Sunderland clear for Freddie Ladapo
Ladapo is a strange one for me. He counts Crystal Palace, Thurrock, Southend, Bishop’s Stortford, Kidderminster and Shrewsbury amongst his former clubs. He’s even played in the Premier League, but not right at the start of his career like Bruno. Ladapo has been there in the last two years, albeit as a sub in one game for Palace.
He grabbed 18 goals for Plymouth last season as they were relegated, but got involved in a dispute with Derek Adams over an injury claim and is now set to leave Home Park, even though Adams has gone.
Portsmouth and Sunderland were in the mix, but Pompey have now dropped out of the running. That leaves Sunderland free to take him on, if they’re willing to. They’re also after John Marquis allegedly, although the Doncaster forward is going to be in high demand.
Peterborough in for Colchester duo
This one comes from a Sun journalist, so perhaps take it with a large pinch of salt, but it’s reported Peterborough have agreed on a fee with Colchester for Sammy Szmodics and Frankie Kent.
If they have, that’s a big if, it would be a huge coup. Szmodics is one I’ve admired for a long time and Kent looks set to have a decent future as well. There is some substance to the rumour; Posh have recently dropped out of the running to buy George Edmundson from Oldham, with Darragh MacAnthony launching a Twitter rant after Oldham messed him around following an agreed deal.
Here is my opinion; if this is a deal that’s close to being done I’d imagine it would be the second seven-figure fee paid out by Posh. it has to be, both Kent and Szmodics are players with huge potential.
Will Vaulks in £3.5m switch
Lots of big fees being mentioned aren’t there. this is the league we’re in. People are asking why we’re skint at the moment after our cup runs; we’re not skint, we’re just not so cash-rich we can spend a million on a player.
Cardiff can and it looks as though they’re going to. It’s not all going to land in Rotherham’s account though, Scottish side Falkirk have a good sell on fee as they sold Vaulks to the Millers in 2013.
25-year-old Vaulks came through the ranks at Tranmere, but has grown in stature during his tenure at the New York Stadium. It’s a big fee, but for a Championship side fresh out of the top flight, it’s not a huge amount.