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[Vivalaraza]

Fair enough. As highly as I rate Modric, I don't think he is worth more than £25 million. Others will disagree of course. Fundamentally, we need goals from the central midfield, and he is not a goal scorer.

E.g. Park, Nani, Valencia, wingers/goal scorers... Rooney/berba/chico goal scorers..
Carrick/Fletcher/Anderson- defensive/central/central leaning on attack. We need a goal scoring central midfielder.

I'm not sure we do need a goal scorer for CM. We score plenty of goals as it is, the strikers all score at a good rate and our options from width do well too. Also in Vidic we have a good threat from Defence. I'm general...as long as the team wins it doesn't matter who scores.

The problem we have at CM is we miss somebody who can dictate tempo and control a match. Modric is perfect for that, he plays short passes here and there, can spray the ball, drops off deep to pick the ball up and can play it forwards. Price is an issue of course but there are not many players out there who I can think of who can do do that coming into the side right now.

Guess we will have to see what happens.

 

[Tim the Wiz]

The thing is, all we do need is a stop-gap solution of about three or so seasons in replacing Scholes and, maybe, Hargreaves. Pogba, Morrison, Tunnicliffe, Petrucci, etc. all look that good - frankly, in the long-term, I'm not all that worried about our midfield. (Inter tried to poach Pogba and Petrucci quite recently, as it goes.) But the established creative midfielder is pretty expensive out there. So, I wouldn't be surprised at another Phil Jones-level purchase or two (based in promise as much as current ability), to couple with Cleverley returning, in that area, even if we do have great talent coming through from our youth ranks. Still wouldn't mind someone like Sneijder, though.

 

[cartoon_soldier]

I think we should get somebody less then 25 million to fill that gap. An up and coming twenty year old is better then 30 million modric or a stop gap solution at that. We need a goal scorer. Shame so few goal scoring midfielders are about.

But who? We really need an attacking game controlling midfielder.

Part of me hopes Carrick/Anderson under Scholes guidance show some good improvement next season. Carrick had already started to get some good games going, but its easy to see that a midfield of Carrick-Anderson wouldn't work out that well.

I have heard that Phil Jones can play as a defensive midfielder which might be interesting proposition.

I guess Jack Rodwell wouldn't be a bad investment for young talent, but would like to get someone who can establish themselves in the team and in the game asap.

 

[elseanio]

This was expected. Isn't it to do with policing?

Well if its true, all City games after the Champions League will be away.

 

[Ushojax]

What an awful thing to wake up to. I am very disappointed but I understand why Modric wants to leave, we brought this on ourselves with our atrocious second half of the season that denied us 4th. I just hope we wring as much out of Chelsea as possible.

 

[Feorax]

Marvaux to Newcastle huh? Got to admit, im a little relieved

 

[elseanio]

Newcastle sign Sylvain Marveaux

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_6994869,00.html

Newcastle United have beaten Liverpool to the signing of French midfielder Sylvain Marveaux.

The 25-year-old had appeared on course to sign for the Anfield club, on a Bosman transfer.

But now Newcastle have nipped in to poach Marveaux and offer him a five-year deal which he has accepted.

The left sided midfielder has been Tyneside to finalise the move, which will shock Liverpool who had presumed they had his signature in the bag.

Newcastle looked at Marveaux earlier in the year, but it was presumed they had given up when Liverpool made their move - but that was clearly not the case.

Marveaux is now set to become Newcastle's third signing of the summer, and he is the third French-born player to sign following on from Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba.

He will officially join Newcastle on July 1st.

No mention of him failing his medical at Liverpool...

 

[furrygiblets]

In his interview he states that they couldn't agree personal terms. So i guess we will find out.

3 players in so far and i cant wait for the season to start

 

[mil6es]

Marvaux to Newcastle huh? Got to admit, im a little relieved

This, we've recruited way to many Injured bosman signings in the past that have flopped, wish him luck at the tooooooooooon

 

[Salazar]

which will shock Liverpool who had presumed they had his signature in the bag.

It would be awesome if there were two Sylvain Marvauxs.

 

[LukeT]

Stealing off the bin dippers.. bit ironic eh?

For those in the know is this bloke any better than Joans?

 

[mil6es]

Stealing off the bin dippers.. bit ironic eh?

For those in the know is this bloke any better than Joans?

how?? we paid you money (a substantial amount) for a player, how is that the same as this

facts are, He failed the Liverpool medical so we probably offered him some kinda BS 1 year contract to reduce risk, so instead Newcastle offer him 5 years, thats smart

better hope he doesn't get injured

Anyway all you need to know about Sylvain:

http://ketilstensrud.com/2011/03/20/under-the-loop-sylvain-marveaux/#more-251

PHYSICAL ABILITY

He has pace, deadly pace, he is very capable of eliminating a defence on a single acceleration. He will take the ball and go through knocks and shocks to reach his target, a goal or a good pass. He can stay on his legs, no doubt about it, and although he isn’t of the strongest build he shouldn’t be worried with the strength of English defenders. His game made of acceleration can lead him to natural fatigue in the closing stages, but when in good shape he is perfectly able to contribute 90 minutes week-in week-out and bring his fair share of goals and assists.

In fact, his weakness lies inside. While he rarely gives up on the pitch himself, his body has been regulating things for him. He is an athlete, a powerfully legged sprinter, and his thighs have often been a strain to his progression. In summer 2008, after a good first season and a disappointing second term, he picked up a benign thigh injury during a France U21 game. Recovery should have been straightforward, but instead he met calcification issues and was forced to undergo surgery… he would miss the following 8 months. Tough luck can strike anyone, true, but the same thing happened to him once again this season, and a minor thigh muscle strain against Brest in November was enough to rule him out for the rest of the current campaign.

 

[LukeT]

how?? we paid you money (a substantial amount) for a player, how is that the same as this

facts are, He failed the Liverpool medical so we probably offered him some kinda BS 1 year contract to reduce risk, so instead Newcastle offer him 5 years, thats smart

better hope he doesn't get injured

Anyway all you need to know about Sylvain:

http://ketilstensrud.com/2011/03/20/under-the-loop-sylvain-marveaux/#more-251

Eh? What's Carroll got do with you lot being a bunch of thieves? Have you not noticed that every game you go to you get it sung at you?

 

[mil6es]

Eh? What's Carroll got do with you lot being a bunch of thieves? Have you not noticed that every game you go to you get it sung at you?

my bad I thought you were referring to Carroll.

 

[Moobabe]

What an awful thing to wake up to. I am very disappointed but I understand why Modric wants to leave, we brought this on ourselves with our atrocious second half of the season that denied us 4th. I just hope we wring as much out of Chelsea as possible.

As a Chelsea fan I'd love to see Modric for us but can't help a little aggrieved for Spurs fans. They've worked so hard, and done so well with players who, outside of Van Der Vaart, aren't exactly big names.

Harry has rotated well, bought well and would have managed, if it wasn't for some pretty awful performances, to get 2 successive seasons in the CL even in the face of the financial clout of Man City and a resurgent Liverpool.

I really think that, despite the nonsense amounts of praise for Bale, that Modric is the most important player in that side.

 

[Mr. Luchador]

If Modric leaves Spurs, can't see Spurs doing as well (or keeping VDV 'happy'). Harry to explode on Talksport.

 

[Feorax]

Echoes of Torres in January from the whole situation. Wonder what kind of price tag Spurs will put on him?

Feel bad for them, i really do, but at least Modric has been honest and not strung the fans along.

 

[Moobabe]

Echoes of Torres in January from the whole situation. Wonder what kind of price tag Spurs will put on him?

Feel bad for them, i really do, but at least Modric has been honest and not strung the fans along.

I'm not sure it'll leave the same sour taste that the Torres saga did - as you said - Modric has been extremely honest.

 

[Mr. Luchador]

Marveaux claiming he didn't fail a medical at Liverpool, but couldn't agree personal terms. Wonder if LFC only offered 2/3 years.

 

[mil6es]

probably 2 years max, dont you think Padrews taking a massive risk offering him 5 years, they guy only played 10 games last season and I think 19 the season before

 

[LukeT]

probably 2 years max, dont you think Padrews taking a massive risk offering him 5 years, they guy only played 10 games last season and I think 19 the season before

Pardew doesn't have a say in anything.

 

[Mr. Luchador]

Have faith in players. Fine, he's been injured, but for me it was one really bad chronic injury that reoccurred and was then operated on. The cruciate ligament injury is a worry, but its 2011, we're not playing in the 80s anymore, players can recover from it now.

5 years is a risk, but he was a free transfer, we haven't paid £35m for him. We'll lose a couple of million on wages and sign on fees over the course of his career here - the same as any other player.

The main thing I'm wondering is if he'll be a down to earth bloke that doesn't mind making appearances at the Newcastle United Foundation, and give back to the local community!

 

[ShogunX]

Marveaux claiming he didn't fail a medical at Liverpool, but couldn't agree personal terms. Wonder if LFC only offered 2/3 years.

Cant help but feel we dodged a bit of a bullet with this one. We need a higher caliber of player rather than more squad players with poor injury records. Especially those who are unproven.

Good luck to him at Newcastle and hopefully now we focus on Downing or Cazorla.

 

[Mr. Luchador]

Cant help but feel we dodged a bit of a bullet with this one. We need a higher caliber of player rather than more squad players with poor injury records.

Good luck to him at Newcastle and hopefully now we focus on Downing or Cazorla.

joking?

 

[ShogunX]

joking?

Why would I be joking? Downing had a great season last year and can deliver quality into the box. 38 games with 7 goals and 7 assists in an inconsistent Villa team will do for me.

The only thing that would concern me is a silly transfer fee.

 

[Blackhead]

Why would I be joking? Downing had a great season last year and can deliver quality into the box. 38 games with 7 goals and 7 assists in an inconsistent Villa team will do for me.

The only thing that would concern me is a silly transfer fee.

If he played 38 games then I would wager he's part of the reason why Villa are inconsistent.

 

[ShogunX]

If he played 38 games then I would wager he's part of the reason why Villa are inconsistent.

You might be right but then you could say the same about a number of players. A lot of people say Downing had a good season for Villa but one or two players performing well isn't going to help all that much if you leak a lot of goals. Relegated teams aside only Wigan, Wolves and West Brom conceded more goals than Villa last season.

People could of said the exact same thing about Valencia when he was at Wigan and he's worked out pretty well for UTD.

 

[CrunchinJelly]

How many more Spurs players do you think are now dreaming of bigger clubs?

 

[Ushojax]

How many more Spurs players do you think are now dreaming of bigger clubs?

Hard to say, but the 3 players who will attract the most interest, besides Modric, are VDV, Bale and Sandro.

 

[mxgt]

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/new...statement-by-club-chairman-daniel-levy-180611

"I wish to make it absolutely clear, as I have said previously, that none of our key players will be sold this summer. We are building a team for the future to consistently play at the highest level and retaining quality players is crucial to that.

"In respect of Luka Modric, we are not prepared to sell, at any price, to Chelsea Football Club or any other club.

"We made our stance on this issue abundantly clear in writing to Chelsea. They chose to ignore it and then subsequently made the offer public.

"For the avoidance of any doubt, let me reiterate that we shall not enter into any negotiations whatsoever, with any Club, regarding Luka.

"We now consider this matter closed."

Interesting.

 

[Ushojax]

"For the avoidance of any doubt, let me reiterate that we shall not enter into any negotiations whatsoever, with any Club, regarding Luka.

"We now consider this matter closed."

 

[Wes]

How long does he have left on his contract?

 

[Vivalaraza]

Wow, that is quite a response from Levy. Yep, summer long saga incoming.

 

[dc89]

Bale to City.

 

[kharma45]

How long does he have left on his contract?

He's tied in to 2016 I think.

 

[Salazar]

Bale to City.

He may be Welsh, but he's not thick.

I'll be pleased if Chelsea miss out on Modric as well.

 

[British Monsoon]

It can be difficult keeping hold of a player who wants away, hopefully for the Spuds Luka isn't the petulant sort.

 

[Scum]

How long does he have left on his contract?

5yrs, I believe.
Bah. Beaten.

 

[confuziz]

Why are people under the impression Modric is any good for the suggested price? I can name at least 5 players that are better AND cheaper than him

Edit, to name few ;

Keisuka Honda (CSKA Moscow) (20-25 million)
Ola Toivonen (PSV) (10-15 million)
Eden Hazard (Lille) (20-25 million)
Pjanic (Olympique Lyon) (10-15 million)
Vidal (Bayer Leverkussen) (10 million)
Defour (Standard) (5-10 million)

Euro's by the way, not pounds.

 

[Vivalaraza]

Why are people under the impression Modric is any good for the suggested price? I can name at least 5 players that are better AND cheaper than him

Lets hear em!

 

[Blackhead]

Why are people under the impression Modric is any good for the suggested price? I can name at least 5 players that are better AND cheaper than him

Name them

Edit: beat

Edit: saw list, lol

Edit: add what you think each player is worth.

 

[Ushojax]

Why are people under the impression Modric is any good for the suggested price? I can name at least 5 players that are better AND cheaper than him

Edit, to name few ;

Keisuka Honda (CSKA Moscow) (20-25 million)
Ola Toivonen (PSV) (10-15 million)
Eden Hazard (Lille) (20-25 million)
Pjanic (Olympique Lyon) (10-15 million)
Vidal (Bayer Leverkussen) (10 million)
Defour (Standard) (5-10 million)

I don't think any of those players would play as well as Modric does in the Premier League. With time, maybe a few of them.

 

[confuziz]

Name them


Edit: add what you think each player is worth.

Didn't exactly guesss how much they are worth, but rather for much how you can pick them up, given the situation in the specific country (CL play or not etc).

 

[midwestern_stylings]

Why are people under the impression Modric is any good for the suggested price? I can name at least 5 players that are better AND cheaper than him

Edit, to name few ;

Keisuka Honda (CSKA Moscow) (20-25 million)
Ola Toivonen (PSV) (10-15 million)
Eden Hazard (Lille) (20-25 million)
Pjanic (Olympique Lyon) (10-15 million)
Vidal (Bayer Leverkussen) (10 million)
Defour (Standard) (5-10 million)

For one, which is pretty important to EPL clubs is that he is EPL proven.

 

[ShogunX]

Why are people under the impression Modric is any good for the suggested price? I can name at least 5 players that are better AND cheaper than him

Edit, to name few ;

Keisuka Honda (CSKA Moscow) (20-25 million)
Ola Toivonen (PSV) (10-15 million)
Eden Hazard (Lille) (20-25 million)
Pjanic (Olympique Lyon) (10-15 million)
Vidal (Bayer Leverkussen) (10 million)
Defour (Standard) (5-10 million)

Probably because Modric is proven in the Premier League and is already settled in the country. Watched Modric at Anfield a month or two back and he was different class. Everything Spurs did went through him and he hardly wasted possession at all.

Great player.

 

[confuziz]

For one, which is pretty important to EPL clubs is that he is EPL proven.

So tell me why Liverpool got Suarez in january? Unproven and they paid 25 million euro's for him.

 

[Ushojax]

So tell me why Liverpool got Suarez in january? Unproven and they paid 25 million euro's for him.

City also bought Dzeko for some stupid amount and he scored just two league goals. Sometimes a player fits right into the PL, like Suarez or Van Der Vaart, sometimes, like Balotelli, Dzeko or Chamakh, they don't.

 

[Vivalaraza]

Didn't exactly guesss how much they are worth, but rather for much how you can pick them up, given the situation in the specific country (CL play or not etc).

Well a few things, Modric is a more proven player than at least most of them. Also, they don't play in his position and talent in his position is not freely available right now.

Lastly, whilst I agree with the general point...it's about what the worth is to the buying club.

 

[midwestern_stylings]

So tell me why Liverpool got Suarez in january? Unproven and they paid 25 million euro's for him.

But that can be said for any club that signs a foreign player that hasn't played in that league? Liverpool also payed 30 million for carrol. I gave you one reason why Modric is being priced highly. Less likely to be a Veron type signing.

 

[confuziz]

City also bought Dzeko for some stupid amount and he scored just two league goals. Sometimes a player fits right into the PL, like Suarez or Van Der Vaart, sometimes, like Balotelli, Dzeko or Chamakh, they don't.

Exactly. So why not spent 10-15 million and get someone who can do surprising things like Suarez? Everyone knows how Modric moves and passes. It's not that much for a club like Spurs, united or chelsea right?