Bored at work so decided to look ahead to Summer.
No point getting sucked into the excitement of last year and the 'higher calibre', approaching it with a much more level headed viewpoint.
Below are a few I think we will be in for given the price/wages etc:
Elliot Watt (permanent from Salford City)
Ben Whiteman replacement. There's been notable interest in Whiteman and I expect him to be sold for a fee as opposed to letting him walk for free. Ideally we renew his contract but don't see that happening. Elliot Watt comes in for a low fee being in the last year of his contract and I don't see him turning down the chance to step up in divisions and returning to his hometown club. Watt has impressed at Bradford and now Salford and even won a place in the League 2 team of the season.
Conor Bradley (loan Liverpool)
Lowe has been tracking him for a while and made it no secret he rates him. We made a move in January but Bradley and Liverpool both agreed his development would be better if he saw the season out with Bolton where he was settled and thriving. If Bolton fail to get promoted, I think it's absolutely nailed on that we will be in for him and at the front of the queue.
Alvaro Fernandez (loan Manchester United)
Self explanatory, been a revelation on loan and we would love to have him back. Due to his age and inexperience, I think we might have a chance of getting him back if Alvaro himself is open to it.
Zidane Iqbal (loan from Manchester United)
Another one we have had notable interest in. He's been here on work experience and impressed. Would be a DJ replacement for when he inevitably leaves on a free. No doubt we would face stiff competition though. Ideally Boro are promoted and they look elsewhere as the Carrick connection would no doubt trump us if financials don't.
Tom Cannon (loan from Everton)
As with Alvaro, very self explanatory. Will no doubt get a full season out on loan but I expect the queue to be huge given his Archer like success here in half a season. Would need another 'we'll match any offer' jobby and then hope he fancies it again.
Ashley Barnes (free transfer)
A similar type to Chedwyn, old, wily and a bit of a shithouse. Still has the legs to play at this level and offers a physical presence as well as a goal threat. There are no doubt better options out there but I fully expect him to be on our radar as he's free.
Jordan Thorniley (free transfer)
If Bauer is still being frozen out then we need a centre back. Thorniley is out of contract and will no doubt not be signing a new deal if/when they drop down to League 1. He will be cheap on wages, free to sign, has Prem academy experience and a Scouse connection. Lowe will be all over it.
Niall Ennis (free transfer)
One of two out of contract as Plymouth, I imagine we will be having a look at both but Ennis probably has the physical characteristics to hack it at this level. Lowe knows him, he's on a free and no doubt fits nicely into our wage structure. Good age too.
