HK

Don't see how you can say that. Simao/Quaresma are both top notch. Less classical but nevertheless top class winger such as Robinho, Alves are also available. Theoretically, so is Robben.

On the other hand, there is little point keeping the squad happy if we cannot challenge the champion. Whether we have signed the right amt of players and the right quality/age depends on your expectations of our goals this year. If the objective is to be closer to the top two this season and challenge the title in 2 years time. I think you are right and I think that is a realistic target, assuming we will continue to strengthen the squad next summer. However, if it is our goal to win it this year, then I think it will be difficult for this current squad to beat ManU over the course of the season.

You are right. It's interesting to note that after 40M of purchase, we've signed only 1 player that can walk straight into the first eleven.

Have I not seen a list that you have put up that had Darren Bent ahead of Crouch? Or was that the season before?

I think that is the crux of the issue. if transfer rumours are anything to go by, Malouda and Quaresma are the only two that we have put in a bid for and not succeed. the former has decided to go to Chelsea so it is not money related. Not sure what has happened in the case of Quaresma.

what's so awesome about it? I thought that was disrespectful.

I never get why people would think that about Torres. He hardly ever played as link striker in Athletico. Nor the Spanish National team. Not saying that he can't be a link striker but just curious why many seem to accept that as a given.

We should be laughing if he turns out as good as JAR.

Repentence is the first step to salvation. He is coming back.

What did he say?

In February, 2007, Robinho was quoted as saying "If I had to leave Real, I'd choose to join another big club. I don't regard Tottenham Hotspur as a big club. That statement alone must be worth 15M. Seriously, I think he is a great player. In any other team except Madrid, he would played ahead of Raul.

I don't see how one can come to that conclusion. Ashton played only 11 matches in the top flight scoring 3 goals. Even if we take into consideration of his goal scoring record at Norwich and Crew, they are still inferior to Bent's in Charlton.

crutches or not, he reminds me of Neil Mellor. that clearly is not good enough.

Bent is a good buy at 15M or less. I feel much of the sentiments against him here is that people baulked at the asking price. However, realistically, we have to accept that with the amount of money available to the Premier league clubs, the prices of players this season is going to be a bit skewed. Nothing you can do abt it except put up or shut up. And frankly, we can do a lot worse than to put up 15M for Bent. His goal/game ratio is good at a poor team. He obviously has the right mindset having turned down a lucrative contract for a team that can take him to a next level. Still think 9M for Owen represents best value for money. Save the rest for wingers.

Dean Ashton? would you like to elaborate?

QUOTE(Maldini @ Jun 15 2007, 02:03) What in Fowler's name are you basing that on? As for Bent, why would you sign England's 7th choice forward for £18m when you can sign their 1st choice forward for £9m? So why take a forth choice striker for 14M when you can have the first choice at 9M?

I don't believe you can improve on finishing. At 23, You either have it or you don't.

especially so at 17M.

That will be a good thing as you will see the back of Maclaren. He is a f**kwit.

That's correct.

that depends on whether you are a chinese Kung Fu fan...

I wasn't fussed about Owen leaving two years ago for the same reason that I felt we were too one dimensional. However, that was not all down to him. We didn't have a squad that was good enough to vary our play. Owen was our main indispensable outlet and for the most parts, he had delivered what was required of him. The situation is different now. The team has improved and will continue to improve over the summer. Owen is no longer indispensable and Rafa will vary the play by switching the forwards as he has always done. 9M would be an good deal. Leave the rest of the cash for getting 2 world class wide man.

Benitez. He has some ideas.

All things point towards Owen not being the number 1 target but remains to be a realistic option.

Great picture that.