Stefano

Great passing range, just doubts over his attitude and mentality. Be interesting to see him surrounded by top players.

Is there anyone in the Premiership? Huddlestone?

So much wrong with this. Xabi's tactical and positional game is vastly underrated. We're also not a selling club, so if we sell Xabi it will be because he wants to go and we allow him to on our terms, not because of his future valuation.

Ordinarily it would be a big fee, but more than fair in the market that Madrid themselves have inflated. It's about what he's worth to us anyway, and if they want to muscle in and buy the best players from big clubs they can have no complaints about paying over the odds.

Thing is, so were Ronaldo and Barry, both of whom eventually stayed and had very good seasons. I honestly believe keeping him against his will is a whole lot better than trying to find a suitable replacement, even with 35 million. He's too professional not to respond, and if at the end of it he's got a league winners medal to go with his CL, then he has my blessing to go.

From the limited times I've seen him he's still very raw. One for the future.

Isn't Hamsik more of a attacking midfielder who thrives in a free-ish role? I think if Rafa had someone in mind he'd be a lot less stubborn over Xabi.

Cambiasso would be good cover for Masch but he's not someone who will control and dicate the tempo of our game. Maybe Rafa sees Lucas as a ready made replacement. Not something I'd agree with, but at least he's been part of the squad and is integrated into our philosophy. In that scenario, an experienced player like Cambiasso would be ideal, while we use the majority of cash to strengthen the flanks.

How much is anyone of that class worth in the current market though, even without the marketing pzazz? Zokora has just gone to Sevilla for nearly 10 million quid.

That's the problem isn't it, trying to replace a player who has been integral to the way we play for 5 seasons. I just don't see a player out there without changing our whole philosophy. I'd be more inclined to drop Stevie back and bring in a hard working creative type to partner Torres. Maybe we could hijack the Tevez deal.

As I said, that stuff just doesn't interest me. You're looking at it from Madrid's point of view. In terms of footballing importance to us, it's a bargain.

They're not good enough.

His status doesn't interest me. In pure footballing terms, and in the market that they inflated, he's worth that and more. Did they think they'd get a discount because he's Spanish and not 'box office'? They should pay it and think themselves lucky that we're allowing one of our best players to leave.

Wasn't that just Daily Mail fantasy? If they're waiting for the clause to expire why are they even bothering to fax bids over?

It's a bargain in the current market for a top class central midfield playermaker and Spanish international, who just happens to be one of our best players. How much were they expecting to pay exactly?

That just sums them up though doesn't it, and it's an even bigger reason why Xabi should stay well clear. If things go according to plan he'll be frozen out within a year while they bring in a new manager and sporting director and start a new 'project'. If he wants to go home, lets see if Barca are interested.

Barrett is just reiterating what we've been reading for a while. Nothing's changed in terms of Madrid paying our valuation. If I was Xabi I'd be wondering why Madrid are reticent to pay what is a bargain fee for a player who will shape their midfield for years to come. Next Sunday should be interesting when he has to join up with the lads.

The Mail is a joke.

I think Rafa would if money wasn't tight and it was factored into his budget. It also just defeats the object of signing players to long deals to avoid situations like this. Their contracts are not up for review until next summer, when they have two years remaining, so I would just refuse to sell them and reasess at the end of the season.

Budget probably. Last season they had Setanta to pay for them. They'll probably show the Thailand games live or sell the rights to another provider.

That is very key. For all the talk of unsettled wives and personal issues, I think if there were improved deals on the table both players would readily commit themselves.

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Delayed. KO is 7 PM.

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You'd like to think so when it's as blatant as this but Madrid seem to above any such rules and regs. It's just a case of ignoring the constant stream of nonsense coming out of the Spanish press until they pay or up get bored and move onto the next target. I just wouldn't sell the b******s Alonso now at any price. If he doesn't like it he can sit on the bench for all I care.