Transfer Rumour Discussion Thread

[Superted]

Okay, this is somewhat vague, but the more I see other teams doing deals and us not, it reminds me of something I saw once on TV. Can't remember it was a TV show or a movie, but it involved a guy (either someone's mate or dad) who was involved in something where he took the approach of just sitting back and waiting, and pouncing at the last minute to get the best deal.

What ultimately happens is that the guy pounces too late and is left empty handed. Can anyone help me out with the tv show/movie?

We all know Levy is stroking his cat waiting for Levytime on 31st August, but what if all the good players are snapped up by then?

 

[clownfoot]

NoW Baldini is official there is no guarantee that we will have to wait until the deadline. Might kick on if he is a bit more pro-active than we are used to

 

[milo]

NoW Baldini is official there is no guarantee that we will have to wait until the deadline. Might kick on if he is a bit more pro-active than we are used to

I think that leaving deals late was a strategy to try and get a better deal out of the selling club. I don't think that this would necessarily change just because we are bringing in a DoF. If there is a change of strategy this summer, I think it is because we are looking at bringing in two or three quality players to out the finishing touches to a good team.

 

[metalgear]

one thing that changes is pulling power. last season it was loud mouth redknapp and the sudden introduction of AVB who was both hated and chided by the press. so it was down to levy and "levytime" became infamous.

this season at least Baldini is done early - about two weeks before transfers open - and with him comes loads of credibility (and less of levy, which you could consider another plus point). And we have an AVB who's proven himself and is now the darling of the fans and reporters. And under his watch groomed one of the most outstanding British players in recent times.

just hope that levy doesn't screw things up with his veto vote.

 

[clownfoot]

I think that leaving deals late was a strategy to try and get a better deal out of the selling club. I don't think that this would necessarily change just because we are bringing in a DoF. If there is a change of strategy this summer, I think it is because we are looking at bringing in two or three quality players to out the finishing touches to a good team.

Will Baldini like this strategy though. If we miss out on a player because of Levy trying to get a better deal, and instead opt for choice number 2 or 3, who perhaps don't do well at the club, then Baldini will be criticised because it was a player he selected

All conjecture obviously, but I wouldn't mind seeing some early business being done. Get a pre season with a new signing to acclimatise

 

[milo]

one thing that changes is pulling power. last season it was loud mouth redknapp and the sudden introduction of AVB who was both hated and chided by the press. so it was down to levy and "levytime" became infamous.

this season at least Baldini is done early - about two weeks before transfers open - and with him comes loads of credibility (and less of levy, which you could consider another plus point). And we have an AVB who's proven himself and is now the darling of the fans and reporters. And under his watch groomed one of the most outstanding British players in recent times.

just hope that levy doesn't screw things up with his veto vote.

I can't see Levy giving them a blank cheque and I'm sure that he will still want to be involved in negotiations.

I think that this appointment probably means (and the club statement suggests) the key four in agreeing transfer targets are Levy, Baldini, AVB and Sherwood. I'd imagine that Levy will also continue to consult with fringe figures like Pleat, the same as he does now.

 

[milo]

Will Baldini like this strategy though. If we miss out on a player because of Levy trying to get a better deal, and instead opt for choice number 2 or 3, who perhaps don't do well at the club, then Baldini will be criticised because it was a player he selected

All conjecture obviously, but I wouldn't mind seeing some early business being done. Get a pre season with a new signing to acclimatise

I'm sure that transfer strategy was discussed and agreed before he agreed to join us.

I think that it is very possible that we will try and get our business done earlier this year but I think that is because the priorities are different to previous windows (the need for a striker excepted) rather than because we have a DoF in place.

I guess only time will tell.

 

[Spursalot]

I can't see Levy giving them a blank cheque and I'm sure that he will still want to be involved in negotiations.

I think that this appointment probably means (and the club statement suggests) the key four in agreeing transfer targets are Levy, Baldini, AVB and Sherwood. I'd imagine that Levy will also continue to consult with fringe figures like Pleat, the same as he does now.

If the rumours about the issues with the Stadium and Shirt sponsorships are correct, this move might also help to free up Levy to focus more on the financial side of things, whilst Baldini focuses more of the football side.

 

[milo]

If the rumours about the issues with the Stadium and Shirt sponsorships are correct, this move might also help to free up Levy to focus more on the financial side of things, whilst Baldini focuses more of the football side.

I hope so but I'm sure that we have a team of people and agents/consultants helping with all of this, so it is not as if Levy has had to do everything on his own.

 

[thfcsteff]

I like VERY MUCH the rumour that David Villa is 'the' main target this season and that we will keep Ade and JD. That would, for me, give us some great quality up-top. I know Ade isn't popular, but I think IF he stays (which I believe he will) we will see him have a stormer next season. Very excited about what we might be doing in the window, glad we have a quality DoF and think we have a genuine shot at the title with the right couple of names coming in...

 

[Jordinho]

I like VERY MUCH the rumour that David Villa is 'the' main target this season and that we will keep Ade and JD. That would, for me, give us some great quality up-top. I know Ade isn't popular, but I think IF he stays (which I believe he will) we will see him have a stormer next season. Very excited about what we might be doing in the window, glad we have a quality DoF and think we have a genuine shot at the title with the right couple of names coming in...

Wouldn't go that far, but we could possibly have fourth place secured BEFORE the last game of the season. That would be an excellent season for me.

 

[markysimmo]

Wouldn't go that far, but we could possibly have fourth place secured BEFORE the last game of the season. That would be an excellent season for me.

I know its a big IF but say we -hadve brought a quality striker who scored 20, add these goals to bale's how many more points wouldve we have got, lots its not out of the equation

 

[SpurSF]

I like VERY MUCH the rumour that David Villa is 'the' main target this season and that we will keep Ade and JD. That would, for me, give us some great quality up-top. I know Ade isn't popular, but I think IF he stays (which I believe he will) we will see him have a stormer next season. Very excited about what we might be doing in the window, glad we have a quality DoF and think we have a genuine shot at the title with the right couple of names coming in...

While I agree in principle Steff, I think we need to get at least one young striker in. All three of Villa, Ade, and Defoe will either be in their 30s or rapidly approaching them. Not sure Damiao is the guy, but I'd love to see us spend some money on one of the proposed young guys (Damiao, Aubameyang, Rodrigo, Vydra, whomever) and slowly bed them into the team. I really hope that we can close Bernard and Paulinho, b/c they could add some creativity and goal scoring in some different areas of the pitch. Though it may not be as sexy as a 35 million spunk on Jackson Martinez (who is class), I think a spend of 10 million on Villa, 15 on Paulinho, 15 on Bernard, and 15 on Damiao would be immense business that will set us up for years to come.

55 million is a lot to spend (and I HIGHLY doubt we'll get all four), but if we can get sell off some of the deadwood, it could maybe bring the net spend down to about around 35 million, whilst retooling our squad in AVB's image and adding great depth.

 

[Gutter Boy]

I like VERY MUCH the rumour that David Villa is 'the' main target this season and that we will keep Ade and JD. That would, for me, give us some great quality up-top. I know Ade isn't popular, but I think IF he stays (which I believe he will) we will see him have a stormer next season. Very excited about what we might be doing in the window, glad we have a quality DoF and think we have a genuine shot at the title with the right couple of names coming in...

Having both Villa and Defoe makes no sense at all. Both are at the tail end of their careers (31 YOs) and they are quite similar in style, other than Villa is world-class and Defoe is a mid-table.

Villa + Ade + a young #9 makes more sense to me.

 

[SpurSF]

Having both Villa and Defoe makes no sense at all. Both are at the tail end of their careers (31 YOs) and they are quite similar in style, other than Villa is world-class and Defoe is a mid-table.

Villa + Ade + a young #9 makes more sense to me.

Agree totally. Amazingly, I bet we can get a fee for Defoe.

 

[harr1984]

Agree totally. Amazingly, I bet we can get a fee for Defoe.

West Ham would be a good fit, would get a decent fee from them and him and Carrol would be a good partnership...

 

[braineclipse]

Having both Villa and Defoe makes no sense at all. Both are at the tail end of their careers (31 YOs) and they are quite similar in style, other than Villa is world-class and Defoe is a mid-table.

Villa + Ade + a young #9 makes more sense to me.

I agree to some extent. The most important thing is to get a first choice striker sorted for next season. For me Villa checks all the boxes and I would be delighted with that.

A younger striker coming in is also important, but really only for the long term. If we sign a younger striker this summer, in January or next summer doesn't really matter much imo. Sooner would be better, but only if the right player is available for the right price and it's not vital.

 

[Nigeyman]

While I agree in principle Steff, I think we need to get at least one young striker in. All three of Villa, Ade, and Defoe will either be in their 30s or rapidly approaching them. Not sure Damiao is the guy, but I'd love to see us spend some money on one of the proposed young guys (Damiao, Aubameyang, Rodrigo, Vydra, whomever) and slowly bed them into the team. I really hope that we can close Bernard and Paulinho, b/c they could add some creativity and goal scoring in some different areas of the pitch. Though it may not be as sexy as a 35 million spunk on Jackson Martinez (who is class), I think a spend of 10 million on Villa, 15 on Paulinho, 15 on Bernard, and 15 on Damiao would be immense business that will set us up for years to come.

55 million is a lot to spend (and I HIGHLY doubt we'll get all four), but if we can get sell off some of the deadwood, it could maybe bring the net spend down to about around 35 million, whilst retooling our squad in AVB's image and adding great depth.

I think following the example of City & United and having 4 strikers is an absolute MUST this season. So assuming Ade & Defoe stay (I personally think defoe will be moved on - more likely than ade) we need a to try and get a better striker than ade & defoe and a young up and coming player for the future. with europa league games rotating the forwards i.e giving the young forwards game time in this competition is an absolute must.

Are we moving to 4-3-3 I guess we will find out soon with new signings if so I still think we should have 4 strikers.......also so we have some attacking options on the bench something we struggled with towards the end of last season.

Bernard & Paulinho would cover midfield/winger and be rotated with dembele.lennon I presume. And yes Villa who I highly doubt....perhaps Soldado is more realistic signed with a young vydra......bear in mind damaio will not be happy not startting as he is pushing for Brazil team in world cup.

I also think we need a cb in line with the quality of verts who is good on the ball. Paulinho,Bernard,Soldado,Vydra & Aldeirweld would be excellent business from us - Obviously some would have to make way. In line with Steffs comments I to believe we are not a million miles from being title challengers.......... Stating the obvious we really do need strikers to stike fear into the opposition - Villa or Soldado would fit the bill.......think things will move soon with Baldini installed......I just hope we are not waiting on Bale/Madrid to activly chase our targets.

 

[thfcsteff]

Having both Villa and Defoe makes no sense at all. Both are at the tail end of their careers (31 YOs) and they are quite similar in style, other than Villa is world-class and Defoe is a mid-table.

Villa + Ade + a young #9 makes more sense to me.

IF we can upgrade on Defoe then absolutely. Otherwise we need to stick. I think with Villa and Defoe we could be sure that each retain some fitness/sharpness/don't get over-played...yes, a young striker would be great but in development/4th striker...I think the likes of Aubemeyang are interesting options but I get a frightning portent of under-achievement a la Gervinho/Chamak...Vydra would be interesting...I genuinely do not think Jackson Martinez is worth 35 million and as for Damiao, well, frankly I've given up!!!!

 

[inkpenspur]

Shamelessly knicked from Spooky's DML blog...

Some Clarification
by look like modric (U7431)
20 June 2013
Comment on this Article

Thought I would issue some clarification on our great club. To try and get everyone on the same page. Should I notice this info on a certain other website that is copying what I put on here, I will personally join that website and embarrass every single supposed "i.t.k's."

Lewis: Played a huge part in Harry Redknapps sacking the only time he has ever been hands on with the club. He was only hands on because of the concern with Levy possible leaving last summer. Plays no part with the club otherwise.

Levy: With the appointment of Baldini it now allows Levy to be more hands off. Contrary to peoples beliefs Levy is not the sole scout or negotiator at the club there are others who fulfil this role. Levy has had some horrific personal issues to deal with and hopefully will now spend the bulk of his time at home in New York.

On a personal note...Levy is the closest we will ever get to a fan running the club and I urge any criticism to look closely at what he does. Dave Whelan is praised to the hilt in the media, I wish Daniel Levy was too.

Collecott: The money man at the club, very quiet man, very astute man reminds me very much of Levy. Fulfills a role similar to Vice Chairman and runs the club in Levys absence.

Cullen: The Karren Brady of the club, has worked her way up through the club. Lovely woman and one of the most powerful at the club. Every press release, information, details all go through her. You cannot break wind without her permission. Also fulfils a role similar to vice chairwoman and runs the club in Levys absence.

Pleat/Commoli: With the addition of Baldini this now brings an end to both former d.o.f. working on an advisor basis to levy. If you wandered why we had the same targets as Liverpool or why we signed Lloris that was down to Commoli. Commoli has around 12 staff of his own personally who scout the globe.

Baldini: He is not a chief scout (we have a scouting system) he is a negotiator and will control the administrative process of the club top to bottom. Baldini was due to join last year as a part of the shake up but Roma would not release him. This set us back really badly and up until January we had just a handful of scouts. To put this in to perspective Torquay United would have had more! Above AVB and a direct line to Daniel Levy.

Sherwood: Confused as to what his title will be now at the club, one of the most powerful people at the club and quite respected in the game. Will also shape the club top to bottom from schoolboys to the first team. More focused in the staff and youth at the club for example his appointment of avbs assistant Steffen Freund. AVB answers to him and a direct line to Donna Cullen. Weird situation where Sherwood could manage the under 21s but still be above the first team manager!

AVB: Head coach, I cannot stress this enough. He has never bought a player at any club, he does not get a big say in any players coming in although he is notified. The only issue was Lloris where avb was notified much later on in the process than usual and he was a little annoyed.Perfectly happy at the club and no release clause on his or anyone elses contract.

Freund: The reason we were late from changing rooms, he loves a chat! Nice man not sure he is the best for this role but we will see how he gets on this season.

Martins: AVBS real right hand man, very tactically astute man and great to have at the club.

Rocha: Best fitness coach in the game, consistently being poached by other clubs.

Sousa: Whenever you see a rumour (quite a bit in the media with this man) that sousa has scouted a player, it is a lie. Sousa scouts teams we are playing he does not specialise in one player. He specialises in formations, etc.

Ramsey: Sherwoods right hand man, one of the most hard working and respected men at the club. Whilst in charge of the kids he commands respect from anyone and rather strangely was key in the club appointing avb. In fact if it was not for this man avb would not have got the job such is his ability. Many contacts in the game also.

Scouting Team: Now I cannot say much but I would expect another appointment as I feel we are missing a proper head of scouting. Carr from Saudi Sportswashing Machine may well return to us, fingers crossed! This group are separate to Baldini and Sherwood but answer to them.

I have left people out here but I am running out of time. I also might not be able to reply much throughout the day but will attempt to.

Clear as mud hey?