Michael Obafemi was linked to a move to the West Midlands this week with both Aston Villa and West Brom lurking, the possibilities of that happening could depend on who they can get in and Watford could be the club to be raided.

Saints are today being linked with a move for Danny Welbeck with £5,5 million said to be the offer on the table and Watford needing to cut their costs after relegation likely to accept something in that region.

The first question is whether it would fit Saints transfer profile, Welbeck will be 30 in November so a little older than normally signed by the club, many Saints fans would see it as a backward move if Welbeck was brought in and Obafemi leave in the opposite direction, but there could be method in the madness.

Welbeck is experienced and although his spell this season at Vicarage Road has not been prolific with only 2 goals in the Premier League in 18 appearances, he still has a good track record and is proven at this level, in truth his game is more about intelligent play than scoring goals.

In contrast Obafemi is certainly a prospect, but there are also doubts about his attitude holding his progress back and there are some who would say that it is worth cashing in now rather than holding on to him.

The Welbeck to St Mary's rumour is doing the rounds, but it is unclear from where it is emanating from, whether there is any real foundation or just the players agent trying to get his client's profile up.

Photo: Action Images

halftimeorange added 10:07 - Aug 20 I've always been a fan of Danny Welbeck but, I can't see how he'd fit Saints requirements. Where would he be in the pecking order? If he's a last quarter sub then why not nurture Obafemi who is effective against tiring defences and would cost a lot less in wages. Not for me but, I wouldn't cry if it happened.
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WestSussexSaint added 10:39 - Aug 20 I read that the price of £5.5m is written into Welbecks contract so I don’t believe Watford have a say in it if a offer meets that price. For me the big issue is Welbecks fitness as he has barely played over the last couple of seasons but a fit Danny Welbeck would be an asset to most teams. With Saints I would see him as a direct back up for Ings but I think there is an added bonus that he can play in wide attacking positions so could slot into Redmond or Armstrong’s positions if needed. The players stock isn’t that high so is not in a position to demand high wages so in financial terms I think it is worth a gamble. If we sign Welbeck I would like to see Obafemi go out on loan rather than sold as he could still be a good option for us in the future and could do with some regular game time to get experience.

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ChannonFodder added 10:47 - Aug 20 My first six words on reading the name Danny Welbeck? No. No, no, no, no, no.
3

GeordieSaint added 11:08 - Aug 20 Decent player who could offer something different but will be on mad wages with a pretty poor injury record. Would be surprised to see that happening.
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Santos added 11:18 - Aug 20 If a true rumour I can see the thinking behind it, in that our forwards Ings Adams Long Oafemi whilst all offering something slightly different the one thing we don't have is a bit of height/size up front. Welbeck at his best would give us something different in that respect and has a bit of pace and well. If it is a case sacrificing Obafemi to fund something like this it is always going a close call but this is about getting the squad right. I think this year for many clubs there will be a lot of wheeling and dealing.

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PatfromPoole added 12:10 - Aug 20 Danny Welbeck’s appearance record in the last 5 seasons is abysmal. 38 games played out of the last 190. Expensive wages as well. Do not touch with a barge pole.
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EvertonSaint added 12:15 - Aug 20 Very disappointing report and I sincerely hope there is no foundation to the rumour. I just can’t see how he would fit in with the current playing style....Fleet Street rumours as they have nothing else to offer the readers.
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SaintNick added 12:19 - Aug 20 I looked at his Premier League record and it's 81 games out of the last 190, so not quite as bad as made out, although this might be a positive thing in that players who have long injury spells tend to be less burn't out than those who have played most of the games every season. Im not bothered either way with Welbeck, I'm not sure what his contract is at Watford but I would imagine he is on decent wages and that might be the stumbling block

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derbydog added 12:22 - Aug 20 I would say this is borrocks. Or as you would write it borrock’s. Not a young player who can be coached into being a better player and possibly sold on at a profit. That is our model... As you say, better to stick with Obafemi who does fit that pattern. We already have a hard-working non-scoring 30 year old in Long if we want to play one!
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Big_T added 13:32 - Aug 20 Is it April 1st again ? I would put a bet on this being Agent talk "only", At least I certainly hope so ! I would put this story in the same category as Hoedt, Lemina and Carrilo being sold for a profit 😂😂
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Saint4Life247 added 13:33 - Aug 20 I can't see how he fits our mould tbh. At 29 with an awful injury record at every club hes been to I think the risk is far to much. I can only assume that fact he could hold the ball up is reason its sparking the interest but I'd much prefer someone younger or fitter to play that role. Personally I have really come round to the idea of Chris Wood but not sure Burnley would want to see him go. Lets hope its just his agent trying to drum up media attention in a bid to earn more from his potential sale

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A1079 added 13:43 - Aug 20 Could be the new Frank Worthington! Now there is a name from the past.
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SanMarco added 17:50 - Aug 20 'Frankie's Going to Wembley' eh A1079!! - and he nearly did. Saints won't buy Wellbeck.
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60yearsandcounting added 17:54 - Aug 20 Wrong age, injury-prone, great in the past but................REALLY? And we gonna sign Jack Butland too in player + cash deal for Gunn? Thought I'd time travelled but 3 or 4 years!! Aiming for the oldest side in the PL? Not what I would expect from our Ralph!!! Agent/journalist combination must be desperate for something to write!
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NewburySaint added 21:00 - Aug 20 God, please no! Surely just agent / journalist drivel......??
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kernow added 21:37 - Aug 20 Method in the madness? Forgive me but must have missed it.
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A1079 added 22:11 - Aug 20 Recall it well SanMarco. He couldn't score to save his life though. It virtually had to be on the goal-line to get it over but he was good entertainment during a great season with a great team. But, I remember at the time many of us said, if we had a decent centre-forward could we have won the league? By the way, its a No from me on Wellbeck. I don't think there is anything in it, but I cannot see what he would add to the team unless as a back up in case of injury etc to Ings - though, he is better than Benteke.

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underweststand added 08:28 - Aug 21 Welbecks best days were with Man.Utd. A lot of injuries hasnt helped his career We had luck to get Danny Ings fully fit and in good form...not sure we could expect the same good fortune if we signed Welbeck.
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SaintBrock added 13:01 - Aug 23 Did he ever have any best days. A much talked about player that nobody seems able to motivate and forever injured. You cannot be serious!
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