13 Jun 2017 10:04:10
So things look like they are starting to shape up with regards to incomings.

Greizmann is off the list, I'm glad that was determined early so as to avoid a whole summer of will be won't be. It also allows us to focus on other signings. I don't think it's a coincidence that we have seen more movement after it became apparent that Greizmann was going to spend at least another year at Atletico.

Lindelof from what I've seen and heard looks like a solid signing with potential to become a great player with us. That should solve the centre back issue. We still have Bailly, Rojo, Jones, Smalling, Blind, Tuanzebe and TFM so that's 8 CB's. I fully expect a couple to leave, most likely Jones and Smalling. I think TFM should head out on loan next season to gain experience with Lindelof Bailly, Rojo, Blind and Tuanzebe to fight it out over the starting spots.

It looks like we will sign one of Morata or Belotti. It looks like Real are in fully swing trying to flog us Morata at an inflated rate to fund their move and make space for Mbappe. Marca only ever print stuff to aid Real Madrid so for them to say a deal is close feels like it's more about putting pressure on us. From what Ed002 has said it looks like Belotti might be our first choice as we have through a third party made contact, where as we haven't approached Madrid yet, but we may do. So it looks like one of those two will come in to replace Zlatan in the squad. Both imo would be good signings, Morata maybe more proven and at a higher level, where as Belotti might have more potential.

The Fabinho rumour seems to be hotting up. Apparently he was promised he would be allowed to leave this summer, with Bernardo Silva already leaving Monaco this summer and with them not needing the money I doubt many more will be allowed to leave Monaco unless you pay massively over the odds. Mbappe will maybe leave if someone is prepared to smash the 100m barrier for a kid with less than 18 months professional football under his belt. Bakayoko and Mendy will only leave if someone pays well over the odds for them. Which makes me think interested clubs might look elsewhere.

Ivan Perisic is another linked to us heavily. I'm on the fence about him, on one hand he has several qualities that Jose values, work rate, pace, strength and height. But on the other he is very inconsistent. His age maybe works in his favour as he has good experience and he also won't be around in the long term potentially blocking players such as Angel Gomes who should be breaking through in a 2-3 years time. I think he is the right type of player, a true wide man rather than a No.10 pushed out wide who will always look to come inside. He could be a solid signing but he isn't worth anywhere near what Inter are asking for.

So it looks like CB, CM, ST and winger could all be sorted. The question remains over LB. Shaw has struggled in his time here, and not just since his injury, but his whole first season wasn't great. He's been here three years now and has only managed maybe 7 games at a level that can be deemed good enough. Three managers have questioned his professionalism and mentality. I think he should be given one more season, but we can't rely on him so at least someone who will seriously challenge him should be brought in. With Mendy unlikely attainable we should look to other options such as Aaron Martin, Jose Gaya, Faouzi Ghoulam, Rapheal Guerreiro or Alejandro Grimaldo. All are solid options.

{Ed004's Note - Good post. I suspect that Lindelof, Fabinho, Perisic and Morata are the primary targets. After that we may see a few more deals occurring with players leaving. I wouldn't be surprised to see either or both of a right back or left back signing. I think they would be two massive signings for us but it looks like we are building the foundations for our team first. With Bailly, Lindelof, Fabinho, Herrera, Pogba and Morata we will have a very strong spine. I think all of them are 6ft 2 except for Herrera who is only 6ft. We would have plenty of options out wide with Mkhitaryan, Mata and Lingard for the right side and Perisic, Martial and Rashford out on the left. Valencia and Darmian are not bad options for right back with Shaw, Blind and Rojo can cover the left side. Hopefully, Darmian, jones etc leave and funds are freed up for moves for either Semedo or Mendy though}
In an ideal scenario Griezmann would be signed in January to give us that extra boost for the end of season as well.

1.) 13 Jun 2017
13 Jun 2017 11:05:11
good post - I have a feeling for all Jose s praise of Fellani should we get Fabinho I think he will be sold. I can see Ashley Young being moved on too which would suit everyone I think.

2.) 13 Jun 2017
13 Jun 2017 11:05:58
Great post Shaps.

3.) 13 Jun 2017
13 Jun 2017 11:22:15
shappy good post, the fabinho rumours though seem to be fake, there is no actual news either from france or england, all it right now seems is lot of social media chatter and we all know how that ends, i really hope we sign atleast 1 of mendy or semedo alongside all those you have named, we need good offensive fullbacks.

4.) 13 Jun 2017
13 Jun 2017 11:24:15
Top Post Shaps and i think we will end up getting Morata btw .

5.) 13 Jun 2017
13 Jun 2017 11:21:37
Good post Shaps 👍
Great response Ed 👍.