January Transfer Window

The window opens tomorrow 1st January and closes at 11pm on the 31st.

Names in the rumour frame so far are:

Domagoj Vida - Croatian centre back cuurently with Besiktas
Gary Cahill - Chelsea centre back
Danny Simpson - Leicester right back
Nathaniel Clyne - Liverpool right back
Danny Drinkwater - Chelsea midfielder
Victor Moses - Chelsea right wing back

Any I've missed ?

In general, we may have to offload two or three before bringing in anyone new. My main hope is that we don't leave things till the last minute - as per the norm - for this or any other reason.

Specifically with Alfie Mawson out - possibly for 5 to 6 weeks - after Saturday's injury to the same knee he had surgery on, at least one proven, big hard CB is essential.

What positions do you reckon we need to fill and who should go ???

 

Cottager, I was waiting for you to start this tread so many thanks for that.
One name that has popped us is Mousa Dembele, our old favorite and currently not a regular in the Spuds team, he would be ideal, adding his control to the defensive midfield and also someone for Cairney and Seri to learn from.
From your list, Vida would be brilliant, along with Moses if we continue with 3 CB's.
On those to exit, Anguissa he has not lived up to my high hopes or anyone else's from what I hear. Cisse could go as he doesn't look like ever getting a game.
If we could do the above business we would improve greatly and not disrupt the squad too much.
As you say, the sooner the better too.

 

On the out front the rumourmongers have -

Stefan Johansen to Galatasaray; and

Kevin McDonald to Glasgow Rangers (and him a Celtic fan, eh what Fab ?)

 

I'd love McDonald at Rangers to be honest, think he would be brilliant up here. We also want to resign Steven Davis from Southampton, think Davis is first choice but is on a big wage there so unless he accepts a big pay cut it wont happen, think McDonald is an option if we dont get Davis.

 

Nothing to do with penaltygate, but we need another striker. Someone who can partner Mitro if we want to go with two up front, or to step into his boots if the dreaded injury happens. As it stands, he's the one player we just don't have adequate cover for. As to who it should be, no idea!

 

I've always liked Callum Wilson at Bournemouth, had a couple of bad injuries in the past but when fit hes a real handful and a proper striker. Also Jay Rodriguez, plays a league below at the moment and hasn't always been the most prolific but has had decent goalscoring seasons in the premier league before, another who will work his socks off all game for the team.

 

I can't see Bournemouth letting Wilson go, though I agree he'd be good. I've never been that taken with Rodriguez, and while he might make a good partner for Mitro, I don't see him as an alternative in case of injuries.

 

The latest list of names from the rumour channels -

James McCarthy (28) - Everton central midfielder
Pedro Obiang (26) - Spanish midfielder with West Ham [Hammers said to be interested only if deal involves Tom Cairney]
Jared Bowen (22) - Hull City winger [Their player and supporter's Player of the Year last season and playing well this. Rated at £5m.]
Antonio Candevra (31) - Inter Milan winger [Allegedly looking for a 6 month loan to get game time. Obviously dependant on us offloading.]
Shinji Okazaki (32) - Leicester forward
Islam Slimani (30) - Leicester striker [Currently on loan to Ferenbahce.]
Emiliano Sala (28) - Nantes striker

 

Couple of tidbits doing the rounds -

Tim Fosu-Mensa's loan deal has been terminated. Presumably freeing up a space to bring Cahill in on loan.

Danny Drinkwater is apparently on the Dark Side's injury list. Suffice to say we can't afford at this time to repeat past 'mistakes' and bring in someone who will be missing from the off.

 

Cauley Woodrow has signed permanently for Barnsley.

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Here's a link to their story https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2019/january/woodrow-signs/

 

Why Barnsley like Cauley

 

One down - Nathaniel Clyne has gone to Bournemouth. They've also signed Dominic Solanke, who was rejected by Palace, from Liverpool for an alleged £19m. Whatever your thoughts are on the money involved, having at the same time offloaded Defoe to Glasgow Rangers, you can't fault them for getting their main business done early.

Come on Fulham !!

[Suppose you could say we've moved in the right direction with Ranieri saying today that he's okay with Fosu-Mensa going back to United.]

 

He's a Wanted Man. First this rumour then one saying AC Milan had made enquiries about him and now West Brom want him on loan (allegedly).

 

"All Quiet on the Home Front" while Tony Khan is in the USofA launching his new All Elite Wrestling venture.




Read all about it https://www.sportskeeda.com/pro-wre...&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sportskeeda

Grand timing !!

 

According to The Sun we've turned down an offer of £50m for Mirtovic from some Chinese outfit.




Clearly at this particular time he's much needed and in any event a replacement, if we could entice one, would cost more. Note that Dembele Mark 1 is allegedly getting £120k per week plus perks for his move there.

And on wages, the move for Cahill has hit a glitch which is no doubt down to his reputed £150k pw the Dark Side are paying. Expect something similar with Drinkwater and Moses if their stories are true. The Cahill situation is really strange since one minute it's being reported as a loan, then a 'free' and then £10m.

 

As ever we will find out the real story if we get any of these, disappointed Dembele 1 has gone to China.
The other 3, all reported to have visited our training ground, would be brilliant, especially with Cahill only on £150 per week Cottager
In the next 20 days all will be revealed.

 

Duly upgraded

 

Michy Batshuayi has come back early from his loan to La Liga side Valencia. The Mirror say we are preparing a £14m bid to the Dark Side.

The Standard said we'd bid £15m for Divock Origi. Liverpool supposedly wanted £25m but anyway have now decided he's not going anywhere this January.

Meanwhile, reports are around that West Ham are considering coming back for Tom Cairney. A much lower bid of £25m this time though.

 

Is this the transfer window or the start of Shahid Khan taking over the Dark Side?

 

Oh my !!!

According to Dutch papers Ryan Babel - remember him at Liverpool ? - is on his way on loan from Besiktas .... tomorrow.