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

[citizenDJ]

I've always rated Hutton so would be pleased if he arrived - he probably is a bit better than Young, who I suppose would be very solid back up for RB and LB (assuming Warnock will be starting).

I agree, though, that an additional centre-back would be a higher priority. Unless Cuellar stays, of course.

[Mazrim]

Whatever you think of Cuellar, and at centre half I do rate him, he is at best the 4th choice centre half now.
So that is what you are replacing. Upson had a ropey season its true, but as a 4th choice centre half he's not that bad a choice.

Obviously I would like to go and get Dann and make one of our current first choice pair a second choice but there you go.
I'm not mad on the idea and I dont hate it. But if Carlos is off, its alright.
I doubt there's anything in it anyway.

Here's another option. If Smalling and Jones are back up to Vidic and Ferdinand, what about Johnny Evans?

[Concrete John]

I still suspect there's one more big signing coming late in the window - probably CB or CM. 

So I wouldn't be too concerned about the Cuellar for Hutton change as AM will be evaluating what's he's got and whichever area is most needy gets the money spent on it.   

[Matt C]

Little note in the E&S which passed me by originally:

"The Express & Star also understands that McLeish had even begun to make enquiries about Wolves winger Matt Jarvis, as frustration grew over negotiations on the fee for N’Zogbia."

[UsualSuspect]

I don't quite see the logic in selling Cuellar to fund the signing of an average right back. We are far more stretched at centre back than at right back. Hutton is not much of a step up on Luke Young. He also has a dubious fitness record. 

Bentman I'm sure I read somewhere that his "fitness" or lack of it was due to something else

[Mellin]

Here's another option. If Smalling and Jones are back up to Vidic and Ferdinand, what about Johnny Evans?

The Evans at Sunderland a couple of years ago, I'd be interested. The player who's been floundering about in the United backline since his promotion, not so much.

Could see it working, but wouldn't want to spend more than 3-4m on him.

[pedro25]

Cuellar and Beye are likely to be cover only in our manager's eyes, 4th/5th choice centre backs and 2nd/3rd choice right backs at best, assuming they are preferred over Baker and Lichaj.  Both are out of contract next summer, we can afford to let one leave and probably should to balance the books and free up cash long term for top quality signings.  Nobody is in for Beye, nor likely to be given his age and wages, but an offer is on the table for Cuellar, I can see the sense in letting him go.  Ideally it would be Beye out as Carlos is better, but so be it, neither will be here in 12 months time, worst case scenario our 4th choice centre half is Beye/ Baker for 12 months rather than Carlos and our right backs are Young, Lichaj and Beye, again with no Cuellar option.  Or we may sign a decent centre half or right back who is beter than Cuellar.

[IRISHPHIL]

Why not a left back as cover for warnock, then have luke young and eric lhjed at right back, and sell carlos

[IRISHPHIL]

last post meant to be sell beye and carlos and get left back in

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

last post meant to be sell beye and carlos and get left back in

Nobody will touch Beye. His wages are to high and at 32 is not to eager to move anywhere on £42k a week ......

[UsualSuspect]

last post meant to be sell beye and carlos and get left back in

He's 34 in October which makes it even worse

Nobody will touch Beye. His wages are to high and at 32 is not to eager to move anywhere on £42k a week ......

[Concrete John]

If there was any interest at all I'd let him go.  If they offer £20k a week than pay him the balance to go - it'd still save us £1m!

[eastie]

has carlos turned rangers down - last i heard they wanted an answer last weekend and they were reportedly miles apart on agreeing wages after the clubs agreed a fee.


Carlos Cuellar has snubbed the 24 hour deadline that Rangers set on the transfer of the Spanish defender.

Despite agreeing a fee with Aston Villa and being in talks with the players agent Cuellar has turned his back on Ally McCoist’s public pleas by heading back to Spain rather than open talks with Rangers.

With less than 48 hours to go before the signing deadline for next week’s Champions League tie with Malmo the Rangers boss has almost given up on bringing Cuellar back to Ibrox.

Last night the rookie Rangers boss admitted: “We wanted an answer from Carlos today, definitely. He knows that, as does his agent and lawyer.

“There has been no news yet, unfortunately, from Carlos. He’s not been in touch. I understand he’s in Spain.

“How would I assess our chances? I have no idea. There is only one man who can answer that question and that’s Carlos. I don’t know if he’s talking to other clubs in Spain but I’ve never asked for any assurances.

“Carlos has not been in touch with me. Andrew Dickson (Rangers’ head of football administration) has been in constant dialogue with his agent and obviously we are hoping to move it along.

“But the thing about his situation is that Carlos won’t be fit to play in the immediate future. So, as quickly as we want it over the line, it’s not a massive priority. At this stage, other players would be the priority.”

[Toronto Villa]

Why not a left back as cover for warnock, then have luke young and eric lhjed at right back, and sell carlos

Eric Lichaj played pretty much the entire Gold Cup for the US at LB, and look quite competent to be fair. He seemed to fill in at CB also quite usefully, but he is a versatile full back in the Luke Young mould.

[jonzy85]

I would be happy enough if our defensive players remained the same. We have the same players there as in the 09/10 season, when we had the 2nd best defence in the League. We also have Clark now who is ready to step in as well as the likes of Lichaj, Baker who are potentials.

The are we need to address (even with the signing of N'Zogiba) is midfield. We have lost Milner, Downing, Young and NRC. Got in Makoun, Ireland (jury is out on both) and hopefully soon N'Zogbia. Albrighton made great progress last year, but it's too much to expect for him to fill Young or Downing's boots this season.

If we could get Scott Parker (or similar type) and another wide man we might be able to look forward to a good season.