After a fantastic weekend for the Latics, Roberto Martinez will have a busy bank holiday Monday as he races to fill up his allowance of 25 players.
The Latics are currently thin on numbers, particularly given the heavy depratures over the summer. The first eleven would appear strong on paper, but scratching beneath the surface reveals too many weaknesses.
Roberto Martinez will be working hard to ensure that his squad has much more depth come the close of the transfer window on Tuesday evening.
Guillermo Franco is set to join the club on a free transfer after his release by West Ham United last season, whilst Carlos Salceido is mulling over a move to the DW or Craven Cottage as Mark Hughes moves to provide cover for Liverpool bound Paul Konchesky.
Of particular interest in the desire of Roberto Martinez to make Ali Al-Habsi’s loan move permanent, and also ensure that Franco Di Santo joins on a permanent basis.
A club may only have two loans players in at any one time, hence Martinez’ desire to make Al-Habsi and Di Santo’s moves full time.
This would suggest that there are further names expected to come in on loan. Given the large squad’s of those higher up the table, the maximum 25 player allowances will give rise to a few players dropping down in seasrch of first team football.
A few names have been banded about, but it is believed that Michael Johnson from Manchester City is wanted by Martinez, as is Tom Cleverley of Manchester United.
Martinez has vented his frustration at the present loan system. He said: “The restrictions from the Premier League do not help young players in this country.
“You can bring in as many foreign loans as you want but only two from here. It is unfair on the clubs and the talent coming through.”
Who would you all like to see in the 25 man squad?
How about Lee Nicholls? I know he’s not good enough yet, but considering he’s been picked for England U19’s, surely worth a punt? After all, he’s got to get experience at some stage.