Possible January targets

[Blade58]

In:

CB (especially if EEL goes back)
Left sided winger/wing back
Striker

Out:

Long on loan
Possibly Reece Brown (on a 3 month contract)
Sparky

 

[FriethBlade]

I used to play with him at Manchester Uni..I'm 6"5 and used to play in goal...he is literally the best header of a ball i've ever seen. He could outjump me easily (admittedly not hard). He is useful on the deck and has real intelligence. I don't think he'll be on extortionate amounts of money either. Worth a shout IMO.

Very good call and would offer an alternative to what we already have.

Incidentally I played for Man U (as I tell my boys !) many years ago when the home ground was The Firs in Fallowfield. It had a banked cycle track round it and hosted big matches in the late 1800s and early 1900s...including a Blades v Liverpool FA Cup semi. No doubt it s covered in student flats nowadays ?

 

[Silent Blade]

Very good call and would offer an alternative to what we already have.

Incidentally I played for Man U (as I tell my boys !) many years ago when the home ground was The Firs in Fallowfield. It had a banked cycle track round it and hosted big matches in the late 1800s and early 1900s...including a Blades v Liverpool FA Cup semi. No doubt it s covered in student flats nowadays ?

 

[bobbyblade]

Very good call and would offer an alternative to what we already have.

Incidentally I played for Man U (as I tell my boys !) many years ago when the home ground was The Firs in Fallowfield. It had a banked cycle track round it and hosted big matches in the late 1800s and early 1900s...including a Blades v Liverpool FA Cup semi. No doubt it s covered in student flats nowadays ?

The Uni team still play on The Armitage site...The Firs still retains it's pavilion although a lot of the area has been developed there are still 4 pitches and new 4g astro...some good times were had at the bar in the firs..The 1893 FA Cup Final between Wolves and Everton was hosted there...45,000 was the alleged attendance, but they reckon 60,000 were there with some encroaching on the pitch. Everton lost 1-0 and unsuccessfully appealed to have the match replayed arguing that the environment was not fit to host a competitive match!

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Interesting OP containing some good shouts. In addition to those I’d consider



Jordan Willis- Coventry- Looked good against us, still only young. Can play RB or CB (probably ideal on the right of a 3 if EEL went back). Think he’s also their captain.


Murray Wallace- Scunthorpe- Big, young centre half who since he joined them permanently in January this year, they’ve not looked back. Scotland U21 international. Signing him would also dent Scunny’s hopes.


Nathan Byrne- Possibly beyond our reach but a player I’ve always liked. Can play both WB positions and has also played in more advance roles so would also compensate for the loss of Chapman. Pacey, direct wide player.


John Lundstram- Classy midfield playmaker at Oxford. Still young and represented England at youth level. Would be ideal to replace Coutts or Fleck in case of injury or if Coutts rests on his laurels.


For strikers, I absolutely agree that we should sign 1 of Evans, Bogle or Akinde.

 

[Blademan89]

There's a lot of people saying cover for freeman / another wingback (maybe left) ... but we have a good wingback in brayford(who we can recall). And with the whole teams uplift in performance, since last time he played, he could slot straight back in, and possible move freeman onto the left side, which he has played plenty of times before for us. Both same style and provide threat down both sides. This to me seems best way to go.... unless we indeed can not afford to pay his wage thus on loan.

 

[Ricky]

There's a lot of people saying cover for freeman / another wingback (maybe left) ... but we have a good wingback in brayford(who we can recall). And with the whole teams uplift in performance, since last time he played, he could slot straight back in, and possible move freeman onto the left side, which he has played plenty of times before for us. Both same style and provide threat down both sides. This to me seems best way to go.... unless we indeed can not afford to pay his wage thus on loan.

I don't think Brayford can play that role anymore (fitness wise), and he's shown nothing to suggest he's capable of regaining his old form or that he even wants to play for us anymore. Then there's his large wage.

Freeman would be a different entity on the left side, he's played there before but never looks comfortable on his left side. It's crucial that wing backs offer real width, as they're the only designated wide players in the team, it's not like a 4-4-2/4-5-1 where you've got 4 wide players. And when you've got a player on his wrong side, he's more likely to cut inside, into areas that are already crowded enough in a 3-5-2 formation. You can't get away with playing wing backs on their weaker side as much as you can with wingers. If we had a right footer at LWB it'd have to be someone who can go down the outside and get to the byline.

 

[Blademan89]

He plays that role currently with burton, who are in the league above, and by all accounts playing well (as you would expect, since he is back with his dad) . If we bring in another rwb/ rb permanently, I would fully expect Brayford to be on his way out. But I feel he would fit perfectly back into the fold given the current formation(as he is playing rwb for burton as stated above), the way we play and the form we have been in.

The form he was in at the start of the season was indeed dire. But so was the whole squad, and he was just returning from a serious injury. i feel returning with the current momentum we have, with the team spirit, Will see him performing he once was, when he was on loan with us.

But I fully expect him to stay with burton for the rest of the season, and if we go up he will be back in the fold (wages reason), and if we don't I believe he will be sold to a champ squad.

 

[Blademan89]

A few names here who I think could be good signings for us, and it wouldn't surprise me if many of these are also on Wilder's list.

Add your own suggestions/possible targets to the thread.

* Appear to have 6 months left on contract



Defenders/wing backs:

Byron Webster (CB) - Already a known target, very solid L1 centre half who is apparently keen to join us, Millwall have had time to line up replacements.

*Craig Morgan (CB) - Another previous target, another experienced CB who'd be ideal in the middle of our back three. Been back in Wigan's team recently but might still be available.

Kevin Long (CB) - We were linked with him too. Did well in L1 with Barnsley last season. Knows Lafferty from Burnley, will be available.

*Aaron Pierre (CB) - Athletic young left sided CB at Wycombe. Not quite what we need most but could be worth signing for what would be a reduced fee.

Tendayi Darikwa (RWB) - Nowhere near Burnley's team. Will be on a decent wage, but maybe we could get him on loan. He's been in this area and in L1 previously with Chesterfield. Good athlete who'd give us a real boost down the right hand side.

*David Wotherspoon (RWB/RM/CM) - St Johnstone utility player with good individual ability, we were linked when he was at Hibs. Scored plenty last season, has a good delivery on him and takes set pieces. RWB in our team would suit him.

*Conor McLaughlin (RWB) - We were linked in the summer. He impressed for NI at the Euros and can also play in midfield. Likely target with 6 months left on his contract.

Paul Caddis (RWB) - Out of favour at Birmingham, whether that'll change now after Rowett's inexplicable sacking I don't know. Proven RWB, would improve us.

George Baldock (RWB) - Looked good against us, good on the ball and quick. Wilder said as much but also criticised his play acting.

*Joe Bunney (LWB) - Converted by Keith Hill from striker to LB/LWB, like a reverse Matt Done! So could also give us another option up front. We've been linked, maybe there's something in it.



Midfielders:

*Yaser Kasim (CM) - Classy midfielder who'd be great competition for Fleck and Coutts. Low fee possible. One who could possibly step up to the Championship.

*Louis Thompson (CM) Young Norwich midfielder who's done well in L1 with Swindon, and captained them. Looks like a good all rounder.

*Jamie Allen (CM) - 21 years old, Rochdale's captain and has played a lot of games for them in recent years. Quite highly rated, could be worth a bid.

Elliott Bennett (RWB/RM) - Not a regular at Blackburn, but is a proven wide player who can cross a ball. Decent athlete and a well balanced player. Would be excellent for us at RWB.

Emyr Huws (CM/AMC) - We seem quite strongly linked, will obviously be available. Left footed playmaker who can score goals. Warnock could do us a favour.

*Graham Carey (AMC/LM) - Probably the best player in L2 for the last two seasons. Scores, assists, takes set pieces, has a great left foot. Would be quality competition for Duffy. 6 months on contract but could still be hard to sign.

*Ben Reeves (AMC) - Been a good player for MK Dons for a while in the number 10 position. Decent ball carrier with end product. Good left foot. Would be quite hard to sign though I'd imagine.

Martin Samuelsen (AMC/LW) - Extremely skillful player. Not sure West Ham would loan us anybody though. Possible replacement for Chapman but would expect to start regularly.

*Lloyd Isgrove (RM/LM/AMC) - Southampton winger who was at Barnsley last season. Tricky, tidy and intelligent player. Another possible replacement for Chapman.



Forwards:

Ched Evans - We should sign him if at all possible, as a priority. Could be incredible value.

Omar Bogle - Surely out of reach now but we've been interested for a while and could try our best to get him.

*Jon Obika - Good all round forward, athletic, skillful, a good provider and can score himself.

John Akinde - Powerful forward with a great scoring record in recent years.

Eoin Doyle - Not a regular for Preston, done well in L1 previously and doesn't seem to have deteriorated.

*Conor McAleny - Did well for Wigan on loan, scored a good goal against us. Can also play wide. Has been at Everton a long time so they must see something in him.

James Vaughan - Quality L1 striker if he stays fit.

*Tom Elliott - Target man at Wimbledon. Looks like a handful, and has scored a few. Could be a bargain if we want that sort of option.

Martyn Waghorn - Looks likely to leave Rangers. Left footed, versatile and hardworking. You won't find a more direct upgrade on Done. Not sure he'd be prolific either though.

Would like to see us try and temp, Zack clough away from Bolton, if not ludicrous money (which given their current situation, should be grateful of any sort of money).

josh Morris from scunny again if not too much money. Weakening promotion rivals.

Matty Taylor - from Bristol rovers(should be cheap)

Otzumer - Southend, goals from midfield (should be cheap)

JET - gillingham bags of experience got goals in him powerful tall.

Carey - Plymouth got few goals this season and plenty of assist, midfielder



But again kasim is a good shout.

 

[Ricky]

Brayford's been playing RCB most weeks for Burton and Clough himself has alluded to him being unable to train properly due to the injuries he's had.

The reasons to bring him back are nothing more than hopeful. He's shown nothing at all since signing permanently, no signs of improvement, whether before or after injuries. He'd offer no more than Freeman.


Zach Clough would cost at least £3m so I think we can forget about that. Taylor and Morris would also cost too much.

Should have signed Oztumer on a free in the summer. Then that would be one position we don't have to look at in January.

 

[Blademan89]

Past few games (quite a few ) they have been playing similar formation to us, with brayford as rwb, (with some of their fans suggesting coutts in January to strengthen their midfield & play in the middle 3 & to link with Brayford).

As mentioned since signing permanently, the team as a whole under preformed, with last year having poor players around him (and also coming back from serious injury). And mood / attitude across the whole team being poor /disinterested.... always is going to bring players down, in that sort of environment.

Can't see clough being £3 mil,(although I agree will be out of budget) young and recently out of the academy and Bolton are struggling to the pay bills, although I believe he will go to champ side.

Morris, can't see being out of reach, previous seasons he hasn't shown much, it's his best season he is having currently,

Taylor wouldnt break the bank either I don't believe. If we showed interest(cheeky bid). The player, if he wanted to come here (don't see why not, and would jump at the opportunity) could force a move, thus not being held to ransom.

Oztumer - I agree we should have got him on a free, when had the chance. Don't see him costing too much, might be worth putting a cheeky bid in, same with kasim...

 

[Ricky]

Past few games (quite a few ) they have been playing similar formation to us, with brayford as rwb, (with some of their fans suggesting coutts in January to strengthen their midfield & play in the middle 3 & to link with Brayford).

As mentioned since signing permanently, the team as a whole under preformed, with last year having poor players around him (and also coming back from serious injury). And mood / attitude across the whole team being poor /disinterested.... always is going to bring players down, in that sort of environment.

Can't see clough being £3 mil,(although I agree will be out of budget) young and recently out of the academy and Bolton are struggling to the pay bills, although I believe he will go to champ side.

Morris, can't see being out of reach, previous seasons he hasn't shown much, it's his best season he is having currently,

Taylor wouldnt break the bank either I don't believe. If we showed interest(cheeky bid). The player, if he wanted to come here (don't see why not, and would jump at the opportunity) could force a move, thus not being held to ransom.

Oztumer - I agree we should have got him on a free, when had the chance. Don't see him costing too much, might be worth putting a cheeky bid in, same with kasim...

Maybe he's played RWB sometimes but he's been on the right of a back three most of the season. Has he played well at RWB or are the Burton fans rating him based on his performances at RCB?

If Brayford was just a bit below his loan level since signing permanently, maybe you could point to the poorly performing team etc. But that's not been the case. He's been a mile off it. There's no excuse. He was poor before the first big injury, and he's been poor after the injuries.

Burton can dream on regarding Coutts.

Zach Clough will be £3m+. Very good young player, PL interest.

Josh Morris would be north of £1m and they don't need to sell, certainly not to us.

Matty Taylor £1.5m+.

Oztumer 500k+, Kasim 300k would be my guesses.

For value we should be and will be looking at players whose contracts are expiring. There are plenty.

 

[Blademan89]

I believe the burton fans are rating him on the whole season, so would say both positions.

But again I do agree with you, he has been very poor for us since signing permanently, and is little excuse(although with the 'excuses' I mentioned, I was just simply suggesting it could have been a number of factors as to why ). There is no doubt there's a player in there. At the moment it seems he can only play for one manager. If so then he will be no use.(I do believe wilder can get him playing to what he was ;coutts, scouggs etc)

My thoughts exactly regarding coutts- (they believe he would be good midfield choice, that would link perfect with Brayford, and when /if switch to 442 can play rightmos in front of him). Let's hope clough doesn't feel the same. We have track record of selling our players at crucial times(although with wilder, this will change. He had come out and said this himself too).

Zack clough- hadn't realised he had pl interest, but as we said very young, fresh out of the academy, stills lot to prove.

Josh Morris- agree they don't need to sell/ especially too us, why I mentioned about putting a cheeky bid in, unsettle the player....(believe he is / will be 1 season wonder)

Matty Taylor - what makes you think he would be £1.5 m ? I could see us getting him for far less, £600 k - maybe with add ons etc

And the last two I think would be about on the button. Which we should try and go for as cover.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Reading this thread it's as if nobody has paid attention to the business acumen of Chris Wilder. All the above are, of course, considerations, but CW will look at our current squad, decide where strengthening is needed, and act appropriately. Given who he's brought in so far it wouldn't come as any surprise if new signings are either unheard of (by most supporters) or he'll bring in players (cos we're anticipating more than one aren't we?) who are known quantities who do what it says on the tin.

 

[Ricky]

I believe the burton fans are rating him on the whole season, so would say both positions.

But again I do agree with you, he has been very poor for us since signing permanently, and is little excuse(although with the 'excuses' I mentioned, I was just simply suggesting it could have been a number of factors as to why ). There is no doubt there's a player in there. At the moment it seems he can only play for one manager. If so then he will be no use.(I do believe wilder can get him playing to what he was ;coutts, scouggs etc)

My thoughts exactly regarding coutts- (they believe he would be good midfield choice, that would link perfect with Brayford, and when /if switch to 442 can play rightmos in front of him). Let's hope clough doesn't feel the same. We have track record of selling our players at crucial times(although with wilder, this will change. He had come out and said this himself too).

Zack clough- hadn't realised he had pl interest, but as we said very young, fresh out of the academy, stills lot to prove.

Josh Morris- agree they don't need to sell/ especially too us, why I mentioned about putting a cheeky bid in, unsettle the player....(believe he is / will be 1 season wonder)

Matty Taylor - what makes you think he would be £1.5 m ? I could see us getting him for far less, £600 k - maybe with add ons etc

And the last two I think would be about on the button. Which we should try and go for as cover.

Even Clough's not got Brayford back to what he was before. I don't think Wilder could either. I think the injuries have made sure of that, although as I said he had deteriorated before them.

Coutts to Burton is a total non starter. They wouldn't pay him what he's on here, he wouldn't entertain the move, end of. Football wise he's also much better off here.

Clough's done well in the Championship. Everton were scouting him.

Taylor apparently has a release clause in his contract of £1.75m+. He could've gone to the Championship in the summer but chose to stay. He's only proven himself more since then, and Rovers aren't desperate for cash. I'd see him as a replacement for Sharp more than a partner anyway.

 

[Blademan89]

I appreciate that he isn't the player he once was, when he was on loan. And as you said injuries have played a big part in that. But he is still doing well in the burton team atm.

Coutts I never said he was going or anything else. Just the fact that some burton fans had mentioned his name as a possible target. I don't feel that coutts given the opportunity would want to go, he seems to be enjoying himself this season.

And Taylor I still expect we could get under £1.5 mill, and under £1mill... before add ons etc.

 

[robbiez666]

Is Coutts still on the transfer list? If so, I could see him going to Burton.

 

[GCB_SUFC]

Is Coutts still on the transfer list?

Have you been living under a rock for the last 4 months?

 

[North somerset blade]

Hi there,

This is my first post after reading the forum for a while. I think we could do a lot worse than having a look at Matt Smith from Fulham. Seems to be crowded out by the likes of Chris Martin, Lucas Piazon etc there and has a track record of delivering at this level. We seem to put a lot of crosses into the box with very little end product. This guy is an absolute beast in the air and I feel he would get on the end of a lot. Also played with Billy at Leeds so will know each others games pretty well.

Agree re smith. Scored against us when he was on loan at BCFC in their rampant promotion season (we won 3-1 with Done netting 2 and Murphy a peach of a goal in 2nd half Smith scored for fun that season and the bumpkins down here were distraught when he went back to Fulham.

 

[Stretch]

Is Coutts still on the transfer list? If so, I could see him going to Burton.

Think he was taken off but not certain. Hasn't he also triggered a new deal (or the offer of one) due to number of appearances? Think Billy and Scougal are in the same boat.

 

[Matthew the blade]

First of All I don't think we need too many additions maybe just 4 . I'd say we need a RWB another CB , Another LWB and another ST. However with the form of freeman and our cb's at the moment we need to bring in quality back up that can easily replace them however players that aren't going to upset the dressing room if they aren't playing and would accept that they may not play a lot. Now the RWB who I believe could be a good back up is Scott Wagstaff, he is a RWB and does have the quality , he played a vital part in Bristol city gaining promotion , and at the moment he isn't getting played by gillingham , but I believe his experience would add to the squad. The CB I would bring in is Laurence Maguire a young CB from Chesterfield, He hasn't played much but when he has the Chesterfield fans have rated him highly and said he's a shining light in a poor team. The player I would sign for LWB is Danny mayor from bury , on his day this lad is class and great in our league , he is right footed however he is still good with his left foot as he has played LWB before . And for the striker I would sign it would be James Vaughan or Omar Bogle . James Vaughan is 4th highest scorer in our league in a struggling team . And Omar Bogle is doing amazing in league two this season , his firs season in professional football . He's carrying Grimsby and is also there top scorer on 14 there second highest scorer is on 2

 

[Grappler]

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

Wonder what the other position is ???

 

[Grappler]

Wonder what the other position is ???

Was wondering that myself Worksop, wonder if striker is on the cards? I know we already have enough (on paper), but with only Billy scoring on a regular basis, wonder if CW would go all out and get someone in to pick up the slack?

 

[Ricky]

The other position depends on what sort of wide player we sign.

If we sign a winger who can't play wing back, then we might also bring in a RWB (not the way to maximise resources if you ask me).

If we sign a winger who can also play RWB then the other player will be a CB or a striker. Which would be preferable.

 

[B14Nco]

Glad someone else spotted George Baldock looked class when he played at the lane... Although I don't think we need him...

I'd have thought he will be on the move to a 'bigger club' over the next year or so tho...

 

[Grappler]

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

My money is on another striker capable of championship level.

 

[Ricky]

I'm thinking that David Wotherspoon could be a very smart signing. He's a good, versatile player but couldn't necessarily come here and expect to go straight into the team. He can play RB, RWB and just about anywhere in midfield, so the least he'd be is a very useful squad player, and his versatility would make recruitment much easier and possibly reduce the number of players we need to sign. He also takes good corners and can cross a ball. If he was to get in the team it would probably be at RWB in place of Freeman.

His contract is expiring so I expect he'd cost no more than 150k.

 

[Blade58]

I'm thinking that David Wotherspoon could be a very smart signing. He's a good, versatile player but couldn't necessarily come here and expect to go straight into the team. He can play RB, RWB and just about anywhere in midfield, so the least he'd be is a very useful squad player, and his versatility would make recruitment much easier and possibly reduce the number of players we need to sign. He also takes good corners and can cross a ball. If he was to get in the team it would probably be at RWB in place of Freeman.

His contract is expiring so I expect he'd cost no more than 150k.

We've already got our player for corners and crosses in Hussey!