Rahul

The thing which makes me wonder though is that- assuming Rafa is limited in what he can spend- whilst obviously still being aware of where we are weakest (wings and fullback)- why is he trying to spend a significant amount of money (even if including swaps we're still likely to spend about £5m+) on Barry who is a central midfielder? In other words, if things are so tight, why waste any money at all on an area which is our strongest rather than focussing on the weaker areas?

Yeah I know Chelsea brought in other players and other signings were made, but in comparison to the other teams, we've spent much more this year. Thinking about it, Masch (18.6?) and Skrtel (6m?) takes it nearer £25m than £20m we've spent, but obviously we need to continue being able to bring in top class this summer but we have spent a bit. I'm probably just trying to make myself feel better.

Yeah.

We need DIC to come in asap if the whole summer is going to be aimed at players far beneath the quality of what the Mancs, Chelsea and maybe even Arsenal are bringing in. As a side note though, its worth noting that unlike the above, we have spent over £20m already this year.

Guily? Deco? Would I be right in thinking then Elisha that we don't have a lot of money to spend this summer then? What impression have you got about our funds this summer? A player in his latter years and an uninspiring winger doesn't really bring much hope....

Elisha just one thing; how highly do you rate this "Good CV' player mate?

Mental as in top top class players you'd be happy with signing or mental as in they're nowhere good enough?

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/footballnat...91466-20859209/ Rafa jumps in with £3m bid for Aaron Ramsey May 4 2008 by Mark Bloom, Wales On Sunday LIVERPOOL have made a £3m bid for Cardiff City’s teenage sensation Aaron Ramsey, Wales on Sunday can reveal. Rafa Benitez’s Anfield giants are the first Premier League club to test the Bluebirds resolve with a hard offer, after Ramsey’s continuing emergence at senior level with the Bluebirds. However, the Ninian Park club have rejected the bid, telling the Reds they will have to stump up more cash to stand any chance of luring Ramsey. It’s understood City chiefs will not even discuss any potential transfer unless £5m at the very least is put on the table for their brightest young jewel. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United have all expressed an interest in the 17-year-old, and a host of scouts have trailed him for months. But Liverpool, who face another trophyless season after going out to Chelsea in the semi-final of the Champions League last Wednesday, are the only ones as yet to put their money on the table. Not only that, but the contract they are ready to offer Ramsey is believed to contain a clause guaranteeing him 10 first team appearances in his first season with them. There will be no shortage of fixtures to blend Ramsey in at Anfield with the Reds doing battle on four fronts in the Premier League, Europe as well as both domestic cup competitions. And the willingness to make such an offer is evidence that Liverpool are fully aware of the fears someone like Ramsey would have about going stagnant in their reserves. The youngster has been told by Wales manager John Toshack that he should bide his time before moving to the highest level. The Wales manager believes Ramsey would benefit from another year at Championship level with his hometown club. Toshack has seen too many of his Welsh stars warming benches at a variety of Premier League destinations and does not want to see another gem go the same way. But ultimately it will be out of the national boss’s control. Ramsey (pictured) made his debut in the FA Cup third round victory against Chasetown last January, scoring City’s second goal, and hasn’t really looked back since. He has gone on to show at first team level real class, a fearless approach and also versatility, having played in five different positions for the Bluebirds. A significant number of City fans, not to mention pundits, are calling for him to start in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth on May 17. But it is looking ever more likely that the big showdown could be his last in a Bluebirds shirt. City chairman Peter Ridsdale has put out the message that the club will do business on Ramsey – if the price is right. Ridsdale said: “Every player is up for sale, the only thing that has changed from the FA Cup run is the fact that we dictate the price of the sale and that this club is in a stronger position now.” The Liverpool bid is the strongest indication yet that the Premier League is serious about the talents of Ramsey. The youngster has been talked about as being potentially the best Welsh talent to emerge since Ryan Giggs.

Maldini, what do you think of the two Udinese players?

Also rumours in NOTW that we're after Kenwyne Jones and that Juve want Xabi and also that Keegan is interested in Riise, Pennant, Finnan, Carson and Crouch.

If thats the case you'd think these are done deals. The left back especially has got to be first choice next season. Googled him and when he was linked with Juventus their fans seemed pleased on their forums.

Sorry, I was asking him not stating it as my own.

...but its really a smokescreen for "ag" Silva who was in a liverpool hotel the other night.

"We need to keep working - the scouting department in working,'' Benitez said. "We must try to improve the squad and try to be closer next season. Sometimes one player can make a massive difference, like Torres.'' http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/socc...0763/index.html

Mike, how reliable is the person who told you about Silva then?

Someone posted this on RAWK earlier:

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Thing is, if DIC come in at the end of next month, will that be early enough to alter the transfer plans of Rafa? If he's aiming to sign players of a certain quality due to not having a lot of money to spend and then DIC come in and he's able to bring in better quality, would it be too late for him to bring in his top top targets or would they have already been lined up as going somewhere else? End of May/June is a bit late in the day to start transfer negotiations to be honest- especially with the Euros this summer. F*cking boardroom mess might well have cost us the ability to make real progress this summer in signings.

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No of course not but he's not saying he's going to spend little, he says he thinks we don't need to spend much as if he's accepted the fact that we won't have a lot to spend and is now trying to downplay it. Anyway I hope he's bluffing but if the links are even remotely true about his "wishlist" then I'm not too hopeful- especially considering the players the mancs, chelsea and arsenal to a lesser extent are likely to bring in.

Bit worrying that he's making the "not spending big big money" remarks. Of course its good to be able to get great deals like with Skrtel, but it doesn't really imply we're going to be bringing in the likes of Modric who would cost a fair amount. Hope he's bluffing.

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And say he never wanted to leave Athletico Madrid?

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DIC said they wouldn't be interested in a 50-50 share which allowed them no control or influence on the board. Essentially, Hicks wanted them to put the money in but have no say in decision making, which you can't really blame them for.