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

[Redman]

It rises to 20 though right Redman, and like Bent, we paid 18 rising to 24 but everyone will say we spent 24.


Henderson is a decent prospect, but a 10-12 million player, not 16-20 million.

Things change quickly in football though, don't they? Henderson is only a six-month purple-patch away from proving he's worth every penny. And Bent is only a six-month dry spell away from looking like an expensive mistake.

So although both players undeniably cost a lot of money, I don't subscribe to the view that they'll never repay it. At least not before they've had a chance to.

I hope for his sake that Henderson is suffering from playing too much in the last two seasons, because his drop in form has been a bit too prolonged. The Under 21's has really just confirmed what a lot of Sunderland fans have been saying for a while, but you're right - time is on his side.

I'd say Liverpool capitalised on Henderson's poor form to an extent. If his stock was still high, there'd likely have been more competition for his signature.

And I think the reason we were willing to pay big was because his style is a perfect fit for the Liverpool pass-and-move. Compared to Sunderland and England under-21s, there's a good chance he'll be spoilt playing with a fast-moving ball and plenty of options around him.

As for Bent, I don't want to put a curse on him but I wouldn't be surprised if he has a frustrating season in store. McLeish isn't known for playing to his striker's strengths (granted he's never had a striker as good as Bent) plus if Young and Downing both go, can Eck replace their supply?

[Mazrim]

Downing is unlikely to go. And Bent has proven himself in every season in all types of teams.

[PeterWithe]

Downing is unlikely to go.

You think so? I think he's unlikely to stay, his agent seems to be in his ear saying he can get him more money at a higher placed club and I think he will push for a move. I hope I'm as wrong as I was about McLeish.

[Mazrim]

Unless we get a silly offer in the mid 20 millions I cant envisage him going, no.
Not this summer anyway.

[PeterWithe]

£18-20m and I think he's gone, I think McLeish will want a clean slate with any agitators out the door, he'll have a hard enough job as it is without fannies moaning about not getting the moves they wanted.

[cheshire-villa]

One player from the lower leagues we should snap up is an 18year old at Tranmere called Dale Jennings. I watched him a number of times at Prenton Park last season and he was outstanding everytime.
Great potential and could be nurtured into the club.

[Des Little]

£18-20m and I think he's gone, I think McLeish will want a clean slate with any agitators out the door, he'll have a hard enough job as it is without fannies moaning about not getting the moves they wanted.

Seconded

[Redman]

Downing is unlikely to go. And Bent has proven himself in every season in all types of teams.

He was still scoring goals even when he was unhappy at Sunderland so that might not be a problem. But I don't see him being happy playing the sort of role Eck's strikers usually do.

[PeterWithe]

Downing is unlikely to go. And Bent has proven himself in every season in all types of teams.

He was still scoring goals even when he was unhappy at Sunderland so that might not be a problem. But I don't see him being happy playing the sort of role Eck's strikers usually do.

He's never happier than when he's up front on his own and there is no other striker to crowd his space, admittedly he might not be so happy when his midfield support isn't in the same postcode.

[Redman]

Downing is unlikely to go. And Bent has proven himself in every season in all types of teams.

He was still scoring goals even when he was unhappy at Sunderland so that might not be a problem. But I don't see him being happy playing the sort of role Eck's strikers usually do.

He's never happier than when he's up front on his own and there is no other striker to crowd his space, admittedly he might not be so happy when his midfield support isn't in the same postcode.

That's it. He wants the ball played ahead of him to run on to. He doesn't want to have to go looking for it.

[PeterWithe]

If he's playing as the lone striker he shouldn't need to have to go looking for it as it will be the role of others, he sticks the ball in the net and will do what ever style we play. The point is will he be happy playing in a defensive style where every miss might be more highlighted.

I'll give it till Xmas before we start seeing stories about him reviewing his career options and he'll be gone in 12 months.

[Mazrim]

£18-20m and I think he's gone, I think McLeish will want a clean slate with any agitators out the door, he'll have a hard enough job as it is without fannies moaning about not getting the moves they wanted.

Maybe but with Young moving there will be major pressure to keep Downing unless the offer is just too good to refuse and would enable us to get a player that would balance the loss.

[hipkiss92]

As maligned as Mcleish is, I can't see him working with a player who could potentially score 30 goals in a season and not play to his strengths.

[PeterWithe]

As maligned as Mcleish is, I can't see him working with a player who could potentially score 30 goals in a season and not play to his strengths.

True, Cameron Jerome couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo so he set up his side to never give him the chance to embarass himself

[ozzjim]

Bent will get chances and score goals. If we were to nick Adam, his supply line with Delph, Adam, Albrighton, Makoun, would be pretty strong, before thinking about Bannan, and the possible replacements for Downing and Young.