Not sure if this is the right thread, as it's more summer orientated, but do wonder if we will try to benefit from the connections Lampard has to Chelsea, but on a loan perspective of helping to develop players, but also from signing good young players and also talented youth players that their coaches may know.
So I'll stick a few names out there I like. Obviously we won't sign all, or even most, but there are more who I would be happy to see.
Dujon Sterling. I believe he is out of contract at the end of the season, Just turned 22 and getting good experience in the championship. 6 ft 1 right back, but can fill in at centre half. On a free with a tribunal fee at the end, to me would be a perfect option with Kenny likely leaving.
Other young up and coming players. Broja/Colwill. I think both of these on permanents (or if we can't get the loans below, maybe one on loan) would be really smart buys. Colwill is 19 and has done very well in the championship, while Brojo has done well for Southampton. They fit the template of Lampard working with Mount, Abraham, Tomori, James etc when he first started working with them. I'd be happy with either arriving on a permanent.
Ideal Loans- Gallagher/Gilmour would be a great loan option for us. I think a permanent will be too pricey, but a season on loan for either would be great. You'd probably prioritise Gallagher as he seems a bit more advanced.
Dreamworld- Callum Hudson Odoi. If we could get him in on loan, I think it would be brilliant. No idea if Chelsea would allow it, but giving him to Lampard to smooth over for a year could work.
Left field names: Harvey Vale is very highly rated there. I believe he has a year on his contract. If he could but pulled out, or other younger players, that would be quite a coup. Hopefully Lampard and the potential coaches may know 1 or 2 that we can begin to pull across.
I would try to avoid some of the more senior names if we can, the Barkleys etc. Maybe Loftus Cheek as an exception, but not wholly convinced Lampard played him much?
