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

[Concrete John]

Don't know if this has been already mentioned, but would people agree with me in thinking the reason the Given deal hasn't been concluded is because Eck is waiting for Downing to leave, then use some of the money to go for his real No 1 target - Foster.

I don't know how likely it is, but I'd be happy if that were the case.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Don't know if this has been already mentioned, but would people agree with me in thinking the reason the Given deal hasn't been concluded is because Eck is waiting for Downing to leave, then use some of the money to go for his real No 1 target - Foster.

Yes i have been thinking the same. Foster is perfect for us. No relocation and Mcleish friendly. Also Mcleish knows if Givens shoulder injury returned he would be in real trouble ....

[PaulTheVillan]

If we have the Downing & Young money to spend then we should go for

Foster - £10m
Parker - £7m
NZogbia - £10m
Hutton - £5m
Shane Long - £5m

[villabear]

Were more likely to sign Shane Ward and by the way that's his goal not yours!

[Marlon From Bearwood]

I just can't see Parker coming to us.

Re Foster, I think he'd love to join us as otherwise where will he go? Albion probably can't afford him (partly due to Small Heath potentially pricing him out of a move), and none of the bigger clubs need a new keeper, except maybe Arsenal and he's not a Wenger type signing.

[Mazrim]

I'd go-

Foster - £8m
Naughton - loan with fee agreed.
Enrique - £6m (sell Warnock for £3m)
Dann - £11m (sell Cuellar for £3m)
Parker - £7m
Canales - loan (sell Heskey for anything)
N'Zogbia - £9m

That would be covered by Young and Downing's fees.

[Dave P]

What if Mcleish is thinking of playing

------Makoun----Delph----------
NZogbia----Ireland----Albrighton
-------------Bent----------------

Ireland is better than young IN THAT position if we can get him to play.
NZogbia is better than Downing
Albrighton can on improve.

Throw Gabby and Parker into that mix and you have a great midfield / striking options.

[Concrete John]

If we have the Downing & Young money to spend then we should go for

Foster - £10m
Parker - £7m
NZogbia - £10m
Hutton - £5m
Shane Long - £5m

You actually had me going until that last bit

[richardhubbard]

Give Bham 11m for Scott Dann are you nuts Maz

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I'd go-

Foster - £8m
Naughton - loan with fee agreed.
Enrique - £6m (sell Warnock for £3m)
Dann - £11m (sell Cuellar for £3m)
Parker - £7m
Canales - loan (sell Heskey for anything)
N'Zogbia - £9m

That would be covered by Young and Downing's fees.

Likey-likey this list, but would omit Dann.
Surely we can find better and cheaper abroad, thus freeing extra cash for another player.

[Mazrim]

Give Bham 11m for Scott Dann are you nuts Maz

I'd give them less if they'd accept it. He wont go for much less.

[ASHTONVILLA]

What we all mostly agree on...?

- The board have handled this summer with the delicate touch of Peter Sutcliffe.
- We can replace Downing.
- Young will be difficult to replace.
- The manager is not who/what we wanted or remotely close. But we want him to do well.
- We need massive investment in the squad. Especially now. NOW!!!!
- What happens in the next few weeks is vital.
- Paul Faulkner is hopeless.

Yes thats a good summary.

It's what we will do in the next few weeks that there is debate on, and sadly though I'd rather believe the optimistic view you hold to, I am more inclined to agree with your brother.

Don't know if this has been already mentioned, but would people agree with me in thinking the reason the Given deal hasn't been concluded is because Eck is waiting for Downing to leave, then use some of the money to go for his real No 1 target - Foster.

No, I think he didn't have enough money to meet the Man City valuation of Given, and was waiting for more funds from the Downing sale.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

What we all mostly agree on...?

- The board have handled this summer with the delicate touch of Peter Sutcliffe.
- We can replace Downing.
- Young will be difficult to replace.
- The manager is not who/what we wanted or remotely close. But we want him to do well.
- We need massive investment in the squad. Especially now. NOW!!!!
- What happens in the next few weeks is vital.
- Paul Faulkner is hopeless.

Yes thats a good summary.

It's what we will do in the next few weeks that there is debate on, and sadly though I'd rather believe the optimistic view you hold to, I am more inclined to agree with your brother.

Same here.
I reckon Brother Mazrim is closer to the truth.
The original Mazrim is 'Imagine'
Mazrimsbruv is 'Working class hero'

[Jockey Randall]

I can't believe people would go for Foster over Given. He's a shot stopper no more, his kicking is probably the worst I have seen from a professional keeper and he's already proved he can't handle the pressure of a top side at Manure. He is one of those keepers who is best at home when having a lot to do in a poor team.

Given has so much more ability and has just been unfortunate to have Joe Hart alongside him at City. Easily a top 6 keeper though.

[Mazrim]

Goway ye traitors!