The Esk
Player Valuation: £70m
@The Esk - do you reckon it's a bit weird how quiet we have been in the market so far?
Not weird - frustrating certainly.
We've put out lots of enquiries and had detailed discussions/offers with a number of parties as I've mentioned previously, some of which have been incredibly close to closing (thus my by now, well known comments previously). They didn't close because demands changed and the selling club in one instance had a change of heart.
I think there are other factors too though - (i) the Pogba situation - this has undoubtedly held up the merry-go-round of midfielders across Europe, several of whom we have a real interest in. Once Pogba is confirmed we'll know who genuinely wants to sign for us. (ii) it would help if we had clarity over the Stones and Lukaku situation - it's fairly clear that Stones will go even if City (probably recognising our position) have tried to acquire him relatively cheaply - it's not beyond the bounds of possibility though that United may offer a counter bid for him. With Lukaku, my view has always been he will sign the new contract he's had since the middle of the summer - it would be helpful if he did so sooner than later. (iii) There may have been a shift in emphasis now that Walsh is in position that has caused a delay in some acquisitions although I don't think that's a great factor in our major targets.