Whitey

Now if Barry had just done that.....hmmmmm

Also remember Agger is left sided, and can play LB or Left of Centre if we go to three at the back. Carra can play anywhere across the back as he's proved. So good options.

Similar feelings - but agree the excitement is rising!! Have a good feeling about the squad 'options' too - Forwards look awesome, midfield was already, and defence pretty good too. So long as we can cover for the Olympics players, and stay in the hunt early. I have a feeling there's still a few more moves to happen too - maybe because it's not even August yet, and the August 31 deadline is a way away My crystal ball says (or hopes) - Pennant goes to Blackburn, Voronin goes back to Germany (he seems to be surplus), Arbeloa goes to Spain (for a decent fee), Yossi stays (he's a good option). Itandje goes anywhere for free if needs be... We get Barry for similar amount to Alonso (sad to lose Xabi, but I do think he's not quite the player he was sadly...he looked a world beater), Silva comes too.....

Great news on Agger - will be great to see him back. He's a ball player, can shut.....and also very good in the air on attacking corners - which is another great option to have. Also good to have options again at CB - 4 very good ones.... (ok lads let's leave it at that )

Muntari has gone to Inter here 12.7M quid for a 23 year old international.... Also in this article...Mourinho says ""We have too many players and it's not an easy situation, we need to reduce the squad to 25," said Mourinho. For the moment, we have too many forwards and we can't give them all as much playing time as we would like." Inter forwards include....Adriano, Crespo, Julio Cruz...I remember seeing some mention of Crespo on a free at one point, but guessing this is dead with Keane & Ngog?

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On Transfers (as this is the transfer thread).... Games start 31/08.....Transfer window closes 31/08.... Now wouldn't it make more sense for the window to close sooner to allow players to be with their new teams and ready for the season? Or is that too much sense?

Referees, goalies - either way it looks sh*te.....

I saw him at the Toronto FC game sitting with Mo Johnston - they also had Paul Dickov with them. Mo was looking at signing them both......

Gerrard is class, and can play just about anywhere he wants IMHO. Physically, he's a phenomenon, and I think at times he's under-utilized - for example, he's actually very good in the air, but prefers to take the free/corner kicks. Maybe that will switch up with potential new signings... I still like him being given a more 'free' role, but it sounds like that may be switched up a little with Lucas being told to be more 'free' too. The more he's in the game the better for me.

Interesting to contrast the speed of this vs. the Barry Saga - I'm guessing that's the Rafa/Ramos connection.... Although still crossing everything that it happens....I remember the Simao 'signing' ...........

Is correct, and also what I meant - you'll rarely see a bookie offering over the odds for anything that's even likely to happen. No odds being offered anywhere now....

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Was just checking out Open Golf odds on www.oddschecker.com and noticed under Football specials some interesting odds on where players will be this season, including this one.... Robbie Keane - 4/7 Liverpool, 5/4 Spurs Pretty rare the bookies get it wrong, hence they're rich and we're not....

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Firstly, I'm still underwhelmed by the option of signing Barry, and the whole saga..... However, with Juve signing Poulsen, and therefore very unlikely to also be signing Xabi, surely this changes the whole scenario? (the thinking being Xabi out, Barry in for minor left footed upgrade?) I am guessing Rafa and Parry are almost back to the drawing board (if you believe that Rafa's 'we have to sell to buy' comments) and maybe we could even be looking for other options?? (or should be in my book.......). Altho Rafa's latest comments of 'two more signings' make things interesting - is that Barry + LW, or Barry + forward?? I'm sure the Arsenal links are brokered by agents/Villa, and agree that we should say take it or leave it. Net net - The situation is a mess (especially for Villa) as if we do stick to our principles (and potentially budget) they could end with a very very unhappy player on their hands.

He's a good ball player, but the fact he's made of glass has been the issue. I guess this is why we've gone out and paid relatively big bucks for a LB for Dossena. However, although he looked lightweight the first season, at the end of last season with a few games I thought he looked much more solid, and even pacey at times.... We got him for free (I think?) so worth keeping as Insua develops - but as with others can't see him being around for the long haul.

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I'd agree with that. I still can't register that Barry is worth anywhere near these prices. I'd have even baulked at 10M when he was first mentioned

Been thinking about this whole saga - and as I did I was thinking how wholly underwhelmed I am feeling with the 'potential' of signing Gareth Barry for 17M+ ...... The more it goes on the more I think he's remarkably overpriced. Since when did players who are not world superstars start to be valued at that level. I sincerely hope that if the saga does end with us signing him, he shows something more than I think I've seen before and raises his game a good few notches. I just don't feel it's a significant upgrade I guess. Yours, Underwhelmed of Canada

Absolutely hilarious....and the 2nd lap brought a smile to Schweinsteger's face...hence it's OK ...so lighten up folks!!

After reading most of the drivel today.....you have to be congratulated!! Not so sure about Crespo though....not seen or heard much of him for a while in the news...

Is it a 'possibility' that there are lots of unrequired handbags on the Forum today? No? Back to topic - glad Dossena has finally signed....was a little concerned with the 'delays' but if you read Rick's report on the Offal he's been busy

This proves the saying 'throw enough sh*t at the wall and some of it will stick'..... And back on topic....Dossena anyone? Was being cleared up last week? By Parry???