"We have had some talks with Manchester City, yes," said Barbosa. "I am still in contact with the clubs who were interested in January.Having only seen them on goal.com and sport.co.uk - not desperately reputable sources, I steered clear. I looked for but could not find a source in the Portugese press. Their provenance was sketchy. But it turns out that they've found their way into Thursday's Times. Which means they're definitely genuine and have been fact-checked and re-translated from the original Portugese.
"There is an agreement with Sporting that he will leave this summer, but we don't have an agreement with any other club [about a transfer] as yet.
"England is his first choice, and he already speaks good English. Everything is possible at the moment."
Let's just say I'm a bit sceptical about this one. While our squad does need some real improving, defensive midfield is a relatively strong area for us. We've just spent big money on Holland's first choice DMC, and we also have his fellow HSV alumnus Vincent Kompany. And then there's Pablo Zabaleta who has proved himself more than competent when required. Given that we have to squeeze Player of the Season Stephen Ireland, Michael Johnson and maybe even Elano into midfield we're not really short of an option or two.
But let's wait and see. If Hughes thinks we need him and he's good enough for us, I believe him.
4 comments:
I think Kompany's long term position for City will be center half. If this is the case then another defensive midfielder is necessary. The defense has definitely been a week spot this season and next season we might see Kompany and Zabaleta drop back into the defense at the expense of Dunne and Richards respectively. Just a thought. Don't know much about Veloso other that he is highly touted and can play both DM and CB.
Again excellent blog and keep up the good work.
Thanks,
Mark
I think Kompany is an excellent centre half, but do feel that MH likes a bit of size in the midfield, so think that Vinnie may stay there. Definitely think that Zab will be first choice right back next season. MH will probably stick with 2 holding midfielders next year, so maybe the Veloso story could be true and he'll rotate Vinnie, Nigel and Veloso.
Looking forward to a win on Saturday (please, please, please lads), that will really haev us on a high for the visit to the swamp.
Great site by the way Jack, one of the first I look for on NewsNow everyday.
Who started the "love-in" without me?
Agree with Denis M's point about size. When we don't have Kompany in midfield - let's say de Jong, Ireland, Zabaleta the average height is about 5 foot 8. It is important I think to have one slightly taller midfielder to try to get on the end of Dunne's aimless punts. Even Xavi and Iniesta have Yaya Toure playing just behind them.
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