I’ve only seen Doku a couple of times. He looked decent. I like the idea of picking up another youngster as long as the price is right, but there’s always the fear these days that he could end up being an “N’Doku”, but with a fairly hefty fee. perhaps the pain of a big spend on a non essential winger will be much easier if we get ourselves a playmaker. doesn’t seem to be many rumours on that front, sadly.
Aouar's the closest thing to a playmaker we've been strongly linked too and just yesterday it was mentioned that whilst we've been offered the chance to sign him we've yet to respond - albeit a "watch this space" was mentioned. It seems to be either him or McKennie that we're targetting for CM, of the two, despite previously saying don't shop in France I'd go for Aouar as he seems a bit more "playmakey" where as McKennie strikes me as a Sissoko upgrade but neither are the types I feel we really need in terms of style. I want another Eriksen/ Modric and whilst players like that don't come along often, we've gotta do our best to try and get someone along those lines in my opinion or risk relying on Kane again to be creator and goal scorer, we got away with it last season as he didn't get any long term injuries but we're playing a dangerous game relying on one player to fill two key roles in the side for a second consecutive season.
from what I’ve seen of Aouar, he could potentially fit that mould, or certainly come close to it. But that’s why I mentioned that there’s not been much on the rumour front. It’s him, and basically no one else, for a position we’re desperate for IMO. Yet for other positions, we’re linked to tonnes of players. McKennie is more than welcome, as far as I’m concerned. As is Kessie. Both have got to be an upgrade on sissoko…
Yeah it's weird that such a pressing concern isn't seemingly being a priority yet another unneeded winger is grabbing the headlines. Aouar is closer to what we need than McKennie (who agreed, is an upgrade on Sissoko and one or two others) but I'm still not completely convinced he'd be what we need. Playmakers obviously are in short supply though so it may be a case of Aouar being the best available player we could get and if that's the case, go for it. Though if on the extremely rare chance this post just somehow manages to find its way into Fabio/ Hitchen/ Levy's inbox... Milinkovic-Savic would be most welcome.
Apparently the Traore deal is looking less likely now as Wolves have now changed their stance on letting him leave. Oh damn… that’s a shame
Great news about Sissoko. Good move for him too if it goes through. Lille supposedly looking at Aurier should Celik leave this window.
Atleti rumoured to be closing in on Celik now so wheels could be in motion. I wonder if that means Tripps to Utd though?
Been talk the last few days we’ve been trying to sign Ilaix Moriba from Barca. He’s one of their best prospects who’s already played for the first team a number of times but he’s not agreed a new contract yet with one year remaining so they’ve banished him to the reserves. Would be a promising addition just like Sarr when that goes through. Though I think Chelsea are also interested so could be tough.
Sounding like this could really be a go-er. More journos are jumping on the story, including Daniele Longo who believes talks are at an advanced stage and there’s a strong belief it’ll get done. Him and Sarr represent two brilliant talents for the CM roles. I wonder if this is also why Sarr is due to join next year and not immediately because if Moriba joins now, there may not be enough space for the pair of them to get sufficient game time, so Sarr getting another year with Metz and Moriba coming in and challenging straight away could be handy. He’s had a better upbringing than Sarr what with coming through La Masia and featuring for Barcelona so I guess it makes sense and eases the disappointment of not having Sarr straight away. After Gil, this’ll potentially be two of Spain’s and La Liga’s brightest talents joining us.
The more I read all this crap from ITKs the more it seems likely that none of them know anything. And I mean none of them. Seems that if you write enough crap you're bound to be right at some time, whilst the vast majority of the time they are wrong. They're just attention seeking nobody's. Presumably they get off on this discussion of their bullshit, and what sad people they must be if they do. Do people seriously think that most of this stuff is going to get into the hands of people to leak onto public forums? And why is it that a lot of the deals actually made have had very little mention from these ITKs until the last minute if at all.
Anyone with ITK or “insider” in their name is not ITK, nor are they an insider. Though Roo and I used to very much enjoy reading the stuff on SCITK, would provide some great entertainment… complete and utter bullshit but great entertainment nonetheless.
