Both Tony Pulis and Gary Megson came out recently and stated that the club are looking to make five more additions before the transfer window shuts at 11pm on Thursday, August 31st.
So it doesn’t take a mathematician to work out that, with the arrival of veteran midfielder Gareth Barry from Everton earlier in the week, our illustrious head coach and his assistant are expecting four more arrivals to come through the door.
Taking that into account I have listed the four players I would love to see the club bring in before then. All four have been linked at some point throughout the summer, some more so than others, and all four would, in my opinion, strengthen the team sufficiently to secure another top ten finish and finally hit that fifty point mark.
Have a look through the list and let me know what you think. Would you take any of the four mentioned or do you think we need to be focusing on alternatives in order to have a successful season?
Lamine Kone - Sunderland - Age 28
As much as I believe Pulis’ main focus should be in recruiting some attack minded players, it’s no secret he wants to bring in another central defender, so from all the players we’ve been linked with so far I think Sunderland’s Lamine Kone is the move that makes most sense. One of few positives to take from the Mackems disastrous season, the big Ivorian wouldn’t cost as much as some of the others we have been linked with (Ben Gibson, Kevin Wimmer) and would definitely be keen on a return to the Premier League. He’s a solid defender, capable of holding his own in the division and his aerial prowess and strength would prove a useful weapon to have in set piece scenarios.
Robert Snodgrass - West Ham - Age 29
In my opinion we definitely need to bring in another wide player. Currently we only really have Matt Phillips, James McClean and Chris Brunt who can operate on the flanks (with the latter being preferred at left back). If the club are in fact looking at strengthening in that area then they would be foolish to not consider a move for West Hams Robert Snodgrass. His move from Hull to the Hammers in January has proven a disaster for the Scottish international with the player now seemingly even further down the pecking order after West Ham recruitment drive this summer. Deadly at set pieces, scores plenty of goals and he can play in multiple positions also, he would be a superb addition and would fit into the squad effortlessly.
Vincent Janssen - Tottenham - Age 23
As much as I was delighted with the clubs capture of Jay Rodriguez, I still think we are short of genuine quality in that area. Salomon Rondon looks a shadow of his former self and as much as I think Hal Robson-Kanu is a great player to have within the squad, he’s not the kind of player to score 10/15+ each season. From the players we’ve been linked with, it’s a Spurs player that’s got me excited. It seems the Londoners are willing to cut their losses on Dutchman Vincent Janssen and I personally think he would be a superb signing for the club. Big, strong, great in the air but decent on the deck also, I think he would suit our style of play down to a tee and with Rodriguez playing slightly off him in an attacking midfield/forward role, the pair could form a deadly partnership.
Kieran Gibbs - Arsenal - Age 27
We still need a left back!!! I’m honestly amazed the club haven’t brought in a recognised left back yet. As much as Brunty has done admirably filling in since Pulis arrived, I just feel he struggles against the leagues better, pacier wingers. I was bitterly disappointed when we pulled out of a deal for Arsenals Kieran Gibbs, as he is exactly the calibre of player we should be looking to bring in in order to progress in the division. But I don’t think the deal is dead in the water yet. I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that, if Gibbs is still without a new club towards the end of the transfer window, Pulis and the board will make another last ditch attempt at bringing him in. If so it would definitely eradicate our problems in that department and make a real statement of intent.