JDY

I enjoyed the performances of Hazard and Marin, Hazard in particular. Looked very sharp, quick turns, always aware and the ability to take on defenders, something we've lacked since Robben and Duff. Lukaku took his goals well and overall his link up play was good. My only problem is his all round game still needs to be polished. Lacks any real technique to move with the ball and keep under control. A loan move is a must in my opinion, hopefully the reports of Fulham's interest soon materialize.

Swear down bruv. I wouldn't get too carried away with the reports on SSN, they can be unreliable at times. The deal does seem close though. And Internacional have every right to be demanding a lot for Oscar. He is 50% owned by his agent, so they fee will be split.

Indeed. But when it comes to pressure penalties, more power and less focus on direction.

If Lamps isn't on the pitch I'd have Hazard taking them. Surprised that keepers haven't clocked on to Lampard's blasts down the middle when it comes to pressure penalties.

Just to clarify, I don't agree with what BlueLyon said. Lucas has potential, but he hasn't even proven enough in his native Brazil to warrant the ridiculous fee's that are being quoted.

He didn't say he was a bad player. He said he hasn't proven anything at International level yet, which is why he doesn't want him.

Nothing has been agreed. The deal is dependant on Ganso moving to Inter.

Indeed. FFP takes into account 'future years'. You can still make losses but you need to show that your club is on the right track. A lot of people are getting too worried about it.

It was quite funny reading through some of the pages like we had him 100%. You never know what could happen though, AVB said the Spurs link was total lies then a week later he was appointed. Perhaps on behalf of both parties they want to keep it quiet for the time being. If we were to get him I don't think it would be concluded until after the Olympics, and he would join along with Hulk and Maicon. Just a prediction.

Jackson Martinez has joined Porto if anyone didn't know.

What he said. I also remember laughing at Spurs as during the pre-season under Juande Ramos (I think), they were thrashing teams left right and centre. Then when the season started they were bottom for about 10 games. I would love to win the games coming up, but I'm more interested in seeing the new players in action. Not just the new signings, but the youth players that will also be going on tour.

Via IRC: The troll himself. lols.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Juliano Belletti when comparing the situation. He was in his 30's and provided great cover both at RB and centre midfield. Maicon is without a doubt a better player at this stage in his career than Juliano was at the same time. The more I think about this deal the more it makes sense, his age is perfect to add valuable experience and it won't stifle Kane/Kalas. The only sticking point for me would be his wages. If Maicon performs anywhere near as good as Belletti did I'll be pleased (If the deal happens).

Don't know if anyone has mentioned it but apparently Porto are closing in on the signing on Jackson Martinez, possibly to replace Hulk.

I didn't say he hasn't played in the CAM role, I said he played mostly as a central midfielder. Of course he can play there but he excelled when he was dropped back to a deeper role (in the 2nd half of the season). I was thinking of doing match compilations of him and have downloaded numerous Fulham games from last season. "He may have played as a CM a lot but still see him more of a CAM type of player". It's only natural that people will still think of him as a more attacking player, but that isn't the case anymore. "We need someone who can sit in that midfield move the ball from one side to the other, dictate the tempo etc". Again, from watching him in games he is fully capable of controlling a game. His passing range may not be as good as a Modric or a Scholes, but it is still very good. Combine that with his composure on the ball, and the ability to shift quickly to create a bit of space for himself, its a lethal skill set to have. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather we buy Modric, but for the price Spurs are quoting I would rather go for an alternative such as Dembele.

Dembele isn't a CAM. I suggest you go and watch some of Fulham's games this season as he operated mostly in a central midfield role, contributing to both attack and defence. We don't desperately need a creative midfielder everyone talks about. We need someone who can recycle possession quickly and can also retain the ball well. Dembele fits that mould, not to mention he made the 2nd most successful tackles in the PL last season. He would be ideal and cheap.

Or Felliani's Belgian compatriot, Moussa Dembele. Struggle to see why people keep overlooking him.

Tom McDermott ‏@OfficialTMCD1 As far as I am aware 5 clubs have registered an interest in Moussa Dembele. Dembele interesting #spurs #cfc #mufc #afc and #milan

(Taken from an earlier post, cba to do the ---'s) ------------------------------------------Cech------------------------------------------------ Ivanovic------------------Luiz---------------------------Terry-----------------------Cole---- -----------------------------Mikel---------------------------Dembele-------------------------- Hulk/Ramires------------------------------Mata--------------------------------------Hazard---- ---------------------------------------------Torres---------------------------------------------------- On paper, that is a very very strong side.

He has one year left on his contract, they could get a decent amount or run the risk of losing him for free. Also if a deal could be done I wouldn't mind Lukaku going their on loan. Seeing as Andy Johnson has been released and they are still debating on renewing Pavel's contract, it could be ideal for both clubs.

Indeed. I've seen him a lot this season and he's proved to be quality defensively. In the latter stages of the season Fulham were operating with 3 defensive midfielders (Dembele - Murphy - Diarra). Murphy would just sit and the other two have the licence to pick the right moments to roam forward. That would work well for us also with Mikel sitting, giving him and Ramires freedom to move forward, What impresses me the most about him is the composure he has on the ball. Rarely do you see him lose it, and he seems to glide past players with his excellent ball control. Some people don't realise how good he is (and can get), but when he moves to a bigger team, no offence to Fulham, people will soon realize. Finished jizzing now.

If we were to get one more Belgian I hope it's Dembele.

Dembele is pure class. For the price being quoted we'd be stupid not to go for him.

He has. SSN said to ignore that one. Also, there are conflicting reports to whether King has been released or not.