Neill to sign today?

[bazza76]

Sky sports are reporting that Valencia are close to letting Ayala leave on a free to an unamed premiership club with us being the front runners. One of Rafa's possibilities maybe?

At 33/34 he is nothing to get excited about. but has great experience. Pelligrino mark 2

[Harv]

according to our reporters here in Oz...he hasn't signed for the Hammers.

FOX SPORTS football commentator and expert analyst Simon Hill talks to FOXSPORTS.com.au about Lucas Neill's surprising projected move to English Premier League club West Ham United.

Were you shocked when you heard the news about Lucas Neill and West Ham United?
The news really that ran that he's signed was a bit premature. He's not actually signed as we speak at the moment. He's considering offers from five clubs. West Ham has put a very good deal before him. I've spoken to his agent today, and it's a fantastic deal, but he's still considering five offers so it's by no means assured that he's going to sign for West Ham although it's a distinct possibility.

If he does end up signing for West ham, I have to say I'm a little bit surprised. I thought his first choice would have been Liverpool. And I'm not sure whether that's not still the case.

But obviously there's been one or two comments made by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez - certainly about the financial aspects. And also he's questioned in a roundabout way as to whether Lucas would be a first-choice automatic pick, and that's not the sort of thing a player wants to hear when he's about to sign. Maybe that's one of the reasons why West Ham has emerged as the favourite.

The good news, if he does sign for West Ham, is that he has an escape clause in his contract should they be relegated so he's covered himself on both sides of the arguement. I suppose that's what makes the West Ham deal so attractive.

Who are the other clubs vying for Lucas Neill's signature?
I don't know 100 per cent, but I know Liverpool is one, obviously. I would say they're the outside favourite at the moment.

Barcelona I know are interested. The problem with Barcelona at the moment is that they want to wait until towards the end of the transfer window before they finalise an offer, and I don't think Lucas has that amount of time. If he was to wait for Barcelona, that would mean turning down the offers from the English Premier League and potentially leaving himself with nowhere to go in terms beyond Spain.

Barcelona is the overseas club interested, and of course you've got the (former Australia assistant coach) Johan Neeskens angle there; he's No.2 to Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard, and obviously he knows Lucas very well.

The other clubs as far as I'm aware are Newcastle United and Chelsea. How strong those bids are, I'm not sure.

I would say West Ham are the favourites.

Lucas probably wanted to go to Liverpool originally, so that's probably faded away as time has gone on.

Lucas Neill is 28 and in the prime of his football career. How much motivation does money provide for a transfer compared with the traditional reasons given - such as winning titles and trophies?
It's a delicate balance in football isn't it. As a professional you want to win things; that's why you go into the game. But also it's a short a career. And at 28, this is probably going to be the most important contract that Lucas signs.

He's spent five years at Blackburn building himself up, and also with the Socceroos, and now he's at his most financially viable as a player. So he's got to make sure he gets the right deal, and I suppose that's what makes the West Ham deal so attractive.

Financially, it's certainly the biggest offer - it offers the most money - and it also has that escape clause should West ham get relegated. So he could in effect be a rich free agent at the end of the season, which would leave him free perhaps to negotiate another deal with a club higher up the table.

It's chicken and egg, I suppose. You've got to look after yourself and your family; it's a short career. But at the same time, you want to go to a club that's got potential to win things.

And to be fair to West Ham, even though they're struggling at the moment, maybe Lucas has looked at the club and seen something. They're a big club, West Ham; they've got a decent coach in Alan Curbishley; and maybe Lucas thinks within the next 12 months that they will be challenging.

What timeframe is West Ham looking at to best use the money from the Icelandic takeover to make a lasting impression?
It's a difficult one to answer. You might remember they signed (Argentina World Cup stars) Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano on the strength of this new-found capital, but it didn't quite work out because the situation disrupted harmony within the club.

The money can be a double-edged sword.

I think you have to manage the money the right way. You have to have a coach who can maintain unity throughout the squad. Jose Mourinho has been able to do it to a certain extent at Chelsea, but even there the cracks have started to show a wee bit. And that was the same with (previous West Ham) manager Alan Pardew, which is why he was replaced.

I would imagine that West Ham are looking within the next 12 months at being certainly top 10 and maybe challenging for a UEFA Cup/Champions League place.

But you just never know with an overseas owner what their motivation is.

We didn't know what it was with (Chelsea owner Roman) Abramovich, but it turned out that he's been every Chelsea fan's dream. But for every one of those there's perhaps another owner who promises all sort of things but leaves the club with a lot of debts.

... a bit like Vladimir Romanov at Hearts in Scotland ...
I think they come in maybe expecting to make money in the short term from the TV deals and Champions League, but it's something in the UK that really they have to be very wary of.

[The_weatherman]

What timeframe is West Ham looking at to best use the money from the Icelandic takeover to make a lasting impression?
It's a difficult one to answer. You might remember they signed (Argentina World Cup stars) Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano on the strength of this new-found capital, but it didn't quite work out because the situation disrupted harmony within the club.

Is he saying that the Icelandic takeover was responsible for the Argies?

[rushscored4]

At 33/34 he is nothing to get excited about. but has great experience. Pelligrino mark 2

In which case we should be desperate to sign him. Pellegrino was genuinely one of the best signings Benitez has made. Obviously he was past his best as a player but his winning mentality and his influence with the zonal marking system was invaluable and we have benefited enormously.

[lfc4ever]

In which case we should be desperate to sign him. Pellegrino was genuinely one of the best signings Benitez has made. Obviously he was past his best as a player but his winning mentality and his influence with the zonal marking system was invaluable and we have benefited enormously.

Exactly, that is so overlooked by so many it's unreal, he was instrumental on the traning pitch drilling the zonal marking system with Rafa.

[Red_Al_77]

The latest in London is that personal terms of near £60,000 were agreed but the stumbling block is the transfer fee.

[Guest]

Benitez says Liverpool pushing for second spot
By Jeremy Butler
LIVERPOOL, England, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Manager Rafael Benitez said Liverpool would aim for second spot in the Premier League if they overcame Chelsea on Saturday.
Finishing as runners-up would guarantee a place in the Champions League group stages and save Liverpool going through the qualifying rounds.
"If we can beat Chelsea we will have another target to aim for," Benitez told a news conference on Friday. "Before, we were talking about finishing in the top four and seeing what might happen.
"But it is a long season and if we beat them we will be a lot closer to Chelsea. If we can beat them, second position is possible."
A victory at Anfield would push Liverpool within five points of second-placed Chelsea, who are six adrift of leaders Manchester United.
Benitez said a win over the champions would also help Liverpool put the agony of two cup defeats by Arsenal behind them.
"We have had two defeats against Arsenal at Anfield and we want to show some character and prove that as players and a manager we are better than that," he said.
"If we can beat Chelsea we will show we are a good team."
Benitez said he was hopeful of signing Lucas Neill from Blackburn Rovers despite media reports suggesting the defender would prefer a move to West Ham United.
"We are still waiting to see what happens. If he decides to go to West Ham then we will have to think about other possibilities," said the Spaniard.
Benitez also said Stephen Warnock was set to leave the club. Blackburn are one of several clubs linked with the defender.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-6357319,00.html

[Gaz]

Neill: Why I chose Hammers
By Chris Stanton - Created on 20 Jan 2007


Blackburn's Lucas Neill claims money was not the reason for his decision to snub Liverpool and sign for West Ham.

Neill has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal worth a reported £60,000-a-week with The Hammers, and will sign for a fee of around £1.5million.

The 28-year-old, whose Rovers contract had just six months left to run, claims to have been 'blown away' by the ambition of The Hammers' new owner Eggert Magnusson.

However his decision to turn down a move to UEFA Champions League hopefuls Liverpool in favour of a more lucrative move to the East End strugglers have led some to question Neill's ambition.

"It wasn't about cash - that didn't come into it," Neill told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph. "It was about being wanted. West Ham were knocking down the door to get me whereas Liverpool made a take it or leave it offer and didn't even come in for me until 15 days after the transfer window opened.

"People who have raised their eyebrows at me for making this decision are in for a surprise because West Ham have a shopping list of players which almost blew me away.

"People have said I put money before medals and how could I make a sideways move like this and not go to a club like Liverpool, who are always in the hunt for trophies and so much prestige.

"It was an extremely hard decision but I know it's the right one. West Ham moved heaven and earth to sign me while Liverpool gave me the impression that I might not even get a game if I went there.

"I supported them as a kid and I know people are going to give me stick for not choosing them."

Neill revealed his meeting with Magnusson clinched the deal.

"What he said almost knocked me off me feet," said Neill.

"He told me I'm the first of many (new signings) earmarked for the club.

"I can be part of something big here. West Ham are very well supported. They just happen to be at the wrong end of the table at the moment but I hope to play my part in helping remedy that."

[lfc4ever]

So Santa & The Tooth Fairy really do exist, I mean nobody would lie to me would they? Or maybe LN is up there with the fairies as well?

[steveheighwayrobbery]

Neill: Why I chose Hammers
By Chris Stanton - Created on 20 Jan 2007


Blackburn's Lucas Neill claims money was not the reason for his decision to snub Liverpool and sign for West Ham.

Neill has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal worth a reported £60,000-a-week with The Hammers, and will sign for a fee of around £1.5million.

The 28-year-old, whose Rovers contract had just six months left to run, claims to have been 'blown away' by the ambition of The Hammers' new owner Eggert Magnusson.

However his decision to turn down a move to UEFA Champions League hopefuls Liverpool in favour of a more lucrative move to the East End strugglers have led some to question Neill's ambition.

"It wasn't about cash - that didn't come into it," Neill told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph. "It was about being wanted. West Ham were knocking down the door to get me whereas Liverpool made a take it or leave it offer and didn't even come in for me until 15 days after the transfer window opened.

"People who have raised their eyebrows at me for making this decision are in for a surprise because West Ham have a shopping list of players which almost blew me away.

"People have said I put money before medals and how could I make a sideways move like this and not go to a club like Liverpool, who are always in the hunt for trophies and so much prestige.

"It was an extremely hard decision but I know it's the right one. West Ham moved heaven and earth to sign me while Liverpool gave me the impression that I might not even get a game if I went there.

"I supported them as a kid and I know people are going to give me stick for not choosing them."

Neill revealed his meeting with Magnusson clinched the deal.

"What he said almost knocked me off me feet," said Neill.

"He told me I'm the first of many (new signings) earmarked for the club.

"I can be part of something big here. West Ham are very well supported. They just happen to be at the wrong end of the table at the moment but I hope to play my part in helping remedy that."

he would say that wouldn't he

[lfc4ever]

he would say that wouldn't he

Can't blame him, we all want more money, but just be honest about it instead of promulgating bull**** in abundance.

[Guest]

Neill: Why I chose Hammers
By Chris Stanton - Created on 20 Jan 2007


Blackburn's Lucas Neill claims money was not the reason for his decision to snub Liverpool and sign for West Ham.

Neill has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal worth a reported £60,000-a-week with The Hammers, and will sign for a fee of around £1.5million.

The 28-year-old, whose Rovers contract had just six months left to run, claims to have been 'blown away' by the ambition of The Hammers' new owner Eggert Magnusson.

However his decision to turn down a move to UEFA Champions League hopefuls Liverpool in favour of a more lucrative move to the East End strugglers have led some to question Neill's ambition.

"It wasn't about cash - that didn't come into it," Neill told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph. "It was about being wanted. West Ham were knocking down the door to get me whereas Liverpool made a take it or leave it offer and didn't even come in for me until 15 days after the transfer window opened.

"People who have raised their eyebrows at me for making this decision are in for a surprise because West Ham have a shopping list of players which almost blew me away.

"People have said I put money before medals and how could I make a sideways move like this and not go to a club like Liverpool, who are always in the hunt for trophies and so much prestige.

"It was an extremely hard decision but I know it's the right one. West Ham moved heaven and earth to sign me while Liverpool gave me the impression that I might not even get a game if I went there.

"I supported them as a kid and I know people are going to give me stick for not choosing them."

Neill revealed his meeting with Magnusson clinched the deal.

"What he said almost knocked me off me feet," said Neill.

"He told me I'm the first of many (new signings) earmarked for the club.

"I can be part of something big here. West Ham are very well supported. They just happen to be at the wrong end of the table at the moment but I hope to play my part in helping remedy that."

What a ****. Even if it's been said many times in this thread, i'll say it again.

**** off Neil

[kurtangle01]

Neill: Why I chose Hammers
By Chris Stanton - Created on 20 Jan 2007


Blackburn's Lucas Neill claims money was not the reason for his decision to snub Liverpool and sign for West Ham.

Neill has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal worth a reported £60,000-a-week with The Hammers, and will sign for a fee of around £1.5million.

The 28-year-old, whose Rovers contract had just six months left to run, claims to have been 'blown away' by the ambition of The Hammers' new owner Eggert Magnusson.

However his decision to turn down a move to UEFA Champions League hopefuls Liverpool in favour of a more lucrative move to the East End strugglers have led some to question Neill's ambition.

"It wasn't about cash - that didn't come into it," Neill told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph. "It was about being wanted. West Ham were knocking down the door to get me whereas Liverpool made a take it or leave it offer and didn't even come in for me until 15 days after the transfer window opened.

"People who have raised their eyebrows at me for making this decision are in for a surprise because West Ham have a shopping list of players which almost blew me away.
"People have said I put money before medals and how could I make a sideways move like this and not go to a club like Liverpool, who are always in the hunt for trophies and so much prestige.

"It was an extremely hard decision but I know it's the right one. West Ham moved heaven and earth to sign me while Liverpool gave me the impression that I might not even get a game if I went there.

"I supported them as a kid and I know people are going to give me stick for not choosing them."

Neill revealed his meeting with Magnusson clinched the deal.

"What he said almost knocked me off me feet," said Neill.

"He told me I'm the first of many (new signings) earmarked for the club.

"I can be part of something big here. West Ham are very well supported. They just happen to be at the wrong end of the table at the moment but I hope to play my part in helping remedy that."

It's all good and well having a shopping list of players but who's going to go to them when they're in the championship?

I'm sure Rafa could have shown him his shopping list which would have had better players and would have been more realistic than West Hams.

As for the bit about the take it or leave it offer...so it was for money then?

[Guest]

"It wasn't about cash - that didn't come into it"

He thinks he could fool people by saying that.

[kurtangle01]

He thinks he could fool people by saying that.

The shopping list bit was the funniest IMHO.