Everton mentioned as potential suitors for Schalke midfielder

He's quick and aggressive and good in the air. Certainly has something we're missing in centre midfield but he's not (yet) a class act.

A swap with Kenny perhaps, with us paying a chunk of money on top?

I think our American Blues will be very happy if we sign him.

Interesting player. He's still got a lot of developing to do and, for me, I think there could be better options at that price. But any midfielder with energy and athleticism will be an improvement currently!

Jonjoe and £5-7m and then everyone will be happy. In fact, if there's any truth in this rumour, I can only see it being a part-exchange type deal.

The new Tim Cahill perhaps, God I hope so. Respect to Tim and we have faired pretty well with American players.

Maybe we can get Leon Bailey, Jonathan David and Sergino Dest to complete a North American look to the side. Lot more pace, energy and goals than the current shabby lot.

Not done too bad with Australian players as well, Tony :-)

One thing about the Yanks and Aussies is that they always put a shift in. Seems as little money will be involved so maybe something will happen on this one. Kenny will be pleased!

Jack,

True that. Even Craig Johnston, who I loathed, did more with work rate to have a better career than many finer players, eg, Pat Nevin.

He has got the determination that is sadly lacking in our current midfield but has he got much more than that. The Bundesliga is not exactly the Premier League, which is why Jonjoe Kenny is their favourite to be player of the year (not McKennie).

I just hope there is some mileage in this, while I didn't know a great deal about him until recently, he certainly looks like a good prospect who should improve and grow better with us.

We may have the trump card with Jonjoe Kenny plus cash too, to clinch the deal. We certainly need a midfield overhaul if we are to be serious contenders for a Euro spot next season, otherwise we will be treading water again, for mid-table mediocrity.

Jay #10

Where did you get the information that JJK is favourite to be Schalke’s player of the year? They have a player on a seven man shortlist for Bundesliga player of the year. It’s not JJK or McKennie.

I’ve given my view on McKennie on a previous thread having seen him in the flesh a few times, so won’t repeat in full. His physical style might suit the premier league and he does put in a shift. He’s relatively limited in what he does with the ball and I don’t think he’s the answer for us. Then again, anyone would be an improvement on what we’ve seen the last few games. Schalke are skint. So they will probably want a cash deal rather than an exchange for JJK.

Even I'd be an improvement on our current midfield options.

"What have I gotta do today boss?"

Carlo

"Just run about a bit lad and see that white round thing, it's called a ball that you can actually pass to a teammate "

Could you imagine a right flank of Dest and Bailey though? That really would be a step up in class. Plus both english speakers would slot right in.

It’s great having athleticism and willingness, they’re such big attributes. There are plenty of players in the Championship and across Europe who give 100% and have those qualities.

In the Premier League it’s not enough for a team with grand aspirations. A key player has to have some top quality too to challenge the top 6. Otherwise he will become another criticised player on the Everton scrap heap, whilst we still languish in mid table.

I haven’t watched McKennie much but I am weary. I desperately want us to make the right decisions for our recruitment of central players especially. I trust Carlo to make the right call and will support whoever we sign.

We don’t need players who are in a development phase. We need players who are starters and will improve the squad immediately.

Carlo has said he is not always hands-on or fully involved in recruitment and transfers. I would like to think that changes and he becomes the one that tells Brands who not just what, he wants.

With Jim Jennings. I've watched him in the flesh for Schalke and he won't be an improvement on what we have (as sad as that sounds).

We need to stop shopping in the £20 - £25M bracket. Rather than buy 5 or 6 in that category, how about we invest in 2 or 3 in the £40 - £50M plus bracket?

No thank you, we are fine for midfielders at the moment.

I'll take anyone just no Icelandic and French. Stay well clear!

"the Blues are one of a few sides being mentioned as interested". Very few, I imagine.

Agreed Pat,
Just seen him on you tube,he's one of Brands new generation, he has managed 1 goal in 30 odd games do we never learn?

Jim,
I watched all the recent Shalke games and the commentators were saying that JJK was the fans favourite and expected him to be voted "Shalke" player of the season not "Bundesliga".

I spoke to quite a lot o Schalke fans in a bar in Gelsenkirchen. They have really liked him.

I'd be taking a look at David Brooks from Bournemouth.
Jarrod Bowen at the Hammers looks really lively too. Both look like they could improve loads.

Definitely agree with having a good look at David Brooks, and also Emi Buendia. Both 23 and ready to make the step up. They are both players who will be motivated by moving to a bigger team and ready to kick on in their career.

More importantly, Both would add some energy, dynamism, tenacity and some welcome additional goals and assists to our midfield. They won’t be cheap (20-30m each) but they will be value and the wages will be contextually realistic.

At 23 there is resale value in there too.

Sometimes we are looking far and wide in Europe for talent when far better options are right under our nose.

I think Wolves, Sheffield or similar will snap up these diamonds, whilst we get some disillusioned deadwood from a CL club for double the price and wages. I hope I am wrong .

To echo earlier sentiments, literally anyone would be an improvement on the current pairing(s).

David Brooks at Bournemouth looks a very elegant player. But he's not a midfield dynamo type. More of a Kevin Sheedy.