'We could use a good right-back'

Just because something is true it does not mean that you have to say it.

Nigel de Jong has implored MCFC to buy Ajax's young right-back Gregory van der Wiel, currently alongside de Jong in the Dutch squad. He said:

"I know that Greg is on our wanted list at Manchester City." De Jong told the Daily Star.

"I have pleaded with them to sign him, as we could use a good right-back.

"The tempo of English football will make him stronger still and I've recommended him to City's management."

True enough - we could use a good right back. But I'm not sure this is de Jong's jurisdiction, and even then I think it's only worth buying if we can seriously upgrade on Zabaleta, Richards and of course Jérôme Boateng. But it's interesting in further revealing 'the Boateng plan' - that is, young, talented players based on the continent.

Neither de Jong nor van der Wiel played in Holland's 2-1 friendly win over Mexico last night, which I will be reporting on as part of another new project soon to be confirmed.