No. Also, Norway’s ranking of 41 means that merely making an appearance with the senior squad won’t yield any points. When Dike joined Barnsley, he was only able to because he made his USMNT debut and they were ranked high enough that additional WP points were given. So even if Botheim enters the senior fray it won’t yield points. But pointing to the war preventing him from playing at Krasnodar would be an interesting case and seems a decent basis for an exception.
Well that's us out of the running. No doubt has the potential but for right now I believe we should be looking at alternatives.
What about, Callum Wright who was on loan at Cheltenham? Or Ayoub Assal from Wimbledon? both linked with moves away for under £1M.
Seems to be some talk amongst the FGR fans that we are going to be in for their ST Matt Stevens. Scored 23 goals in league 2 this season. Obviously Edwards will know him and whether or not he thinks he can make the step up. He’s only 24 and his contract expires next summer, so with 1 year left, he won’t cost that much. Probably under £1mil.
If it's talk amongst FGR fans, I imagine he came across some people superglued to a road somewhere and asked them.
You mean the guy out long term with a knee injury? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60983250 Would be typical of us I guess! Get someone in who won't be fit till December when Edwards will probably be gone by then.
Actually, even though Vydra has an ACL injury I'd still sign him. Geri has made a full recovery from it and it didn't take him too long before he was playing regularly. It can take between 9 to 12 months. So, his injury occurred against us, which was 30th April. Assuming he had his operation soon after he could be back around in January/February. Looking at all the wasteful deals the club makes, I'd think signing Vydra on a free, from July 1st, would make sense. You'd be getting a proven Championship goal scorer, who could boost the squad at a very timely point in the season. If we don't go up, then we've still got a good Championship striker on our books. I like the way Vydra plays in the build up. He's always sharp with his passing and speed of thought. He could be ideal in the system Edwards wants to play.
QPR and Sheff Utd showing interest in Stewart of Sunderland. Only a year left on his contract. An absolute animal in the air and should be the type we're looking at if Edwards wants to play a big man up top. Be interesting to see if he becomes unsettled.
Look I love Vydra and never wanted him sold in the first place but it's a massive gamble on someone who maybe fit by winter. We need players that are fit and ready now.
Personally I see it as a bit of a no brainer and very low risk. He's going to get fit, and he'll probably be excellent after that point. He will be on a free and the contract will be heavily weighted towards him getting fit and playing again. In return we'd provide Vydra with all the medical care he needs, and Watford are pretty highly regarded in this area. I would see him as an addition to what we'll already sign. An extra player who may play an important part during the run in. The cards could have fallen perfectly for us on this. The only issue I can see is that Burnley may offer to look after him, which, if they do, then that's fair enough. They would probably be in the box seat. However, if they don't want to extend his contract, then I don't see too many clubs wanting to take a punt on him. Given our previous association with him being always positive (as far as the fans are concerned), then I think he could be very appreciative of the offer to come back to us. EDIT:- Actually it looks like Burnley want to keep him and have offered him a new contract. Matej Vydra contract latest and the Burnley stance on injured striker - LancsLive
Ok that's fair enough. I suppose he could be added to the squad after the January window if he's fit and ready. I could definitely accept that. But if the money is that tight I'd still honestly prefer the money being spent on players available to play from game one of the season.
An old interest going to Sheffield United ? https://the72.co.uk/274104/sheffield-united-interested-in-hibernian-defender-josh-doig/
Jayden Braaf on a free? Would have joined Udinese for a fee last summer but for his injury. Could be an option for the attacking midfield role even though he’s more of a winger.
Seems a good player that was too good for League 1. Watched him against Wycombe (not play offs) as friend is a Sunderland fan. Was impressed, caused plenty of problems, strong and mobile. Wouldn’t be disappointed if a bid was made. Plus The Loch Ness Drogba is a great nickname!
Not sure if, or hope, he'd fit into any new squad/shape...but I've liked the look of Chris Willock every time I've watched him play for QPR. Seems like a breakthrough player to me who may explode in the right environment.
He’s superb. Although 18 goal contributions in the league last season is pretty close to exploding. Reckon that he’d be too expensive now - probably QPR’s premium asset and the one they’re looking for an eight figure fee for even though he’s only got two years left. Do think he could do a job for us in the 10 - don’t think that would be too difficult a transition though the price tag renders it a moot point.
