Possible summer targets

[sheffielder]

Just think the money's gone a bit daft in the championship and can see a club like villa offering a silly amount of money for him would love to have Gallagher though think has a bit of everything.

I can't see Southampton selling them, they both have bright futures and will probably get extra deals. I think loans look more likely

 

[1889Paul]

I think people are over thinking this new keeper stuff. We have to have someone who came through our academy in the 18 next season. I can't see that being anyone other than George Long as I can't think of another?

What are the rules for next season?
Do they have to have gone through the academy or just the youth system? Would sharp fit into the category?
Looking at the way Wilder has been pushing David Brooks forward during the celebrations I wouldn't rule out that he has plans for him next season too

 

[sheffielder]

What are the rules for next season?
Do they have to have gone through the academy or just the youth system? Would sharp fit into the category?
Looking at the way Wilder has been pushing David Brooks forward during the celebrations I wouldn't rule out that he has plans for him next season too

By all accounts Brooks is going on loan to Chesterfield as part of the Ched deal.
I believe they have to have come through our academy and I am not sure it was one when Billy was first.

 

[finlaytheblade]

By all accounts Brooks is going on loan to Chesterfield as part of the Ched deal.
I believe they have to have come through our academy and I am not sure it was one when Billy was first.

He probably qualifies as he has. been with us since being a young boy.They wernt called academy,s in those days.academy,s are a modern name for youth policies

 

[Liaminho9]

As it stands, Forest are down.

Double bid for Assombalonga and Mancienne.

 

[Smirth]

As it stands, Forest are down.

Double bid for Assombalonga and Mancienne.

Not for me. Would take Ben Osborn though. Very good left foot and can play LWB, CM and on the wing.

 

[Liaminho9]

Not for me. Would take Ben Osborn though. Very good left foot and can play LWB, CM and on the wing.

Looks like i cursed it anyway!

 

[Blade58]

As it stands, Forest are down.

Double bid for Assombalonga and Mancienne.

Now Blackburn in the final relegation spot

Twists and turns

 

[Blade58]

Presenting the much anticipated sequel to my 'Possible January targets' thread...

Assuming we're going to be promoted, we'll be able to look in a different market. It's going to be interesting. Without knowing exactly how much we'll have to spend these are some players I think we could and should consider.

Add your own suggestions to the thread.


Goalkeepers

Neil Etheridge - Has looked impressive against us and is out of contract. Good competition for Moore. Stand out option as far as keepers go.

Adam Smith - Wilder's former keeper at Northampton, looks like he's out of contract, and there'd be no compensation to pay as he's 24.


Defenders / Wing Backs

Byron Webster (CB) - We've had long term interest and his name's likely to resurface, especially if Millwall don't go up. In his prime and would probably be solid in the Championship, as he is in L1.

Alex Baptiste (CB) - Versatile, experienced defender who'd fit perfectly into a back 3 if we continue playing that way, either at CB or RCB. Still a decent athlete.

Alex Pearce (CB) - Solid centre half who was Reading's captain before signing for Derby, where he hasn't played regularly due to Derby already having good established centre halves.

Richard Stearman (CB/RB) - Experienced Championship defender who should be available from Fulham. Would fit in nicely at RCB.

Matt Connolly (CB) - Another experienced Championship defender, not first choice for Cardiff but would definitely do a job for us.

Jordan Willis (CB) - Young Coventry CB, their captain, good athlete and would be easy to sign. Ideal for RCB, one who could develop with us.

Conor McLaughlin (RB/RWB) - Another we've had interest in, out of contract and would be good competition for Freeman and an option at RB in a back 4.

Amari'i Bell (LB/LWB) - Fleetwood's other wing back, also out of contract. A good athlete, the sort we could do with in the Championship. Norwich were apparently interested in January.

Joe Edwards (RB/RWB) - Versatile player who's looked good against us for Walsall, quick and tidy with the ball and would be good cover at full back or wing back on either side, can also play in central midfield.

George Baldock (RB/RWB) - Good attacking full back/wing back who's out of contract.

Callum Paterson (RWB/FW) - Highly rated young Hearts player who can play right back or as a striker. Derby were looking at him in January. Appears to be out of contract.


Midfielders / Wingers

Tendayi Darikwa (RWB/RM) - Very ideal for RWB. We'll need more athleticism next season and he'd provide that. With Burnley staying up, he'll be available.

Elliott Bennett (RWB/RM/CM) - Good athlete and all round wide player with very good crossing ability. We were linked in January and he'd at least be a useful squad player next season.

Conor Coady (CM) - We know him well. A good all rounder, a good character and would be a perfect fit for us next season. Could be available as he's not an automatic pick in Wolves' midfield and they have money to spend.

Cameron McGeehan (CM/AMC) - Goalscoring midfielder with a great attitude. Out of contract. Will be in demand despite breaking his leg in January, we could throw our hat into the ring for him.

Ben Reeves (AMC/RW) - Maybe not what we need most but a very good player to pick up on a free transfer. Tricky and creative with a good left foot.

Alex Gilbey (CM) - Young all round midfielder who did well in L1 for Colchester last season and for Wigan early this season before getting injured. If they get relegated he could be worth a look.

Jackson Irvine (CM) - Had a great season for Burton after being linked with us last summer. Would be quite costly though. Cash plus Brayford perhaps?

Sam Morsy (CM) - We could possibly do with someone with bite and defensive ability and Morsy's a good footballer too, and he's proven he can play in the Championship this season. Will be easy enough to sign if Wigan go down.

Brad Potts (CM) - Young, tall Blackpool midfielder with 12 goals this season. Has had Championship interest.

Jamie Allen (CM) - Rochdale's captain at 21, had two good games against us and is highly rated. Dynamic, tidy and solid. Appears out of contract. Would definitely consider him.

Erhun Oztumer (AMC) - We've seen what he can do, he's got brilliant ability. I'd like him as an option in our squad and I see no reason why he couldn't perform in the Championship. We could always use more goals from midfield. Depends on what he'd cost though.

Kazenga LuaLua (LW/RW) - Exciting player with a lot of pace and trickery and a hard shot. Will be available for loan at least.

Callum Harriott (LW/RW) - Not a regular for Reading and could be available. Quick, tricky, left footed and can score.

Craig Noone (RW/LW) - Proven Championship winger, not always in Cardiff's team. He'd be a very good option for us to have.


Forwards

Omar Bogle (CF) - Wigan look like going down and I'd imagine he'll have a relegation release clause. He's done fairly well for them so far and is young enough to improve. Would be ideal with Sharp. We've had previous interest so I'd expect us to consider him.

Lee Gregory (CF) - Most predictable target of the summer. Wilder wants him, he's a Blade and he wants to come here. Apparently has a release clause of some sort. I'd expect this to happen. Good player but not sure if he'd be the most suitable.

Sam Gallagher (CF) - Big 21 year old striker with a lot of technical ability. Done well for Blackburn on loan from Southampton. Could be another Chris Wood. Linked with us, would be worth spending a big fee on but I feel a loan would be more likely.

Danny Ward (CF/RW/LW) - Rotherham's only bright spark this season. Might be within our budget now, but he'll have plenty of interest, although maybe not as much now his form's dropped off a bit. He's quick and hardworking with good ability, left footed. I think he'd play well with Sharp.

James Vaughan (CF) - Had a great season for Bury. There's no doubt he's Championship standard, his injury history just counts against him a bit. Depends what he'd cost.

Nick Blackman (CF/RW) - Will be available from Derby. Was one of the best players in the league just over a year ago, he has a great left foot and would give us a good option particularly from the right wing in a 4-3-3. Has pace and ability to produce something from nothing, which we lack.

Ollie Watkins (CF) - Young Exeter striker we've been linked with. Could be a good investment.

Sammy Ameobi (RW/LW/CF) - Big, strong, fairly quick and a handful for defences. Good left foot and versatile. I think he'd do well with Sharp as well as being a good option from the right.

Lee Gregory just knocked one in for Milwall at Scunny

 

[Ricky]

There's already a number of players that seem likely or logical signings, and it seems we're going to have a few of them signed early.

At the moment I'd predict something like this.

Etheridge
McFadzean
McCarthy
Riley
Adeyemi
Holmes
Ward
Evans

Let's see if I get many right. I think at least 3 is extremely likely - Evans, Holmes and Riley.

It's a shame. We prepare for the transfer window speculation and it's over before it's even started! Sorry.

 

[LJBlade]

There's already a number of players that seem likely or logical signings, and it seems we're going to have a few of them signed early.

At the moment I'd predict something like this.

Etheridge
McFadzean
McCarthy
Riley
Adeyemi
Holmes
Ward
Evans

Let's see if I get many right. I think at least 3 is extremely likely - Evans, Holmes and Riley.

It's a shame. We prepare for the transfer window speculation and it's over before it's even started! Sorry.

Evans is already done, he's already been up at the training ground, so you can't use that one as a prediction

I don't think McFadzean is likely either, there's been no contact yet at least, though I suppose it is quite early.

 

[Ricky]

Evans is already done, he's already been up at the training ground, so you can't use that one as a prediction

I don't think McFadzean is likely either, there's been no contact yet at least, though I suppose it is quite early.

I'll stick my neck out and say at least 3 without Evans then.

I'm not keen on McFadzean but think it's something that might crop up when Burton try and sign Brayford, and we were interested previously.

When I look at that list the overriding thought I get is 'average Championship players'. Which would be enough to strengthen significantly and help us stabilise, but I hope we do a bit better. And I think we will, but they all seem quite likely individually, and they'd all fit within a lower budget.

 

[Slim Man]

I think we'll sign this mob and more:

Etheridge
McCarthy
Holmes
Evans
2 centre halves
1 defensive mid
1 left wing back
Another striker

 

[Champagneblade]

There's already a number of players that seem likely or logical signings, and it seems we're going to have a few of them signed early.

At the moment I'd predict something like this.

Etheridge
McFadzean
McCarthy
Riley
Adeyemi
Holmes
Ward
Evans

Let's see if I get many right. I think at least 3 is extremely likely - Evans, Holmes and Riley.

It's a shame. We prepare for the transfer window speculation and it's over before it's even started! Sorry.

I don't think you are far off with your numbers.

I think Wilder will replace what he is letting go plus there is a strong case for a better keeper. So:

In - Etheridge / Smith
In - O'Shea, replacing Scougal
In - Evans, replacing McNulty
In - Brayford, replacing Wilson
In - Riley, Replacing Hussey
In - Ward/Gallagher/Gregory, replacing Done
In - McCarthy, replacing EEL
In - Holmes, replacing Chapman

 

[sheffielder]

I don't think you are far off with your numbers.

I think Wilder will replace what he is letting go plus there is a strong case for a better keeper. So:

In - Etheridge / Smith
In - O'Shea, replacing Scougal
In - Evans, replacing McNulty
In - Brayford, replacing Wilson
In - Riley, Replacing Hussey
In - Ward/Gallagher/Gregory, replacing Done
In - McCarthy, replacing EEL
In - Holmes, replacing Chapman

So if we get rid of Long, which academy player would you stick on the bench as per the new rules?

 

[Sirius]

So if we get rid of Long, which academy player would you stick on the bench as per the new rules?

It's one thing benching them but do you have to play them .? Genuine question I don't know

 

[Champagneblade]

So if we get rid of Long, which academy player would you stick on the bench as per the new rules?

That's a good point. Whiteman would be next up. But I do get what you are inferring. Having a local lad taking up a spot which you need to fill but is hardly used is better than removing a chance to put an experienced player in there.

Long could remain on the bench alternatively, but you could rotate your other two keepers depending on the competition. Agree though, it is not an ideal situation.

 

[Mouth of the South]

There's no way on earth that I would want Long playing in the Champ - he was a liability in L1 and I actually think his level is around National League North.

Whiteman, Reed or Semple (if fit) are the most obvious options to be the required academy product. Brookes would have been another had he not been lined up for a loan to Chessie (which I think will do him good!).

 

[Lard_Lad]

I can see another striker and one of Clarke or Hanson going, not sure who though

 

[Matthew the blade]

Is definitely sign Cian Bolger. Or if go him we could possibly loan Duffy or humenier from Brighton. Can't see them playing in prem . As wing backs / wingers maybe someone like josh or Jacob Murphy , gwion Edwards.
Midfielders maybe someone like Jackson Irvine , and strikers possibly tom Lawrence or Sam Gallagher or Vaughan

 

[Reedy1889]

We are now linked with a move for Portsmouth's Enda Stevens. He made the league two team of the season.

 

[Ricky]

Here's one out of nowhere. They seem very confident he's signing for us.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/pompey/pompey-set-to-lose-defender-1-7953185


I know he's been very highly regarded there for the last 2 seasons, but with us being in L1 and him being at Pompey I didn't think it would be possible, he was linked with Championship clubs too I think and that's where I expected he'd end up.

We're in a position to sign him now and it looks like we might be. We're certainly not fucking about are we?

Would be a good free transfer. That article talks about him being a good attacking full back so he'd be ideal from that point of view.

 

[Chief_Froley]

We are now linked with a move for Portsmouth's Enda Stevens. He made the league two team of the season.

I have had the pleasure of working closely with the man and I can assure you he is a quality player.



























On FIFA.

 

[Mouth of the South]

Can't say I've seen him play more than a handful of times but the step down to L2 seems to have done him a lot of good and he now appears ready to step back up again. He's always played LB rather than LWB on the occasions I've seen him so it will be interesting to see how CW sets the side up next season.

He will certainly provide another option for what is probably the weakest position at the club with Lafferty (who the jury is still out on for some) and the (probable) outgoing Hussey.

 

[Blade58]

Ben Reeves

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/..._MK_Dons_star_amid_Sheffield_United_interest/

 

[loyalblade95]

Ben Reeves

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/..._MK_Dons_star_amid_Sheffield_United_interest/

would be a good championship signing depends how loyal he is to robinson though he might want to help robinson get charlton promoted

 

[FriethBlade]

That article says bids have gone in from championship clubs but he's not keen on the location....soft, southern ####. Not that we need another midfielder of his calibre, if we are going to sign another one they need to be a step up on what we have and he's not better than Fleck, Coutts, Carutthers et al

 

[ElephantBlade]

Here's one out of nowhere. They seem very confident he's signing for us.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/pompey/pompey-set-to-lose-defender-1-7953185


I know he's been very highly regarded there for the last 2 seasons, but with us being in L1 and him being at Pompey I didn't think it would be possible, he was linked with Championship clubs too I think and that's where I expected he'd end up.

We're in a position to sign him now and it looks like we might be. We're certainly not fucking about are we?

Would be a good free transfer. That article talks about him being a good attacking full back so he'd be ideal from that point of view.

Great comments from the Pompey fans as well. Bodes well, seems like it would be a good signing. Have to say I'm enjoying hearing and seeing business is being done quickly, no fannying about and all that.

 

[Ricky]

I'm not surprised that we're getting straight in there with the free agents.

Our recruitment seems to have been largely based around players' contract situations for a while now. Which is smart. Great way to get value for munneh.

 

[RMBlade]

I believe the more expensive transfers will come mid June onwards. Quickly pounce on the out of contract players early before anyone else can. Plus there are still clubs whose futures aren't decided so they can't really make transfer dealings yet.