Latest Transfer Gossip - Jan 14th 2012

Most of this is hearsay, gossip, rumours and generally borderline made up stuff on other sites. Occasionally during transfer windows I compile this, so if anyone starts to think this is me suggesting these transfers thin again, what I do thought, is offer my opinion on this transfers.

Adam Larsen Kwarasey

A completely random name it may seem but Norwegian media has linked us with the Stromsgodset keeper. He is a Ghanaian international and is currently in South Africa as part of the Ghana squad for the African Cup of Nations. According to the Norwegian source (http://www.tv2.no/sport/fotball/tippeligaen/-nottingham-forest-med-bud-paa-larsen-kwarasey-3965181.html) an initial offer was made which was far too low. Negotiations are ongoing, but Stromsgodset hope he has a good tournament to increase his value. He is Norwegian born so would be Work Permit exempt. In terms of believability it seems random, but then sometimes the best deals are. It would possibly be a potential if other targets don’t come off. Kwarasey is 25 years old.

George Boyd
Not exactly news or gossip, it’s been all but confirmed by the Peterborough chairman. He did mention us but he does also have a record of misleading the press and public. This could be a ruse to increase Boyd’s worth and start a bidding war. Although he never had a chance in his previous spell at the club I have always thought he seems dangerous. However not exactly pacey I’m not sure he offers an alternative to what we already have. So it might reach a dead end. We aren’t the only club chasing him.

Chris Burke
This year’s rumour that won’t go away. The latest is we have offered £500k and that Birmingham has all but accepted but is desperately holding out for more. We won't pay more, but Brum hopes someone else can come in gazump us. That said other sources say this is a done deal just waiting for i’s to be dotted and t’s to be crossed. Personally I think this one will go through.

Bader al-Mutawa.
Another rumour that won’t die is that we are back in for the Kuwaiti striker and are hoping that this time he can be granted a work permit. The al-Hasawi family are desperate for an Arabian based player to sign for the club to massively increase our profile over there and see their countryman as ideal. Whether this goes though remains to be seen. There was a lot of discussion before that if we were persistent we would get him eventually. I’m not so sure.

Kieren Westwood
Another name amongst a sea of goalkeepers but one I mention as it’s a bit more a potential goer. I have always rated Westwood, at Carlisle and Coventry. I could see him being a good signing. However it was reported a week ago Sunderland have no intention of letting him go as their own cover for Mignolet then would be a youth team keeper. That could be a huge stumbling block.... Unless of course Camp went there, which would be unlikely.

Danny Fox
Southampton left back has been linked. Now although this would-be a good signing there are huge problems. Although he has been kept out of the team by 17 year old Luke Shaw. Shaw is injured at the moment though it isn’t as long term as could have been. Also Southampton may be wary of big money offers for him, despite him signing a new contract. Potential deal though, but as I say there are enough reasons to doubt it. However he is another defender named Daniel or a version of.

Transfer Rumour Madness Roundup

Well with a new manager, and with the apparent abundant signings about to pour in, and because the transfer window is about to reopen, it’s time to evaluate my usual crazy sources on the net of rumoured transfers, from the sensible and believable, to the outright ridiculous. Here we go.

Given

Shay Given

As much to do with the act he is out of favour at Villa, and McLeish last job was Villa comes the clever association that we are signing Shay Given. Rumours differ on whether its loan or permanent, but I’d be guessing Villa want people off their books so it’d be permanent. Now Given isn’t the force he was, and may well be looking for a last challenge in his career. Whether he sees that as competing with Lee Camp is unclear. Camp hasn’t been bad lately, but fans still seem to not forgive him seeking a move 18 months ago. This though is believable. Managers like to have a keeper they know and trust.

N'Zogbia

Charles N’Zogbia

Again a Villa connection, people seem to have decided that because he hasn’t been in the team he must be out of favour and we are going to look to sign. This completely overlooks his recent injury problems where he has missed around 2 months with a knee injury. Also N’Zogbia is fairly well regarded by many a manager, has high opinion of himself, he really isn’t going to drop to the Championship. Not happening

McKay

Billy McKay
Inverness striker who has been bang in form this season.  Whether this is needed with our relatively decent striker options it’s unsure but it would potentially be a good signing for a not so high fee.  Hal the Championship has been linked with the Northern Ireland striker, so why not Forest too. And why not link us because we have money. Believable, but  needed?

McLaughlin

 Stephen McLaughlin

Speaking of Northern Irish players, it’s still unclear what status this transfer got to before the managerial change. McLeish did say that he will discuss targets with the existing back room staff that have a list of players. McLaughlin may feature. He may not.

Burke

Chris Burke
The right winger has been linked before and there are quite a number of people citing this rumour. It may well be true and it would be a handy signing, as I’ve always thought he’s a handy winger. A number of people seem to be confusing who signed him for Birmingham, he signed for them in June 2011. This was exactly the time McLeish was leaving the club via email. He may have been the one who set the ball rolling on it though.

McFadden

 James McFadden

Was always going to be linked due to past McLeish connections. He also has a short term contract with Sunderland that’s going to expire shortly so that would also tie in with him coming to the club. He may be a little similar to Reid though for this to work. Would be a good signing though.

Scott Sinclair
Not going to happen. People saying because he is not in first team that he is looking at a loan. Yes maybe he is, but it would be a 6 month loan to another Premiership team.

Some mentions to for players who simply not going to happen but I saw people on Twitter mention Ryan Bertrand, Wilfred Zaha, Joleon Lescott, Joe Cole