Summer transfer rumours, speculation and out-and-out b*ll*cks.

[ozzjim]

I can see why we bid for Al Habsi now without a manager.

[Redman]

Here are my thoughts on the Henderson deal, if anyone's interested.

Firstly, depending on who you believe, the fee was either £16m (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/06/08/liverpool-fc-to-sign-jordan-henderson-after-transfer-deal-agreed-100252-28841838/) or £20m (http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/chris-young-column/sunderland_s_henderson_to_complete_liverpool_move_1_3457955).

Either way, it's a lot of money for a young player who hasn't yet proven himself. Six months ago, he earn't his first cap, was linked with both Manchester clubs and being spoken of as potentially the best English midfielder of the next generation. Had he continued on that trajectory, £16-20m might have seemed more reasonable compared to the relative transfer values of the best English midfielders of the current generation.

Had he continued on that trajectory, the competition for his signature would have been more fierce. But doubt set in. And Liverpool aren't in a competitive position at the moment. So this signing is an opportunistic gamble that Henderson's development hasn't stalled - he's just suffered a dip in form.

Phil Jones is now in the same situation Henderson was in six months ago. Which is why the Mancs had to beat off every club in the country to sign him for a similar price. But on Sunday night, having been given the inevitable runaround by the likes of Bojan, Mata and Muniain, it could easily be Jones' turn to suffer a dip in form and for the doubt to set in.

[Small Rodent]

It's all part of the Platini conspiracy as far as I'm concerned. Bring in rules about home-grown players, and a nationality quota. Which league are the worst offenders? EPL. So English young players get over-priced, and thus the EPL clubs see a reduction in their spending power.

[jonzy85]

http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6972857,00.html

McCoist on trying to sign Cuellar.

While never establishing himself as a regular, I would be disappointed if we let him go. It would be just one more player who would have to be signed in the summer and I dont see us improving on Cuellar without spending quite a bit more than what we will sell him for.

[JJ-AV]

He's a big earner and will leave for nothing next Summer. We need to recoup as much as possible of the £8m outlay.

I like him, nice bloke an all that but needs must.

[Ads]

Either way £16 million or £20 million for a shit Lee Hendire is madness.

[VillaZogmariner]

Either way £16 million or £20 million for a shit Lee Hendire is madness.

Not as mad as spending the money on Gibson, Brown, O'Shea and N'Gog!

[Redman]

Either way £16 million or £20 million for a shit Lee Hendire is madness.

If he goes on to be a shit Lee Hendrie, yeah.

I guess the jury's out on that one for now.

[enigma]

Krkic, Jeffren and Maxwell to be sold by Barca. We could do a lot worse.

[Dante Lavelli]

Krkic, Jeffren and Maxwell to be sold by Barca. We could do a lot worse.

Can anyone explain to me how barca can have money problems when their youth system has produced something like 9 of their 11 starters.  2 chumps leagues, huge stadium etc.

If they're not getting it right than Plattini's Fair Play rules are no where near strict enough to save football.

[enigma]

Krkic, Jeffren and Maxwell to be sold by Barca. We could do a lot worse.

Can anyone explain to me how barca can have money problems when their youth system has produced something like 9 of their 11 starters.  2 chumps leagues, huge stadium etc.

If they're not getting it right than Plattini's Fair Play rules are no where near strict enough to save football.

It is a strange one but I know they do have one of the biggest wage bills of any club in Europe and are trying to reduce it as it's currently far more than they can afford.

[Redman]

Please be true:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/927133/phil-jones-valued-by-rovers-at-L25m,-not-L16m-?cc=5739

[Karl Bridges]

Bleurgh

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek could return to England from Real Madrid, with Aston Villa a possible destination.
Full story: talkSPORT

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

We've already got Andy Marshall as our third choice keeper.

[timeoutbigbar]

Krkic, Jeffren and Maxwell to be sold by Barca. We could do a lot worse.

Can anyone explain to me how barca can have money problems when their youth system has produced something like 9 of their 11 starters.  2 chumps leagues, huge stadium etc.

If they're not getting it right than Plattini's Fair Play rules are no where near strict enough to save football.

It is a strange one but I know they do have one of the biggest wage bills of any club in Europe and are trying to reduce it as it's currently far more than they can afford.

They've got the top players on comically high wages.  They were very reluctant to give Dani Alves a new contract and he's probably the best fullback in the world.  Having said that, most clubs would pay anything for Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Villa.