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

[Dante Lavelli]

I've always maintained I feel Gabby's best position would be as an inside forward on the left in a real 4-3-3 formation, like where Houllier was attempting to play him.

We just don't have enough players who can feed him and he tends to drift infield alot. When he was upfront alone in 2008/09 he got so many assists and goals from that left hand side.

4-3-3. Marc (or Downing if he's here) wide right offering with, Gabby left getting inbetween the fullback and centre half. Ireland on the left of the midfield three exploiting the space Gabby creates.

Hmmmm, I like the way you're thinking.
I'd still try and nab Nzogbia though as it's risky to say the least having to rely on both Gabby and Albrighton to both come good.

[Dante Lavelli]

One of McLeish's biggest challenges is trying to tap into the potential of our existing players. Every one of Ireland, Albrighton, Clark, Bannan, Delph and to a lesser extent The Fonz have looked genuinely awesome in patches during their careers.

I hope the identified are given a chance rather than the easy option of signing players like Jenas and Samba.

[ozzjim]

It is all very interesting. He must have by my maths about 35 million to spend. Nzogbia, Verhoek, Diego would be nice.

[Matt Collins]

We really need to get cracking don't we!

We currently have no proven keeper, 1 fullback we can have any confidence in, no midfield ballwinner and only 1 player with any kind of pedigree to play on either flank, and he was badly out of form at the end of last season. I think that's 5 signings minimum, with perhaps £25m to do it if kendrick's to be believed. You don't get much for a £5m average spend per player unless you buy very well - moyes rather than mon signings.

We currently seem set to rely on the rejuvenation of several senior players and the emergence of several kids. It absolutely could happen but it also is a big risk.

[Matt Collins]

N'zogbia (10), given (3.5), Hutton (4), Parker (7) or dare I say it Barton (3) plus sturridge and kranjcar on loan is the very upper end of my hopes. I couldn't say I have a view on the likes of verhoek or Vargas.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

We really need to get cracking don't we!

We currently have no proven keeper, 1 fullback we can have any confidence in, no midfield ballwinner and only 1 player with any kind of pedigree to play on either flank, and he was badly out of form at the end of last season. I think that's 5 signings minimum, with perhaps £25m to do it if kendrick's to be believed. You don't get much for a £5m average spend per player unless you buy very well - moyes rather than mon signings.

We currently seem set to rely on the rejuvenation of several senior players and the emergence of several kids. It absolutely could happen but it also is a big risk.

Agreed Matt. But in AM's shoes I would probably do the same. The senior pro's DO need to step up to the plate...otherwise, why have experienced players in the club/side? They know what is expected and if Dunne and Collins, Warnock don't like the responsibiltiy then get rid and bring in someone who will. These guys want the money but not the sh*t that goes with it. I hope we do see them turn things around, for themselves and us! The young players will always be a bit of a gamble so let's use them sparingly and give them the support they need to develop into great players for US, not like we did with Cahill or even Gardner, who it almost hurts to say was probably just as effective a player as Downing was for us last year. We spent years developing these guys then sell them on...that to me is a worse scenario than the Downing one. With a few new carefully chosen players in, we could become a really good side. Fingers crossed!

[Clampy]

It is all very interesting. He must have by my maths about 35 million to spend. Nzogbia, Verhoek, Diego would be nice.

Verhoek is an interesting one. From the couple of You Tube videos i've watched of him, he seemed to set up a lot of goals, which is what Eck is looking for i think and he can play as a forward. At a reasonable price, it might be worth a gamble.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

It is all very interesting. He must have by my maths about 35 million to spend. Nzogbia, Verhoek, Diego would be nice.

Verhoek is an interesting one. From the couple of You Tube videos i've watched of him, he seemed to set up a lot of goals, which is what Eck is looking for i think and he can play as a forward. At a reasonable price, it might be worth a gamble.

Particularly as Whelan is talking up N'zog's value!

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is pushing the club to splash out £7m on Scott Parker - and is also eyeing Fiorentina winger Juan Manuel Vargas as a replacement for Stewart Downing.
Full story: Daily Mirror

[UsualSuspect]

for Gabby see NRC, thinks he's better than he is,
the only people interested will be lower table strugglers.

Gabby is a busted flush, said it two years ago and copped a load of stick, still havent changed my mind

I like Gabby but agree with most of that, he's what 25? What he can't do now he'll never be able to do. Good to come off the bench as an impact sub for 20 mins but I wouldn't start him

[UsualSuspect]

unbelievable. Gabby gets injured and his form slips. Cue people writing him off.

He's still very young, and if he's healthy he'll cause teams all kinds of problems. Gabby's pace scares defences to death, and if they are worrying about him, and if we find a way to play him with Bent, then he'll open up holes for other players just by his running into spaces. It's not all about goals for Gabby, he has other attributes that never get appreciated.

Still very young?

[N'ZMAV]

I hope the Given deal is wrapped up by the weekend. That is the most important deal. Obviously no keeper is fucking madness.
We'll need to get a move on after that. Winger (or 2) maybe a midfielder and some full backs if Warnock isn't back in teh frame.

Although, Warnock, Beye and Ireland will be like new signings....

[brontebilly]

I've always maintained I feel Gabby's best position would be as an inside forward on the left in a real 4-3-3 formation, like where Houllier was attempting to play him.

We just don't have enough players who can feed him and he tends to drift infield alot. When he was upfront alone in 2008/09 he got so many assists and goals from that left hand side.

4-3-3. Marc (or Downing if he's here) wide right offering with, Gabby left getting inbetween the fullback and centre half. Ireland on the left of the midfield three exploiting the space Gabby creates.

no way mate, Gabby has shit for brains and cant play anywhere but up top by himself. Ignore last season he was developing into a fine lone centre forward (CCup final anyone, yes Heskey was there but only getting in the way). Definitely think he should be given chances alongside Bent but it looks like he is Bent's reserve now really.

[UsualSuspect]

We need to have a replacement for one of Young or Downing by the end of this weekend.

[pauliewalnuts]

We need to have a replacement for one of Young or Downing by the end of this weekend.

I love the way we all seem to have pretty much forgotten the concept of replacing Young AND Downing so quickly.