ExiledGeordie

The Lodi link seems like there’s something in it. If we are planning on signing him I can’t see us signing Targett. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to sign both but difficult moving loads of players on.

I wonder if we’ll go in for Bissouma

I think he’ll be here next season unless someone comes in with a can’t say no offer, maybe a newly promoted team?

Staveley was literally quoted as saying “Sven said yes in January”. Theres clearly genuine interest. As long as we bring in another quality CB then mint. Probs need two if Lascelles goes

Possibly but in a recent interview standing on the pitch after Arsenal it seemed pretty obvious from what he said that he was keen to stay.

I suppose it’s a question of whether Targett would sign if he knows another likely starting LB is brought in. He left Villa for that reason but yes signing him and someone else would be ideal. One of the issues is going to be getting rid of players this summer. We’ve got 32 players currently.

At least we’re actively trying to sign players eh. Light years away from the Ashley nonsense we had to endure for years.

It’s great if they are wrong but Craig Hope, George Caulkin and Mark Douglas who I sat and listened to at a talk in earlier this week are rarely that wrong given their contacts ?

Get the impression there seems to be a lot in this Lodi link, he looks quality both in terms of attacking and defending. I’d be happy with Targett (and thought there might’ve been confirmation by now if he was signing )but fully trust in the recruitment whatever they decide.

Yes exactly this. What’s the combined cost of say a new LB, striker, RW and say Botman and possibly a new keeper? Way, way over 100m. I just don’t see them shelling out another 50-60m on top of that if all the reports from local journos are right and considering FFP. They’re not going to spend more than 150m this summer or I’d be very surprised.

I’d love us to sign Paqueta and get the feeling there’s a decent chance but if we don’t have the extra cash to outlay 50 odd million on him I’d rather it was used on a striker, right wing, CB and left back. The midfield can obviously be improved but there’s more pressing concerns elsewhere. If we somehow manage to bring in Paqueta, a striker, RW then our attack could be outrageous next season.

Clearly a total and utter shambles

Thats not entirely true, Henry Winter saying the approach and logistics for Real fans getting into the stadium on their side was far easier. Cleverly there were some Liverpool fans who took the piss and contributed to this. Loads of locals also trying to get in and storm gates also a factor. But horrific management from UEFA and police.

If they’ve highlighted Botman as their potential lynchpin for the defence for the future that’s good enough for me?

Completely agree. Other than a few decent performances recently he does nowhere near enough to justify a starting spot

I remember watching with my housemate at the time and we looked at other in disbelief how awful he was ? The fact he was paired with Bramble was even more ridiculous

How bad was Boumsong. Remember his first game against Yeading ??‍♂️

I think he’d be an absolutely quality signing. His play when he went to West Ham indicates what he’d offer us. Experience, pace, goals

Yeah sounds about right. I think there’ll be an acceptance that we’re going to have to shell out proper money on a striker.

And a right winger and our attacking play would be immeasurably better

An excuse or rationale? ? I think some people are getting a bit ahead of themselves with the squad here. The lad has come in and contributed to forming an exceptional defensive unit which has been ridiculously good and basically kept us up. He’s exactly what we need right now. You can’t replace all the positions in the summer and the attack takes priority. Signings don’t always work too see Lucas Digne. Targett is a proper left back whose performed well. On the flip side if we do sign him and then upgrade again the season after next or before he gives us a second option at left back if someone better comes in.

I hope Everton go but I have a feeling Leeds might go now. If Chelsea put Everton away today that’ll do nicely though

I think he’ll get next season to see what he can do in a set up with a proper right winger, and other attackers. I think that will help him a lot as someone stated on this thread earlier. That said I’m not convinced he’s disciplined enough in the role or consistent enough to be here long term. I can see Howe potentially selling him at some point.

He’s an excellent left back. Is he world class, no. Does he lack raw speed, yes but he’s not that slow. Real steady Eddie, solid and dependable and he’s been excellent since he arrived. Seems a no brainer to sign him but depends if they’re looking at other options.

Bissouma would be quality but isn’t there court case ongoing?