Pizy

That's fucking ridiculous. A 19 year old LB who's never played for a big club or against the very best European teams, or played significant international football is going to be on more money then some big time, world class players in all likelihood. On top of a nearly £30m transfer fee.

I'll tell Bushman he's the best poster on these forums if it's announced today. That's how confident I am that nothing will happen.

My thoughts exactly.Even though we weren't even linked with him a week or so ago, now that it's apparently so close I'd be livid if United signed him from under our noses. We'd literally be pulling off a Matic level steal by getting a world class player for dirt cheap compared to what other players re going for these days.

James Ducker is considered the premier United guy when it comes to this stuff I believe. Good sign.

But he'll also have De Gea and Mata in his ear too.

But there aren't any world class ones available for only £27m.Any other player in his class would cost twice as much or likely not even for sale.

The internet would meltdown if he chose non-CL, rebuilding United over us after it's been assumed by just about everyone that he's on the brink of joining us. Knowing how desperate they are for a huge name signing it wouldn't surprise me if they offer him something ludicrous like £200k a week. I have to admit that it would seriously piss me off, but since it's Tancredi I'm not too bothered.

Knowing how desperate United are it wouldn't surprise me.

Would hopefully be a nice wave a panic reverberating throughout our rivals' boardrooms if we make a few world class signings before the World Cup. Would be especially hilarious if our business is a catalyst that forces other big clubs around Europe to start making deals happen and United and Arse are left without any of their targets because they're sitting on their asses and waiting. One can dream.

My ideal 3 strikers would be Costa, Lukaku, and Ba. More then enough firepower. Mandzukic wouldn't be an improvement on Lukaku as our #2 striker in my opinion. Most likely will start the season with Costa, Lukaku, and Torres with Ba being loaned or sold. I've always liked Demba because of his attitude and mentality so I'd be kind of sad to see him go and Torres staying.

José doing a bit more Wenger trolling? I love it!

Haha!Well yeah. I'm speaking more about the constant "Cesc has agreed personal terms," or "the payment has been made to Barca," or "'he will join before/after the WC."

This is getting so tedious.

*sigh*That's what I meant. Nice overreaction there, Niclas.

I hate when players do the stop start pens like Cesc does. It shows that you're worrying about what the keepers going to do rather than having complete confidence in what you yourself are going to do. Hazard takes the perfect penalty. Doesn't even look up at the keeper and knows exactly where he's going to put it.

Nope, skied it.How is it possible that no media has been able to ask him about his future over the past few days? lol

If Cesc is brought in then we should absolutely keep Ramires. Will prove a very important squad player.

Impressive long range passing and lobs over the top as you would expect. Thought Xabi Alonso was the best player on the pitch that first half. Still absolutely top class.

Any iPad friendly stream links for the Spain match? Or the England match?

That's the inbred Scouse DNA speaking.

Pack it in, guys. ChelseaCobham has spoken. It's a wrap. Done deal.

She has one gigantic rack. Nice and MILFy, too. You've done well, Cesc!

Conspiracy theory/me being my normal paranoid self: Arsenal are telling the media that they have no need for Cesc anymore in order to make all of their supporters mad only to sign him at the last minute so that Wenger looks like a hero for "stealing" him from Chelsea Willian style.

lolI won't even be THAT disappointed if we don't because at least now I'm sure José does indeed want to bring in a new CM. Just a week or two ago we were all thinking that we might have to endure Ramires for another season or worse, bring in the oldie Tiago on a pointless free transfer. If we don't get Cesc then maybe we'll go hard after Koké/Pogba/whoever.

Can't relax. Been burned on many a transfer over the years.I'll remain nervous until I see Cesc holding a Chelsea shirt.