Transfer tittle-tattle

[Lee]

Just taken a look at Chelsea's current squad and it's not impressive.

Gone are Joe Cole Ballack, Deco, Carvalho... yet they haven't replaced them (other than bringing in Benayoun). Hmm.

[Craig_H]

He's been heavily linked with a move away for a few years now though so i'm not really that surprised tbh. Especially as it's Mourinho involved - know each other well.

Suppose the price is surprising mind.

I'm sure Chelsea have a replacement lined up.

They'll struggle to get a better replacement. The price is the least surprising part - he's 32.

[Rudo]

Just taken a look at Chelsea's current squad and it's not impressive.

Gone are Joe Cole Ballack, Deco, Carvalho... yet they haven't replaced them (other than bringing in Benayoun). Hmm.

True, plus they have some **** players such as Mikel, Sturridge, Bosingwa and Kalou to name but four.

[Shaggy]

That's a major surprise. Carvalho for under £7m is a great signing and leaves Chelsea pretty short at the back. Terry's gone wayward and Alex isnt in the same class.

Major shock IMO.

Yeah I'm surprised too. I think Ivanovic prefers CB so maybe he'll move there if Bosingwa's fit.

[Craig_H]

I dont think Bosingwa or Kalou are ****, and Sturridge has potential.

Mikel, who i did call '****' the other day is just reasonably decent without being much more. Similar to Lucas, IMO. But just stronger, quicker and maybe slightly better.

[Craig_H]

Also have to wonder what Madrid are going to play.

Ramos RB, Carvalho CB alongside Pepe? Or Albiol? Or Garay?

They've got some very good depth at CB now.

[Rudo]

Carvalho and Pepe and centre back.

[Craig_H]

I'd be surprised if Pepe's 1st choice ahead of Albiol.

Although he's allegedly Portugese, so perhaps Mourinho might favour him. Never struck me as being the most solid of CBs though.

[Rudo]

It'll be Pepe alongside Carvalho. Strong partnership on paper.

[Shaggy]

WorldSoccerEd

Chelsea annual wage bill now £20m lighter (no Ballack, J Cole, Deco, Carvalho, Belletti). New austerity?

about 1 hour ago via web

[dww]

The whole Chelsea squad shedding thing is interesting. I think they have noted the lack of quality in the league and decided that now is a time they can afford to cut loose some of the old players - give younger ones a chance and still compete. Due to a combination of reasons the players on that list contributed comparatively little last season but were all on massive wages and either this year or next would have been after a new contract and perhaps a pay rise.

[Rich]

All clubs (apart from City) seem to be tightening their belts - I feel the league might be reaching some tipping point where player's wages are now totally out of control and the clubs are panicking.

Chelsea - shedding players
United - Bought two modest outlay players, they're still probably enjoying the £80m Ronaldo fee on their finances though
Arsenal - Free transfer striker and an almost unknown centre back - the former is likely on high wages, the latter was a big fee but probably modest wage demands.
Spurs - Have you actually bought anyone?
City - Crazy
Villa - Manager resigned over players leaving and not getting the cash - I bet Shorey was the last straw!
Us - Essentially free signings and a talented kid for a low fee.

[Shaggy]

Kenwyne Jones in talks with Stoke over an £8m move

[BobTheCharmer]

Kenwyne Jones in talks with Stoke over an £8m move

He'll do alright there.

[Shaggy]

I'm sure he will, I think that's his level.