Schmeichel departs

Kasper Schmeichel has linked up again with Sven-Goran Eriksson at Notts County for an undisclosed fee.

The former Denmark Under-21 goalkeeper, who joined City in November 2004 when he turned 18, has faced fierce competition and played only two senior matches last season, cup-ties against Brighton and Santander.

Kasper, who had loan spells at Darlington, Bury (twice), Falkirk, Cardiff and Coventry, made his Premier League debut in August 2007 and started seven league games in all, keeping four clean sheets.

>>mcfc.co.uk

Make no mistake, this is a big signing for Notts County. Their profile has been hugely raised with their recent takeover and the appointment of Sven. This could be precisely the type of 'statement' signing they need, and one which will make people sit up and take notice.

It is still a surprise on some levels, given that Schmeichel has both Premier League and Championship pedigree. Whilst he performed capably in his appearances with us, I do think he was helped by Richards and Dunne being at their best partnership wise. Whilst not quite at the level required for the Premier League, I did expect him to land with a Championship side though.

Still, he is a young 'keeper and has plenty of time on his side and - like we are trying to do in enticing players to the club - can see the potential of what Notts County are trying to achieve over the coming seasons.

Schmeichel loan turned down

According to reports:

The Denmark Under-21 international is thought to be eager to get some first-team action under his belt before the end of the season but with just one substitute appearance in the Premier League that is unlikely to happen at City.

Despite his lack of football this season the club appear to be reluctant to let him leave, even if any deal was only on a temporary loan basis.

"Of course it is disappointing. But I can't say more," Schmeichel told Ekstra Bladet.

Schmeichel set for stiff test

Mark Hughes' desire for an experienced goalkeeper to
challenge Joe Hart has been reinforced by the England international's two-week
enforced absence with an ankle injury, though Kasper Schmeichel has been told
that Hart's position will be his for the toughest 10 days in Manchester City's
season.

>>independent.co.uk

Schmeichel has often spoke of wanting another opportunity at the club, and admitted being frustrated at being sat on the sidelines, and the next couple of weeks will certainly put him in the spotlight given the games we are facing..

I don't think that Hart can have too much (if any) blame attached for the porous defence that we have seen this season, but given his record at the start of last season maybe Schmeichel can come in and spark some life into the defence.

If so, it will certainly give Hughes a selection dilemna upon Hart's return from fitness.

Hughes looking to strengthen in goal

The links to us moving for Brad Friedel continue, with the latest 'news' that we are ready to hijack Villa's deal for him after their bid was agreed with Blackburn (following Rovers signing of Paul Robinson from Tottenham yesterday).

I just don't see it as Hughes was quoted in the MEN yesterday as saying he was looking for cover, and given Friedel is still playing at a level that puts him in the upper tier of Premier League goalkeepers why would he sign for us to sit on the bench when he will be the undisputed number 1 at Villa (which I think he would be looking to continue as)?

If he was signed though and handed the number 1 jersey then it would be a huge slap in the face for Joe Hart, who last season beat out both Isaksson and Schmeichel to make the position his own, not to mention make his England debut and put himself firmly in the frame as David James's heir apparant.

More realistically for me is that Hughes will look for a guy who is happy to sit on the bench and to allow Schmeichel he possibility of going out on an extended loan once again.

Isaksson joins PSV

Andreas Isaksson has today completed a move to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

The 26-year-old keeper was rarely a regular starter during his time with the Blues and made only 20 appearances for the Club after signing from Rennes in August 2006.

Injuries and the form of Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart forced the Swede on to the bench for most of the campaign and after passing a medical this afternoon Isaksson signed a four-deal with PSV.

>>mcfc.co.uk

A good move for Isaksson who despite the arrival of a new manager, had clearly had enough of sitting on the bench as he never seemed to find favour with either Sven or Stuart Pearce during his time at the club, and wasn't helped with a succession of ill-timed injuries.

Perennial Champions League qualifiers, he will be playing at the top level and certainly helped his cause with a solid display during Euro 2008.

Following his departure, will Hughes look to bring another back up to Hart given Kasper Schmeichel's uncertain future with the club?

Schmeichel set for exit

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will leave Manchester City at
the end of the season according to his father, City and Manchester United legend
Peter.

The 21-year-old is unhappy at being only third choice behind
Andreas Isaksson and Joe Hart at City.

>>bbc sport.

This coming just a couple of days after reports that Andreas Isaksson would leave in the summer, and equally unsurprising. I also doubt Isaksson's departure would have any bearing on his decision given Hart is clearly the number 1 choice for years to come.

A strange season for Schmeichel, as he started out as the number 3 choice, but was catapulted into the starting line up due to injury and saw us post a fantastic start to the season with a number of clean sheets.

However, once the initial lustre wore off, it was widely perceived this was more down ot the strong defensive axis of Dunne and Richards, and Sven soon jettisoned him and nominated Joe Hart as 'the man', relegating Schmeichel back down the pecking order behind Hart and Isaksson.

He has a couple of succesful loan spells throughout the season and I don't doubt that a number of Championship sides would be interested in signing him on a permanent basis, but potential exits for both Isaksson and Schmeichel would quickly deplete what was probably our strongest depth position.

Schmeichel joins Coventry on loan

Danish Under 21 goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has made a loan move to Coventry City until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old stopper made the request for the temporary move in a bid to gain more first team experience after already enjoying a successful spell with Cardiff this season.

Schmeichel will now join up with the Sky Blues’ squad ahead of Saturday’s home game against Sheffield Wednesday.

Speaking to the official Coventry City website, new manager Chris Coleman said: “Kasper has shown this season that he has all the attributes to be a top class Premier League goalkeeper and I have no doubt he will be a very valuable addition to the squad.

“He has a great ability and strength, plus he has age on his side. The future is certainly bright for him.”

>>mcfc.co.uk

Schmeichel returns from loan spell

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has returned to
Manchester City following his loan spell at Cardiff.
The 21-year-old Dane
made 14 appearances in the Coca-Cola Championship for the Bluebirds but turned
down the chance to stay on for two further league matches.
Schmeichel would
have been unavailable for Saturday's FA Cup third round clash away to Chasetown
under the terms of his loan agreement.
The shot-stopper began the season as
first choice at City, but lost his place in manager Sven Goran Eriksson's first
XI.
Joe Hart has since enjoyed an impressive run in the City first-team and
Schmeichel will face a tough task to force a place in the starting
line-up.

-Sky Sports.

Not being one to normally speculate or comment on any old transfer rumour (would Birmingham really pay nigh on £3million for Samaras?) but could this decision possibly be as a result of an impending move for Andreas Isaksson?