The Summer 2018 Transfer Window Rumours and Deals

[JFK-1 1,693]

Collapse of Skrtel deal could have implications for Leeds

 

Leeds United must sign Kyle Bartley as soon as possible, as Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers struggle to bring an alternative target to the Scottish Premiership.

 

 

Rangers fans are digesting the disappointing news that Martin Skrtel probably won't be joining Steven Gerrard at Ibrox this summer.

 

The 33-year-old suggested on social media this week that he may stay at Fenerbahce, while his agent said via The Record on Wednesday that the Gers cannot afford the Slovakia international.

 

Such a development means that Rangers might focus on Swansa City centre-back Kyle Bartley and if Leeds United are serious about signing him then it's time to get it done.

 

According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers and Leeds are interested in the £5 million-rated defender, who has previously enjoyed loan spells with both clubs.

 

The report adds that Bartley - who has the same representatives as Gers boss Gerrard - would be "willing" to hear what the Liverpool legend proposes to him.

 

The Scottish Premiership side are a genuine threat to United's chances of signing Bartley and the development regarding Skrtel could and certainly should increase the urgency from Leeds' perspective.

 

It's the kick that Leeds' Director of Football Victor Orta needs to take the Whites' interest to the next level. If he winds up at Ibrox, and it emerges that Gerrard focused on him after missing Skrtel then there's nowhere for Orta to hide.

 

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/05/24/rangers-botched-martin-skrtel-deal-could-have-implications-for-l/

[buster. 5,188]

8 minutes ago, JFK-1 said:

Collapse of Skrtel deal could have implications for Leeds

 

Leeds United must sign Kyle Bartley as soon as possible, as Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers struggle to bring an alternative target to the Scottish Premiership............ 

Three most important phrases in that article

 

....probably won't be........

 

........he may stay at............ 

 

......might focus on...........

 

Quotes supplied are in short supply and are limited to one word...."willing" so context isn't apparent unless you believe the source that can't quote a full sentence.

 

 

Translated it means..........We don't know but will write this anyway to try and maximise clicks because we know football fans have an insatiable desire to read about transfer speculation.

 

[der Berliner 3,744]

Defoe and Lucas have, BTW, also been deemed to be "interesting" rumours, but nothing more.

 

Has anyone seen Bartley of late? I sure wouldn't spent 5m or the like on him, not least when there are EPL-quality folks about on much less or a free. Likewise, I don't see it as a foregone conclusion that Alves and/or Cardoso will leave.

[der Berliner 3,744]

... oh, some whispers about Jaime Mata, a 29-year old striker from Real Valladolid, who scored some 32 goals in 39 games for this 2nd tier team last season.

[Bill 13,717]

The crazy talk has started in earnest already. Are there any players across Europe and South America who aren't probably maybe coming to Ibrox? Where will we put them all?

 

Seriously, unless you see massive new investment into Rangers, it would be wise to stop touting unrealistic signings. Otherwise it just looks silly.

 

 

[DMAA 3,658]

39 minutes ago, der Berliner said:

... oh, some whispers about Jaime Mata, a 29-year old striker from Real Valladolid, who scored some 32 goals in 39 games for this 2nd tier team last season.

A bit of a strange one. He’s had a decent but not great scoring record in the 2nd and 3rd tier in Spain up until last season when he scored 32 aged 28/29. It’s worth noting that 8 of those were penalties, so 24 goals in 36 league games is a fairer reflection of his goal scoring ability in my opinion. 

 

Luca Toni was 26/27 in his breakout season in Serie B with Palermo when he scored 30 goals. Up until then his goal scoring record was very average. Of course the rest is history. However at 6 foot 4, 2 years younger and probably less penalties in his tally if any at all he arguably had much more potential than Mata today. 

 

Edited May 24, 2018 by DMAA

[der Berliner 3,744]

Scotsman links us with Portsmouth striker

 

Rangers have been linked with a move for Portsmouth striker Brett Pitman. The 30-year-old forward netted 24 goals in 41 league appearances for Pompey last season, and has turned out for Bournemouth and Ipswich as well as the Fratton Park side. However, the Jersey-born forward is understood to be open to a new challenge after his side failed to win promotion from League One, with Rangers rumoured to be interested. (Various)

 

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/rangers/rumour-mill-rangers-eye-portsmouth-ace-celtic-close-to-5m-deal-skrtel-deal-dead-1-4744036

 

Pittman at TM

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/brett-pitman/profil/spieler/48312

[der Berliner 3,744]

We reminder of what Gerrard and Allen aid a wee while ago:

 

People need to pay more attention to what Gerrard has said and Allen.

Gerrard "I will meet the Squad and I will be able to look them in the eye and determine if they are up for the challenge" - AKA he still needs to decide on what he is keeping and what he will replace.

Allen "My experience has taught me it’s a long summer and you won’t always get your business done straight away, even though you might like to. We will endeavour to do as much as we can as soon as we can but I won’t be pushed into a rush just to get players".

“They have to be the right players, they have to be the right targets with the right quality and characteristics.

Whether that takes two days, five days or the whole window, we will make sure any additions we bring in add to that level".

[compo 7,039]

When does the transfer window officially open.

[der Berliner 3,744]

Opens June 9th and closes August 31st

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_window