02 Apr 2023 10:59:55
Ed002, I see on another page you said Manchester United have reignited their interest in Khephren Thuram. I was wondering what other midfielders are of interest to the club for this summer?

{Ed002's Note - Something like this:
Joao Palhinha (DM), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (CM/AM/DM), Taylor Booth (CM) - looking unlikely, Khephren Thuram (DM/CM), Marcel Sabitzer (CM) - chances are drifting away, Frenkie de Jong (CM), Jude Bellingham (CM) - very unlikely, Manu Kouadio Kone (CM/DM) - in discussions to move elsewhere, Mason Mount (AM) - unlikely, Mohammed Kudus (AM).}

1.) 02 Apr 2023
02 Apr 2023 13:16:14
Fantastic, thanks.

2.) 02 Apr 2023
02 Apr 2023 15:35:30
So that's 10 midfielders, none of whom are likely to move to us. Amazing. ????.

3.) 02 Apr 2023
02 Apr 2023 17:36:00
Personally I think we need someone more on the defensive side, if they are a good ball carrier that would be a massive plus.

I think with players like Bruno, Eriksen, the young lad Hannibal as well as players like Sancho and Amad who can play as a No.10 I think we have enough creative midfielders currently.

However, the drop off in Quality when Casemiro is out is massive. While the futures of both Fred and McTominay are up in the air.

Maybe letting one of McFred leave and signing one of Palhinha, Thuram or Kone from that bunch would give us more balanced midfield options.

4.) 02 Apr 2023
02 Apr 2023 21:40:04
We def need cover for Casemeiro but what top player wants to sign as cover? More importantly we need to sign a midfielder who drives the team on and won't accept the limp displays like we saw today.

5.) 03 Apr 2023
03 Apr 2023 07:14:42
Salford, I think Palhinha might be difficult to sign as at his age (27, 28 in July) he'll want to play regularly. However, younger players like Thuram or Kone who will both be 22 by the start of next season have time on their side to learn from Casemiro and eventually replace the 31 year old.

6.) 03 Apr 2023
03 Apr 2023 08:02:31
Sabitzer now looking unlikely?

7.) 03 Apr 2023
03 Apr 2023 08:07:26
Who is the other club who is in talks with Manu Kone?

Very good all action player.

8.) 03 Apr 2023
03 Apr 2023 08:53:08
Interesting to see the stance on Sabitzer, and the chances of signing him drifting away as Ed puts it.
How does everyone feel about the player, should we be looking to get him permanently? He's clearly an upgrade but has he done enough? I think it depends on departures more than anything.

9.) 03 Apr 2023
03 Apr 2023 13:48:22
Spenno,

He’s an upgrade on our squad players but he’s never going to be first choice for us, I would be surprised if we signed him permanently or if he starts any big games once Casemiro and Eriksen are back.

10.) 03 Apr 2023
03 Apr 2023 14:44:20
Spenno, I like Sabitzer, but he's not set the league alight since he's signed. In fact he's hardly started when Casemiro has been available.

Also at his age you'd imagine if he was to leave Bayern's bench you'd expect it'd be to be first choice somewhere, not to be another bit part player. At 28 he's at his peak, he should be playing every week.

11.) 04 Apr 2023
03 Apr 2023 23:57:22
I think Sabitzer is the epitome of the term ‘bang average’ He does a bit of this and a bit of that, but ultimately he’s nowhere near good enough. In fact, he’s not much better than McTominay, if at all.

12.) 04 Apr 2023
04 Apr 2023 14:21:27
Sabizer is meh for me, I've not seen anything other than a lot of effort.

13.) 04 Apr 2023
04 Apr 2023 17:25:42
Definitely bang average. i haven't seen anything from him to be honest.

14.) 05 Apr 2023
05 Apr 2023 20:05:30
I like Sabitzer. Tidy, does the basics well. Would be a good squad player for me. Obviously, he might not want that at this stage of career, but if we could get him fairly cheap, it's a yes from me.

15.) 06 Apr 2023
06 Apr 2023 22:06:51
He’s definitely better than Mctominay, and it’s perhaps a little unfair to judge him on his first few games in a new league having not played too many minutes. He has started to look better in the last few games and popping up with goals and assists, he was one of the only ones with any credit from the Newcastle game, so maybe if he continues to improve we will look to sign him.