19 Feb 2014 22:31:16
Just going to update on the Garay saga
So as publicised, we'd agreed a deal with Benfica over the player during the SAF reign but DM pulled out because of the players we had in the team at that point as well as the price being, in his opinion too high
The struggles we've had at the back with Ferdinand being injured, Vidic under-performing, Evans being solid but not top quality, Smalling inconsistent and Jones's injury problems have all made DM be back in the market for a central defender and one that can lead the defensive line higher for a few years before Smalling, Jones, Keane and a new signing become our new CB's if they fulfil their potentials
Deal was agreed with Zenit early to mid February but the player rejected the move having been approached by DM who said we were now interested again and will definitely make a move in the summer with a slightly reduced price from last year which I have heard is around the 8-12 mil mark depending on the add-ons.
Don't be surprised if Benfica ask for Evans in return but DM won't be interested due to next season being a rotation of Evans and Smalling with occasionally Jones but his versatility almost stops him from being first choice CB
Iv heard the same Bennet I heard Moyes wants to bring in Ezequiel Garay Mattio Di Sciglio can cover both fullback positions and will try again for Luke Shaw he wants Kroos but that's a hard one to predict and another midfielder Vidal and Kagawa won't leave as Moyes wants to let Young and Nani go
None of that is either new/updated or true.
The Garay situation we already knew about, I've posted about the pull out many time of the season. He also will not be coming to us at the end of the year.
The player was willing and ready to join when SAF was in charge, but to have Moyes tell him he's not good enough/not known was a joke.
Would you want to join after the new manager pull out the first time seeing that SAF has a far better opinion on players than the person we have in charge currently.
As for the Kroos deal, that will be a bidding war to which we will not be able to compete with if we do not make a champions league position.
I'm not privvy to inside information but it sounds to me like Mangala is more of a target than Garay for us.
Can't say I've heard anything about Di Sciglio being linked with us?
Moyes felt he had enough cover at CB for the year and felt Garay was more of a luxury and now that he's still available a year later when he's obviously needed we will go back in for him. Obviously up to the player if we match the fee asked and the player is apparently still keen
Unless Mangala's transfer fee is lowered significantly then we are not interested. Not impossible but certainly unlikely
{Ed002's Note - There is no interest.}