George Caulkin claims that a deal for PSG’s Stanley N’Soki is now ‘dead’ and that there’s ‘nothing’ in claims that we’re back in for Bristol Ciy’s Joe Bryan – stating Rafa is now ‘looking elsewhere’ for a new left-back with just over 24 hours left of the transfer window.
The Times’ reputable North-East reporter also suggests that a deal for Swansea centre-back Federico Fernandez is unlikely, stating that he ‘doesn’t fit the club’s profile’ because of age (29) and cost – with them said to be demanding £10m for the Argentine.
Here’s what he’s had to say on Twitter when an NUFC fan asked for an update on potential moves for N’Soki and Bryan:
yes, that’s dead. Nothing in Bryan I don’t think. Fernandez doesn’t fit club’s profile because of age/cost. ? Looking at left-backs elsewhere.
— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) August 8, 2018
“Yes, that’s dead (N’Soki). Nothing in Bryan I don’t think.
“Fernandez doesn’t fit club’s profile because of age/cost. Looking at left-backs elsewhere.”
So, a deal for N’Soki now looks out of the equation and Joe Bryan looks set for Villa – whilst Rafa’s interest in Nicolas Tagliafico doesn’t look like going anywhere with the club “unable” to pay Ajax’s £8m asking price (plus agent fees) according to The Chronicle.
As far as a centre-back is concerned, it sounds like Benitez wants to be re-united with Fernandez – who he managed at Napoli – but I can’t see that one happening if Swansea are unwilling to accept less than £10m..
Swansea aren’t budging on their £10million demand for Federico Fernández meaning #nufc may have to look elsewhere. The defender is keen to hook up with Rafa Benitez and get back to the Premier League. #TransferWindow
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 8, 2018
Fernandez is worth £10m, but we might get for £6m plus a player. They need players, and there are a number we might want to go!
Get this deal done, Rafa knows the player and clearly trusts him.
M Sheldon(Quote)