06 Jun 2019 11:06:51
Hi Eds,

I have seen a lot of reports this morning linking us to William Saliba, a young centre back who looks like the ideal player we need. Do you know if there is any truth to this or any other CB we are looking at? Feel we must strengthen in this department!

Thanks as always.

{Ed002's Note - William Saliba (CB) a number of clubs are very keen on Saliba - particularly Arsenal who would like to strike a deal but want to do it without and auction that could push up the €30M starting price which they think is high for an 18 year old, particularly as they will only let him leave if they get an at least one year loan on the player immediately. This has removed the interest of Real Madrid. Manchester United see him as one for the future, but I would not be surprised to see MU look to an offer this summer. Benfica would also like to recruit him but I am not sure they are in the position to pay a significant sum and then loan him back for a year. Interest from Watford and Lille has become moot and if Southampton are keen on him, and there is no doubt he is a good player, they would need to negotiate an immediate move or end up in the same position as Benfica.}

1.) 06 Jun 2019
06 Jun 2019 15:05:01
Paying that much money to then loan him back for an entire season just doesn't sound smart to me. We need a player for this season really. plus what happens if he snaps an ACL or suffers another horrendous injury while back at ST. Etienne? I think we need someone with a little more experience, who doesn't have such restricted conditions upon signing.

2.) 10 Jun 2019
10 Jun 2019 11:29:50
thanks Eds, i agree we would need him play for us next season (especially at that price) . I've read a lot about the club wanting a good CB to come in but he's the only name i've seen so far. We all know we need to strengthen there and cover rb.

appreciate your work over the summer ;-)

{Ed002's Note - Rafael Toloi (CB), Gary Cahill (CB) and Willi Orban (CB) have also been considered.}