Murdoch

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Brilliant :-)

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Carrol's fee was high I agree but you have to take into account that everyone knew we were getting £50 million for Torres, it was a deal where time wasn't on our side as well. If you look at the last big English prospect that had been performing in the Premier League it was Rooney and he signed for £25 million from a feeder club who take pleasure in selling to utd. Neymar this season looks to be going for £40 million and Berbatov (who had no more real improvement in him and fewer years) went for £30 million. Henderson's fee has been reported as between £13 and £16 million which is very good for a young English prospect. I think Nani and Anderson were £17 million a piece and Modric was around the £16 million mark. Add the usual English tax and Henderson's fee looks good compared with Lescott at £24 million, Parker (reported fee needed £10 million), Milner £26 million, Carrick £18 million.

Whilst it's nice to think that we're negotiating better these days (not throwing money at clubs, Suarez price seems very good), I just hope we're not going overboard on the tough customer routine. The cost of not getting into the Champions League again may make these 'overpayments' seem insignificant. It is early days but the players we're talking about seemed to be our top targets. Hopefully the back-ups are of a high enough standard that we soon forget that we missed out on someone who may or may not have been a top player. My only fear is that having a selection of b-listers and money in the pocket actually costs us more in the long run than spending the extra £2-3 million to close a deal.

Connor Wickham to Sunderland has now been confirmed as a done deal. Slightly disappointed.

Really?! I've not been particularly impressed whenever I've seen him. Never thought he was poor either FWIW. The lad at Celtic however would really struggle against better opposition. Baines at LB with Robinson/Johnson for cover and Johnson at RB with Kelly/Flanagan would be fantastic strength in depth and pretty realistic as well.

Just watching the England game and Baines has come on for Cole (injured). He'd obviously cost a lot more than Enrique but the difference in class is evident in my opinion. He can really deliver a good ball and looks good bombing forward. Xherdan Shaqiri also looks a tidy creative player for the Swiss. Sure utd have been linked in the past but could be worth a look.

11.40pm: An interesting email from a law student. "The Texas judge who issued the injunction has not made an decision on the merits of the case. The injunction just halts everything until there is a hearing. The grounds for granting an emergency TRO are that the actions will create irreparable harm that cannot be adequately compensated for through monetary damages. I suspect that once Judge Jordan actually has a hearing on the issue, he will dismiss it and remove the injunction. The Texas courts probably do have jurisdiction, but they will be hesitant to take it when it will put them in conflict with English courts that are better able to adjudicate the issue. Hopefully, this has only temporarily delayed the sale and Liverpool will avoid administration, but H&G have probably bought themselves a couple more days."

I think non-attendance will never happen and a delayed entry would raise safety issues. Instead of not turning up for 10 minutes, how about the Kop all turning their backs to the pitch for a set period of time? Making as much noise as possible, perhaps singing YNWA rather than anti-Gillet and Hicks chants. Makes a statement whilst creating a rousing atmosphere for the game.

And breathe........

Talks**t reporting they understand Bentley is on his way. Can't see why unless Kuyt is gonna be played up top more often.

Press conference will be tomorrow. Unsure of the time though.

In that case, Djimi Traore has a Champions League medal. Get him signed up. Kewell for the left side and Josemi as back up to Arbeloa!