" but here is Kante turning down Champions League football.
IMO he could have stayed at Leicester for one more season.

 

Got to feel for them, I just hope they enjoy their European adventure this season and hopefully this doesn't start an exodus for them.

 

If the echo are correct in their articles about us not being in for an out and out striker, Then we must be looking for a winger/attacking mid. Maybe even two of them.

IMO we need two, which will give us six forward options before academy players.

The experience of Dries(though not in PL) would allow us to take a bit more of a gamble on the other signing.

If Mertens has a good season, we could then make our annual sacrifice to the White Walkers( I mean sell to Liverpool)

 

They signed Mendy from Nice who seems like a very capable replacement for Kante. If he plays with the same consistent energy then they should be ok. Vardy has signed a new contract, but Mahrez is that difference maker who will be very hard to replace.

Will be hard for them to do anything special this season without a match winner

 

I wonder how much playing in Europe is an attraction? I used to think that the Champions League was certainly a factor in signing top players but I'm not so sure now. £££ is obviously a big factor but maybe some players are more interested in where you are geographically, certainly one of Liverpool fans constant moans is they miss out on players who want to be London based.

I remember Lawrie selling Saints to Keegan with a quick tour of Hampshire's beauty spots, probably takes a bit more these days.

 

Easy to assume a club will fall apart when good players leave, but we know better. Perhaps we need to give Leicester fans a hug. It will be interesting to see how well organised the Foxes are...was it a fluke (some fluke!) or are they the real deal. Depends who they get in. I see them top 10, but top 6? Not so sure. I hope this is another interesting season and not one where normal service is resumed.

 

If normal service is resumed I very much doubt we will finish in the top 6 Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, even West Ham, all have the ability to improve right past us. It wasn't a very strong league last season as a whole. I think Spurs fans will really feel as though that was their one big chance.

 

I personally think £££ is the only thing that counts. Otherwise why the **** would anyone go to China?

Their trophies mean absolutely sod all in the footballing world.

Not exactly something to brag about to the kids. I'd be more impressed if my old man told me he played semi-pro in the conference.

 

The strangest thing would be if all these fancied teams had strong seasons. It is the norm now for 2/3 of them to underperform.

My bet at the moment would be Everton and Utd, but that might change by next month.

 

I'm not sure Grazziano's future progeny would be so impressed when he told them why they've ended up living in a flat in Eastleigh

 

He'll retire having loads more CL football than he would if he stayed at Leicester, though. I'd say it is an ambitious move, and he values that over a romantic season. Chelsea is the most exciting project in the PL next season imo.

Money chasers go to Liverpool, who have to pay above the odds in salary as they are by no means cemented on for CL in the next few seasons, whereas Chelsea are as nailed on as you can get in this day and age.