Ok it's coming up soon, so which positions do you think we need to strengthen in January? Any names that we could realistically sign? Any idea who we have been linked with? I would personally like us to sort out that problem right-back position to provide competition and reliable cover as well as a future replacement for Rusty (I have never rated Whittaker). I quite like Dennis Diekmeier at German 1. Bundesliga side Hamburger S.V. I think he has everything we need. Although he is German he speaks fluent English and has admitted that he would consider moving (HSV are not pushing for Europe and are often accused of lacking ambition). I think he probably has a bigger German club like Schalke 04 or Borussia Dortmund in mind but maybe the (slim) chance to play Europa League for Norwich and get regular Premiership football to boost his chances of appearing in the world cup (Germany have Philip Lahm) would be enough that we could get him, and we shouldn't have to break the bank. His nickname in German newspapers is 'Flankengott' meaning crossing god so you can trust me when I say he is good at crossing. He has absolutely exceptional pace (faster than Simeon Jackson, Olsson and Redmond) despite being 6'2" and is 24 years old so has time to develop but doesn't have the premium price of young European talent. I think he would the perfect player for us and would really improve our squad. We haven't been linked to him unfortunately, I just really think we should try to sign him
He's also out with a fractured foot I believe? Like the sound of him, but I can't see us getting him for less than £6-7m, which whilst that's probably the sort of fee we'll have to pay to improve our squad, I'm not sure we can afford to spend that much in January on a player with quite the extensive injury history. I wouldn't say no to Valon Berisha of Red Bull Salzburg. 20 year old central/attacking midfielder who in 31 games has scored 7 and got 10 assists this season. Would probably cost around £4m, although might still be regarded as one for the future rather than someone we could expect to come in and make a difference, so perhaps a better target for the summer. Do people think it's time for a Stickied "January Transfer Rumours & Discussion" thread?
Haven't really seen enough rumours being thrown around but maybe to discuss what we think we need. i had suggested Naughton on a similar thread to this I think that having seen Olssen on the left has shown up that our RBs aren't as strong as could be, Granted i don't feel as though we've seen enough of whits.
We could speculate for some time who we would like at this club. Much will be depend on our league position by the end of December as to which player(s) we may attract to the club in January. If we are in the bottom three then it will be very difficult to attract the right quality of player(s). If we have a new manger by then this may also affect the type of player(s) who might arrive at CR in January.
Yes to the last, I wouldn't have made this if there already was one. I don't think Diekmeier has a history of injury (would make him cheaper to buy) in the same way Pilkington does, although you're right that he is out currently and I think 3-4 million pounds would be a more likely transfer fee. The problem with forwards and attacking players is that you can't guarantee they will replicate their previous form at NCFC...
Taking a look at this, he's had a fair few injuries in the past, but you're right in that his injury record of late isn't as bad as I initially thought. If his fracture did take him out until February, I'd be prepared to buy him injured for ~£3m as we have got cover in that position, and he could come into contention when fit. Agree you can't predict how well players will adapt to the league, but when there's not a lot of "proven" players we could afford/want in the league, we don't have a lot of choice. Wouldn't mind loaning someone from a bigger side, but again, can't think of an example.
