[FOOTBALL] Summer 2016 Transfer Window Thread: Pep vs Jose II

[Weaver]

I was thinking of starting this the other day, but couldn't be arsed. The first significant transfer of the summer has happened, much to Kikó's dismay:


Bayern Munich have signed 18-year-old midfielder Renato Sanches from Benfica from the start of next season.

The Portugal international, who had a medical on Monday, has signed a five-year deal with the German champions.

Bayern have paid €35m (£28m) for the teenage prospect, which could rise to €45m.

729976892368011264

[John Arne]

Ed Woodward :drool:

[Limoutsonik]

They also announced Mats Hummels for 35 million later in the day....

[phonics]

If Sanches has gone to Bayern, think that's clear confirmation that Mourinho isn't getting the United job anytime soon. (Both Mendes clients)

[Kikó]

Ed!

One more year of King Louis.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Mourinho has literally nowhere to go, does he? Unless he fancies Everton.

[phonics]

Mourinho has literally nowhere to go, does he? Unless he fancies Everton.

He'll go to PSG and look pissed off for a couple of years is my best guess. After that he's done for unless another Petro club starts up.

[Gray Fox]

Bayern wasting no time at all then. Dortmund must be getting sick of this going on.

[Lewis]

I've come right round to another year of 'LvG'. It probably needs a load more transfer business to work (both in and out, such as removing the temptation to start Wayne Rooney every week), but fuck it, imagine the SCENES (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJCGxzTLXCs#t=56m15s) if he won the league.

[SincereTheRebel]

A prediction would be for pedro to go back to barcelona.

[phonics]

A prediction would be for pedro to go back to barcelona.

Nah, they're signing Ben Arfa in one of the weirdest career turn arounds ever.

Sacked by Newcastle and playing for Barcelona within 18 months is madness.

[SincereTheRebel]

Arfa solo goal against blackburn was nasty. He is technically very good, but did he have other issues.

[SincereTheRebel]

31m euros for a defender with one year left on his contract. You cant really turn down those type of offers. Hummels will go straight into the b.munich first time, will he not.

[SincereTheRebel]

Ancelotti once pep leaves

[Lewis]

Pile onto Bayern winning the Champions' League next year. Seeing as it will be impossible for him to bomb the league like he traditionally does, it will be interesting to see how Das Boot Room respond to his laid back, best mate manner.

[bruhnaldo]

God I love the English media. Months of "UNITED AND BENFICA AGREE FOR WONDERKID" and nary a single mention of Bayern swooping in.

Edit: Plus it's not necessarily as if he said "oh I want to play Champions League football, let me pick Bayern." Mind you, when we drop points to WHam! today we're going to basically eliminate ourselves, but if he was even TRULY considering United surely he'd have waited to see what happened with our final position?

Another point, I wish I wasn't upset at the club for losing out on a player I've only seen youtube videos of. Modern football baby. :checkit:

[Lewis]

United Twitter is SEETHING. I would be, but I've never actually seen him play.

[Ian]

Woodward to bid £15m for him once a week until August and then spend £40m on Darron Gibson.

[Kikó]

I've come right round to another year of 'LvG'. It probably needs a load more transfer business to work (both in and out, such as removing the temptation to start Wayne Rooney every week), but fuck it, imagine the SCENES (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJCGxzTLXCs#t=56m15s) if he won the league.

The milk thing is weird but this is another planet. What the fuck do you want to see in another year of turd?

Not surprised Sanches went to a proper good club rather than united. Gains little coming here.

[Reg]

How much of the failure of these two years, if you'd call it that, is down to Woodward/the board though? Kikó

Because if van Gaal isn't responsible for all those would-be transfers never happening, then he's actually done alright with a sub-standard squad. (In terms of league placement and cups - the lack of entertainment is another matter.)

[Reg]

I also think it would be a strange time and perhaps a little unfair to get rid of him when the team has shown the most hope in these last few months. The front four are working well and if they can actually pull off one of those big transfers next year could be pretty good...

[Kikó]

It's down to the board for their lack of coherent approach or clue and massive underinvestment across the club for a decade (but they bought Tony Martial mate??)

I think it's down to the manager our style of play and the utter boredom he's infested on us all. His choice to make full back subs every game, sell all the strikers, play Blind at centre back, play Fellaini and bring on that no hope from Wigan chasing a game twice. And then the Phil Jones corner...

[Lewis]

The milk thing is weird but this is another planet. What the fuck do you want to see in another year of turd?

Not surprised Sanches went to a proper good club rather than united. Gains little coming here.

What's another year? Whoever replaces him will be spending billions, so stick with a proven loony who actually gives the youth a go.

[Kikó]

You're a wrong un. Another year of tedium, life's too short.

[CJay]

How can a striker make such a pathetic attempt in a one-on-one like Carroll did there? And what were United's defenders doing? :cab:

[randomlegend]

Rong fred mate.

[CJay]

:moop:

I just saw Kiko and Lewis discussing Van Gaal and assumed.

[randomlegend]

I'll let you off this once.

[Jeet]

Theo to West Ham doing the rounds. Rather keep Theo and sell Ox, but with his contract much closer Wenger will sell.

[SvN]

I reckon my post in the Euros thread has triggered that rumour.

[Reg]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/10/roma-turn-down-chelsea-bid-radja-nainggolan

Roma are right to reject that.

[Lewis]

Never buy midfielders from Italy.

[Vim]

He's one hell of a midfielder, and a great Conte-type player. He'd be a great fit for Chelsea, in my opinion worth €40M, which is £31M, so Roma's asking price isn't anything unreasonable.

[Reg]

He's one hell of a midfielder, and a great Conte-type player. He'd be a great fit for Chelsea, in my opinion worth €40M, which is £31M, so Roma's asking price isn't anything unreasonable.
Do you think he'll play Fabregas? Nainggolan and Matic seem more of a fit but I guess they need one more.

Mikel?

[Spoonsky]

Renato Sanches is the most Bayern name ever. That's a pretty big fee, though.

[Mazuuurk]

Bayern wasting no time at all then. Dortmund must be getting sick of this going on.

Take notice: every other club ever.

Bayern always seem to have their business done ages before everyone else. In fairness, all they do more or less is buy whoever's running out of contract from Dortmund.

[Vim]

Do you think he'll play Fabregas? Nainggolan and Matic seem more of a fit but I guess they need one more.

Mikel?

Depends what formation he goes for. If he plays 4-4-2, then Fabregas-Nainggolan would be the starting pair, but I'm not sure if that's his plan. He was supposed to play 4-4-2 in his first Juve season but when he figured out he couldn't really leave Vidal out he switched to 3-5-2/4-3-3. In that case, Fabregas could play the playmaker role in between Nainggolan and someone else, possibly Matic.

[SincereTheRebel]

Do you think he'll play Fabregas? Nainggolan and Matic seem more of a fit but I guess they need one more.

Mikel?

Wasnt mikel left out under mourinho and then hiddink brought him back in and he has been playing good since then. Mikel is about to complete his 10th season with chelsea. He is due a testimonial. I will be attending.

[simon]

Many have tried but nobody has ever successfully seen off John Obi Mikel, so I doubt this shit haircut will manage it.

Is he any better than Ramires was? If not, what's the point?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Buying from Italy is demented unless you're thinking of pure defenders. The odd dynamic player looks like God over there. Like Mo Salah. Over here everyone plays at a much higher tempo.

[Gray Fox]

We've kicked off our recruitment plans by making a bid for Vermaelen. We're also apparently after Ousmane Dembele(a winger, yay!).

My personal shopping list has a Goalkeeper, Centre back(maybe 2 dependent on Sakho) a defensive left back to cover Moreno. A central midfielder who can pass and a winger.

[Boydy]

Do we really need a central midfielder?

[Gray Fox]

One that can actually pass, I'd say so. Although to be fair I guess we already bought Grujic(?) and he's due to come in.

[CJay]

Can is all we need. What a player he's going to be (and already is).

[niko_cee]

I'm already mentally prepared for him to fuck off back to Bayern once he becomes really good.

[John Arne]

Dortmund have signed Ousmane Dembele.

[Lewis]

It should be easier for Bayern to scout him now.

[P_3]

Probably don't need more central defenders once Matip joins from Schalke on a free.

[phonics]

Probably don't need more central defenders once Matip joins from Schalke on a free.

Dembele's a striker mate.

[Spoonsky]

The last thing Liverpool need is another central midfielder.

[Weaver]

Fraser Forster and James Ward-Prowse have signed new deals with Southampton - five years for Forster, six for Ward-Prowse.

[randomlegend]

Can't see that anyone's mentioned it, but Ibrahimovich has confirmed he's leaving PSG.

Seems to be a lot of paper talk about him joining United, can't say I'm that keen.

[Kikó]

Get him in. He's quality and nasty. Perfect.

[John Arne]

Doesn't he love Mourinho, too?

[Lewis]

If nothing else, 'Zlatan' would enable them to get rid of Wayne Rooney by allowing the club to hang their commercial operations on him. Go for it.

[randomlegend]

He's 34 though, is it really worth it for a year or two?

[SvN]

If he can score 25 a season, of course it is.

[randomlegend]

Can he though? He's been smashing goatherders in France for a PSG team who are better than the rest of the league to an embarrassing degree.

Not sure it's safe to assume he'll continue that level of scoring in England.

[Lewis]

People said the same about Michael Owen, and he went on to be arguably United's greatest ever number seven.

[John Arne]

Zlatan will still score at least 15 in the Prem - even playing for dross like Man Utd. Unfortunately for Man Utd their transfer committee involves Ed Woodward.

[Gray Fox]

If you can bring Zlatan to your club, you do it. Success seems to follow wherever he goes too which is a bonus to him being good.

[John]

He wanted six hundred grand a week to stay at PSG, apparently. Anyone giving him that is a nutjob.

[Gray Fox]

He wanted six hundred grand a week to stay at PSG, apparently. Anyone giving him that is a nutjob.

As in just wages? That's not too far off with top players when you add in sponsorship and other bonuses, but if that's just wages that really is mental.

[Magic]

:sick:

[John]

As in just wages? That's not too far off with top players when you add in sponsorship and other bonuses, but if that's just wages that really is mental.

I think it was pure salary, though I can't remember the exact wording clearly enough to be sure.

Jordan Rossiter is confirmed. Two hundred and fifty grand when Liverpool wanted eight million quid. :drool:

Have any of the lower league bods seen Matt Crooks play? I know he's a six and a half foot tall epileptic, which sounds like a hilarious disaster in the making.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He wants the £600k to go to England.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3518108/Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-demanding-staggering-600-000-week-play-England-aged-34.html

We're not paying that.

[Lewis]

Wasn't his contract originally massively inflated to get around that lol seventy five per cent tax rate France brought in for a while?

[Gray Fox]

What's all this about Joey Barton to Rangers?

[SincereTheRebel]

West ham are signing FM legend havard nordtveit

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/10284276/west-ham-to-sign-havard-nordtveit-from-borussia-monchengladbach

[Waffdon]

West Ham bid £25m for Matt Ritchie and Callum Wilson? Get in the fucking sea.

[Raoul Duke]

No idea who they are :cab:

[Lewis]

It's nice to know that West Ham haven't let a foreign manager and a decent season go to their heads. Are there any other not very good English players they might fancy to take them backwards?

[P_3]

Wilson would be good up front. Ritchie they don't need.

[Baz]

It was probably triggered by his goal being included in potential goal of the season lists.

They'll be after that Southampton right back next. Cuco Martina? Scored a corker on Boxing Day.

[SincereTheRebel]

All speculation

De Gea has a loophole inhis contract which could allow him to join real madrid for £40m within the next 30 days

http://metro.co.uk/2016/05/17/real-madrid-can-seal-40m-david-de-gea-transfer-from-manchester-united-before-june-15-5886887/

[SvN]

Nice link mate

[SincereTheRebel]

Im not your mate

[SvN]

Why not?

[Giggles]

We're all mates Sincere.

[Ian]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/81/21/59/812159e3bccece4ae3eaf71b8ac682cb.jpg

[Smiffy]

.....

[Pepe]

Im not your mate

:D

[Giggles]

All...? :hat:

True. I'm with Sincere.

[Davgooner]

Wrong fucking thread.

[John]

The rumours about our upcoming transfer business don't fill me with confidence. This year the side was built around young British players with plenty of energy, and Rossiter seems to add to that, but now we're being linked with Joey Barton, Graham Dorrans, and Niko Kranjcar. I'd rather we were understaffed than bought Joey fucking Barton.

[Giggles]

Rodgers to Celtic? That's some fall.


http://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/brendan-rodgers-celtic-roy-keane]/78577

[Adramelch]

Rodgers to Celtic? That's some fall.


http://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/brendan-rodgers-celtic-roy-keane]/78577

Is it really though? It is a fall obviously, but I'd say it's about the level he should be looking at, with some free titles to add to his resume.

[Lewis]

'Brendan' is better than Celtic (Jesus I'm basically his biggest fan these days). He should go abroad.

[niko_cee]

I heard Barcelona were interested, once upon a time.

[Lewis]

He would fall foul of your binman in a club blazer theory as soon as 'The Little Genius' insisted on seeing the envelopes.

[Boydy]

'Brendan' is better than Celtic (Jesus I'm basically his biggest fan these days). He should go abroad.

He really is. What's the point of going to that tinpot league?

[GS]

He managed Swansea to a respectable finish and then rode Luis Suarez to second before we got routed in Europe the next year. He's alright, but he's just some lad walking around with a Powerpoint presentation and relying on saying "when I was at Liverpool" a lot.

[Manc]

Pool to sign some Polish lad from Empoli for £10M.

Vim?

[Yevrah]

He managed Swansea to a respectable finish and then rode Luis Suarez to second before we got routed in Europe the next year. He's alright, but he's just some lad walking around with a Powerpoint presentation and relying on saying "when I was at Liverpool" a lot.

I think he's better than that harsh assessment, but either way, Scotland is surely still beneath him.

[niko_cee]

I reckon he's a decent coach as well, but he just needs to keep the talking (BS) to a minimum and reign his ego in a bit (a lot). A European adventure might work for that seeing as managers are basically in charge of nothing in most other leagues beyond picking most of the starting XI.

It's not a very well traveled path though. Is it only really Schteve who has been anything other than a total failure? He just failed everywhere else instead.

[Baz]

Pool to sign some Polish lad from Empoli for £10M.

Vim?https://i.imgur.com/VpNfK1M.png

[Magic]

Wet Sham had a 31m bid turned down for La Cazette. He's good but 31m ffs.

[Manc]

16 Vision. :drool:

[Lewis]

That Reece Oxford must have guaranteed interest, otherwise lol at being such a big-headed twat.

[Luke Emia]

You'd think so I'm sure I heard City were interested. He's barely been seen for months anyway he will probably turn out to be nothing.

[niko_cee]

Where is all this West Ham gossip coming from? Have I missed the transition to the Knees Up Mother Brown Broadcasting Corporation as the world news benchmark?

[Luke Emia]

Where is all this West Ham gossip coming from? Have I missed the transition to the Knees Up Mother Brown Broadcasting Corporation as the world news benchmark?

The dwarf in charge has probably been running his mouth about this one.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The dwarf in charge has probably been running his mouth about this one.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAnIOCIBFR4

He's a midget, mate.

[Magic]

The dwarf in charge has probably been running his mouth about this one.

Was actually his son conforming on Twitter.

[Byron]

Yeah Jack Sullivan always likes to run his mouth off on Twitter about transfers. The fucking nob.

[SincereTheRebel]

Would benteke be a better option than lacazette**?

[Magic]

:unsure:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Rodgers would need to do something in Europe with Celtic to get any sort of recognition, which is tough because no good player will ever go to Scotland again.

[Luke Emia]

Would benteke be a better option than lacazette**?

Yes. I think West Ham providing £25 million for him rather than signing Lacazette would be a fantastic deal for Liverpool. In all honesty what in the actual fuck would they do with him and Andy Carroll up front that's got to be the least mobile strike force ever.

[Mazuuurk]

What they are going to do? Cross the ball!!! Cresswell will definitely go in my next season FPL team if that happens.

[SincereTheRebel]

Benteke in claret will probably help him find his form again

[Mazuuurk]

Why is Arsenal after Granit Xhaka? They have so many midfielders, but desperately need a striker and a centre back above everything else IMO. Specially a centre back that is not Per Mertesacker or Gabriel Paulista.

[SincereTheRebel]

The more midfielders they have the better as half of them will be injured for 30 league games a season anyway. They do need a badman striker. They might as well sell ozil if they dont get one because his vision is wasted. Go spend £40m on some prospect striker.

[Davgooner]

Does seem a bit strange considering Elneny has established himself quite well. Maybe we're going to fuck off all the twats and just play a midfield of pure shitkickers.

Maybe.

[Disco]

Why is Arsenal after Granit Xhaka? They have so many midfielders, but desperately need a striker and a centre back above everything else IMO. Specially a centre back that is not Per Mertesacker or Gabriel Paulista.

Because it's Arsenal, this is part of their yearly cycle.

[SincereTheRebel]

Arsenal have created a great legacy in my opinion. The level of consistency they shown for 10 years where other elite teams around them have done far better and far worse is to be respected. Saying that, i would prefer to see them destroy and rebuild after wenger. He needs to stand down sooner, rather than later.

[Disco]

Also, 'Granit Xhaka' what is this an episode of Star Trek? Get a sensible name you mong.

[Magic]

I'm surprised they aren't in for LaCazette. French? Check. Exactly the same as Giroud? Check.

[phonics]

How is he like Giroud in any way shape or form?

[Magic]

Slow, target man to a certain extent, good touch, good finisher.

[SvN]

Congrats on proving you've never actually seen him play.

[John]

Lacazette is small and rapid. Magic hasn't just proved he's never seen him play there, he's proved he's never actually heard of him before.

[Magic]

I watched Lyon destroy Monaco the other night you fat shit.

EDIT: Was I watching the wrong player? :D

[John]

Also, 'Granit Xhaka' what is this an episode of Star Trek? Get a sensible name you mong.

He has a brother named Taulant, so it's quite possible this is Star Trek. I'd like Brighton to sign him. The Sun's 'Brighton's got Taulant' headline would be straight in the pantheon.

[John]

I watched Lyon destroy Monaco the other night you fat shit.

EDIT: Was I watching the wrong player? :D

Lyon don't really have a striker such as the one you've described. It's more likely you've either mixed up the teams or just aren't very good at watching football.

[Magic]

I wasn't really watching it, I was dying from the cold/hangover after my meltdown watching BTS Europe.

[Disco]

He has a brother named Taulant, so it's quite possible this is Star Trek. I'd like Brighton to sign him. The Sun's 'Brighton's got Taulant' headline would be straight in the pantheon.

Reminds me of Kiki Musampa and his brother Kris.

[Reg]

He has a brother named Taulant, so it's quite possible this is Star Trek. I'd like Brighton to sign him. The Sun's 'Brighton's got Taulant' headline would be straight in the pantheon.
:D


Arsenal should really go all out for Lukaku.
Most top clubs should, he's class.

[Manc]

As the semi final proved.

[niko_cee]

Aye. Lukaku is to be avoided, especially for the kind of money Everton would want.

[Baz]

He'll be a good replacement for Zlatan. Even Benteke could destroy it for PSG, tbf.

[Weaver]

732966577218392068

Sessegnon and Anichebe are leaving WBA on frees, but James Morrison is in discussions over a new deal.

[John]

Harry Kane's mouth looks even more deformed than usual in his Golden Boot winner's photo.

http://i.imgur.com/CWSjg7l.jpg

It's like one of those pictures with the features turned upside down.

[Magic]

Hang on, Steed Malbranque still plays for Lyon?

[Pepe]

Harry Kane's mouth looks even more deformed than usual in his Golden Boot winner's photo.

http://i.imgur.com/CWSjg7l.jpg

It's like one of those pictures with the features turned upside down.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/05/05/article-2620675-004505AD00000258-455_306x423.jpg

[Manc]

That's a great shout. :D

[Lewis]

The Sun reckon United have come up with the brilliant face-saving wheeze of making 'LvG' Director of Football. That might not be such a bad idea, since Jose Mourinho is crap at transfers if he is crap at anything, so whenever he wants to buy a shit left-back in January 'LvG' could say no mate play somebody from the youth team, and then Alex Ferguson would have to get involved, and then the entire North West would be consumed in an ego event.

[SvN]

I hate to imitate diljeet, but this made me chortle


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkFK2EO7UMA

[Gray Fox]

We're closing in on the signings of Loris Karius and Ben Chilwell, which would be much needed competition for 2 positions.

[Manc]

How fucking uninspiring.

[John]

Karius has appeared on BT a couple of times this year and looked excellent. He should immediately replace Ming rather than providing competition for him.

[Gray Fox]

If so(I've not seen anything of Karius myself) then it still seems strange to hand Mings a 5 year deal a few months back. Unless we're just trying to get the most money we can for him.

[Jeet]

Arsene buying a player before the window opens!
733679704528551936

http://i.imgur.com/Ufbr5ej.gif

[John]

Thirty million on a midfielder when they have seven billion of those already? You should believe him.

[niko_cee]

Brendan's gone to Celtic (and possibly forgone £10m of our finest pounds if rumours are to be believed).

That's his career down the toilet.

[Baz]

Karius can fill the shit hair void that Moreno will leave.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Brendan's gone to Celtic (and possibly forgone £10m of our finest pounds if rumours are to be believed).

That's his career down the toilet.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qk4d8lfTxk

[Lewis]

I don't know anything about Granit Xhaka, but if he was really worth that much Bayern would have bought him.

[Jeet]

Xhaka done deal with the official photoshoot etc. No news of fee though. As mentioned a box to box player CM is the last position we need filling - prob mean Ramsey be shifted back to the right then :face:

Rumoured Wenger is in Italy to sign Morata for £50mill. Good player, but he's not a great finisher and for that amount I rather keep Giroud.

[Gray Fox]

Would they be buying off Juventus or Madrid? I forget if they still have their buy back clause.

I'd buy Morata if I were Arsenal. It stops the boring 'is Giroud(good) enough?" debate that goes in circles. Gives the fans what they want(I don't see many better strikers being available).

[SincereTheRebel]

Giroud has had four years now. He isnt the world class striker arsenal want and he isnt going to drop 30 goals. Go spend ridiculous money on some young some-what proven potential hungry striker (morata, lukaku, some brazilian) or go get zlatan.

[Danny]

Would they be buying off Juventus or Madrid? I forget if they still have their buy back clause.

I'd buy Morata if I were Arsenal. It stops the boring 'is Giroud(good) enough?" debate that goes in circles. Gives the fans what they want(I don't see many better strikers being available).

He is a Juventus player. So them.

[ItalAussie]

He is a Juventus player. So them.

There's been some talk that Madrid are going to exercise the buy-back clause and then immediately sell him on at profit.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

And probably put another buy-back clause in there.

[Danny]

Ah, fair enough. I imagined it more like the Fabregas situation.

Although, he could just say no to Madrid and either stay at Juve or make 'better' money from any transfer.

[Pepe]

Giroud is too good for Arsenal, the ungrateful cunts.

[elth]

Time for United to give Jose a proven striker that he can really build a relationship with and trust.

Quick, buy Lukaku :henn0rz:

[Samadini]

Hasn't Mourinho always had a hard on for Rooney? He'll be back upfront, particularly after leading the line at the Euros :cool:

[Pleb]

So United is signing Zlatan then? :Sherlock:

[Lewis]

Am I out of the loop these days, or is that (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/22/jose-mourinho-targets-john-stones-150-million-manchester-united?) a thoroughly uninspiring list of transfer targets?

[Manc]

Mendes, Mendes, Mendes.

[Lewis]

It's no doubt half balls (why would they be after another left-back?), but I don't even know who these people are. Fucking John Stones as well.

[The Merse]

Xhaka done deal with the official photoshoot etc. No news of fee though. As mentioned a box to box player CM is the last position we need filling - prob mean Ramsey be shifted back to the right then :face:

Rumoured Wenger is in Italy to sign Morata for £50mill. Good player, but he's not a great finisher and for that amount I rather keep Giroud.

Have you forgotten our collapse that occurred when Coq was injured? Elnenny may be a relatively deep lying player but most certainly isn't a real ball winner. Xakha has a real Vieira quality about his ability to win the ball and look to immediately get it forward, albeit he lacks the ability to simply drive upfield himself in the way Paddy once did.

[niko_cee]

Am I out of the loop these days, or is that (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/22/jose-mourinho-targets-john-stones-150-million-manchester-united?) a thoroughly uninspiring list of transfer targets?

Uninspiring perhaps, but preferable to being linked with horrors like £25m for Shane Long.

[Magic]

Who the fuck is Mendes?

[Giggles]

who the fuck is mendes?

HORR-GAY Mendes.

[SincereTheRebel]

22 year old german goalkeeper is in liverpool for a medical
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/loris-karius-liverpool-move-nears-11371934

Wenger has a stadium built in his honour
http://metro.co.uk/2016/05/22/arsenal-boss-arsene-wenger-now-has-a-stadium-named-after-him-5898567/

Naldo is off to schalke
http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2873052/schalke-to-sign-naldo-from-wolfsburg-after-manchester-united-reports

Higuain to PSG?
http://www.90min.com/posts/3239778-napoli-star-gonzalo-higuain-s-agent-reportedly-meets-with-psg

[Kikó]

Nice to see Garay linked again. We missed him last year.

[Magic]

The only thing we're being linked with is our previous owners using their investors money to run the club, from Iran (who were under sanctions at the time LOL) and then paying them back with money from season ticket income etc.

[phonics]

Brendan on his way to Celtic. Oh how I've missed you Brendan.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjJWMNtWgAAwkd5.jpg:large

[Disco]

His head looks enormous in that picture, which now I think about it makes perfect sense.

[Magic]

Love his red/white/blue look.

[Mazuuurk]

Zlatan + Rashford in a 4-4-2 :drool:

[Magic]

Karl Robinson of relegated MKD has turned us down. :D

[Giggles]

Karl Robinson of relegated MKD has turned us down. :D

Is the crazy fucker owner still there?

[Magic]

Yes. Part of the reason he turned it down was Cellino turning up an hour late for the meeting. :face:

[Gray Fox]

Brendan on his way to Celtic. Oh how I've missed you Brendan.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjJWMNtWgAAwkd5.jpg:large

Already showing the outstanding character he'll expect from The Group. What a man.

[phonics]

Woodgate has been released by 'Boro.

His career is such a shame, you have to wonder what we'd have been like with a fully fit Woodgate and Ledley King all these years.

[Disco]

Why would you take a job at Leeds? It's so obviously a train wreck of a club run by a mad wanker. It's not like the money can be great either.

[SincereTheRebel]

Various reports of a Gundogan deal to man city almost done
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-deal-ilkay-gundogan-11377195

Zlatan rumours of £250,000 weekly salary to come over the course of his 12-month contract. He would also be offered an option to sign for a second year as part of the initial agreement, taking his potential total earnings over two years to £34m
http://metro.co.uk/2016/05/24/manchester-united-to-announce-the-signing-of-zlatan-ibrahimovic-in-the-next-48-hours-5901087/

Vardy is available to other champions league clubs for £20m
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/673207/Jamie-Vardy-Leicester-Arsenal-Spurs-Man-City-United-Chelsea-West-Ham-transfer-news-gossip

Gokhan Tore in west ham deal
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/7171099/Besiktas-star-Gokhan-Tore-on-his-way-to-West-Ham-as-12m-deal-is-agreed.html

[Gray Fox]

Karius has had his medical and is set to sign in the next few days. He'll cost between £4m and £5m.

We're after Mahmoud Dahoud, but with Xhaka on his way to London I doubt he'll be allowed to leave. I'm not even sure he'd want to leave Champions League football for us. We supposedly have Zielinski essentially signed, with him already having interviews while in a Liverpool shirt and speaking of looking forward to playing with Coutinho.
The Gotze situation has hit a stalemate. We've offered to make him our top earner (£150k p/w+) but he says he's looking forward to Bayerns new season.

We're going to need a new defence almost completely. Toures' contract expires this summer, Skrtel is set to join Besiktas and Sakho will find out next week how long his ban is. Jose Enrique has left already and Bogdan is surely out the door. We're currently being linked to every Bundesliga centre back under the sun so we'll see where that goes.

[Lewis]

If Madrid have taught us anything, which they probably haven't, wouldn't somebody like 'Zlatan' more than make up his wages with shirt sales? Pissing 'Memphis' was the third best selling shirt in the world last summer, and how many Vine loops had he had at the time?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I saw a kid in full United kit (including socks) the other day and he'd gone 'Memphis' on the back. What is it about him? Nani was far better at the same thing and never got such adulation.

[phonics]

I saw a kid in full United kit (including socks) the other day and he'd gone 'Memphis' on the back. What is it about him? Nani was far better at the same thing and never got such adulation.

This seems to be becoming a bit of a trend round here. Not kit specifically but the whole training suit. Everyone's got one. Well I say everyone, they all seem to be Chelsea and Barcelona tbh.

[bruhnaldo]

I saw a kid in full United kit (including socks) the other day and he'd gone 'Memphis' on the back. What is it about him? Nani was far better at the same thing and never got such adulation.

Nani was my favorite player for many years, always thought he had that next level in him :(

I think it's because the FIFA generation being enamored with him (he became like a 89 in Fifa 15 or something) and that he was given THE NUMBER SEVEN!!!! shirt.

[P_3]

I'll be interested to see what Klopp does with Markovic and Balotelli. Don't think Mario has a chance considering Benteke seems to be out of the door, but I'd like to see Klopp give Markovic a season. He seems like the kind of player Reus started off as before Klopp made him good. We've got Serbian title-winning Grujic coming in and Matip from Schalke too.

[Pepe]

What's Balotelli up to these days?

[Weaver]

What's Balotelli up to these days?

Scored 1 in 20 league games on loan at AC Milan this season. Doubt they'll sign him properly.

He's not in the Euro squad either.

[John]

Joey Barton has signed. Hopefully he's good enough to justify the distaste I feel for having that wanker anywhere near my club.

[niko_cee]

Reus was fucking amazing before Klopp got his hands on him, so I'm not sure how he made him good.

[Reg]

John Unlikeable as ever but still a good player. He was in the PFA Championship team of the year and the managers' top 15 Championship players.

[Pepe]

Scored 1 in 20 league games on loan at AC Milan this season. Doubt they'll sign him properly.

He's not in the Euro squad either.

1 in 20, proper world class. :D

[Gray Fox]

Crotone have offered to make Balotelli their captain if he'll take the big paycut to join them.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He also had a penalty saved.

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/frosinones-forward-from-italy-mirko-gori-reacts-after-ac-milans-from-picture-id526798664

He did score 2 in 3 cup games too.

Both goals came against Alesandria Calcio (one in each leg) who are a Lega Pro side.

[P_3]

Reus was fucking amazing before Klopp got his hands on him, so I'm not sure how he made him good.
You are right, having looked it up, he did really with Gladbach.

[John]

John Unlikeable as ever but still a good player. He was in the PFA Championship team of the year and the managers' top 15 Championship players.

Burnley's player of the year too, but have you seen the highlight reel (https://www.facebook.com/officialburnleyfc/videos/1108356022518241/) they put out to celebrate his season? :D

[Gray Fox]

Karius is official.

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/222991-liverpool-agree-deal-to-sign-loris-karius

[Lewis]

There are lots of papers claiming that United will want Nemanja Matic (although their valuation seems a bit low unless the new bloke has told them he wants rid). Him and Morgan Schneiderlin either side of Wayne Rooney is what dreams are made of.

[GS]

I'm quietly confident about our business so far this summer, no doubt signalling relegation is in order for next year.

[Giggles]

Liverpool signings have always been the missing piece of the puzzle, ever since Harry Kewell was the missing piece of the puzzle.

[niko_cee]

Aye. 22 year old unknown goalkeeper. It's all falling into place.

[Giggles]

Aye. 22 year old unknown goalkeeper. It's all falling into place.
He'll be being proclaimed greatest prospect in the world by the time August rolls around. Top 5 at least overall.

[GS]

You're fucking obsessed.

[niko_cee]

Less shit than Ming will do, although I guess this means Danny Ward is no good. Good plan bringing him back from loan.

[Giggles]

You're fucking obsessed.

Pipe down cretin.

[Manc]

Ming to push on and become a great. :drool:

[Giggles]

Less shit than Ming will do, although I guess this means Danny Ward is no good. Good plan bringing him back from loan.

For all the joking, you're probably on to a winner on that one.

[GS]

Less shit than Ming will do, although I guess this means Danny Ward is no good. Good plan bringing him back from loan.

I would hope we sell Ming, but for reasons passing understanding we handed him a five year contract.

Presumably we were aiming to protect his value before he gets shipped off to throw them in somewhere else.

[niko_cee]

He'll probably be alright, in about 5 years. Ming that is. Signing young 'keepers is a bit of a mugs game. Hmmm.

[Gray Fox]

Yeah that De Gea has been wank.

[Manc]

Think that was implied, Gray.

[Reg]

Burnley's player of the year too, but have you seen the highlight reel (https://www.facebook.com/officialburnleyfc/videos/1108356022518241/) they put out to celebrate his season? :D
Majestic.

The clip 36 seconds onwards must be taking the piss.

[P_3]

Those headers back to the keeper were magnificent. :D

[niko_cee]

Yeah that De Gea has been wank.

He was for a bit. And he was what? £20m? There are always exceptions. I'll see you Dave Gayer and raise you Howard, Freidel and, I dunno, James. All signed too young, all sacked off, all went on to be stalwarts. Probably the best goalkeeper signing in English football in the last however many years was Van Der Sar (for the various teams he played for). There's always some jobbing stalwart available if you look hard enough (I've no idea who they would be these days).

[Shindig]

Van der Sar won the Champions League when he was six, mind.

[Giggles]

Yes. Part of the reason he turned it down was Cellino turning up an hour late for the meeting. :face:

If Bristol Rovers' manager knocks you back then it's time to just take out a hit on Cellino.

[Magic]

If Bristol Rovers' manager knocks you back then it's time to just take out a hit on Cellino.

Sounds like we won't even get the chance to talk to him as Clownino won't agree compensation with Brizzle.

[phonics]

"Jose Mourinho and Manchester United have agreed terms on a three-year contract worth £45m"

hahahahahahah. How has Ed Woodward managed to fuck these negotiations so bad. You're the only club he wants to manage, you're one of the biggest clubs in the world yet he has you paying him 4 million quid not to work for a few months and then you hand him a 15 million a year deal BEFORE sponsorship and image rights.

Madness or incompetence. One of the two.

[phonics]

And another for the lol books

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ci7oqKcUoAMCgMD.jpg

[John]

Where's the lol? Did you expect someone other than the aging foreign superstars to be the ones getting all the money?

It's lol that Red Bulls fucked NYCFC 7-0 away from home the other but that's not in there.

[Boydy]

Is what Mourinho is getting par for other top managers these days?

[Disco]

The club want him and also have about eleventy bajillion quid on the way so I would think he could ask for a solid gold dugout and get it.

[Weaver]

Viktor Fischer is on the way to Middlesbrough for a medical, according to Sky (although they don't say whether that's SKY SOURCES or nicked from somewhere else)

£3.8m is the fee. He was pretty highly rated recently, wasn't he? Can't say I know enough about him to say whether he's any good or not.

[Lewis]

'Pep' is apparently getting fifteen million a year, so that must be the going rate.

[niko_cee]

Arsenal have agreed a deal for Xhaka.

[SincereTheRebel]

Interestingly, his brother decided to represent albania at international level. I wasnt aware of that. They meet in the group stages at the euros.

[Vim]

Hearing Mascherano to Juve is close.

[Magic]

Wasn't Paul Clement on 3m a year as RM assistant?

[Bartholomert]

I know I could probably look this up but don't they have a salary cap or something in the MLS?

[Adramelch]

I know I could probably look this up but don't they have a salary cap or something in the MLS?

Designated players don't count towards the cap or something of that sort. Well a set amount goes to the salary cap but it's very small compared to what they are actually earning.

[Giggles]

Rafa's staying on? Jesus :D

[Reg]

Hearing Mascherano to Juve is close.
Sounds a strange one. Why would Barca want rid of him?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

They're ready to buy actual centre backs.

[Lewis]

They won't sell him, but it would make sense if (as reported ages ago) they were shitting it about their wage bill.

[Vim]

Now Gazzetta are running with Alves on a free to Juve. :D

[The Merse]

Now Gazzetta are running with Alves on a free to Juve. :D

Fucking hope not.

Hector :(

[Jimmy Floyd]

Rafa's staying on? Jesus :D

Probably got offered jobs in Italy.

'Turns out, Mr Ashley, I quite like it up here'.

[Kikó]

Probably loves the Chinese selection in Newcastle, the pie

[Reg]

Now Gazzetta are running with Alves on a free to Juve. :D
He has another year on his contract.

[Magic]

Steve Evans has returned to work as normal...whilst Cellino is trying to hunt out his replacement pretty publicly.. :face:

[Magic]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36382637

Everything that is wrong with football in a single article. Disgusting.

[Pepe]

I want a Mourinho blazer.


"Look at the value of the deals that have been done for Mourinho to date. What would be the value of a Jose Mourinho watch?

:D/:sick:

[Jeet]

Talk is Alves to move to Juve.

Hector Bellerin to Barca rumour begins!

[Magic]

Can you and Vim fuck off with this 'talk is' and 'I'm hearing that' you pair of absolute tits.

[Vim]

Do you want me to link an article? How good's your Italian?

[Gray Fox]

There's a Google translate button in any good browser. He should figure it out.

[Magic]

How good is your English? As you'd be 'reading that' not 'hearing that'. You little fascist twat.

[Pepe]

:harold:

[Vim]

Edgy. Anyway, Di Marzio is generally the most reliable reporter for transfer news, he says Mascherano agreed terms with Juve, but the clubs haven't reached a deal yet.

[Giggles]

Magic in Magic form :drool: