After another relatively quiet day on the transfer front, some activity was reported on this evening with suggestions that bids have been made for Shay Given and Roque Santa Cruz.
The Mail reports that an £8 million bid for Given has been tabled, whilst The Times states an offer of £15 million has been put to Blackburn for Roque Santa Cruz - but does indicate that either Tal Ben Haim or Nedum Onouha are included in any deal.
Both players have of course been linked regularly with us but I still have reservations about both players. Yes, Hughes got the best out of Santa Cruz last season at Blackburn but is it not an indication that no other side appears interested in him?
Maybe we have to trust Hughes's judgement given his close relationship with the player but prior to him joining Blackburn, Bayern could not get rid soon enough and he does have a chequered injury record.
The phrase 'one season wonder' is written all over him.
As for Given, he is a good 'keeper but I don't share the view that he is world class. I think there is a case you can argue that because of his workload in the Newcastle goal, the perception of him is skewed slightly.
What I think would be a better fit for Joe Hart is for a solid, experienced number 2 to come in and push him to continue to elevate his game rather than bring in a decent 'keeper to replace him and push back his progress - perhaps terminally.
Unless we can go out and land a Buffon or Casillas, we should steer clear of trying to replace Hart.
The Mail reports that an £8 million bid for Given has been tabled, whilst The Times states an offer of £15 million has been put to Blackburn for Roque Santa Cruz - but does indicate that either Tal Ben Haim or Nedum Onouha are included in any deal.
Both players have of course been linked regularly with us but I still have reservations about both players. Yes, Hughes got the best out of Santa Cruz last season at Blackburn but is it not an indication that no other side appears interested in him?
Maybe we have to trust Hughes's judgement given his close relationship with the player but prior to him joining Blackburn, Bayern could not get rid soon enough and he does have a chequered injury record.
The phrase 'one season wonder' is written all over him.
As for Given, he is a good 'keeper but I don't share the view that he is world class. I think there is a case you can argue that because of his workload in the Newcastle goal, the perception of him is skewed slightly.
What I think would be a better fit for Joe Hart is for a solid, experienced number 2 to come in and push him to continue to elevate his game rather than bring in a decent 'keeper to replace him and push back his progress - perhaps terminally.
Unless we can go out and land a Buffon or Casillas, we should steer clear of trying to replace Hart.