This is an interesting piece in TeesideLive about the EFL transfer market post lockdown, the competition for Kieffer Moore's signature and the attitude to his wage demands, and the need for clubs to reduce costs - especially wage costs:
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/...build-18755237
The focus is on Middlesborough - but the examples are across the leagues.
Clubs have no money. And the players - and their agents - suddenly have to face that stark truth.
The traditional clubs' recruitment tool of sticking another bundle of fifties on the table is no longer an option.
And the practice of agreeing a deal then inviting other suitors to top it has been badly dented too.
Players are starting to feel the squeeze. Suddenly it is a buyers market. And the buyers are skint.
Take Kieffer Moore. Four clubs were reported to have had bids accepted by Wigan's administrators but that didn't spark the usual wages arms race. Far from it. It has underlined the new reality.
Cardiff - said to be in pole position last week - are assessing how they go about transfer business and were not sure the sums add up. Stoke were sure they didn't and after hearing his ball-park demands, they walked away.
Boro were interested - he was 'on the list but not a the top of it' - and think they can get more bang for their buck elsewhere so were in no rush.
Cardiff are said to be back in the box seat now and looking to resume talks. But on their terms not his.
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Originally Posted by jon1959
