LDN Blue

Exactly. We've finally had a good spell of smart, value for money, well scouted transfers and this one alone could undo all that. Costa, Fabregas, Hazard, Oscar have all come in and shown what smart transfers can accomplish. Ability > Name.

Agreed. I can't remember who it was, I think it was Rodwell, who said McEachran had more natural ability than even Jack Wilshere.

I was just thinking that actually There should be a set criteria (years active, post counts etc). But I like the idea of 2-3 every 6 months or so.

Look the only reason people are changing their tunes back to "We love Lampard" is because he didn't amount to much at City. They've basically had a dire season and it further exemplified why Lampard shouldn't have made this choice. Key word being in bold there. It's a shame because he could've either signed a contract and enjoyed leaving with a Premier League title or gone straight to the MLS without any questions of his reputation.

As a student of Aston in Birmingham... Go on Villa!

I imagine we'll be linked with Cavani and Aguero too at some point

I wouldn't get carried away. Didn't Borini have a similar record for our reserves?

The case of pot calling the kettle black, isn't it? Lmao.

I'm more skeptical FB. The power that Blatter has is demonstrated today, not a single mention of his involvement in this operation. Paying the right people to take care of these affairs has the benefits of deniability.. He should be accountable considering it's happening under his watch, but as we both know with corruption, it never ceases.

Well how's this for a bit of irony..

Anyone else going to be a bit pissed if he ends up going to Arsenal? It would feel like Lampard-City again..

True, it does seem like this a more attack minded squad. Lot of onus will be on Kane & Bamford.

'Raheem £ Sterling' At this rate Sterling will get more hate than when Ashley Cole did the same to Arsenal. Fair enough Cole had actually won something with Arsenal before he moved, but that's not Sterling's fault Liverpool haven't. I think Raheem's ceiling is incredibly high, it's no wonder you read that Bayern could be weighing up an offer. For the level he's at right now is incredible for his age group and if he continues to develop like this then he can be an integral part of any team. We have a need at RW for Sterling. Even if Willian was moved to AM, we'd still need a RW cover. Salah will probably sign for Fiorentina permanently and that leaves Cuadrado.

Don't think he'll play to be frank. Southgate left out Sterling, Barkley, Wilshere, Ox etc because he considers them senior players. RLC's inclusion seems like he's there to fill the numbers in the squad, hope we'll see a bit more of him though!

Am I the only one not too fussed about if Mourinho plays the youth? Stamford Bridge is going to be a massive party from before, during and after the match. Straight after that the trophy will be presented. So I'm sure our key players won't be resting when SB will be sold out & the trophy is right there. I see Costa, Terry, Dave, Ivanovic, Cahill, Matic, Cesc, Hazard & Willian starting for sure. Cech will likely get the nod for his last home match for us.

Can you argue it though? - The ball was out of play and the intent was clear

I think we should have an Annual TC Hall of Fame. I don't think anyone would argue Jim being the first member of it?

Sure! ..if he was in his prime. Hope he reinvents himself elsewhere.

I think Josh is the prime example of this. At the height of his touted rise to our first team he was sent out to Swansea, a Swansea team that had a midfield of Allen, Ledley and whoever all settled and picking up points for the Swans.. Complete wrong club.

I didn't want to start an argument on the reliability of sources. I was just taken aback by the 'done deal' claims haha

This is hardly the best source to make a 'done deal' claim

? Did I miss something?

I don't think he's going to put all his eggs in the 'Oscar' basket. I think he'll be looking for a player like Cesc again, who can play alongside Matic or be pushed up into the number 10 role, if needs be. The obvious name that comes to mind is Koke (but I don't know about his abilities as a CAM). I share everyone's cynicism about Oscar 'transforming', but we could see a shift in Mourinho's tactics next season that makes Oscar shine? Who knows.

That is a good point from Mourinho ^ But I just don't believe Oscar has the necessary qualities to put us on par, with the likes of Bayern, Barcelona and Real Madrid, if he's our resident number 10. We'll see though, Mourinho might still believe in him and we owe it to him to see if he can transform Oscar.

You're correct in your assessment of why United and the foreign teams wouldn't be involved at this stage.. But when you then talk about £25-35million then it does open a few eyelids. Clubs who normally wouldn't look would show some interest in a player who's basically a contract rebel. I don't think foreign interest will be strong, but domestically I think all the giants will be circling. We have the advantage of now being Champions and having the strongest team. Everyone's recruiting now though, United are taking a leaf from our book by getting some of their targets in early. I hope we're interested in him anyway, but I would support the club in not being held hostage by both player and club alike.. I'm sure in the grand scheme of things he's a potential signings in a list of others. Griezman for example.