John Stones

[hartshairgel]

Pep had some big problems last year with injuries to centre backs and so did we so not surprising that we want both Stones and Laporte. They are both capable on the ball and have good vision and passing stats. I wouldn't be surprised to see one of them being used in midfield. Pep is all about flexibility and good skill on the ball which both of these have. Probably try and use Mangala in a deal for Stones.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

True, I think this is what we should've done with Yaya last season.

Yeah. But 1 game a quarter ;-)

 

[Dax777]

Yeah, but that situation completely follows the current pool of players that we have. I'd like to add Laporte and Denayer in it. So that makes it Otamendi, Denayer, Laporte, Mangala and say Kompany for 50% of games. Don't you think this would be enough to get through the first 6 months of the season? Plus, I personally don't think that our defensive incapabilities last season were all down to our cbs. Having a 33 year old, tired Yaya in 2 men midfield along with really sticky fullback situation didn't help the defensive side of the team either.

And knowing Pep likes his squad small and stuff, I believe having potentially 6 center backs will certainly not be the case. And I am not even speculating what he'll do to some of the current players that we have, maybe he'll play Ferna as one of the 3 man CB, maybe Sagna would be converted to a CB. Who knows, stranger things have happened really. But that's just my opinion. In my view, after Laporte, there are definitely some other areas that we really need to strengthen.

Pep's squad isn't going to be that small. He'll adapt. You just need a few more players in the Prem. He'll have about 18 to 20. Which kinda is what we do now.

Stones and Larpote are a good starting base. Klopp and Poch are going to come at us with their pressing game. We need to be able to break that press. A triangle of Stones, Laporte and Gundogan does that well. It's not just about defending or whether we have enough CBs, it's do we have the right type. Larpote and Stones are the right type. Mangala isn't. Kompany isn't dependable, and Ota barely is a ball playing CB.
We are going to Sign 6-8 players. I see no reason why 2 shouldn't be 2 of the best young ball possesion CBs. That's still leave 3 Signings to fill other spots at a minimum. 1 LB, another CM and a Winger/forward.

I'm so for Stones Laporte, and would be disappointed if both don't come in.

 

[higgi1p]

How come we are being told we will have to wait until after the Euro`s to sort any Stones deal, and yet the Gooners are allegedly in talks with Vardy now and hope to conclude a deal before Thursday. Hodgson`s rule apparently so players concentrate on the Euro`s.

Seems one rule for us and different for others, nothing new I know, but what`s going on ? if true

 

[Tron Coltrane]

How come we are being told we will have to wait until after the Euro`s to sort any Stones deal, and yet the Gooners are allegedly in talks with Vardy now and hope to conclude a deal before Thursday. Hodgson`s rule apparently so players concentrate on the Euro`s.

Seems one rule for us and different for others, nothing new I know, but what`s going on ? if true

For starters one of the clubs is trying to woo a new manager, and might be adverse to selling a prized asset while that process is still underway. Not to say he won't be sold regardless, but I wouldn't be surprised if Everton wanted to pause any outgoings until a new manager put pen to paper.

 

[nmc]

How come we are being told we will have to wait until after the Euro`s to sort any Stones deal, and yet the Gooners are allegedly in talks with Vardy now and hope to conclude a deal before Thursday. Hodgson`s rule apparently so players concentrate on the Euro`s.

Seems one rule for us and different for others, nothing new I know, but what`s going on ? if true

Vardy only needs a medical so it'll complete. We are obviously not at this point re Stones so I guess it'll wait until July.

 

[higgi1p]

For starters one of the clubs is trying to woo a new manager, and might be adverse to selling a prized asset while that process is still underway. Not to say he won't be sold regardless, but I wouldn't be surprised if Everton wanted to pause any outgoings until a new manager put pen to paper.

Yes I know that and appreciate same, however this is as I say an instruction from the England camp as regards speaking to players as oppose anything from Everton

 

[_OVO_]

Pep's squad isn't going to be that small. He'll adapt. You just need a few more players in the Prem. He'll have about 18 to 20. Which kinda is what we do now.

Stones and Larpote are a good starting base. Klopp and Poch are going to come at us with their pressing game. We need to be able to break that press. A triangle of Stones, Laporte and Gundogan does that well. It's not just about defending or whether we have enough CBs, it's do we have the right type. Larpote and Stones are the right type. Mangala isn't. Kompany isn't dependable, and Ota barely is a ball playing CB.
We are going to Sign 6-8 players. I see no reason why 2 shouldn't be 2 of the best young ball possesion CBs. That's still leave 3 Signings to fill other spots at a minimum. 1 LB, another CM and a Winger/forward.

I'm so for Stones Laporte, and would be disappointed if both don't come in.

Yeah, maybe you are right afterall. Listening to Simon Mullock now made it clear that John Stones and Laporte are definitely on now. So there is no other option for me than to accept it as it is, really.

 

[Lomas has a lob on]

Yes I know that and appreciate same, however this is as I say an instruction from the England camp as regards speaking to players as oppose anything from Everton

Hodgson has said they (England) will facilitate club staff to fly out and carry out medicals and checks etc within the England camp rather than have players leave the camp etc! Don't see the problem at all!!

 

[GeorgeHeslop'sTackle.]

Shane Burns ‏@SB_mcfc1894 1h1 hour ago
City negotiating with Everton regarding John Stones is going to be utter hell and drag. No way will they be keen on selling him. #mcfc #efc

Not keen on selling us that total 'dobbin'' for a reported fee of over £50 million?..... Don't make me laugh...

The major hold up to to the deal's completion is that Kennwright's still vainly searching scouse land for a vehicle that isn't currently up on bricks, so he can drive him down here personally.