Gaz Baz

[johnp]

I'd take Barry if one of our other CM were to go.

Downing? No chance. He's average at best. He'd do ok at a team like Boro............. oh wait.......

[The Birdman]

Barry would be a great buy at around 8mill, get Glen Johnson for around that figure as well then sell Babel (6-8m), Intandje(1m), Dossena £4-6m who I don't mind but we'll need the money) Degan (1-2m) and a couple of youngsters like Hammill, Plessis and Anderson.
Think I read that Hobbs went for 400k which is exactly what Man U and Arsenal have been doing for years, bring young players through, if they aren't top top quality then sell them on to top up the transfer kitty

[DannyMan2006]

I think both Barry and Downing are very good players and I would not mind either of them being in the Liverpool team.

However, my thinking is much the same as everyone elses. Bring in players who WILL be automatic starters in a Cup final. If we bring in an attacking player, I would like someone who is going to be first choice ahead of either Torres, Gerrard, Riera or Kuyt.

We know we need some cover in certain areas if players leave, but I would want like for like cash spent in those instances. IE, if Babel leave for £7m we could sign another LW for £7m - unless a player in that position was to be our marquee signing.

[Joe King]

I would take Barry, if it meant we didn't sacrifice Alonso. Whilst Barry has a more quick and direct way of playing, Alonso can really have the game in the palm of his hand with great calmness. I would suspect Benitez feels if he brings in Barry, he can drop Gerrard back as Barry is a lot more mobile than Alonso and can play two up front against teams who park the bus.

[frank the tank]

at the end of the day, if we have more good players, then the idea is that we have more options! If we have Alonso, Gerrard, Mascherano, Barry, Lucas, Spearing all going for first team places, then at least we have strenght in depth..........and as long as rafa can keep everyone happy, then feckin' happy days - drive on!!!!

I would certainly be happy to see the likes of Darby, Spearing, Pacheco both go on loan to either a prem team that they will play every week - like wolves - on loan for next season. Then we can assess if they are good enough for lfc - or else sell them for more than 400k (like jack hobbs!)....the 3.5m we got for guthrie was more like it in my view! If we dont loan them out to a low prem club, then a top championship club that will be aspiring to play good football, like ipswich or newcastle!!! would be a good move in my view.....

[Nick77]

I think the Barry & Downing links are just smoke & mirrors. Unless we sell Alonso (hope not), then Barry would be a plausible link. But the Downing link is just nonsense, especially for 10 million - why would Rafa want to use that much of his transfer kitty in an area that is more than adequate - Riera, Benni, Aurelio, Dossena, Insua & Babel can all play there.
It just seems bizarre that Rafa would waste 20 million plus on 2 areas that don't really need strengthening, unless like I said Alonso were to go & maybe Riera and/or Babel as well - I really don't see Downing being better than BOTH Riera & Babel.

[Exiled_red]

I think the Barry & Downing links are just smoke & mirrors. Unless we sell Alonso (hope not), then Barry would be a plausible link. But the Downing link is just nonsense, especially for 10 million - why would Rafa want to use that much of his transfer kitty in an area that is more than adequate - Riera, Benni, Aurelio, Dossena, Insua & Babel can all play there.
It just seems bizarre that Rafa would waste 20 million plus on 2 areas that don't really need strengthening, unless like I said Alonso were to go & maybe Riera and/or Babel as well - I really don't see Downing being better than BOTH Riera & Babel.

I can see us potentially making a big signing down the left wing, despite all the options you mention I can see Babel being moved on in the summer, and Riera who is first choice in that position can be improved upon. However Downing is not the player to replace him with

[red g]

Beckham made a career out of this ability...

but then he was the best 1 trick pony in the world....whereas Downing is quite simply not

[Kenneth]

but then he was the best 1 trick pony in the world....whereas Downing is quite simply not

I would say Beckham had more than one trick to his game. Great crosser, great freekick taker...

[greenbloodred]

If Alonso leaves and i really hope he doesn't then Schweinsteiger of B Munich would be a better option than Barry imo

[Rowan]

Am I the only person on this forum that rates Downing? I think he would be a great addition. I challenge anyone to go to Boro and try and stand out, and I think he does. They totally lack creativity and edge but anything that is produced tends to be from him. Get him in a bigger team, some room to develop further and I think he'll be even better. Alright, he's not Messi but other than the obvious who is?

I would definitely not be disappointed if we signed Downing (although it seems bizarre with Riera being here already). Same for Barry, although I'm at more of a loss as to where he would fit in than I was with Tevez.

[Leyton388]

If we sign Downing it will be Pennant MK2. waste of money and ****

[Gray]

If we sign Downing it will be Pennant MK2. waste of money and ****

I actually think Pennant has more abillity. Downing is a Spurs player at best.

[Pablo]

Am I the only person on this forum that rates Downing? I think he would be a great addition. I challenge anyone to go to Boro and try and stand out, and I think he does. They totally lack creativity and edge but anything that is produced tends to be from him. Get him in a bigger team, some room to develop further and I think he'll be even better. Alright, he's not Messi but other than the obvious who is?

I would definitely not be disappointed if we signed Downing (although it seems bizarre with Riera being here already). Same for Barry, although I'm at more of a loss as to where he would fit in than I was with Tevez.

Yes I'm pretty sure you are.

[Reece]

Downing has definitely improved over the last couple of seasons. However we already have one left midfielder who is unable to use their right foot so not sure the benefit of adding another