Nine

Just because his preferred option is AC doesnt mean that hes not also happy to come here, it might not even be true for one and there has also been rumour that he and his agent had a verbal agreement with Maldini and gave his word that he'd go there over a year ago. So maybe hes just trying to honour that? Fans get so emotional over this shit when 99% of the time its just business.. he could easily end up here if Milan cant agree a fee with Lille.

Dubs is also 33 and this season might be his last chance to get a decent contract elsewhere, maybe hes happy to stay and be a no.2 to wind down into his mid/late 30s but I'd say thats unlikely. He should go enjoy the rest of his career and make the most money he can.

I still think it’s likely that Dubs will be the one to leave

It’s defo primark like, I’m sure our lad Adam will have it confirmed later when he jumps in front of the black people carrier for the interview

It just looks primarky.. point is hes wearing cheap clothes. A far cry from Maxi rocking up for a medical in a Gucci headband.

No one, theres a reason hes still here. Ashley would have cashed in if there was any serious interest.

Primark t shirt and shorts, humble lad for a footballer I like him already

His agent said this after we failed in Jan - He told French title L'Equipe via Inside Futbol : “We were not convinced about the sports project and we saw no short or medium-term plan with their approach. “Hugo has achieved great things in just six months but as he is attached to the club, we agreed with the leaders to end the season with Reims.”

Shame as hes obvioulsy highly rated by Howe, on to the next.

Yeah, agreed. Thankfully the people in charge seem to be sticking to their guns on this approach.

Yeah I think it could be a double edged sword really, do it early and the seller will bump the price as theres still loads of time or do it late and the seller will bump the price as theres not much time. The longer Botman and Ekitike drag on IF we finally sign either of them I think it will just feel like relief to most fans rather than satisfaction, we'll see alot of wanting one more big one in. From the outside looking in it seems like it would make sense all round to just pay up a few million extra for Botman and get him early for the squads sake as well as the fans, get him integrated in the side early as possible.. just not sure the people in charge will see it that way.

To be fair the Spanish and French clubs will know the score already but it wont stop them trying their luck to squeeze a bit more of a fee out of us while its still so early in the window.

If he ever starts that many games then I fear for the goal posts

Yep, there was no way we were interested in this lad. Just doesnt match up with anything we've seen and heard about Howes philosophy at all.

Doubt it

Dont believe we actually wanted him at all, his character is the opposite of what Howe looks for

Dont forget he was at Inter until his incident cut that short, hes 30 and has a heart issue he'll thank Brentford for the chance and move back up to his rightful level for the money and a chance at winning trophies.

Tbf I hadnt watched a whole lot of him, had a look today and I see what you are saying.. I just hope there would be enough balance there with that combination of more forward thinking midfielders.

Putting this in this thread since it covers transfers. Everyone should watch this btw.

If the reports about stalling over moving here are true it makes you wonder why the dream they sold Bruno and Trips isn’t enough to convince this player or any other that’s at this sort of level, it obviously might be for personal reasons but I would love to know what’s actually being promised.

'Didnt want him anyway'

Its funny that all the hate that comes his way just helps him grow faster, lad knows what hes doing

We literally booked a medical in for a new signing today

No I understand that hes not a Ben Arfa type that we'd have to carry defensively but to be fair I didnt realise he was as much as of a work horse as you are saying here.