Spurred by a question from NSC reader Ryan in one of the comments, I decided to give an update on what I have gathered from the Gooch situation to this point (though I'm hoping to learn more this week):I can say with 98% certainty that nothing will happen until Standard plays the second CL leg against Liverpool on Wednesday. And if Standard advances, the likelihood of a sale drops dramatically - vice versa if they are ousted. Despite his not being cup-tied yet, I can't imagine Standard dealing him before this match.
Of the teams involved, we have one French club (which I believe to be either Marseille, Monaco or Lyon), one Spanish team (which I am now pretty sure is Espanyol), Cologne from Germany and one Italian team (which could be any of a number of clubs from Catania to Palermo to Inter, with my hunches based largely on need and process of elimination on who it isn't).
My homey Chris Courtney says Rennes may also be the French bidder. I have also heard speculation that former suitor Fulham and Bolton are interested in England, but I haven't uncovered any evidence to support these claims.
If I had to guess, Standard will bravely crash out of the Champions League and Gooch will be off to somewhere before the deadline. Where? Unless Gooch does indeed have a glamour shot (such as the chance to work with Jose Mourinho at Inter), I'd bet on him either heading back to France or checking out Spain.
- Greg Seltzer
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1 comments:
Thanks for the update Greg. I'd like to see Gooch get into the French or Spanish leagues, where he might get instilled with some more technical teachings.
But, having seen his recent play, I have to say he's looking as good as he ever has. Whoever picks him up is likely getting a steal.
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