Thoughts on our transfer dealings so far

[tomasjj]

Not sure Villa could play out left. Vucinic of Roma, Lavezzi of Napoli and Pandev of Lazio would probably fit your criteria.

But personally I'd just settle for a player who can come in and cover for Torres. Even if Torres stays injury free the player would still get enough games when Torres is rested. Pluus game time when we needed a goal towards the end of the match.

I notice that in todays Echo Tony Barrett is making the same point that I have been, in that our current understudys for Torres are nowhere near good enough. And that will probably cost us the title. £12m on someone like Negredo would win us the title in my eyes. And I'm pretty sure he'd join us over the likes of Hull.

It doesn't have to be him, but someone of similar quality would be prefect. I also like the look of Kleber who we have also been linked with.

You could well be right on Villa, but I have seen him drift out wide and work inwards from there.
I'd be happy with those others you mention as well.

But I don't agree with you on getting a Torres understudy. I want us to get a player who can cover for Torres, yes. But rather spend on one who is in our starting 11 as well, hence my wish for a forward/attacking mid more than a pure striker.

Not got a lot on Negredo or Kleber.

[tomasjj]

A central defender for cover. And a wide winger/forward who can also play up front when needed, and i'll be delighted. Assuming both are fit for purpose, that is.

I don't often say this, and it is done with a slight distaste, but:

[Craig_H]

Welcome to the dark side.

[tomasjj]

Welcome to the dark side.

Nah, I feel quite enlightened to be honest.

Seriously, I would be a bit miffed if we spent 12 mill on a striker like Negredo, who would then be on the bench if we had our first 11 fit.
Give me a forward type any day.

[DannyMan2006]

You could well be right on Villa, but I have seen him drift out wide and work inwards from there.
I'd be happy with those others you mention as well.

But I don't agree with you on getting a Torres understudy. I want us to get a player who can cover for Torres, yes. But rather spend on one who is in our starting 11 as well, hence my wish for a forward/attacking mid more than a pure striker.

Not got a lot on Negredo or Kleber.

You misunderstood my point. Of course the player you describe would be the preference. I merely pointed out that I would settle for a back up striker of top quality.

I have always maintained we should at all times look to improve the first team, but players who can do that come at a premium. With this in mind, the best chance we have of improving our title bid is brining in a couple of players in the right positions, namely a striker and a centre back.

[DannyMan2006]

Nah, I feel quite enlightened to be honest.

Seriously, I would be a bit miffed if we spent 12 mill on a striker like Negredo, who would then be on the bench if we had our first 11 fit.
Give me a forward type any day.

The thing is, for £12m we can't buy anyone good enough for our first XI - IMO.

We could save the money up, but with our squad light on players I don't think this is a reasonable option when we are so close to the title. A player as back up to Torres is essential going on what happened last year.

Put simply if we stay injury free I think we'll win the league. But we have to be prepared for injuries and suspensions.

[tomasjj]

You misunderstood my point. Of course the player you describe would be the preference. I merely pointed out that I would settle for a back up striker of top quality.

I have always maintained we should at all times look to improve the first team, but players who can do that come at a premium. With this in mind, the best chance we have of improving our title bid is brining in a couple of players in the right positions, namely a striker and a centre back.

Ah, ok. Agreed. If we cannot get that forward, get back up for Torres. Or save the cash for January?

But, and this is another issue that have irked me for years when it comes to our transfer dealings, why don't we just borrow a bit of cash to pay for that premium player?

I mean, I know we don't have the cash, but by taking a chance and spending on 2nd and 3rd choices(Pennant, Kranjcar, and so on...the classic 6-7-8 mill players) we end up spending more in the long run, and without improving the team....but in fact, leaving it inferior at a higher price.

[Guest]

Nah, I feel quite enlightened to be honest.

Are you Morten Harkett?

[Guest]

Ah, ok. Agreed. If we cannot get that forward, get back up for Torres. Or save the cash for January?

But, and this is another issue that have irked me for years when it comes to our transfer dealings, why don't we just borrow a bit of cash to pay for that premium player?

I mean, I know we don't have the cash, but by taking a chance and spending on 2nd and 3rd choices(Pennant, Kranjcar, and so on...the classic 6-7-8 mill players) we end up spending more in the long run, and without improving the team....but in fact, leaving it inferior at a higher price.

This has the tone of a DJS type post.

[DannyMan2006]

Ah, ok. Agreed. If we cannot get that forward, get back up for Torres. Or save the cash for January?

But, and this is another issue that have irked me for years when it comes to our transfer dealings, why don't we just borrow a bit of cash to pay for that premium player?

I mean, I know we don't have the cash, but by taking a chance and spending on 2nd and 3rd choices(Pennant, Kranjcar, and so on...the classic 6-7-8 mill players) we end up spending more in the long run, and without improving the team....but in fact, leaving it inferior at a higher price.

See above your post. For my answer

[tomasjj]

See above your post. For my answer

I saw it.
So, what if Babel, Ngog, Voronin and Kuyt are the back ups?

In fact, if I had 12 mill, I'd see if I could bring in 8 for Babel and use that for a top forward.

[tomasjj]

Are you Morten Harkett?

Why?
Are you on the pull?

[Guest]

I think Rafa is still entertaining thoughts that he may improve Babel. Babel can cover 3 positions and providing he buys some brain cells, he could turn out to be a world class player.

[Craig_H]

Why?
Are you on the pull?

FLMAO

[DannyMan2006]

I saw it.
So, what if Babel, Ngog, Voronin and Kuyt are the back ups?

In fact, if I had 12 mill, I'd see if I could bring in 8 for Babel and use that for a top forward.

N'gog isn't ready. Kuyt is first choice on the RW. Voronin isn't good enough. Babel I like, but he hasn't proved he can act as back up. I've yet to see him score when he has played up front in the Torres role, maybe the break away goal in the CL v Arsenal?

Benitez has already made it quite clear Babel is not for sale, though I see your point. But I think we lack depth and swapping one decent player for another would not assist on that front.

Getting rid of rubbish like Voronin on the other hand I would have no problem with, like wise Dossena who has not settled.