The hunt for a defender

[Modo]

Maybe keep all the media drivel in one thread, since all of it is most likely shit.

Latest link:

Reading defender set to become Liverpool FC's first summer signing
by Richard Buxton. Published Tue 30 Apr 2013 11:02, Last updated: 2013-04-30


Reading defender Alex Pearce looks set to become Liverpool's first signing of the summer.
Brendan Rodgers has been monitoring the 24-year-old's situation at the Madejski Stadium as a potential long-term successor in central defence to Jamie Carragher, who retires next month.

The Kop boss appointed the Republic of Ireland international as vice-captain during his short-lived spell as Reading manager in 2009 and is considering a reunion at the end of this season.

Pearce has been on Reading's books since 2006 and has made 21 appearances in their unsuccessful stay in the Premier League but reports in Berkshire indicate that he will be available on a free transfer from the Berkshire club after refusing to renew his current contract, which expires in the summer.

Reds veteran Carragher was this morning unveiled as a pundit for Sky Sport's forthcoming football coverage, which has put paid to any hopes of a possible u-turn on his retirement plans.

 

[Modo]

Liverpool target Lisbon's Illori to replace retiring Carragher
By LEE BRYAN

Liverpool are stepping up interest in Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori.
The pacy 20-year-old, who was born in London, has broken into Sporting's first team this year but was first targeted by Liverpool two years ago.
He can play centre-back and full-back and the Portuguese want around £1.2million now that Liverpool have revived interest.

 

[the_khl]

Not ever really noticed this Pearce lad but I am not against this signing taking in mind Rodgers knowledge of Reading and the player - especially if he comes on a cheap.

We'd still need a proven top class defender though.

I am not completely against the idea of Hummels even thuogh neither him or Agger are beasts in the air, we just need to spice them up with some Wanyama in midfield.

 

[Modo]

Matthew Lowton, Aston Villa

Clive Mason/Getty Images​

Key stat: 88 ground duels won
Aston Villa defender Matthew Lowton has been a big part of a struggling side. The Villains have conceded 44 goals this season, the most in the entire Premier League.
Needless to say, their back line—be it in a four or a five, as boss Lambert has used both this season—has had plenty of work to do, and Lowton has featured in all 23 league games.
Despite the goals against Villa, Lowton has achieved consistently impressive statistics, including winning 46 tackles and 88 ground duels.
The same can't be said for all of his defensive teammates, which is perhaps why Aston Villa are 17th in the leaguetable.

 

[Modo]

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEgC2Q5FYXc

 

[gkmacca]

We must ensure the progress of Wisdom and Kelly is not blocked completely, so I'd prefer a fairly experienced option who will do well until they're ready to step up.

 

[nealmac]

Isn't Wisdom a central defender? I was under the impression he was only playing at right back because both Johnson and Kelly were injured at the same time. Surely he should be given a chance in the last few games, when it's clear we're not going to achieve anything this season?

 

[Hansern]

Swapping Coates with Pearce is alright imho.
Pearce has potential and Rodgers knows him. Decent back up on low wages.
I think that transfer will happen and frees up money for a quality CB like Aiderweireld.

 

[Modo]

Isn't Wisdom a central defender? I was under the impression he was only playing at right back because both Johnson and Kelly were injured at the same time. Surely he should be given a chance in the last few games, when it's clear we're not going to achieve anything this season?

yes. U17 Euro win with Coady as his partner.

 

[nealmac]

yes. U17 Euro win with Coady as his partner.

I can't help but feel that this post is laden with sarcasm.

 

[gkmacca]

Isn't Wisdom a central defender? I was under the impression he was only playing at right back because both Johnson and Kelly were injured at the same time. Surely he should be given a chance in the last few games, when it's clear we're not going to achieve anything this season?

Yes, that's what I meant. We shouldn't be blocking his chances of establishing himself as a CB.

 

[King Binny]

On a sidenote, he was voted Reading's player-of-the-year in last season's Championship title winning campaign.

ALEX Pearce has been crowned Reading's Player of the Year in the club's official, Chronicle-sponsored awards.

The Royals Academy graduate finished just ahead of Jem Karacan in the voting with goalkeeper Adam Federici a close third.

It is a tremendous achievement by 23-year-old Pearce who played every single minute of all 46 league games over the season.

Alongside Kaspars Gorkss, the centre-back also helped Royals keep the most clean sheets in the division as Brian McDermott's men clinched the Championship title.

Pearce received his award moments before Reading skipper Jobi McAnuff lifted the Championship trophy in front of thousands of supporters at Madejski Stadium.

Earlier today, heavy rain failed to spoil the Royals party as fans came out in their droves to cheer their newly-promoted team during their open-top bus parade around the town.

Everyone at the Chronicle would like to congratulate Pearce on winning the award that has been sponsored by our paper since the early 1960s.

 

[nealmac]

Yes, that's what I meant. We shouldn't be blocking his chances of establishing himself as a CB.

Sorry Macca, I didn't even see your post. I just making a general observation. We all seem to be concerned (and rightly so) with our current centre back situation, when part of the answer could be right under our noses.

 

[gene hughes]

Kaspars Gorkss

 

[Modo]

Like I've said before I'm a bit excited about the prospect of seeing Kelly play at CB.
He's got the height, he's got the build, the strength and he's also quite quick.

 

[King Binny]

Back in Aug 2009

Brendan Rodgers hailed Alex Pearce as Reading’s own John Terry after the club’s draw with Chelsea.

The Royals manager was delighted with his new-look team’s performance against the Premier League giants, who fielded a strong team that included England captain Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

And even though centre-back Pearce is just 20 years old, he has a strong chance of being named Reading’s new captain this week after impressing with the armband during pre-season.

Rodgers, who was a former reserve-team coach at Chelsea, said: “Alex was outstanding and looked like a mini John Terry out there.

“He reminds me in a lot of ways of John. They’ve got the same number 26 on their back and the same hunger to be better.

“He looked strong and what I’m trying to do is to encourage the young British players to pass the ball and he was outstanding.”

 

[Modo]

We might be getting their keeper too.

 

[juniormember]

Like I've said before I'm a bit excited about the prospect of seeing Kelly play at CB.
He's got the height, he's got the build, the strength and he's also quite quick.

Agreed. He's got everything physically. But we really don't know if he's got the footballing brain yet. Would love to see him play there in preseason games.

 

[kingjulian]

Not ever really noticed this Pearce lad but I am not against this signing taking in mind Rodgers knowledge of Reading and the player - especially if he comes on a cheap.

We'd still need a proven top class defender though.

I am not completely against the idea of Hummels even thuogh neither him or Agger are beasts in the air, we just need to spice them up with some Wanyama in midfield.

eh?...Hummels is not good in the air? Where would you get that idea?

 

[Mystic]

eh?...Hummels is not good in the air? Where would you get that idea?

I was wondering this too. Subotic is the better of the two in the air, but Hummels isn't weak in the air. His only real weaknesses I suppose are his pace and his too frequent mistakes.

 

[Vlads Quiff]

I don't care who we get as long as they are dominant in the air, have good positional sense and a little pace , probably in that order

regards

 

[King Binny]

Talksport linking us with a move for Martin Montoya of Barcelona today. 22 years old, contracted till 2014, buyout clause is 20m euros. Rightback though.

Name: Martín Montoya Torralbo
Number: 19
Place of birth: Barcelona
Date of birth: 1991/04/14
Weight: 74 kg
Height: 174 cm

 

[FoxForceFive]

I can't see us spending 15m on a right back.

 

[Mystic]

I can't see us spending 15m on a right back.

We better not. Unless we've already spend 25m on an attacker, 30m on two central defenders and 15m on a defensive midfielder.

 

[tombrown]

Pearce has been on Reading's books since 2006 and has made 21 appearances in their unsuccessful stay in the Premier League but .

21 appearances in a relegation team - please tell me he was injured, or that this is not a serious link

 

[Modo]

no chance we're paying that.

 

[King Binny]

21 appearances in a relegation team - please tell me he was injured, or that this is not a serious link

Was on bench last Oct, Nov - apparently due to his contractual situation, i.e. not putting pen to paper on contract extension. Been on the bench for the whole of Apr too.

 

[juniormember]

I can't see us spending 15m on a right back.

What if we sold Johnson for 10m to a team on the continent? Extra 5m plus pretty big savings on wages and more millage over the next 5-7 years might be worth it.. Hypothetically speaking of course..
Don't even know if this guy is any good..

 

[King Binny]

He has only 1 season left on his contract and has been more of a squad player. No figure was mentioned in the report which linked him with us and Inter Milan. The 20m euros release clause was an info I found from the article published upon his signing of his current contract.

 

[Ryan]

I can't see us spending 15m on a right back.

We spent 18.5M on one 4 years ago.