Bear in mind Toon budgets, are we really going to spend in midfield? We only play 2 in whatever formation we try, 5-4-1/-5-2-3-1/-4-2-3-1. Without the emergence of Longstaff we might have been in need of someone, but the way we play our CB's have the passing range, the midfield function is a bit more practical. I'd like to see us upgrade on either Diame or Ki, but we probably haven't got anywhere near that kind of cash. I can see us signing yet another freebie here as backup, as all of our money should be going on wing backs.
If all of them end up staying, which is entirely possible - Diame may take his one year extension or get the two years hes after, Hayden could be forced to honour his contract and seems professional enough to do so without causing to much of an issue, Shelvey battles back and gets a run of games in - then agreed 2 Full Backs would be the priority along with another Striker or 2 if Rondon doesn't come in (as a back up to a 15-20 goal a season striker)
We need 4 minimum. We've currently got 5 (at a push) and at least one is going, possible 3. Personally I think we'll keep Diame (as it's cheaper than replacing and we know he can "do a job"), Longstaff and Ki but I have a suspicion we'll sell Shelvey. Buy in one first teamer as you probably can't rely on Longstaff to maintain form so Diame/Ki step in.
It's Not Like PlayStation. Cuddly Mike will make sure the numbers add up on and off the pitch.........yet again
