02 Oct 2021 12:01:13
Hi Eds, just wondered do you still think the most likeliest midfielder we're going to sign is Bissouma or do you think it may be someone else, perhaps a so far unmentioned name?

{Ed002's Note - I cannot answer "most likely" questions but the options right now appear to be:
Yves Bissouma (CM/DM) Brighton would like to continue to resist any approaches although time may be running out now - with the player having made known his desire for the club to consider offers for him although has not formally requested a transfer. He shares a "representative" with Pepe who he spent a season with at Lille and he failed to persuade Arsenal to move for him - and they have now likely moved on. Interest of Spurs may not have departed with Mr Mourinho with them moving on Sissoko and looking for an upgrade on Ndombele - although he will not be first choice. Monaco may have provided an option but I suspect the price will be too high for them and they have a first choice preference. he is not home grown which makes him less attractive to most English sides although Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have spoken with his representative. He is not first choice for Manchester City but they could return - Manchester United do not currently have space in the midfield and have a preferred target to replace Pogba and clear DM targets, but don't lose sight of them - Liverpool interest remains but they may not have the money without sales. Leicester were also keen but opted for another. There is a further complication in that his family is directly involved in all major decisions. Brighton have made clear to one side who enquired that they will be looking to get as close as they can to £50M.
Renato Sanches (CM) Lille are happy to let the player move on due to the constant muscle injuries he suffers; they wanted €20M cash or €30M with payments spread out although that could increase if Jorge Mendes can find multiple bidders or if there is no sale in January. Klopp has praised him in the past and he would be a more affordable replacement for Wijnaldum, but interest is not yet firm again. Barcelona had a sustained interest but they have moved on. I had thought prior interest of Wolves would likely have left with NES but they could take a chance on him joining on a loan to buy deal after his recent injury - they may even be in a position to look for a cheaper straight cash deal in January. The concern would be injury issues and, although talented, he is inconsistent.
Franck Kessié (CM) Efforts are being made to secure a new contract, but the issue is over the wages continues with Milan struggling. Could potentially be sold but I expect agreement to be reached eventually else there will be a lot of interest with Juventus looking to meet his demands. Interest of Mr Mourinho at Spurs and now Roma remains. Spurs also want him as an Ndombele replacement but the player remains keen to move to Chelsea to eventually replace Kante - but Chelsea turned down the offer from his agent initially although a proposal is on the table that would suit both clubs and the player. His agent has also approached Manchester United and PSG but both sides would need to move a player on in order to add Kessie - but both are interested. His agent has also spoken with Liverpool and Leicester who may be interested in agreeing a pre-contract in January but both have preferred targets.}

02 Oct 2021 14:19:58
Bisoumma is infinitely better than the other two options. Premier league proven and a genuinely dominant player in the middle of the park. Sanches is an inconsistent sick note at best and Kessie is an unknown quantity and didn’t look all that good when we played Milan.

02 Oct 2021 15:31:43
Bissouma outa them 3 alright. Can see the Ox maybe wanting to move on in January in the hope of doing a Lingard 2 get on the plane to Qatar.

02 Oct 2021 15:34:44
Ed02 - going forward, can we call Sanches ‘he who must not be named’ please? His name just starts the emotionally unstable off every time it’s mentioned.

02 Oct 2021 19:48:14
Ox leave in January potentially missing out on Prem/ CL winners medal to get a seat on the sub's bench at Qatar?
Seriously?

02 Oct 2021 21:10:54
Yeh, he's not going to play!4th choice at best now (more 5th cos Keita starts ahead of him) nd will be 6th when Harveys back. Why do our fans think players like Phillips and Ox will be happy to never play. It would be his last World Cup and what player wouldn't want to play in one. Why do you think he left Arsenal to come to us in the first place, because he thought he'd a better chance of playing centre mid.

{Ed0666's Note - Does a firing on all cylinders Ox get into the squad for the World Cup yes I think he does. But a firing on all cylinders Ox won’t happen at Liverpool. So this is a real conundrum. What to do what to do? Me personally I’d stay at Liverpool and potentially win things than throw it away on the odd chance he plays in Qatar for 3 weeks and playing for a lesser club side.

03 Oct 2021 13:03:40
Yeh but he'd be PLAYING for a lesser club side.

03 Oct 2021 17:26:17
Ox came to Liverpool to win things. Preferably in centre midfield, but to win trophies he could see (correctly) he wasn't going to win at Arsenal.
Chuck that away and probably take a big hit on wages for a chance to get splinters in his hoop at Qatar?
Doubt that'll happen.