The Most Likely
Greg Docherty (Rangers)
Profile: Age: 23 Height: 177cm
Build: Athletic Nationality:
Scotland
Availability:
Very
available from the clubs point of view. Has not been able to break into
Rangers’ league side since his arrival two years ago and spent last season on
loan at Shrewsbury Town. Will likely now be desperate for game time, whether
that be as a permanent move or on loan.
Value: Moved to Rangers for a
report £670K in January 2018 when he was a promising and much hyped 21 year old
at Hamilton Academical. Rangers are likely to want to recoup most of what they
paid for him so £500k-£750k seems about right. A loan move with option to buy
is perhaps the most likely route.
Likelihood: 8/10. Available, fits usual
player profile and was strongly linked with the club in the summer. Reportedly
Docherty turned down a move to Posh back then, having failed to nail down a spot
in the Rangers side this term he may reconsider should Posh come calling again.
Statistical Breakdown: N/A – No league appearances
Player
Report: An attacking and creative ‘8’ who can double up as a ‘10’ or right sided
midfielder. He was Shrewsbury Town’s player of the year last season after
notching up seven goals and eight assists in 41 league appearances. At
Shrewsbury he frequently drove forward in support of the attackers and
demonstrated his ability to unlock defences with threaded through balls. Has
the stamina, work rate and defensive attributes to play on either the side of a
midfield diamond or in a 3-4-1-2. Would be a good stylistic fit and a strong
all round midfielder possessing good energy, technique, passing, ball carrying
ability and decent defensive output while also having an eye for goal.
Potential
Signing Rating: 9/10. Available, proven at League One level and should be a
good fit style wise. Only question is whether he fancies a move to Posh,
although having spent two years unsuccessfully trying to break into the Rangers
side he may feel it’s time to move on.
Herbie Kane (Liverpool)
Profile: Age: 21 Height: 176-177cm Build: Medium Nationality: England
Availability:
Has
only featured in two Carabao Cup matches for Liverpool this season, they’ll
probably be keen to get him some game time on loan.
Value: Likely more than Posh could
afford, but that doesn’t matter as any deal would be on loan. His wages are
reported to be around £4-5k per week.
Likelihood: 7/10. Been linked heavily in
the media. If Kane is available for loan he will no doubt have many potential
takers so by no means a dead cert. Don’t be surprised to see a Championship
side swoop in for him.
Statistical
Breakdown: N/A
Player Report:
Kane
can play as a ‘6’, box-to-box ‘8’ or as an advanced midfielder which speaks
volumes for his wide skillset and all round game. He excelled on loan at
Doncaster last season where he scored seven and assisted nine goals. His
comfort on the ball, passing range, technical ability and tenacity to regain
possession would make him an ideal signing to fulfil a role on the side of a
midfield diamond, but he could easily operate at the base or in a midfield two/three.
Is capable of rolling players when pressed and carrying the ball out of
defence, while he has excellent awareness, vision and favours the type of
lofted through balls which both Toney and Eisa would thrive on. It’s hard to
think of a realistic and available midfield signing with as vast a skillset as
Kane, who is fast becoming the complete modern day midfielder.
Potential
Signing Rating: 10/10. An ideal fit, proven at League One level and arguably
a Championship level midfielder already, if Posh can get him, they should.
Jack Roles (Tottenham Hotspur,
on loan at Cambridge United)
Profile: Age: 20 Height: 176cm
Build: Slim Nationality: Cyprus
Availability:
According
to Transfermarkt his loan at Cambridge expires on 5th January 2020.
With Spurs likely to want to loan him out again this would make him very
available.
Value: Largely irrelevant as any
signing will be on loan as Roles is highly rated at Spurs. Posh would likely
have to smash their transfer record to sign him permanently, and even then they
may not be able to afford him. His wages are reported to be around the £7K a
week mark, although it’s unlikely Posh would have to pay all of that as it’s
very hard to imagine that Cambridge have been doing so.
Likelihood: 8/10 The signing would make
a lot of sense. Posh would not have to pay a fee for a player who would add
depth and quality to the squad in key areas of the pitch. Roles would have an
opportunity to test himself at a higher level without having to move to far
away from either London or his current side. Posh also have a good relationship
from Spurs having taken the likes of Pritchard, McGhee, McEvoy and Oduwa on
loan in recent years. Easy to see this one happening.
Statistcal
Breakdown: League Appearances: 7(7) Goals:
3 Assists: 0 Big Chances Created: 1
Key
Passes per 90: 2.2 Successful dribbles
per 90: 3 (79%) Shots per 90: 2.8
Passes
in Opposition half per 90: 22.8 (64%)
Pass Accuracy: 73% Touches per
90: 69
Ground
Duels Won: 62.7% Tackles per 90: 2.5
(64%) Interceptions per 90: 0.3
Player
Report: A player of undoubted potential and ability for his age. A key facet of
Roles’ game is his versatility as he is capable of playing as a; deep lying
midfielder, box to box ‘8’, ‘10’, wide midfielder or second striker. This would
be a key plus for Posh as he could occupy any midfield or attacking role in
either the diamond or a 3-4-1-2. A hard worker on and off the ball, excellent
dribbler with good technique and an eye for goal from both inside and outside
the area he would be a strong stylistic fit for Fergie’s Posh side.
Roles
was one of the standout players in Tottenham U23s last season, with 11 goals
and 6 assists across 29 games for the side. He has also put in a number of fine
displays for Cambridge this year, an ever-present in their squad (although not
always a starter) he won the PFA October League Two Player of The Month Award.
It might be of some concern that he has only appeared as a substitute in half
of Cambridge’s games this season (including each of the last three) and has
only completed 90 minutes on four occasions, although this may be partially
explained by an injury picked up in October.
Potential
Signing Rating: 8/10. A hugely talented player who would provide
competition/cover in a number of key areas. More than worth a gamble on a six
month loan, ideally with an option to extend next season if the loan spell is
successful, others on the list are proven at League One level however.
The Possible
Ebou Adams (Forest Green
Rovers)
Profile: Age: 23 Height: 178-181cm Build: Athletic Nationality: Gambia
Availability:
A key
player for League Two promotion chasers Forest Green Rovers who he only joined
for an undisclosed (nominal) fee in the summer from Ebbsfleet United. Forest
Green are unlikely to want to sell, but it would be hard for a club of their stature to
stand in his way.
Value: Signed for peanuts on a two
year deal in June, Forest Green will make a very tidy profit should they decide
to sell. £400k-£750K seems about right with a hefty sell on clause, but hard to
place an exact value.
Likelihood: 5/10. Not heard any rumours in
the press but given the age and profile of Adams he is surely a player that
Posh are tracking given their extensive scouting network. Adams will have
plenty of admirers given his performances this season and is likely make the step
up to League One soon, however given the fact he only joined in the summer he
may wait six months to see if Forest Green can gain promotion before deciding
to move on.
Statistical
Breakdown: League Appearances: 15(4) Goals:
3 Assists: 2 Big Chances Created: 2
Key
Pass per 90: 0.9 Successful Dribbles
per 90: 1.1 (73%) Shots per 90:
1.4
Passes
in Opposition half per 90: 22.4 (73%)
Pass Accuracy: 77% Touches per
90: 70.3
Ground
Duels Won: 70.3% Tackles per 90: 3.5
(85%) Interceptions per 90: 1.1
Player
Report: A destructive, tough tackling central midfielder with an outstanding work
rate who can operate as either a ‘6’ or box-to-box ‘8’. Would be fit nicely on
either the side of the diamond or at the base of it and as a box-to-box/screen midfielder
alongside Reed in a 3-4-1-2. His all round game should not be underestimated,
he is a classy ball player and demonstrated fine vision with one superb lofted
through ball assist against Cheltenham earlier this season. Despite not being
the tallest he has an excellent aerial record and like many others in this list
can carry the ball out of defence or break lines with his dribbling. Others
profiled here may be slightly more technically gifted, but none who are
available on a permanent move are as complete a central midfielder as Adams.
Potential
Signing Rating: 9/10. An outstanding all-rounder who has the energy and
necessary qualities on and off the ball to excel in a diamond midfield or as a
double pivot.
Callum Camps (Rochdale)
Profile: Age: 24 Height: 180cm Build: Medium Nationality: Northern Ireland
Availability:
Alongside
Henderson he is Rochdale’s most important player. However they are a small club
at League One level and would likely (and have previously) entertain a sizeable
offer.
Value: Valued by Transfermarkt at
£180K but this seems wide of the mark. £500K-£750K seems more realistic.
Likelihood: 5/10. Turned down Posh in
the summer for geographical reasons. Posh will surely still be interested but
will he reconsider given the contrasting fortunes of the sides so far this
season? Perhaps.
Statistical
Breakdown: League Appearances: 20 Goals:
5 Assists: 4 Big Chances Created: 3
Key
Passes per 90: 1.2 Successful Dribbles
per 90: 0.6 (50%) Shots per 90: 2.6
Passes
in Opposition half per 90: 15.5 (70%)
Pass Accuracy: 77% Touches per
90: 52.6
Ground
Duels Won: 45.4% Tackles per 90: 1.5
(63%) Interceptions per 90: 0.8
Player
Report: One of the standout midfield players in League One this season. Classy on
the ball and does good work off it, he has shone brightly in a Rochdale side
who play a style of passing football more extreme than any other side in the
division. Camps has primarily operated as a ‘10’ or right sided attacking
midfielder this season but can also play in a deep lying midfielder role or as
an ‘8’ and his versatility would give Fergie options to make changes both
within and between formations. Camps is a good and intelligent passer, takes up
clever positions in between lines, would suit the high press Posh employed at
times at the start of the season and gets regular shots away.
Potential
Signing Rating: 10/10. Has proven that he is an outstanding League One
midfielder who would suit Posh’s style of play. If Maddison were to leave, Posh
should make signing Camps a top priority.
The Unlikely
Scott Fraser (Burton Albion)
Profile: Age: 24 Height: 183-185cm Build: Slim
Nationality: Scotland
Availability: Currently a key player for
a Burton side sat 16th in the table and unlikely to be involved in a
scrap at either end of the table. Would possibly been keen on a move to a
promotion chaser, and Burton may therefore consider offers for a player who
could potentially leave on a free in the summer.
Value: Moved to Burton on a free
from Dundee United in the summer of 2018 following the end of his contract.
Transfermrkt value him at £270k and were it not for his contract expiring in
the summer Fraser would cost at least three to four times that. Hard to value
without knowing his willingness to sign a new contract, however £250k-£500k may
be enough should Burton be looking to cash in on one of their prized assets
rather than risk losing him on a free in six months.
Likelihood: 3/10. There have been no
strong rumours linking the player to the club although it is understood he may
have been on Posh’s radar when he moved from Dundee United to Burton. Should
Posh be forced to sell Marcus Maddison then he may be considered as a potential
replacement. Posh may also decide to make a move should it become apparent that
Burton are willing to consider offers. At 24 he fits the player profile age
wise of players Posh like to sign as there is still considerable resale value.
If Posh are in the market for Fraser, it would make sense to move in January as
a number of clubs are likely to be sniffing around when his contract expires in
the summer. A potential stumbling block could become apparent if a Championship
side joins the hunt for his signature.
Statistical Breakdown: League Appearances: 17 Goals: 4
Assists: 5 Big
Chances Created: 6
Key
Passes per 90: 3.1 Successful Dribbles per 90: 2 (68%) Shots
per 90: 2.2
Passes
in Opposition half per 90: 25.4 (72%)
Pass Accuracy: 80% Touches per
90: 62
Ground
Duels Won: 47.8% Tackles Per 90: 1.3 (62%) Interceptions per 90: 0.4
Player
Report: Primarily a left footed goal scoring number 8 who can also play as a wide
midfielder on either flank or as a ‘10’. He would give Fergie options in either
the diamond (either side or tip) or in a 3-4-1-2 (centre mid or ‘10’). He put
in a performance as good as any away player this season at London Road and this
may count in his favour as Posh look for midfield recruits in the January
window. An excellent passer (he has made more key passes than any other League
One player at an overall pass accuracy of 80%) and dribbler, he is capable of
breaking lines through both his ball carrying and progressive passing. Like
many others in the Posh squad he possesses a goal threat from both long shots
and free kicks. One stylistic question mark may be that, as a primarily attack
minded midfielder, whether he can offer the required defensive contribution as
a right/left sided midfielder in a diamond?
Potential
Signing Rating: 9/10. A proven League One star. If he’s available, Posh
should do everything in their power to sign him. Work out of possession is the only question mark.
Ryan Broom (Cheltenham Town)
Profile: Age: 23 Height: 177cm
Build: Medium Nationality: Wales
Availability: Cheltenham have been
League Two’s surprise automatic promotion candidates this season and are
unlikely to want to let their top assister and goal scorer leave in January.
That said Cheltenham are not a particularly large side and would struggle to
keep the player should his head be turned by the opportunity to player at a
higher level.
Value: Transfermrket have no
listed market value for him, but given his age, goal contributions this season
and the fact he has 18 months left on his contract a fee in the region of
£300k-500k plus sell on clause seems reasonable.
Likelihood: 4/10. Fits the profile of
a young, promising and lower league player for Posh to develop. One would
imagine the player will be keen to move and that Cheltenham would struggle to
turn down a hefty transfer fee for a player they got on a free 18 months ago.
His name has also been mooted in the press, but Darragh has denied the link,
hence his low likelihood score.
Statistcal
Breakdown: League Appearances: 20 Goals:
6 Assists: 5 Big Chances Created: 7
Key
Passes per 90: 1 Successful Dribbles per
90: 1.1 (70%) Shots per 90: 1.4
Passes
in Opposition half per 90: 14.2 (68%)
Pass Accuracy: 77% Touches per
90: 47
Ground
Duels Won: 42.3% Tackles per 90: 1
(53%) Interceptions per 90: 0.4
Player
Report: Broom is enjoying an excellent season in League Two with Cheltenham Town
having moved there as a free agent in May 2018 after being released by Bristol
Rovers where he failed to regularly break into the starting XI. A goal scoring midfielder who doubles up
as a creator, Broom is adept at carrying the ball out of defence and breaking
lines by dribbling past opponents. He would likely be expected increase his
defensive output at Posh (especially if he were to play on the right of a
diamond) although his work rate is impressive and he is quick across the ground in the press. His dribbling and forward passing are also likely to appeal to Darren
Ferguson.
Potential
Signing Rating: 7.5/10. A player who has a number of positive attributes and
would be excellent for Posh in possession. Works hard off the ball but does he win it back often enough to play on the side of the diamond?
Ryan Wintle (Crewe Alexandra)
Profile: Age: 22 Height: 165cm Build: Medium Nationality: England
Availability:
Crewe
are currently in the thick of a League Two promotion battle and Wintle has
started each of their 20 league games thus far. Crewe won’t want to lose a key
player mid way through the season, but, as with other League Two sides in this
list, would they be able to turn down a sizeable offer?
Value: Crewe have a very real shot
at promotion this season so won’t let him go cheap, was tied down to a longer
contract last summer so £400k-£750k + sell on clause may be required to prize
him away from Crewe.
Likelihood: 3/10. Fits the bill both in
terms of style of play and player profile, a summer move may be more likely for
the Crewe academy graduate, although there will likely be large interest from
others.
Statistical
Breakdown: League Appearances: 20 Goals:
2 Assists: 3 Big Chances Created: 5
Key
Passes per 90: 0.8 Successful Dribbles
per 90: 0.3 (75%) Shots per 90: 1.3
Passes
in Opposition half per 90: 22.8 (74%)
Pass Accuracy: 83% Touches per
90: 70.2
Ground
Duels Won: 67.9% Tackles per 90: 1.9
(86%) Interceptions per 90: 0.9
Player
Report: An excellent stylistic fit having played in an expansive, possession based
Crewe side. Operates primarily as a deep lying
playmaker/screen where Posh currently lack cover behind Reed. Much like Reed,
Wintle is not afraid to spray long passes across the pitch, and averages an
impressive 7.6 accurate long passes per game at an 66% success rate. His
passing range is as good as anyone in this list and he always looks to get on
the ball. Wintle does not carry the ball as frequently as others profiled instead
choosing to move the ball on in one or two touches.
Potential
Signing Rating: 8/10. An talented young player with huge potential. The only
gamble would be that he has only played for one club and would command a rather
large up front fee for a League Two player.
Oliver Norburn (Shrewsbury
Town)
Profile: Age: 27 Height: 185cm Build: Medium Nationality: England/Grenada
Availability:
Tied
down to a long term (June 2022) contract at Shrewbury. That being said
Shrewsbury are unlikely to be going up or down this year so they may be tempted
to cash in on one of their most valuable assets.
Value: Should theoretically be
close to the peak of his career and is most certainly in the form of his life.
£500K-£800K seems about right.
Likelihood: 1/10. A wild card added
into this list because, well, he’s an excellent League One midfielder. Does not
fit Posh’s usual signing profile, but then neither did Anthony Grant in 2017.
Statistical Breakdown: League Appearances: 13 Goals: 2 Assists: 0
Big Chances Created: 0
Key
Passes per 90: 0.9 Successful Dribbles
per 90: 0.6 (75%) Shots per 90: 1.2
Passes
in opposition half per 90: 21.9 (73%)
Pass Accuracy: 80% Touches per
90: 59.5
Ground
Duels Won: 62.6% Tackles per 90: 3.1
(76%) Interceptions per 90: 1.7
Player
Report: A former Chelsea and Leicester youth team player, Norburn is slowly
rebuilding his career having dropped down to the National league between
2015-2018. Norburn can operate as either an ‘8’ or a ‘6’ in the heart of
midfield. He marries good technical ability on the ball with tenacity and
aggression off it and has picked up five yellow cards in just 13 league games
this season. Hard to think of a player better suited to a right sided midfield
role in the diamond, and would make a fine partner for Louis Reed in a midfield
two.
Potential
Signing Rating: 7/10. Great fit ability and style wise. However at 27 does
not have the usual resale value of typical Posh targets.
Potential Premier League
Loans
Reports
on the following players are slightly shorter, however they are all likely to
be available on loan and have impressed in either the EFL Trophy, Carabao Cup,
Europa League or PL2 this season.
James Garner (Manchester
United)
18
year old box-to-box midfielder who is highly thought of at Manchester United.
One of just four academy players to be included on Man United’s first team
pre-season tour and has started three Europa League matches this season. Garner
has an excellent engine which would suit the diamond formation, is a neat and
tidy passer (90% pass accuracy in EL this season) with a good passing range and
offers decent defensive output. Remains to be seen if Man United would choose
to keep him involved in the first team set up or try to give him more senior
first team exposure.
Billy Gilmour (Chelsea)
An
outstanding young talent with vast technical ability. At just 18 years old he
started both Carabao Cup games this season, including the 2-1 defeat to
Manchester United and has twice come on as a late substitute in the Premier League.
An excellent dribbler and passer, his
vision, intelligence and technique would likely stand out at League One level.
Might struggle in a midfield role in a diamond given the defensive demands, but
could well be a replacement for Maddison should he leave. Two major question
marks are whether Frank Lampard wants to involve him more with the first team,
and whether any Championship sides would come in for him.
Armando Shashoua (Tottenham
Hotspur)
19
year old attacking midfielder who has impressed in the EFL Trophy racking up a
goal, eight key passes and creating one big chance across three appearances. An
intelligent and progressive passer with a tactical understanding in the final
third well beyond his years, would likely only be a target were Maddison to
leave.
Elliot Watt (Wolverhampton
Wanderers)
A
holding midfielder with an outstanding passing range, he could be brought in as
either competition for Reed or to play alongside him in a 3-4-1-2. At 19 years
old he’s another who benefited from appearing int the EFL Trophy, he averaged a
scarcely believavle 18.25 long pass attempts per game, although his tackle
success rate of 40% in that competition would be a worry. It is also debatable whether having Watt, Reed and Maddison all in the same side spraying long passes
would make for cohesive team performances given how frequently Posh would
concede possession.
Nathan Markelo (Everton)
Like
Garner he possesses the work rate and stamina to excel on the side of a diamond
midfield. His ability to cover ground is outstanding and makes life much easier
for his teammates. Rarely gives the ball away and impactful in both boxer,
would be an excellent addition to this current Posh squad.
Angel Gomes (Manchester
United)
Alongside
Garner, Gomes was included in the first team pre-season tour and has found
first team exposure featuring in their Europa League side. Can be deployed as a
‘10’ or as a wide attacking midfielder, he is at his best in a central role. An
intelligent passer especially in tight areas, his experience as a wide player
and ability to drift wide to deliver crosses would make him the ideal short-term
replacement for Maddison should he depart in January. Gomes possesses excellent
close control and is an accomplished dribbler. The biggest question is whether
he would drop down to League One level for game time, a move to a Championship
side may therefore be more likely. There is also the small issue of interest from some of Europe's top sides which may thwart any potential loan move.
Ones for Future Windows
I
won’t go into too much details with the names below in this piece as it has
already gone on long enough, however below are some names to follow who I will
cover in more detail at a later date. Players in this section are either injured,
unlikely to be available in this window, or not quite ready to hold down a
first team place at Posh. They are all however, exciting young talents who may
be of interest either on loan or permanently in future windows.
Liam Walsh, 22 (Coventry
City)
Jordan Gibson, 21 (Bradford
City)
Joe Morrell, 22 (Bristol
City, on loan at Lincoln City )
Jack Aitchison, 19 (Celtic, on loan at Forest Green
Rovers)
Max Sanders, 20 (Brighton
& Hove Albion, on loan at AFC Wimbledon)
Joe Pritchard, 23 (Accrington
Stanley)
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