The Skipper

I've seen Marco in his Vitesse days + for Holland and I can comfortably say he's not there yet in terms of truly consistently dictating the pace of a game but he can get there. Very complete player though, but we'll see how he's reacted to his injury next season.

Yes, but he would've started next to Clasie, who can control a game.

Would've definitely had a great chance at starting for the senior team if he just wasn't injured, especially with Strootman out. Real shame.

Starting for Netherlands u21 with Ake.

The rules leave too much ambiguity to be honest but I think that because he'll be in England for at least 6 months before he turns 22 that they could potentially consider him HG. You're right though, the rules are just too confusing but I'd like to think that I'm right in this matter.

The money involved doesn't make it a bargain whatsoever but it would be worth it IMO. Saying something would be well worth it is not the same as saying something is a bargain. He is world class already IMO, I would already consider him a top 10 CM in the world.

The only reason Eden was just £32m was because:1. That was his release clause if I remember correctly 2. He wasn't playing for a top team like Juventus. In today's market, a 21 year old Hazard could easily go for £50m if the above variables were true... So in my opinion it's not really that comparable. In my opinion we need a top class CM just as much as we need a top class CF, so if the club did spend £50m on someone who I already consider world class and has the scope to even get better then honestly I don't really have a problem with it. Age is really irrelevant with talents like Pogba or Hazard.

Up to and including the 21st year to my understanding.

Pogba is already world class IMO. Already one of the best in his position and still has massive scope to grow. Easily has the potential to go down as an all time great.

Just checked and because he would be 21 if we signed him this season, he'll complete his 36 months with us (it's cumulative).

I was just going to link you to the above article. Jake's been analysing the financial situation of the club for quite some time now. The way transfer fees and wages work means it's hardly taking a hit. The money spent would be amortised over the length of the contracts that each player signs - the money is there to be spent. Let's say we spent £30m on Shaw, £32m on Costa and £50m on Pogba. That's £112m spent - add the Luiz money and money from January plus further sales of the likes of Ba, Mikel etc. we're more than fine - net spent could easily be below £50m (and that's me being pessimistic) - surely the club can afford that? That is without amortising each fee for each transfer as well. The Luiz deal has really given us a lot of ammunition this summer.

Pogba would be homegrown if we signed him right?

Starting again for England U21 today.

https://twitter.com/jakefcohen/status/471635799637651456We can afford that quite comfortably.

What would be ideal: Costa, Shaw, Pogba. What will actually happen: God knows.

Do you honestly think Ola or Jay will be ready to be first choice LBs in 3/4 years?

I'm pretty sure Luis came out yesterday and said he wants to stay...

Tiago is a DLP though.

He's not exactly a striker... More a number 10 that can play up front if needed. Wouldn't say he's Costa's replacement. More like Villa's (I.e. the second striker) long term replacement.

That would be ideal but we all know Mourinho loves Ramires.

Might as well just keep Mikel then.

How many times did Luiz play at CB this season? Barely did, so he doesn't need replacing in that sense. We can give those 10 odd games that Luiz had at CB to Ivanovic or even Kalas. How are you so certain will Zouma be loaned out? Zouma is just as experienced as Kalas, probably even more considering he played in a stronger league. I can easily see him coming here as 4th choice CB. Having 3 experienced CBs (JT, Cahill & Ivan) and one or two understudies (Kalas & Zouma) is enough. I wouldn't like to see us blow big money on a CB until next season which will probably be JTs last season at the top. It honestly does not make sense to get a new CB right now when we've got other priorities (ST, CM, LB).

This year? I don't think so. Shaw is a self proclaimed CFC fan, and with the LB spot pretty open right now I don't think there would be any reluctancy from him.

I'm not sure... Mou loves Ramires. New top CM, Matic, Ramires, MVG, Chalobah is fine. We need to start giving these youths a chance.

You're forgetting Van Ginkel who is practically a new signing.