05 Aug 2019 11:49:09
Ed002,

I know you don't do blow by blow updates and you might not have time to do a sharkopod anytime soon, so I went and saw the last target update that you'd shared with us. Dated around 17th April. Obviously, I've only looked at the Midfielders, as that is the need of the hour.

The following names were on the list of potential targets.

1. Declan Rice - We didn't declare interest, just watched him on a few occasions

2. Rakitic - I think he might be available, but not sure if our interest is sustained

3. Rodri - Moved to city, so out.

4. Saul - Expensive, will definitely not consider moving down

5. Bruno - No acceptable bid submitted by us.

6. Felix - Atleti got him, out

7. Acosta - WP issues, that mostly rules him out.

Another name that we're linked with is SMS, but his move depends on Pogba moving out again, no idea what is happening on that end.
Longstaff is another player that was looked at, but again, no development in that.

Now, from the list, we can rule out at least 2-3, mostly because they joined another side and some we aren't getting. Are there any other players that we're interested or do you see us getting a new MF before the the transfer window ends?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Rakitic will be moving this summer - we'll see what happens.}


1.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 13:25:22
Would love Rakitic for a few years: seems like a creative hard-working midfielder. Could be a good combination with McTominay and Pogba.

Still think we need Bruno though - at game Saturday and lack of options final third.


2.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 13:44:17
What I like in Bruno Fernandes is that he can play CM and CAM, so no worries if we play 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. Really, really hope we do get him, as we were not seriously linked to any other midfielder (except Longstaf) .
P. S. Nainggolan to Cagliari. Where that came from
;D.


3.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 13:55:16
Ok I'll bite

To us perhaps ed002? Would be a pleasant surprise?


4.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 14:28:42
Same here, I would have wanted Bruno to come in, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

On Rakitic, wouldn't he be a short-term fix? I know 31 isn't too bad, but then again, is he what we need?


5.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 14:29:31
Doucoure from Watford always puts in a shift would be good replacement for a now very slow Matic. 😍🤣.


6.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 14:47:23
I would take a punt on John McGinn him and Mctominay in the engine room with pogba further forward pullin the string for Radshford or martial would be a good way to go.
.


7.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 14:51:47
Rakitic is a horrible individual so he's out.


8.) 05 Aug 2019
05 Aug 2019 14:57:33
I’d be very surprised if we went for Rakitic. We seem to be targeting young, hungry players who will be in the side for years to come. Rakitic would be expensive and would
need to be replaced in a year or two.