LDN Blue

While I agree with that to an extent, Ozil made a massive name for himself in the 2006 World Cup and he's been sensational for Real Madrid ever since. Now I know Moutinho hasn't made the same impact, but his link-up play with Ronaldo & Nani was sensational. With the wingers we've got on our books now, I think someone like Moutinho would be perfect for team balance. Obviously Ozil is an exceptional talent, so I'd be naive to assume the same pattern would occur, but it's a risk that should be considered..

I know this would be the worst reason not to sign a player... But his heart seems set on Tottenham. Therefore, I do not want him!

I don't get why we're after him now, especially for the sum being thrown around. I guess having squad depth isn't such a bad thing, but buying players in positions already filled to the maximum seems slightly odd, which is why I don't believe the rumors much. We've finally achieved our 'winger' problem with Mata, KdB, Hazard & Marin (players which can alternate positions too).

Wigan would be interesting. Especially to sweeten our deal to sign Moses.

They can. A transfer request means the player has 'formally' decided to leave, really it means shit all. I think it has some baring on the transfer free, but I don't know that for certain so that could not be true. Most time, players would be sold upon a t.request, cause it just shows the player it's 100% decided on. The club isn't forced to accept though.

Love Beckham as a professional and what he's done for England and all.. But seriously, this tournament should be used for England to showcase some young potential.

Ah yes! Then again, Porto isn't chaired by Daniel Levy

Elaborate? My memory eludes me

No-one reported Suárez to the police, that's the difference.

Meh, contract renewals mean nothing. So he's staying this one season, this time next year the rumour mills will turn again.

Best part of the article.

LMAO ah I remember this

Makes sense for Malouda wanting to move on, he always said he wanted to play in Brazil anyway. Simply creates room to bring in another player..

Indeed. There's no way I believe he was first choice.. Tbh, that'll probably work in his favour, again.

To be honest, before today all I've seen throughout the tournament was Cole's name in the spotlight which as a Chelsea fan delighted me, but as an England fan I was even more happy because through all England's ill-fated disasters in the last couple of years, Cole's game has never declined. In 2010, he was still as consistent as ever in a squad that was completely out of touch with the WC tournament. He will play on through the qualifications as England's #1 LB. Gibbs isn't ready, Bertrand might get a sub-par role and Baines has failed to replicate his form of 2009/10.

Erm, wow, thanks for the votes I guess. Congrats to all in the running

We most definitely do need a new CM, I don't think anyone can deny that. Yes Lampard improved towards the latter end of the season when Di Matteo gave him a big hug and cuddled him in bubble wrap from the harsh reality of the fact Frank shouldn't be playing so much now. I would've loved Modric at Chelsea but he seems La Liga bound, which is better than him ending up at United as far as I'm concerned. That obviously leaves Cabaye, but I don't think we're interested and Newcastle will look for some big, big money for him. I personally think we should pay that big money, because as much as I like Javi Martinez, the guy is a risk for adaptation to the league and he seems Barca-bound too.

Is it me or does the '11' there look ridiculously small?

Oh god. Borini in the PL again, you just know he'd want to punish us

Ollie's common sense prevails - It's so easy to go back on topic too, simply say the magic words "going back on topic... [insert on-topic point here]"

It's a great suggestion, the chat box. At least if people want to go completely off-topic it can be done there..

Spike you're very popular around here. The public vote will be very tight as far as I'm concerned! Stop your worrying

As long as they stay away from Luiz, he can be Messi's understudy for all I care

Ah take it as a blessing. He's already confirmed Olympic participation (where one would think he'll play most, if not all, games). The less he played for Espanol now, the less burnt out he'll be when he returns to us in August.

When I read the story "Bosingwa offered to Barcelona" I almost spit out my tea. Though thinking about it, it does make sense in all honesty. He's a poor man's Alves (A really poor man's). Dani's not the most defensively abled in the world, and he doesn't need to be. Puyol & Pique & Mascherano & Sergio pick up the slack. That's why Pep shifts Avles to the wing more often than not. Bosingwa is the same, the burden of his (lack of) defensive responsibilities is something Barca will be used to and not have a problem with. I'd kind of be happy for him at Barca. Cause we'd be rid of him and he'd still be getting top level football.