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The bidding war takes a lot of focus off Liverpool who need a new midfield. It means other clubs might not be asking the really stupid money for players as they are distracted by the Rice saga
You are probably quite right.

In fact, it takes the focus off a lot of other teams, who can do their bidding and their research, and their sounding out of players, more discreetly, and sort of under the proverbial radar.
 
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KDB? But age would be against him compared to Haaland.
KBD, yes.

But, yes, also others, and not necessarily the goal-scorers.

Manchester City - as we noted last year when we acquired a few - have some excellent players in a great many different positions.

Personally, I remain unconvinced of the merits of Kai Havertz; however, I would have been interested in Ilkay Gundogan, who, granted, is not in the first flush of youth, either.
 
Chelsea have rejected Utd 3rd bid of £55m, instead asking for £65m. Utd have threatened to walk away but will they really.

Part of me is annoyed that Chelsea are recouping so much money to balance their £600m spree.

But it seems to be a market of midfielders this window.

Speaking of Utd. Jasim is now looking at Spurs if the Glazers continue to faff around.
 
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Odds on the new MASSIVE manager:

  • Paul Ince - 1/2
  • Nathan Jones - 4/1
  • Steven Gerrard - 5/1
  • Bruno Lage - 10/1
  • Vítor Campelos - 14/1
  • Torsten Lieberknecht - 16/1
 
Incey's "Guv'nor" act as a player was cute for a while, but eventually wore thin. He's also had ample evidence to prove he's not a very good manager, either.

I do wish United would walk away from Mount, but it's clear they want him, he wants them, and Chelsea needs to sell, so something will get worked out soon.

What's really annoying and downright devious is the Chelsea to Saudi connection with one of their minority investors, foisting off their bloated squad members to the Saudi league for good fees. It's all very dodgy IMO, and doesn't get the same attention that Newcastle or city's ownership situations do.
 
What's really annoying and downright devious is the Chelsea to Saudi connection with one of their minority investors, foisting off their bloated squad members to the Saudi league for good fees. It's all very dodgy IMO, and doesn't get the same attention that Newcastle or city's ownership situations do.

The Saudis are being very aggressive in defending the lie that this is all above board, but it isn't. Of course there are deep cultural/political reasons behind all this...they are a fabulously rich post-colonial state. They now have the money and political resources to buy their former overlords' cherished cultural and physical assets for their own benefit. Are we surprised they are doing it?

Of course, no matter how much Chelsea gouge other clubs over player sales, they are still a big net spender. It's an unsustainable model.
 
What's really annoying and downright devious is the Chelsea to Saudi connection with one of their minority investors, foisting off their bloated squad members to the Saudi league for good fees. It's all very dodgy IMO, and doesn't get the same attention that Newcastle or city's ownership situations do.
I think people are starting to raise their eyebrows because of the timing and convenience of it all. But whether anything will happen is another question. Since the football hierarchy/media is anything but straight-laced.
 
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Incey's "Guv'nor" act as a player was cute for a while, but eventually wore thin. He's also had ample evidence to prove he's not a very good manager, either.

I do wish United would walk away from Mount, but it's clear they want him, he wants them, and Chelsea needs to sell, so something will get worked out soon.

What's really annoying and downright devious is the Chelsea to Saudi connection with one of their minority investors, foisting off their bloated squad members to the Saudi league for good fees. It's all very dodgy IMO, and doesn't get the same attention that Newcastle or city's ownership situations do.
Exactly!
 
Incey's "Guv'nor" act as a player was cute for a while, but eventually wore thin. He's also had ample evidence to prove he's not a very good manager, either.
Agreed.

I do wish United would walk away from Mount, but it's clear they want him, he wants them, and Chelsea needs to sell, so something will get worked out soon.

Well, in an ideal world, I really wish that Arsenal would walk away from Kai Havertz, as I fail to see the attraction he holds for the club. He strikes me as one of those players with a great future behind him.

Needless to say, I hope to be proven wrong.

Agree with you re Mount.
What's really annoying and downright devious is the Chelsea to Saudi connection with one of their minority investors, foisting off their bloated squad members to the Saudi league for good fees. It's all very dodgy IMO, and doesn't get the same attention that Newcastle or city's ownership situations do.
Again, agreed.
 
Now United have apparently walked away from negotiating with Chelsea for Mount and are turning their attention to Moises Caicedo: the guy they should've targeted in the first place, even if he'll be more expensive. I think they need another midfielder who can credibly play the 6 and cover for Casemiro, but could also play alongside Case as an 8.

This could all just be a negotiating tactic to bring Chelsea back to the table, certainly. I'd rather get Caicedo now and sign Mount next year on a free, if that's what they want.
 
Now United have apparently walked away from negotiating with Chelsea for Mount and are turning their attention to Moises Caicedo: the guy they should've targeted in the first place, even if he'll be more expensive. I think they need another midfielder who can credibly play the 6 and cover for Casemiro, but could also play alongside Case as an 8.

This could all just be a negotiating tactic to bring Chelsea back to the table, certainly. I'd rather get Caicedo now and sign Mount next year on a free, if that's what they want.
Good decision.

Personally, I would be rather keen on Caicedo myself, as well.

In fact, I hope that Arsenal make an offer, or place a bid, for him.
 
Plus, I am not so sure that either he or Gerrard have what it takes to be a good manager or coach.
The actual poll results thus far from OwsTalk site...


Next manager poll:
  • Paul Ince 4
  • Giuseppe Lachini 7
  • Steven Gerrard 49
  • Nathan Jones 27
  • Bruno Lage 37
  • Vítor Campelos 55
  • Dean Smith 86
  • Torsten Lieberknecht 5
  • Carlos Carvalhal 30
  • Gary O'Neill 44

I can't believe that people are voting for Ince... Gerrard either but he is a bit of a name so I get that, but still no thanks.
 
The actual poll results thus far from OwsTalk site...


Next manager poll:
  • Paul Ince 4
  • Giuseppe Lachini 7
  • Steven Gerrard 49
  • Nathan Jones 27
  • Bruno Lage 37
  • Vítor Campelos 55
  • Dean Smith 86
  • Torsten Lieberknecht 5
  • Carlos Carvalhal 30
  • Gary O'Neill 44

I can't believe that people are voting for Ince... Gerrard either but he is a bit of a name so I get that, but still no thanks.
Well, to be perfectly candid, I am not so sure that the fans are the best possible judge of who ought to be appointed manager of a club.
 
City planning to drop £103m for Gvardiol. Add £100m for Rice, £25m for Kovacic

Thats £227m on three players in one window
 
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City planning to drop £103m for Gvardiol. Add £100m for Rice, £25m for Kovacic

Thats £227m on three players in one window
These are not necessarily done deals, despite their (City's) vast resources.

In any case, I have read that Manchester City will only (formally) launch a bid for Declan Rice if he gives assurances that he wishes to - or is prepared to - sign for them and move to Manchester.

From what I have read, Rice wishes to remain in London, and his family appears to have roots there.
 
These are not necessarily done deals, despite their (City's) vast resources.

In any case, I have read that Manchester City will only (formally) launch a bid for Declan Rice if he gives assurances that he wishes to - or is prepared to - sign for them and move to Manchester.

From what I have read, Rice wishes to remain in London, and his family appears to have roots there.
City's director of football has already met with Gvardiol's team.

The Rice one, it looks like West Ham want Arsenal to offer 100m so they can turn around to City and say 'offer more'.

Also players say a lot of things. Reality is very few players will turn down Guardiola. And Manchester is only a 2hr train ride to London.
 
City's director of football has already met with Gvardiol's team.

The Rice one, it looks like West Ham want Arsenal to offer 100m so they can turn around to City and say 'offer more'.

Also players say a lot of things. Reality is very few players will turn down Guardiola. And Manchester is only a 2hr train ride to London.
I’ve also read Rice wants to stay in London. But if his motivation to leave West Ham is to win trophies, then he’ll certainly win more at City than anywhere else in the PL.
Also I’m pretty sure Rice wouldn’t be travelling by train!
 
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