Reading taking shot at Onyewu

[ncguy]

According to SkySports:
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=393426&plid=23557&clid=2909&cpid=8

[wimpey]

According to SkySports:
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=393426&plid=23557&clid=2909&cpid=8
Cant open the file..

[Alan D]

From what I saw of Onyewu last night in the US World Cup match he didn't play too badly - he played reasonably, didn't do any worse than any of his other teammates and would do a good job

[ChancellorElmer]

This is huge news! Gooch is awesome, love the way he plays and he is a monster in the box on headers. He'd be great to mark some of the forwards in the Premiership.

Only problem is that b/c he is 6'4'' he draws a lot of scrutiny. That's pretty much why he got the foul called on him that gave Ghana the penalty shot. He's said in interviews that he is a target for the Belgian refs.

[FirstStar]

Gooch has termendous physical skills and is a beast, but he's inexperienced at the highest level. He's only 15 or so caps with the senior side and he's been playing in Belgium.

That said, I've never seen a player learn from his mistakes faster than Gooch. I've witnessed it in WC Qualifiers and again in the finals these past few weeks-- he drew a Yellow four minutes into the first match and then matched up Koller and Toni (and that speedy Ghanian foward) without drawing another. He'll be an excellent investment and, in a few years, could be one of the best center backs in the EPL.

[mschofield]

Well, if this is true (and city is really pissing me off right now) they'll probably be in with a bid soon:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/5228300.stm

can't imagine they'll listen, but first sids and now sonko?

[imasyko]

Here's a blurb from the Fuardian - with a great line from Coppell...

'Steve Coppell is battling Sheffield United and Monaco for John Mensah, say French papers. The Ghana international impressed in the World Cup and Rennes are ready to do a deal at around £4m for the 23-year-old. But he's ruled out a move for Fulham's Steed Malbranque. 'I've not spoken to Fulham. We can't afford him. The same goes for Ronaldinho.'

[prvev]

If they get Mensah and lose Sonko to Man City, would they be likely to go after Gooch (or another centerback) or just go with Mensah and Ingimarsson?

And indeed, a nice line from Coppell on Malbranque/Ronaldinho.

[mschofield]

If they get Mensah and lose Sonko to Man City, would they be likely to go after Gooch (or another centerback) or just go with Mensah and Ingimarsson?

And indeed, a nice line from Coppell on Malbranque/Ronaldinho.
He's said all along he wants to go in with two deep everywhere, so even with sodje in, he needs one more right now. If Sonko left ( I don't think Reading will sell ) that would mean one more.
Beyond that, does anyone get the sense that they're going to sign Mensah?
This has been a very frustrating summer.

[prvev]

I think they'll probably get Mensah, simply because we've been hearing about it for quite some time and they haven't done much yet this summer. If for no other reason, they'll make sure they get him (as long as the price is reasonable) to show that they are indeed making an effort to stay up through improving when possible. I am concerned that Monaco may hav more money to offer Rennes than Madjeski if they were to make a real push for him.

[ChancellorElmer]

I'd rather see them get Gooch than Mensah, but that might just be a little American bias.

[mdale10]

That would be awesome if they got gooch that would be 3 americans! and I think he is a great player.

[mschofield]

I'd rather see them get Gooch than Mensah, but that might just be a little American bias.

YEs, but Gooch is not a little american.;)

[English_Gent]

No need for Gooch any more i'm afraid, £3.5M bid for John Mensah has been confirmed today.

Reading always play their cards close to their chest, the fact that we even admitted to making this offer says to me the deal will be done.

[prvev]

I'm fine with getting Mensah, he's a good player and should be a good addition to the club. Gooch can get some CL games this year with Standard and maybe sign on with another Premier League team next year if he proves himself.

[ChancellorElmer]

I'm happy that they are likely going to get Mensah, just would have liked to have seen Gooch playing with Marcus and Bobby.

[mschofield]

No need for Gooch any more i'm afraid, £3.5M bid for John Mensah has been confirmed today.

Reading always play their cards close to their chest, the fact that we even admitted to making this offer says to me the deal will be done.
When he's signed, he's signed. before that, it's only rumor, and we're competing with clubs with more money for pay packet.

[rms5555]

http://www.soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Americans_Abroad/page_93_124604.shtml

Looks like Onyewu is going to Fulham if he is going any where. I doubt the Royals can get into a bidding war with Fulham. Besides, Coppell has already said that he is looking for value.

[English_Gent]

Gooch stays at Liege

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/middlesbrough/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/08/04/SOCCER_Middlesbrough_Onyewu.html&TEAMHD=mboro

[mschofield]

And Mensah won't be heading to Reading. according to the Times. So who now is the new centerback (I don't think bikey or sodje are more than depth).