Villa Signs for Madrid [or not]

[Vermilion]

Yeah I think that's legal as long as he doesn't actually play for them. I still think Real Madrid will take up Negedo's buy back clause and try to use him as a bargaining chip for Alonso.

Argh what a depressing transfer window so far - I hope I'm pleasantly surprised but at the moment I just want us to keep Alonso, sign Aguero, Silva and Villa, and then have the window shut. Is that too much too ask?!

Just a touch, especially Villa.

Would love it if we got Aguero & Silva, that would be huge for us, but there are atleast 3 clubs in our league that will out bid us, hopefully if we had the cash the attraction of playing for Rafa and with Torres and co could clinch it for us, but i have my doubts.

[Lee]

Just a touch, especially Villa.

Would love it if we got Aguero & Silva, that would be huge for us, but there are atleast 3 clubs in our league that will out bid us, hopefully if we had the cash the attraction of playing for Rafa and with Torres and co could clinch it for us, but i have my doubts.

Totally agree.

I'd be happy with just one or two signings along the lines of Silva + a RB or Aguero. It's possible, we just need to ship out some deadwood and stop buying squad players.

I dunno, at the moment I'm more pessemistic about this transfer window than I've ever been in recent years

[Mattshark]

I still think Real Madrid will take up Negedo's buy back clause and try to use him as a bargaining chip for Alonso.

They already did that to buy him back from Almeira.

[Lee]

They already did that to buy him back from Almeira.

Oh. Have they actually bought him back? Knew their was a lot of rumours but wasn't sure what the situation was there.

**** it. My number one transfer target for the summer is Noel Whelan.

[Tatterdemalion]

http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/englan...-of-cristiano-

The president of UEFA, Michael Platini, often critical of the manner in which sides from the Premier League recklessly throw wages and transfer fees around Europe, has slammed Spanish side Real Madrid for following suit.

The Primera Division runners-up have spent close to €165 million on just two players: Brazilian attacker Kaka and Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Platini believes this contradicts the idea of "fair play".

The administrator, himself regarded as one of the finest footballers during his playing days with Juventus and France, told AFP, "These excessive transfers are happening almost every day."

Platini is keen to address the fiscal environment of European football and therefore wants to adopt a socialist policy to continental competition by creating a level economic playing field.

"These transfers are a serious challenge to the idea of fair play and the concept of financial balance in our competitions," he complained.

"UEFA is working hard with clubs to set up a new set of rules... to clean up the system and give it a more solid, more transparent base.

"That is our top priority today," he concluded.

I take it all back! Evidently I'm the prick!

[Mattshark]

Oh. Have they actually bought him back? Knew their was a lot of rumours but wasn't sure what the situation was there.

**** it. My number one transfer target for the summer is Noel Whelan.

Tell Real, they'll pay for him.

[Neil Young]

I take it all back! Evidently I'm the prick!

We worked that out from the political threads.

[Tatterdemalion]

We worked that out from the political threads.

Here, have some stylish doggy treats.

[Vermilion]

hehe.

[Craig_H]

So that will be £190m spent on 4 players in 2 weeks. That is a disgrace and just shows how far footballers and the sport is detatched from the real world and its fans. Alot of people are starting to fall out of love with football due to money. I mean how can you as a fan relate to a footballer who earns close to £100k a week and are so detatched from the real world.

Back in the day you could go to the game and watch guys who grew up round the corner from you or on the same street and you can relate to them. But how the **** can you relate to someone who doesn't give a **** about the fans and goes home to their big mansions after picking up another £100k?

Even the **** players like Barry are now being offered £120k a week i mean WTF? FAIR ENOUGH THE WORLD MEGA STARS EARNING LOADS BECAUSE THEY HAVE MARKETING APPEAL BUT THE LIKE OF BARRY AND CO????

Is the attraction of football watching guys who grew up near you and relating to the players?

That hasnt been the case for decades.

[Craig_H]

FFS!!! Another one we lose out on then

I dont think we were ever seriously after him.

[Vermilion]

So when/if Madrid add Silva & maybe even Aguero to their list of acquisitions, who does that leave us with for the top 4 of the Prem to go after, Eto, and...?

Whoever it is the price will likely be inflated as a consequence, the wage demands certainly will be, more wealthy sides looking at the same players, and the list of top top names is getting shorter.

[Ben_Itez]

The good news for us here is that Real have raided Valencia but they havent signed Silva. Surely they'd have signed him now if they'd wanted him.

[joyno]

Where are they getting all this money from?!

i heard a rumour that they were selling there ground to the authorities and then the said authorities would redevelope the area in there bid for the next world cup, in other words it stinks of corruption but then again what should we expect from a Franco supporting right wing ****e of a team.allegedly

[Shaggy]

I don't think Real were ever seriously in for Silva. Where would he play?!?! They can't buy everyone. I'm sure we'll sign him. *prays*