Skysports.com understands several English clubs are targeting Bayer Leverkusen winger Tranquillo Barnetta this summer. The Switzerland international, a regular in the Leverkusen side, is believed to have attracted interest from Wigan, Sunderland and Newcastle. Tranquillo, primarily a winger who can also play as a defensive midfielder, arrived at the BayArena from native outfit St Gallen in 2004. He spent a brief spell on loan at Bundesliga rivals Hannover before returning to establish himself in the German club's first-team. The Leverkusen man scored both of Switzerland's goals in quick succession during their 2-2 Euro 2012 qualifying draw with England back in June. Quality player, right footed player who usually plays on the left wing, can play on the right and behind the striker, takes a good free kick aswell Get him signed Brucie, would be available for a decent price I rekon (5m?) and is only 26 would be a good player to end our summer recruitment. [video=youtube;TTN_cRJ6oaI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTN_cRJ6oaI&feature=related[/video]
Very good player poolie. For all that he's right footed, he's a specialist left winger, and he's quick, really quick. Be a good signing for sure.
agreed and about the fact that he's quick would be a real plus point, there is a lack of pace in our midfield and a fast left winger would fit very nicely
Barnetta and Sess could rotate positions in play as well, that'd give defenders hell. He gets goals as well, if we had him Seb, Gardner and Sess backing up Gyan, we'd not be shy of goals.
We've been linked with him for a while now, although interest has apparently tailed off recently. Interest from newcastle would be firmed up if we lost Barton I reckon but I don't think Barton will leave this season so will be a non starter for us.
I dont realy think in modern day football it matters if you have a left footer on the left or a right footer on the right aslong as they create some sort of threat. Most wingers now actually seem to play on the opposite flank and cut inside with the full back offering the option on the outside with there overlapping runs. I think it would probably be better with a right footer on the left aslong as there natural game is all about pace and being direct and that the left back is a naturally left footed player (notice Richardson has been at left back last few games of pre-season). IMO we aint the type of side that going to score many headers with Gyan and Sess seemingly the first choice front two so I would rather someone who's gunna cut inside and create chances than someone crossing it in with our midgets upfront trying to get there head on it.
I'm certain Barton will stay this season mate, and you're probably right, you won't shell for another lad if Ashley doesn't feel it's needed.
If we did, I'd sooner use it to get Adam Johnson on loan for a year. He would really light up the SOL and would take care of the second striker role as well as he can comfortably play up front as well. Adam Johnson and close the cheque book Ellis after that. We'd be ready to rumble big time.
If he is genuinely up for loan then why not? He is from the NE so location is hardly the issue. If we are serious about making a challenge for the top 10, then I'd really hope we'd be in the hunt for him and lastly, if he really is from a Sunderland supporting family AND he almost signed for us anyway last year, then surely we just HAVE to be front runenrs - dont we? Lol If he isnt up for a loan, then its all just pie in the sky anyway mate.
