LDN Blue

Yeah, Bertrand, Cork & Sturridge are there. With Gibbs pulling out Bertrand will certainly be the first choice left-back & could even be given the captain's armband. How comes, you scouting for Liverpool now?

Thiago Alacantara pissed off England though with his comments It'll make beating those c*nts even better He didn't make the final cut for the u21's unfortunately. He's a regular in the u18's though.

[Name - Played - Points] Group A Switzerland | 3 | 9 Belarus | 3 | 3 Iceland | 3 | 3 Denmark | 3 | 3 Group B Spain | 3 | 7 Czech Republic | 3 | 5 England | 3 | 3 Ukraine | 3 | 1 Semi Final Spain 3-1 Belarus Switzerland 1-0 Czech Republic Final Spain vs Switzerland

But at the same time, that could happen with having a manager too. Remember they'll say anything to secure a transfer like Pastore, so even if we hired Hiddink tomorrow [for example] he'd tell Pastore he'd play him in his natural position, but then may change his mind, based on training sessions and all that.

I think you're overstating the importance of managers in transfers. In today's transfer climate negotiations are 90% between agent & club representatives (which won't include the manager), the only time the player and manager would meet is at the contract signing. Look at the Ramires, Torres & Luiz transfers for us. They were club-to-club. Managers weren't called into negotiations, at best they maybe give their approval/guidance to the people who start negotiations. Players don't rely on managerial support as they used to. Because they've realised that managers now come and go like players do. If the club's good financially & in a strong position when it comes to being competitive they are likely to sign. Just take Pastore's case now. Even Zamparini said, anything he hears from Pastore comes 90% through his agent, they talk more than the manager-player. It's how thing are now.

Because the club in question is Chelsea. No matter what happens, they know whoever comes will be a great manager anyway & that the objectives of the club will remain the same. No matter who comes in the Premier League & Champions League will be the main targets and as past standings have shown, we've never been far of the mark in either. That's why the player won't see a club in crisis, they'll see a club who are aiming to be the best in the world & who have the backing to do so.

How has he exactly "pledged" his future? He's just complimented the Inter Milan atmosphere & team. He said "I don't see why I should leave" so if the money's right, bingo, there's your reason

Their goals are to win trophies. Find me a football club that doesn't have those goals

Great player, really impressed during the World Cup. Would be a good, cheap, signing.

Malaga are owned by rich owners, who came last season. They will match Palermo's valuation, but Pastore would reject it (unless they pay him enough)

Like I said.. He has good qualities. Control & composure are some of them that allow him to work that anchor role very well. However he does lose the ball stupidly at times, I've seen him doing it a couple of times every game he plays. That being said, he usually makes up for it by being great at other things, like interception and man-marking.

At least there was a bid

I'm willing to bet Manchester City will make a bid. A bid that Palermo will accept. Let's hope Pastore would rather move to London though..

Come on Max. He's not that far off the truth. For all the great qualities Mikel has (and he has quite a few) giving the ball away is one of his major weaknesses. Can be worked on though.

Speed isn't all that.. Just ask Walcott.

From what I read in Google Translator, it's saying we want Sneijder & if we pay Inter enough, for them to buy Pastore, then they'll sell.

As much as I love the player, I'm glad. Looks like FFP will be an issue in negotiations this year.

Mata's looking Liverpool-bound. Banega would be great though! Watched Valencia a couple of times and he's really stepped up

Ouch. Not a good one for him then.. Good luck explaining that well.

They will if there's a bid for a larger amount than they paid. It's Chelsea PLC at the end of the day

Even if we agree everything. He won't actually get here for another 22 days at least.

The only time you'll Heitinga score

Saving up for next year lads. No matter what the situation

Mourinho.

Congrats CJ! Well done mate, truly deserved