10 Feb 2021 10:43:57
With some chatter around Ramos being interested in joining us, is there any real interest


or is this just about trying to talk up a better contract again?

sorry if its already been covered
im still uncertain about this, yes he is old (as footballers go, still a pup in the grand scheme of things ) and this doesn't give us much longevity yet he would bring some much needed insight and experience and maybe help the defenders we have with potential.

what are everyone else's view on this?

1.) 10 Feb 2021
10 Feb 2021 10:53:59
Not sure why we would look at him.

Yes we need a couple of new CB's but Ramos would be scraping the barrel.

{Ed002's Note - Sergio Ramos (CB) PSG wanted a January agreement to take him as a Free Agent in the summer but the player is apparently reluctant to commit just yet. Real Madrid want to extend his contract but want to reduce the package he currently gets to help their quest to cut costs - if that gap can somehow be resolved it is the most likely solution. Interest from both the Far East and the Middle East is not attractive for the player. Milan offer a potential option because of tax advantages in Italy - but they will probably add Fikayo Tomori and it is likely the second CB they are looking for will be younger. Whilst the Premier League would provide an interesting challenge for the player, at just about 35 years old with significant wage demands it makes little sense for the clubs. I am not aware of any approach from Manchester United and would expect them to look at a younger long term solution.}

2.) 10 Feb 2021
10 Feb 2021 11:14:59
thanks very much for your insight Ed.

and i see certain benefits Waz but definitely short lived but with the difference Cavani is making it would be more about teaching our current defenders the ropes, for all the money we have spent on CB's we still lack some experience to guide those already in the ranks.

3.) 10 Feb 2021
10 Feb 2021 12:15:37
Yer man our CB’s aren’t babies! They’re not good but are probably as good as they will get.

4.) 10 Feb 2021
10 Feb 2021 13:47:26
Thanks for the detailed info Ed002.

yer man - We've been linked with Pau Torres and Ben white. I know it's not Fantasy Football, but if possible I'd try for both if we can move some of our current CBs on.

Lindelof, Bailly (always injured) and Jones should be moved on with suitable replacements brought in.

I don't see any way we can move Maguire on. Nobody will be able to afford him surely.

{Ed002's Note - Pau Torres (CB) Manchester City have him as an option. Manchester United have him as first choice but only if sufficient sales are made. Barcelona has a sustained interest but price will likely be an issue and they may look to horse trade some players - but little will become clear before the election is completed. Bayern Munich have him as one of three primary targets to fill the two CB slots they need to address in the summer.

Ben White (CB) an alternative to Pau Torres for Manchester United, but seen as expensive because of the "English premium". Spurs have sustained interest but the funding will go on other priorities. Liverpool could look to white to boost their HG quota if they opt for aan expensive addition. Brighton will look to hang on to him.

5.) 10 Feb 2021
10 Feb 2021 14:49:38
Would be a step back. Red card waiting to happen and very much into his twilight years.

6.) 10 Feb 2021
10 Feb 2021 15:10:47
We are also linked with Jules Kounde amd Ibrahima Konate; both being suggested by respected scouts/ third parties.

{Ed002's Note - Jules Kounde (CB) Sevilla rejected a significant offer from Manchester City last summer and Monchi has confirmed that Manchetser City remain keen still. He was recommended to Manchester United by an advisor but there has not been any approach just yet - and others seem more likely at this time. Real Madrid were the other side who were keen last summer and they are looking to add two CBs this summer with one agreed in principle, the other will be one of four on their shortlist which includes Jules Kounde. With one of those four likely not obtainable it would then come down to balancing the books with other sales and purchases.
Ibrahima Konate (CB) could emerge as an option for first choice for Liverpool in the summer - Liverpool have been talking with his agent but whether or not Konate has been discussed in detail is not known, but his agent offered a different player to Liverpool. RBL will want to hang on to him as they will lose Upamecano in the summer. Money would possibly be an issue for Liverpool and any further illegal approaches to RBL players would no doubt result in a complaint now. Expect interest from Spurs as well and possibly Manchester United but he is far from first choice for them. Chelsea have shown no interest in him to date.}

7.) 10 Feb 2021
10 Feb 2021 17:30:00
Thanks so much for all detailed information regarding CBs Ed002, always appreciate your precious time.

Looks like the “biggest” clubs (ie United, City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern, Real and Barca) are all looking to sign the best (or at least the most talked about) centre backs this summer. Concerning as a United fan to hear that Bayern want TWO of them this summer: guessing Upemecano is pretty close for them, leaving them needing one more: and if Torres is one of the two. Gulp!

Guessing Real also will get Alaba from Bayern over the line, so will need another one also. (though isn’t Varane soon to be out of contract? )

Hoping City’s need for a top CB is less pressing g now given Diaz’s amazing form, and Liverpool look more financially constrained than others.

Thus, looks like we’re all fighting for a small elite pool of CBS!

Ed002, I know you’ve been amazing and given feedback on Pau Torres, Upemecano, White and Konate but don’t suppose you’d mind giving us your opinion about who else might be on our priority list of CB targets as well as Torres and White please? No worries if you can or you feel that you’ve given us enough already.

{Ed002's Note - Raphael Varane (CB) and that is about it for CBs. If he does not sign a renewal he will be sold in the summer - possibly leaving Real Madrid needing to add three CBs. Manchester United have other targets but could be tempted. Do not be surprised to see Spurs rejig their summer plans to buy him. Mr Mourinho will look to a way to sign Varane for Spurs in the summer. The player wants a new challenge and PSG will likely push for him in their quest for a leading French player.}

8.) 10 Feb 2021
10 Feb 2021 18:16:48
Thanks so much again for your wonderful information that keeps us all intrigued and excited in these dark times and for your precious time. Thank you.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

9.) 11 Feb 2021
11 Feb 2021 15:43:38
Great insight as always Ed002.
Ramos for me would be a disaster, I am not convinced that his antics and play away from Spain/ Real Madrid will work quite so well. He will miss certain games due to the amount of red cards he gets. Icon and great player for RM but i feel we need to pass.
Verane I would be interested in if he can stay fit, crazy to think he is only 27 as seems like he has been around forever. Whilst a right footer I believe he can play on the left side of the CB's which is the side we need to prioritise. Maybe a swap deal with Pogba as both are entering the end of their deals.
Of the other ones mentioned I think that Torres, Konate or Upamecano (probably headed to RM/ Bayern) should be where we look as a strong leader who could make the difference to the other CB that plays with them. Diaz and Van Dyke made such a huge difference to the whole unit and this is the type that we should be looking at.

{Ed002's Note - As I said, I am not aware of any interest in Ramos.}