I have read a couple of rumors here and there that Lambert is still interested in bringing Boyata to Norwich from Man city. Lambert tried to bring him in on loan about a year ago and so that is probably the trigger for these rumors now. With the recent signings of De Leat & Ayala I wonder if there is any truth in it now or need for it. If it were to be true, is he any better than what we have? Quoted figure is around the 1.2m mark. Thoughts?
I'd be suprised if we signed another cb, but you never know, especially if he is more quality than the likes of ward and whitbread
Have to admit I've not seen much of him (seem to remember he got sent off v Arsenal last year after 5 minutes!), but the fact he's near the 1st team at City suggests he's a decent player, perhaps if Whitbread and Ward are out for a little longer than expected he might be useful cover?
personally can't see Ward playing much this season in the league as he is what fifth in the pecking order for centre backs.
that's a fair point DM, it's up to the boss, and to be fair there will be injuries and lack of form of other players that means Elliot will play for sure
I think that is a bit unfair on Ward. Yes, he hasn't been perfect but I think the mistakes he made are behind him. I felt he fully recovered after 3-4 games after coming back from a long term injury. Before his injury I felt he had been very good for us. After a few games he stopped making mistakes. I think that the mistakes just got stuck in people's head. Whitbred has made some mistakes as well, the third goal against Swansea away last season as an example, but I haven't seen people criticise him. With regard to De Laet, he made a big mistake against Wigan and this mistake was forgiven with two blocks. Ward has had his moments, such as a goal against Millwall, so can't he be forgiven as well? As for Boyata, I feel we don't need a sixth centre back. Five is more than enough cover - note that R Martin can plat centre back if need be, with Naughton playing right back. Also, bear in mind the 25 man squad, we don't want to use it all up and have it over flowing with centre backs.
I think it is unlikely 6 would be wanted too, but Boyata is not 21 until November and so would not count on the 25 squad until next season.
Would he not count as one of the 25 in February being that there are January transfers and a new 25 man squad would be submitted - Boyata included?
Not 100% sure, would need to look it up, but THINK that if you are under 21 at the start of the season then you don't count.
Just found this definition of U21. "An Under 21 player is defined as one who is under the age of 21 on 1st January in the year in which the season commences."
