Slam Dunk

He wants to go to Real and I suspect that is where he will end up. Not a big loss seeing as we don't actually need him.

Transfers can be negotiated and agreed etc, but the registration of the player cannot be done until July 1st.

I hate everything about it. Shade of blue is too pale, black looks very dull (may just be the pics), the monotone Chelsea badge, the white stripes on the shoulders look out of place, the squares that form the pattern are far too big, the V neck is awful. I could go on. I mean, seriously, how hard is it to design a simple, decent looking kit? I miss Umbro.

Great finish... ...From the defender...

1:50 AM.

Pretty sure this is a PS, but it seems to be accurate on the design:

Can't be... "I’ll be going to be one of the top two or three clubs in England – or else I’ll stay at Anderlecht."

Tonight.

CarloFan @FreddieBoswell7 - What makes you say Neymar has backed out of the deal to Chelsea? Christian Larrson.@CarloFan Because he has. Don't take it as gospel (obviously)...

Hahaha now rumours going around that Neymar has backed out of the deal.

Were we really all expecting Neymar's agent to openly admit that he will be moving, knowing that doing so would cause a major prolonged uproar from fans in Brazil and disrupt Santos' Copa Libertadores campaign? He may move, he may not. The only thing we can do is wait and see.

No. He's definitely not worth £25m. As far as I know (sorry to derail the thread) the situation is: Chelsea showed interest, as did many other clubs. Anderlecht want €30M for him and have subsequently priced potential buyers out of the market. His agent is offering him to clubs but i'd imagine chelsea would want to pay €20M max for him. Anyway, back to Neymar...

I didn't mean that Lukaku would be 'our new Drogba', I just meant that he would take his position in the squad. I think saying just because Lukaku is powerful and that would force us to play the ball direct to the striker is disservice to the player. He has pace and good footwork as well as being an excellent aerial threat. Don't get me wrong, I agree with you about adapting a new style of play (the long ball to Drogba from Cech has driven me mad at times). If you're creating chances from the wings by putting the ball into the box though, Lukaku would give you a real threat in the box.

I understand your point though, certain positions warrant a more expensive player, for example i'd rather us spend £40m on an attacking midfielder rather than buy Aguero.

I don't believe there is a budget Roman is working to. He will spend what is necessary to buy the players in the positions we need.

Don't understand that. Lukaku would certainly be Drogba's replacement, and can only play as the centre forward in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, if Drogba stays another year, Lukaku would probably go out on loan and come back after Didier has left the club, to become no. 2 to Torres. Lukaku is also going to take time to adapt to the league and would be introduced slowly. Sturridge however is much more flexible in terms of playing position and can play RW in a 4-3-3 with no problem (I believe it was Arneson that spoke of Daniel's ability to play on the wing). He is almost certainly going to be Anelka's replacement in the squad, probably challenging for the RW position with Kalou. I'd say it would be pretty easy to accomodate both into the squad, whereas if we were to sign Aguero (which I personally think will not happen), then Sturridge's position is under threat and he would probably be forced to leave.

I stopped reading when it mentioned Aaron Lennon.

^ I think you're looking at it upside-down mate -------Neymar----- Torres ---- Aguero

It'll be after Santos' cup run in the Copa Libertadores. Their first semi final is tomorrow, the return leg is Jun 1st. The final (if they make it) will be played June 15th & 22nd.

Well no long-term managers are available this summer. The squad needs rebuilding, and seeing as Hiddink has already been advising the club on their summer targets (allegedly), as well as acting as a consultant, he would be the perfect candidate to oversee this.

Just saw this. Would be a perfect scenario.

THE TIME TO GO "I said long ago that when he wanted to go, I would say publicly. And the time has come. So I do my word and here I am. I find it hard to leave Atletico. It hurts and saddens me. But I find it hard to explain what I do." "I've thought long and I am convinced that I must be true to myself. I do not think I put a ceiling on the ability to keep learning, to keep growing. After five years of intense personal stage is over and I have to give way to a new one. I'm about to turn 23 and I have everything before. Suffice it to say that this is not an economic issue but strictly sports. So I want to clearly express my appreciation to the club for the efforts he has made for keeping up with a salary according to the largest institutions in the world. I want to say also that this decision have been maturing for some time. Even the issue was discussed and agreed with Atletico last year on the occasion of renewing my contract. I wanted to sign, renew, as a way to return the club and all the mattress all you have given me. Have not done so, had stayed in freedom of action and the institution had not received any money for my transfer. I then had the promise of the Club would not impediments to my eventual departure in June 2011.So attentive to that commitment and unwavering view of my decision, I asked him to listen without any conditions that may get offers from different clubs. And for the fans, my eternal gratitude. Not trying to be original or say the politically correct. I'd rather say what I feel, beyond all other considerations. Because I know that the only way they will understand is if I do from my heart. That was the way I felt I talked all these years, with sincere love and affection. You are already part of my identity and a way of understanding football. We share joys and disappointments. The 101 goals and obtaining two titles after so many years of drought. I will never forget the celebration in Neptune and that night in Barcelona when we could not win the Copa del Rey. Well worth it, right? All those experiences ended up reaffirming something in me that I have from childhood: the desire to compete, win and be among the best with the only weapons I have: my game and my love for football. I do not want to fall into the commonplace to say that this is not a goodbye but a see you later. But if you say something once told me that said a very famous Argentinean tango, Anibal Troilo and that is very appropriate for this time: "Who said I left? If I'm ever going ... " A hug for everyone. I love you. " Kun