Some interesting news coming out of Andre Villas-Boas' press conference post-Newcastle. The Portuguese confirmed that the club has received transfer requests from both Nicolas Anelka and Alex, and that both have been accepted. Cue more January transfer window speculation.
No more of this then.
The Sun reported yesterday that Anelka and Alex were training with the reserves ahead of the pivotal trip to Newcastle. Of course, it was The Sun so you didn't know what to think when you came across the article.
But, shockingly, they were on to something. Villas-Boas said in his post-match presser that the two players are training away from the first team and will be moved on in January. It's not exactly a massive surprise, seeing as both have been marginalized under the new management. Neither has exactly been impressive in their limited pitch time, either.
We no doubt wish them both the best in their future endeavors - whatever they may be and wherever they may take place - but I'm more interested in who the club is targeting as replacements. There's no doubt that their moving out means there will be some players moving into the club in January. We were already crying out for a wide player and a defender, preferably a fullback, but that's even more of a priority now. I wonder if the club will consider recalling Tomas Kalas or Jeffrey Bruma - both of whom have been impressive on loan this season - rather than going out into the marker for a central defender. I doubt it.
Either way, we're in for a wild transfer window. I think we already knew that, but it's nice to know that we definitely need to brace for some more (much-needed) change in January.