Moussa Sissoko

[AJW]

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/premierleague/article3647604.ece

Times saying we are leading the race to sign him on a pre contract

 

[CJMurray]

They seem to have been the first on the block about Holtby... could be true then...

Looks like a perfect Levy deal here. Flog Parker in the summer and make his money back then replace him with a young talent on a free.

 

[TottenhamLegend]

What is it with pre-contracts this year!?

We're going mental with them!

 

[Snuzzy]

I did not realise his contract was up in the summer! I know it's a bit greedy but, erm, yes please!

 

[Snuzzy]

What is it with pre-contracts this year!?

We're going mental with them!

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/premierleague/article3647576.ece

Times says we're after Llorente too! haha

 

[AJW]

Makes sense in a way. Only players available cheap in Januarh are those with little contract or not wanted!

 

[Snarfalicious]

Um, if we land Holtby and Sissoko on pre-contracts, that is some massive youth potential that'd really challenge for plenty of playing time.

 

[GetSpurredOn]

Last pre-contract this far in advance that I can remember was Jan 2005, Teemu Tainio..?? Though I'm sure there have been others since then I'm forgetting.
Anyhow, if true, added to the Holtby possible signing, that'd be two very highly rated International quality midfielders, one 22 one 23, both got their best years ahead of them, both free (or minor compensation at worst case maybe).
Levy getting the job done on a budget, but still nailing high quality targets, more of that please. (Fryers dodgy tribunal avoiding deal too). Exciting times, ties in with Levy's initial description of AVB's appointment as part of a long term project to lay the foundations for sustained success without repeated big transfer outlays.
Sandro, Dembele, Sigurdsson, Holtby and Sissoko as CM options, plus whoever would survive the imminent cull out of Parker, Livermore, Huddlestone and Jenas.
Potentially I'd let all four go, and utilise Mason, Carroll, Luongo and Falque etc as alternatives.
This is not allowing for the Moutinho rumours that have been doing the rounds.

 

[Mouse!]

What a fantastic window it would be if we could get 2-3 very, very good players for nothing.

I remember being linked to Sissoko alongside Etienne Capoue 3-4 years ago.

 

[Syn_13]

Moussa is a good player, I think personally that Dembele fills his role already. Players like Moutinho and Holtby look better passers. Out of the Tolouse midfield I think Capoue is the best but with Sandro and Parker we wouldn't need him either. I wouldn't say no though but I think we would be better turning out attentions elsewhere.

 

[Snuzzy]

According to French media both Newcastle and Juventus have also offered him contracts.

 

[Syn_13]

According to French media both Newcastle and Juventus have also offered him contracts.

Excellent buy for Newcastle. I'd play him, Cabaye and Tiote as a midfield 3 if neither of those 2 leave. With Cisse up front, Ben Arfa coming in wide and another good wide player they'd have a pretty good squad.

Can't see Juve getting him. He won't get a look in over Vidal, Pirlo and Marchisio and they have good centre mid backups already.

 

[tobi]

This link makes me think the M'Vila links aren't bogus.

 

[tommythetank]

Last pre-contract this far in advance that I can remember was Jan 2005, Teemu Tainio..?? Though I'm sure there have been others since then I'm forgetting.
Anyhow, if true, added to the Holtby possible signing, that'd be two very highly rated International quality midfielders, one 22 one 23, both got their best years ahead of them, both free (or minor compensation at worst case maybe).
Levy getting the job done on a budget, but still nailing high quality targets, more of that please. (Fryers dodgy tribunal avoiding deal too). Exciting times, ties in with Levy's initial description of AVB's appointment as part of a long term project to lay the foundations for sustained success without repeated big transfer outlays.
Sandro, Dembele, Sigurdsson, Holtby and Sissoko as CM options, plus whoever would survive the imminent cull out of Parker, Livermore, Huddlestone and Jenas.
Potentially I'd let all four go, and utilise Mason, Carroll, Luongo and Falque etc as alternatives.
This is not allowing for the Moutinho rumours that have been doing the rounds.

you forget lukaku

 

[HappySpur]

Might be a bit of 2+2=5

We bid 18 million on Sissoko three summers ago I believe. We've had a long standing interest. So I imagine that's why it's so easy to link him to us.

That being said, it makes sense if we get him on a Bosman. He is capable of Dembele's role. He can do Sandro's job in a pinch and he can play a more attacking style if necessary. I remember a time when he was absolutely my most desired player for us to sign. But he has yet to live up to the hype. But the idea of getting him and Holtby on pre's is pretty exciting.

French sources seem to think Newcastle is ahead of us and that Juve is sniffing though.

 

[JerryGarcia]

Last pre-contract this far in advance that I can remember was Jan 2005, Teemu Tainio..?? Though I'm sure there have been others since then I'm forgetting.

Sandro!

 

[moomin]

i dont think we could sign sissoko AND holtby (seeing how holtby is pretty likely at this point) and have room to play both. unless theyd be ok with being squad players, which is very questionable seeing as how theyre young players whom are about to hit their prime, and are trying to make a name for themselves. really we only have one starting midfield position open, seeing as how sandro, dembele, lennon and bale are locks for starting positions.

i dont think the link is genuine.

 

[Hitch]

i dont think we could sign sissoko AND holtby (seeing how holtby is pretty likely at this point) and have room to play both. unless theyd be ok with being squad players, which is very questionable seeing as how theyre young players whom are about to hit their prime, and are trying to make a name for themselves. really we only have one starting midfield position open, seeing as how sandro, dembele, lennon and bale are locks for starting positions.

i dont think the link is genuine.

I can see it, but it'd mean moving out a lot of players by Summer. Livermore and Hudd are a given, but I'd expect Sigurdsson and Parker to be on their way out also (maybe Dempsey as well though for utility and marketing purposes he may stick around). That would leave plenty of room with Holtby likely as a starter and Sissoko as first choice back up for the middle three positions.

Think we could forget about signing anyone like Moutinho if these signings happen but it might leave a decent amount spare for a quality winger and striker. That would be nice (can dream).

 

[Roynie]

i dont think we could sign sissoko AND holtby (seeing how holtby is pretty likely at this point) and have room to play both. unless theyd be ok with being squad players, which is very questionable seeing as how theyre young players whom are about to hit their prime, and are trying to make a name for themselves. really we only have one starting midfield position open, seeing as how sandro, dembele, lennon and bale are locks for starting positions.

i dont think the link is genuine.

You may be right, but if (sorry, when) we qualify for CL next year we will need strength in depth even more than we have now. Parker is very good, but he is 32, Jenas - er, no thanks, Bentley - ditto, Hudd - was good, could be still but ... no thanks. I'd keep Livermore and the the other youngsters whilst buying in other highly rated players who would improve the overall quality of the squad. Just think about it, Premiership, CL and FA Cup, nevermind the league cup. There would be more than enough games for everyone!

 

[TheAmerican]

Um, if we land Holtby and Sissoko on pre-contracts, that is some massive youth potential that'd really challenge for plenty of playing time.

It is huge, and is the real difference between us, Chelsea, City, etc. It's one thing to have a starting 11, it's another thing to have players challenging for spots, being able to play on form players, being able to play different setups, etc.