I’m not sure we’ve ever seen a bun fight on the scale of the one that is emerging for the signature of Scott Hogan in the history of our football club – there’s a plethora of top flight clubs in England and across Europe contemplating bids for the Brentford hot-shot striker this transfer window – and it shows no sign of abating.
Of course, we have had in-demand players before – Andy Sinton and Dean Holdsworth spring to mind – and in more recent years, some big-buck transfer fees have exchanged for our brightest talent as they left for pastures new, but I can’t recall as much media coverage and rumour for one single player as we are witnessing right now for Hogan.
West Ham are emerging as the early front runner, with Sky reporting a £10m offer having been rejected by Brentford just five days into the window, so with more than three weeks to go, and the club seemingly in no mad rush to offload the striker, we could realistically see the final purchase price rise to anywhere between £10-£15 million, depending on which Premier League club want to secure the goals that could keep them up. That is a realistic expectation.
Whether we see Hogan in a Bees shirt until his fate is sealed, or not, is another matter though, and if we have resigned ourself to the inevitable, mothballing Hogan to ensure he’s not injured may be a price we have to endure as fans if we want to guarantee any windfall is used to restock the squad in several key areas. The loss of Alan Judge last season shows that any player is one nasty tackle away from ruin – a leg break that has arguably cost our club over £5m.
We may also have to take a plunge into the transfer market ourselves and pre-empt the loss of Hogan – admittedly its all cloak and dagger manoeuvring during a situation like this, and timing is key, but it does highlight how disruptive the January window can be for a selling club such as ours, and how clubs who we are enquiring about for players will be inflating the numbers with Hogan on their minds too.
But 21 goals in just 33 games is an incredible record, it’s no surprise there is a clamour for the former Rochdale ace, I just wonder how long Brentford will hold their nerve on this before accepting an offer… or will this go to the wire?
Dave Lane
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It’s not Brentford that need to hold their nerve – it is Premier League clubs who could lose many, many millions by falling down to the Champonship that are more nervous. Next window for them is too late so an extra £5 million over the reported £10 million already offered is good business for a jittery Premier League team.
Bit surprised that Dave Lane even mentioned ‘mothballing’ Hogan. Why not let him continue to play, score more goals and cement the higher transfer fee. Historically players are injured in training as well as in a match. Is Dave really suggesting that that he is also ‘mothballed’ from training?
Regards,
Ted Soudan
Not suggesting anything just running through a few likely considerations – for example, if you knew you had the winning Euromillions lottery ticket in your back pocket would you take it down the pub to show your mates the next day, or lock it up somewhere safe so you could cash it in on the Monday?
Sorry Dave,
‘Euromillions’ ticket argument doesn’t hold water as value is the same whether the next day or the following Monday. My argument is that by playing Hogan and him continuing to score, you have more chance of increasing his transfer value. Your argument is Safety first. Mine isn’t.
Regards,
Ted Soudan
It does hold water, if you take the ticket to the pub when you know you’ve hit the jackpot, you risk losing the ticket… After the Judge injury the club will be thinking safety first I imagine. We shall see, as I say, just thoughts, not suggestions or recommendations.
He will probably be rested for the cup game (in case it gets to squeaky bum time)but if he is still our player I feel he will be back for the Newcastle game tarkygate not withstanding.
On a separate matter are we doing anything to try to sign Judgy to a new contract ?
Just briefly on the Judgey rumours. He is getting a bit of stick online as we’ve looked after him for a year. It’s probably false anyway, but not long ago I heard many people ruing the fact that we hadn’t cashed in before he broke his leg. Bear in mind what Martin Allen said about footballers limited career, Judgey is 28 and recovering from a seriously broken leg. If the price is right with 6 months on his contract lets not be stubborn. If Scotty goes, he was off sick for two years and has only given us 9 months in return, albeit 9 great scoring months. Everyone thinks he has a price which will repay that. Judgey may have too and doesn’t have much time left to set up his family for life.
Judgey has denied all rumours and I’m sure he will stay, but I wouldn’t criticise him if the offer is good for us and him.
It’s probably Toon trying to unnerve us aka Sean Dyche/Tarkygate
I’m still looking forward to seeing Hogan, Judgey, Canos, Jota in our line up. Who needs a defence??
Well done Beesotted scouting team by the way after your podcast!
‘Brentford eye Wycombe striker Scott Kashket
SAM MORSHEAD: Brentford are weighing up a move for Scott Kashket as clubs begin to circle for the freescoring Wycombe striker.
Kashket, 20, was picked up as a free agent in the summer after his contract with Leyton Orient was cancelled and has rewarded the punt taken on him by the Chairboys, netting 13 times in 15 appearances.
Seven goals in six outings in December ensured he won the League Two player of the month award and Brentford, who could lose Scott Hogan to the Premier League during the transfer window, are one of several clubs keeping a keen eye on the prolific frontman.
Promotion-chasing Brighton have also been monitoring his situation, as well as League One outfit Peterborough.
Wycombe would be loath to lose their top scorer but a bid of around £400,000 would likely be irresistible
Sportsmail understands Bees chief scout Andy Scott has been to watch Kashket on several occasions during the first half of the season.’