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

[Klaus Katt]

Footylatest suggests we are after Real Madrid's defensive midfielder lady Gago. Could it have been the mission for last weeks visit to Madrid?

[Salsa Party Animal]

Fernando Gago defensive player and creative as well. 

[Dave]

Also a bit rubbish.

[LeeS]

What does everybody think of this Phil Jones transfer? It is a bit suspect. It went from 'clause activated' status to 'player having medical' status within no time at all and all while Ferguson was holidaying in France.

Here's my theory:

• Jones had clearly been tapped up. He was just waiting for the call. Nothing unusual about that.
• Blackburn, aware they'd set the buy-out clause too low decide not to comply. Why should they? The Mancs' weren't.
• The only evidence Blackburn have of an illegal approach is the Mancs' apparent knowledge of Jones' contract clause.
• In order to avoid making an allegation they may not be able to prove, Blackburn invent a different interpretation of the buy-out clause instead and demand more money.
• The Mancs have 3 choices:
  
  • Dispute Blackburn's interpretation of the clause, force the deal through and risk being reported.
  • Dispute Blackburn's interpretation of the clause, do the deal and settle out of court.
  • Accept Blackburn's interpretation of the clause and do the deal for a higher fee.
  [li]The most likely option to me seems like 2. The reported higher bids from Liverpool and Arsenal give Blackburn an incentive to litigate. They can prove they could have sold Jones for a higher fee than the buyout clause.

There is nothing stopping the player (or his agent) talking openly about the clause, surely? We hear lots about these clauses. Why should they be secret.

[timeoutbigbar]

Fernando Gago defensive player and creative as well. 

Sounds fancy, but can't get a look in at Real.  Wasn't Diarra available from them?  I'd prefer him.

[Redman]

United lawyers seem confident it will go through at 16 million. If there is a clause, Blackburn are screwed.

That's been the Mancs' official line throughout.

If the deal has finally gone through at £16m rising to around £20m (as Steve Kean claims), that would suggest Blackburn may have had a case.

[ozzjim]

Or United have cleverly structured the extra 4 million to take a long time to pay it and sort the deal out.

[Redman]

Or United have cleverly structured the extra 4 million to take a long time to pay it and sort the deal out.

If their approach was unimpeachable, why pay £4m extra at all? More important than the money is the apparent admission of guilt/weakness.

However, I see they are still sticking to the line that the original deal has gone through.

Either way, Manchester United don't come out of this unscathed. This transfer has played out in such a way to let Blackburn claim a victory whether they have had one or not.

[ozzjim]

Or United have cleverly structured the extra 4 million to take a long time to pay it and sort the deal out.

If their approach was unimpeachable, why pay £4m extra at all? More important than the money is the apparent admission of guilt/weakness.

However, I see they are still sticking to the line that the original deal has gone through.

Either way, Manchester United don't come out of this unscathed. This transfer has played out in such a way to let Blackburn claim a victory whether they have had one or not.

It seems they paid 1m more, not 4 now, I think United were pretty watertight and simply paid extra to prevent a summer of sillyness.

[Villafirst]

First Summer signing prediction: August 31st 2011 - 4:59pm

[CJ]

First Summer signing prediction: August 31st 2011 - 4:59pm

Trouble is that will just be the new manager

[PaulTheVillan]

Has Ashley Young fucked off yet?

[Ger Regan]

N'Zogbia is nailed on to be a target now. Hopefully they do it straight away.

[Matt Collins]

I reckon downing and young will leave for about 32m between them.

I reckon we'll spend about 40. Mcleish likely to be after a few blues players: both CBs, foster, Gardner and larsson. Not sure they'll sell to us easily.

Otherwise I reckon:
N'zogbia
Nolan
Darron Gibson
Konchesky
Jenas
Palacios
Kranjkar
Dempsey

Plus one or two from the championship will be amongst our lead targets, as well as a couple from abroad. Some good options and some very meg ones

If we sign Robbie keane I'll do my nut

[Redman]

Or United have cleverly structured the extra 4 million to take a long time to pay it and sort the deal out.

If their approach was unimpeachable, why pay £4m extra at all? More important than the money is the apparent admission of guilt/weakness.

However, I see they are still sticking to the line that the original deal has gone through.

Either way, Manchester United don't come out of this unscathed. This transfer has played out in such a way to let Blackburn claim a victory whether they have had one or not.

It seems they paid 1m more, not 4 now, I think United were pretty watertight and simply paid extra to prevent a summer of sillyness.

If they were watertight, they wouldn't pay a penny extra and they'd welcome intervention from the Premier League to resolve the matter on their behalf.

Otherwise they set a precedent where release clauses become worthless. What's the point of them if the selling club can just dig their heels in and demand more?