revolution saint

I think the issue with Foden is a bit more complex. Suspect one of the reasons he wasn't really used much initially was that physically it was more of a struggle to compete in the premier league at a young age; he's not exactly a big lad. The other thing, and this is more of a general big club thing, is that the bar for a young player to break into the team is that much higher. Simply put they're not better than the experienced internationals City already have. Arguably Foden would have progressed quicker and be better if he had more regular gametime. We'll never know but the fact that he's a very good player now doesn't necessarily mean he wouldn't also be if he had taken a different route. With regard to Delap - physically he probably won't have any problems, I don't know about talent wise but there's definitely a spot for him here whereas there isn't anything more than substitute and cup appearances at City. If I were Delap (or any other similar player) then I'd be backing myself and want to play as much and as quickly as possible. For every Foden there's a Jude Bellingham, Sancho, Rashford etc etc.

On a slightly related note, does Pep actually have a record of playing kids from the academy? Apart from Foden I can’t think of any. Appreciate why he wouldn’t as they play at a higher stakes game but kind of undermines a stance on keeping players you’re unlikely to use.

Agree with this. Shields knows the lad, he knows his parents, agent and the Man City hierarchy. I can’t see us submitting two or more bids without getting some encouragement. Wonder when we start getting the reports of Delap wanting more regular game time?

Maybe we are? Well, that would be fantasy land but never know. That 23M bid probably contains a shedload of add-ons so might not be an entirely accurate figure. Definitely a risk but at the same time it’s good seeing the club backing itself and philosophy.

Athletic reported we had a bid for Delap turned down last month so this is either a rehash of that, or it’s a second bid. If it’s a second bid then we must feel it’s feasible to do a deal and I guess having Shields in place is informing that decision.

Well you might have to pay the player more but the selling club wouldn’t give a toss.

It’s worth remembering that prices for players are based on the potential value of the player, the length of contract remaining and also the finances of the selling club as well as the desperation of the buying club. In that context it’s hard to compare the differences between what players go for. Carillo was obviously over priced but we bought him in January when we were staring at relegation. Basically Monaco saw us coming and Les Read got mugged off. I would say using Carillo as a comparison for any other transfer is flawed.

West Ham played Chelsea brilliantly. They managed to use Broja to get a decent deal on Scamacca and now Chelsea are left hanging. Chelsea are obviously open to selling Broja otherwise they wouldn’t have let him fly back from the pre season tour, and despite what Tuchel might say, they view Broja as a saleable asset. Way I see it is Chelsea now have to re-evaluate their asking price cos I don’t see anyone matching the West Ham bid unless Newcastle step in (which I think they would have done if they were serious). All slightly more positive for us I reckon.

He does. Looks like the player you hope Broja becomes.

Yeah, would depend on the price and I don’t think it’ll happen but, playing devils advocate, I wonder if Villa still owe us money on him. I guess possibly do a deal around that but honestly can’t see it.

No, but we do have a thread discussing Forest and Lingard. Maybe try that instead?

We also need a fullback. I know it's completely irrelevant to the discussion but you started it.

He's been on his way for the last week but is stuck in Dover. Club is hopeful he'll make it for start of the season.

Athletic reporting that James McAtee could be allowed to leave on loan. We're one of a few clubs said to be interested.

That seems a bit harsh on a lad who was only just 18 when the season started last year. I'd be concerned if he was all we brought in up front but doesn't sound like that's the case. Arguably he's got better stats than Liam Delap and at least equivalent to Sesko, both of which have been mooted as decent signings.

When Smallbone first made his debut I had my doubts - looked a little lightweight but he seems to have improved in that regard and shows a good deal of talent and vision. Definitely needs to be playing regularly so I think a loan to the right club would be a good thing. Really hope it works out cos the lad hasn't had it easy over the last couple of years and think he could be a decent player for us.

Fuck me! This is a load of old guff about Forest and Lingard. I really couldn’t give a shit.

Don't know anything about the lad but if it's alongside another new striker then seems like it could be a decent bit of business. His stats are very similar to Sesko, who seems to be quite highly rated. Pretty similar goal return per minutes played plus he's in a harder league than the Austrian one and for a team that doesn't piss all over the opposition.

I would build a new house in an Art Deco cinema style and get the build filmed for Grand Designs. It would be the most boring episode ever. Kevin Bloody McCloud would whine and lament every potential problem and I would spew money at it like a 16 year old vomits after 5 pints of cider and black. Take that you miserable, pretentious prick!

Sometimes you just have to applaud a post so direct and to the point.

Ah, ok. To be honest I hadn’t heard of him till tonight. He seems alright but big gamble for that price

Here’s a fantasy type poser, Cornet or Karlsson? Cornet probably slightly more expensive and definitely more in wages but offers more in versatility and can definitely score goals in the premier league. Karlsson cheaper and more of a risk but being very right footed means he would fit into that left number 10 role better than Cornet. Personally I’d edge towards Cornet but I think the club would see Karlsson as fitting into the system better.

Agree that it’s not something we’ll be interested in but the whole attitude thing narks me off. No one has a clue what these players are like in real life. Wouldn’t really be bothered about the alleged attitude upsetting the squad dynamics either, it’s not a dynamic that works most of the time and is one of the things that needs to be fixed.

Ralph Rangnik compared him to Kevin de Bruyne less than a year ago. His problems have been injury related and that’s knocked him back a bit

Bloke at work is a Palace fan and he reckons they might go 3 at the back next season.