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[Feorax]

Apparently we've agreed a friendly with Valencia. Normally when we do this, there's a player purchase involved (Villareal with Reina, Athletico with Torres etc). I can't think of any other reason off the top of my head we would do such a thing.

Now who at Valencia might we have been linked to...

EDIT: Link in case anyone was wondering.

http://www.valenciacf.com/contenidos/Actualidad/Noticias/2011/06/Noticia_30699.html?__locale=es

7 de julio: Vuelta a los entrenamientos.
17 de julio: Viaje a Austria (Klagenfurt) a 20 kms de Eslovenia. Stage de pretemporada. Del 17 de julio hasta el 26 de julio.
En este periodo, del 17 al 26 de julio, se disputarán tres encuentros de carácter amistoso de preparación:
19 de julio: PSV Eindhoven.
23 de julio: Leicester (Inglaterra).
26 de julio: Patido por determinar (y fin del stage en Austria).
30 de julio: Partido amistoso de preparación ante el Sporting de Lisboa en su estadio, en el José Alvalade.
2 de agosto: Partido amistoso de preparación ante el Hamburgo SV en su estadio, el Imtech Arena.
6 de agosto: Partido amistoso de preparación ante el Liverpool FC en su estadio, Anfield Road.
12 de agosto: Partido de presentación del Valencia CF 2011/12 ante el AS Roma en el Camp de Mestalla.

 

[bjaelke]

Mata. We've been linked with him on a few occasions since the last transfer window.

 

[Scum]

Where's Marek Hamsik nowadays? Still at Napoli? He's a bloody good player. Wouldn't mind him...

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

Where's Marek Hamsik nowadays? Still at Napoli? He's a bloody good player. Wouldn't mind him...

Silly money being quoted for him all the time.

 

[Scum]

Silly money being quoted for him all the time.

Thought as much. :-/

 

[GQman2121]

Silly money being quoted for him all the time.

He's been linked with the normal clubs about a move, but he's so important to their side that I think they want insane money for him. He seems to be happy at Napoli anyway, and that's where these transfers pickup steam. Once the player comes out and says "I want out" that's when the bidding starts.

Don't think for a second we weren't in contact with someone in Modric's camp before we made that first offer. That only got the ball rolling. Look how the tables have turned in just under a week.

 

[Feorax]

Mata. We've been linked with him on a few occasions since the last transfer window.

Hehe, i know, just didnt want to say it out loud. Still sounds too good to be true.

If it is true though, we need to get the deal signed sealed and delivered ASAP, especially now it appears Sanchez is off the market.

 

[ShogunX]

Where's Marek Hamsik nowadays? Still at Napoli? He's a bloody good player. Wouldn't mind him...

Obviously wishful thinking but would love Liverpool to sign any one of Cavani, Lavezzi or Hamsik. All quality players but with Napoli securing Champions League football for next year I doubt any of them would leave for us.

 

[Vivalaraza]

Hehe, i know, just didnt want to say it out loud. Still sounds too good to be true.

If it is true though, we need to get the deal signed sealed and delivered ASAP, especially now it appears Sanchez is off the market.

You can certainly expect City to look at Mata if they miss out on Sanchez. Maybe United too, though I think out interest in Sanchez was more down to SAF being a fan of his as opposed to a particular need.

 

[Lakitu]

I've been keeping a little eye on the transfer stuff, and not getting to in-depth with the discussion.

Modric to Chelsea seems to be gathering pace, and Newcastle have signed Marveaux. Should be an interesting next few weeks.

Also, Henderson to Liverpool (I've always been a fan of his but I don't think he's worth that price) and Man Utd pipping us to Phil Jones as well.

We're heavily linked with Christian Zapata and Mata (only getting worse now that Valencia have announced a friendly with us).

Have Spurs or Everton bought anybody yet? Everton always have such quiet and slow transfer windows

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

You can certainly expect City to look at Mata if they miss out on Sanchez. Maybe United too, though I think out interest in Sanchez was more down to SAF being a fan of his as opposed to a particular need.

I'd rather we put £30+ mill. towards central midfielder(s).

 

[José Mourinho]

I'm sure Sturridge was once part of the Torres deal. Do you know if you offered him + money, or if we asked for that and Chelsea turned it down?

Think it was mainly journalists talking. He had only made a few appearances, but he had done well and scored a few times too.

 

[anonnumber6]

You can certainly expect City to look at Mata if they miss out on Sanchez. Maybe United too, though I think out interest in Sanchez was more down to SAF being a fan of his as opposed to a particular need.

Seems that way to me to, widely known he would be available so it would be crazy for us not to make enquiries for a player of that ability.

Central midfield looks really uncertain, Modric seems to be on his way to Chelsea but it would be typical of Fergie to trust the players he already has instead of buying players.

 

[Dark Machine]

I've been keeping a little eye on the transfer stuff, and not getting to in-depth with the discussion.

Modric to Chelsea seems to be gathering pace, and Newcastle have signed Marveaux. Should be an interesting next few weeks.

Also, Henderson to Liverpool (I've always been a fan of his but I don't think he's worth that price) and Man Utd pipping us to Phil Jones as well.

We're heavily linked with Christian Zapata and Mata (only getting worse now that Valencia have announced a friendly with us).

Have Spurs or Everton bought anybody yet? Everton always have such quiet and slow transfer windows

Everton have no money, they have to sell to buy all the time, and I doubt they want to get rid of much of that squad which is pretty good all things considered. Everton desperately need fresh investors, but after what happened with us, Kenwright (rightly or wrongly) is being very stringent with the conditions of any takeover. Add that Everton aren't a massive global brand like United or Liverpool, and it narrows down the amount of possibles for them immensely. You'd need someone like Abramovich or the Sheiks who don't care about making money or breaking even too much. FFP should help them a bit though, always been a very well run club.

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

Seems that way to me to, widely known he would be available so it would be crazy for us not to make enquiries for a player of that ability.

Central midfield looks really uncertain, Modric seems to be on his way to Chelsea but it would be typical of Fergie to trust the players he already has instead of buying players.

That would be a crushing failure on his part.

 

[anonnumber6]

That would be a crushing failure on his part.

I don't know if it would be too bad, if Anderson continues to improve, Carrick starts the season and he finished the last and Fletcher finds form it wouldn't be a disaster. Cleverley is back from his loan which should provide some more options as well. It wouldn't be a bad way to buy some time to see how Pogba, Morrison and Tunnicliffe turn out.

But Sneijder would be welcome of course

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

I don't know if it would be too bad, if Anderson continues to improve, Carrick starts the season and he finished the last and Fletcher finds form it wouldn't be a disaster. Cleverley is back from his loan which should provide some more options as well. It wouldn't be a bad way to buy some time to see how Pogba, Morrison and Tunnicliffe turn out.

But Sneijder would be welcome of course

Just not good enough I'm afraid. I'm becoming worried by how some United fans are coming to accept the level of mediocrity we have in midfield. What happened to having some the the best central midfielders in the land? Out of the the top 4, our central midfielders as individuals are probably some of the worst man for man. We need to come to terms with this and spend in that area.

 

[Rad-]

Just not good enough I'm afraid. I'm becoming worried by how some United fans are coming to accept the level of mediocrity we have in midfield. What happened to having some the the best central midfielders in the land? Out of the the top 4, our central midfielders as individuals are probably some of the worst man for man. We need to come to terms with this and spend in that area.

Carrick needs a replacement definitely. M'Vila or Javi Martinez could be perfect but I have a feeling Fergie is waiting for Pogba as he seems really impressed with him.

 

[Scum]

Just not good enough I'm afraid. I'm becoming worried by how some United fans are coming to accept the level of mediocrity we have in midfield. What happened to having some the the best central midfielders in the land? Out of the the top 4, our central midfielders as individuals are probably some of the worst man for man. We need to come to terms with this and spend in that area.

I was going to mention this too. Man Utd need the likes of Sneijder or Hamsik in the middle of the park for 'em. Maybe even Palombo...

 

[Vivalaraza]

I don't know if it would be too bad, if Anderson continues to improve, Carrick starts the season and he finished the last and Fletcher finds form it wouldn't be a disaster. Cleverley is back from his loan which should provide some more options as well. It wouldn't be a bad way to buy some time to see how Pogba, Morrison and Tunnicliffe turn out.

But Sneijder would be welcome of course

The only reason it would surprise me if we didn't bring somebody is isn't that SAF may believe it to be poor, but because we have let Hargreaves go, Scholes has retired and it seems Gibson is on his way out too. Itd be unlike SAF to let 3 players from one position depart without bringing anybody in.

I guess you could make cases for Cleverly/Jones as covers for CM but even so I expect some action. But SAF won't switch aim to another big game if his prime target slips away, he'll look for a younger player most probably who he maybe had eyes on for a year or two down the line.

 

[WJD]

Carrick is fine.

*leaves*

 

[Scum]

What th-?! Toulalan ran off to Malaga?!

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

Carrick is fine.

*leaves*

That's precisely the point. He's fine.

 

[MPW]

What th-?! Toulalan ran off to Malaga?!

malaga is owned by a rich arab owner now so yeah

malaga should get a europe spot with all the signings

 

[Scum]

malaga is owned by a rich arab owner now so yeah

malaga should get a europe spot with all the signings

Wow! Lucky them.

 

[Dark Machine]

malaga is owned by a rich arab owner now so yeah

malaga should get a europe spot with all the signings

Seems to be the trend now. Buying smaller clubs cheaper which you can grow a bit and have fun with rather than huge clubs that come with militant fanbases and usually lots of debt. Valencia for example desperately need money, but their debt is so great that I doubt anyone will come in for them. Liverpool were very lucky we got our debts cleared out with our takeover. Makes me hopeful that Everton can get someone in to buy or invest in them soon. A bit of success might make them less bitter and twisted than they've become.

 

[bjaelke]

Terrible start for the boys.

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

United need to coerce Christian Eriksson.

 

[bjaelke]

I think he'll move to a bigger club next Summer.

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

I think he'll move to a bigger club next Summer.

He's said he'll only go to Barca. Not sure he'll be the judge of that though.

 

[PaulLFC]

This Valencia friendly link, I can't help but think there must be something Mata-related in it. It might be wishful thinking, but if we are trying to sign him - and various sources say we are - then I doubt if Valencia had said "No chance, you're not signing him. Fancy a friendly at your place though?" we'd have gone "Yep, sure". Must be something more to this...

 

[JLG-]

Mexico vs North Korea U17 world cup is about to start on ESPN3
and Argentina vs France

 

[MarshMellow96]

This Valencia friendly link, I can't help but think there must be something Mata-related in it. It might be wishful thinking, but if we are trying to sign him - and various sources say we are - then I doubt if Valencia had said "No chance, you're not signing him. Fancy a friendly at your place though?" we'd have gone "Yep, sure". Must be something more to this...

Gives Valencia officials chance to come over for personal discussions without looking suspicious.

The Liverpool way and all that

 

[Feorax]

Gives Valencia officials chance to come over for personal discussions without looking suspicious.

The Liverpool way and all that

Game isnt till August 6th. I can guarantee that if thats our plan, City will have him in a blue jersey long before then.

Edit: unless you mean prior to the game, then fair enough.

Also, Mata has now started tweeting in English. Make of that what you will.

 

[Vivalaraza]

Also, Mata has now started tweeting in English. Make of that what you will.

Sid Lowe wrote an article about him and most probably leaving a couple of days back, said he's been making a big effort to improve his English over the last few months. Maybe he just wants to better himself...or maybe..

 

[Kenka]

That doesn't bode well for Denmark.

I can't believe that Iceland still has a chance to go through.

 

[bjaelke]

That doesn't bode well for Denmark.

I can't believe that Iceland still has a chance to go through.

We don't deserve to go through.

2-0 now.

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

And again. Well done Iceland.

 

[Regulus Tera]

Mexico vs Korea DPR U-17 about to begin.

 

[bjaelke]

Oh my, that was close.

 

[Kenka]

We don't deserve to go through.

2-0 now.

Jesus Christ. My relatives in Kolding are surely going havok as we speak. They refused to call me when we won against them on Day 1

Good for Iceland I guess. They trashed Germany in the qualifying stage. They should be in the semis.

 

[LabouredSubterfuge]

Jesus Christ. My relatives in Kolding are surely going havok as we speak. They refused to call me when we won against them on Day 1

Good for Iceland I guess. They trashed Germany in the qualifying stage. They should be in the semis.

I'm stealing that.

 

[Broder Salsa]

Haha this is why I cant bother to give 2 shits about danish national football, so many useless players.

 

[Regulus Tera]

Mexico already losing. Whaaaaat.

 

[Kenka]

Haha this is why I cant bother to give 2 shits about danish national football, so many useless players.

Well, Kjaer and Bendtner are missing. That's one hell of a disadvantage. I do agree that Bille and co are underperforming though that's not what I expected. And there is this off/on-side goal on the 93rd against us.

edit : if Belarus swallow another goal, all teams will have a +/- of -2. Who's through in that case ?

 

[Broder Salsa]

Well, Kjaer and Bendtner are missing. That's one hell of a disadvantage. I do agree that Bille and co are underperforming as **** though that's not what I expected. And there is this off/on-side goal on the 93rd against us.

Bendtner missing is never a disadvantage.

 

[bjaelke]

Well, Kjaer and Bendtner are missing. That's one hell of a disadvantage. I do agree that Bille and co are underperforming as **** though that's not what I expected. And there is this off/on-side goal on the 93rd against us.

Yeah, Kjær is missed defensively. Eriksen never played for the U21 team before, which also shows.

 

[KidA Seven]

Best Korea showing why they're the best.

 

[Broder Salsa]

Wass is going to have a great start in Benfica, lol.

 

[Lightning]

Modric to Chelsea seems to be gathering pace, and Newcastle have signed Marveaux. Should be an interesting next few weeks.

Spurs are idiots if they don't slam the breaks on this transfer and demand as much as they possibly can out of Chelsea. Modric is tied to a long term contract, there is no need for Spurs to rush this.

The player already ruled out putting in a transfer request so the ball is in Spurs court.