Centre Back speculation

[Barry the bird boggler]

Noticed that Vital Football are speculating on some possible centre back options:


Transfer targets: Potential centre-back signings

Nigel Adkins seems to have a settled centre back partnership next season of Adrian Mariappa and Sean Morrison, one that seems it can certainly flourish with years to come, with Morrison only 22 and Mariappa 26. However, the reality is that injuries and suspensions will occur and I would not be surprised to see Mariappa attracting Premier League interest over the coming weeks.

The future of Kaspars Gorkss appears in doubt and with no other options except the youth of Michael Hector and Jake Cooper, another centre half could be on Nigel Adkins` shopping list. We look at some possible options for him this summer:

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Richard Dunne - Free transfer - The Republic of Ireland international was released by the Aston Villa last week, after an injury-plagued season meant he did not play a single minute of football for club or country. Despite this, the former Manchester City defender is nearing full fitness again and made a rare appearance in the Republic of Ireland`s win over Georgia two weeks ago. Joe Royle still believes Dunne still has a part to play at the top level, but if we could convince him to drop down to the second tier, his experience would be invaluable for our promotion push.

Gonzalo Jara - Free transfer - Released by West Brom recently, the versatile defender would be a great addition for any side in the Championship. Jara fell out of favour with Baggies bosses Roy Hodgson and Steve Clarke, spending the tail end of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, as well as Brighton the season previous. A regular starter for Chile at international level, his comfort with the ball at his feet may make him an attractive option for Adkins.

Curtis Davies - Birmingham - £2-3 million - We seem to be linked with the former England under 21 international every transfer window, yet ourselves or no other established sides seem to take the gamble on the experienced defender. Despite only being 28, Davies has amassed well over 300 appearances and carries Premier League experience with the Blues and midlands rivals Aston Villa and West Brom. A solid defender whenever I have watched him play and I would certainly folk out a probable £3 million asking price to bring him in this summer.

Michael Keane - Manchester United - Loan - The 20-year old is yet to make a league appearance for the Premier League champions, but his performances at Championship side Leicester City last season certainly caught the eye. If you get into your twenties and you are still a Manchester United player, they clearly see something in you and according to Leicester fans, this lad certainly has the potential. He has good composure for a player his age and a good reading of the game, which would have been vastly helped by the experience of Foxes boss Nigel Pearson. Would probably not displace Morrison or Mariappa in the staring XI, but would be capable backup.

Grant Hanley - Blackburn - £3-4 million - Blackburn have produced some impressive centre backs through the years, with Henning Berg and Christopher Samba to name a couple, with Phil Jones one who appears to be excelling at Manchester United. It would not surprise me to see Hanley follow in a similar vein. He made his Premier League debut for Rovers at the age of 18 and was a regular in the 2011-12 season, despite their relegation to the Championship. Hanley has since become a regular member in the Scotland squad and is one of the hottest prospects in English football at the moment, Blackburn are not going to give up without a fight. Hanley is known his superb aerial presence and physicality, leading him being likened to Rovers legend Colin Hendry.

Matthew Upson - Free transfer - I am not old enough to recount Upson`s highly successful loan spell with the Royals back in 2002, but those who do remember it, speak nothing but positively of his performances in a Reading shirt. However, the difference was that Upson was 23 then, he is now 34. He was recently released by Stoke, but similarly to recent signing Wayne Bridge, had a successful loan spell at Brighton. The former England international may only have one good season left in him, but if that helps our defence in the short-term, it will prove useful for the long-term success of the club.



Read more: http://www.reading.vitalfootball.co.uk/ ... z2W0fdiShL

[maffff]

Upson please, with Hector and Cooper developing behind.

[Michael Meaker]

I would like to know how old the guy is that wrote this article as he was apparently not old enough to remember Upson's loan spell in 2002?!

[Ian Royal]

I don't really see any of them fitting the bill. I think we should go with Morro and Mapps as the future, so I'd like reasonable back up. The Utd youngster is closest, but there's no way he'll get sent out on loan to warm the bench. I don't see players like Upson wanting to come and be short term back up, they'll be wanting to maximise earnings and pitch time at this late stage in their career.

I don't think we should be coughing up mi££ions for a CB, so that would put out the Blackburn lad and Davies.

I want to see Hector and Cooper progress, with Marriapa and Morrison forging a strong long-term partnership. That means probably looking for a Championship journeyman who can do a job as cover for a season or two.

[Elm Park Pasty]

If he was up to it, I would think about Upson. I am not sure I would want another inexperienced CB, after all, Cooper and Hector have never played at this level, I am not sure Morrison has (memory like a sieve) although yes I know he played in the PL. That just leaves Marriapa who I thought was calm and steady until I saw last night's footage . I am not sure Kaspers woudl be ideal either. If Upson still has the legs then why not, depending on what other options are out there.

[Arch]

...
I want to see Hector and Cooper progress, with Marriapa and Morrison forging a strong long-term partnership. That means probably looking for a Championship journeyman who can do a job as cover for a season or two.

We already have one of those.

[SCIAG]

Three people mentioning Hector and Cooper, nobody mentioning Partridge (or Sweeney).

[Ian Royal]

...
I want to see Hector and Cooper progress, with Marriapa and Morrison forging a strong long-term partnership. That means probably looking for a Championship journeyman who can do a job as cover for a season or two.

We already have one of those.

If you mean Gorkss, I'm worried he's just broken given how utterly terrible he was last season. I'm not expecting him to stay. Even in his come back game to prove himself to Adkins he was absolutely woeful.

[The Real Sandhurst Royal]

Upson and Davies will do for me.

[GSY-Royal]

I swear Jara is a right-back...

Anyways, Hanley and Davies would expect to be first choice and I am already content with our current partnership. If Upson would be happy as third choice, then yes please.

[Simon's Church]

Wouldn't mind Titus Bramble on a free tbh, better than Upson at least.

[MouldyRoyal]

I swear Jara is a right-back...

Anyways, Hanley and Davies would expect to be first choice and I am already content with our current partnership. If Upson would be happy as third choice, then yes please.

He certainly played at RB when Kebe scored that 13s goal in the FA cup. Ball was played back to Jara who was promptly tackled by Kebe (playing left wing!) and cut inside to score.

[madreadingfan]

I swear Jara is a right-back...

Anyways, Hanley and Davies would expect to be first choice and I am already content with our current partnership. If Upson would be happy as third choice, then yes please.

He certainly played at RB when Kebe scored that 13s goal in the FA cup. Ball was played back to Jara who was promptly tackled by Kebe (playing left wing!) and cut inside to score.

Wasn't that Zuiverloon?

[MouldyRoyal]

...maybe to be fair. I seem to remember it being Jara. Will go find out.

EDIT: You are indeed correct. Not sure why I am remembering it as Jara but there you go.

[Pepe the Horseman]

He's made you look quite the fool.

[MouldyRoyal]

Neither the first nor last so to do.