Tom Cleverley - Loan Confirmed

[RussellC]

I don't doubt for a second that Cleverley is good enough for us. He's just not what we need at all. Especially for what is highly likely to represent a huge chunk of our budget.

We're desperate for creativity in the final 3rd, be it a proper number 10 or an out-and-out winger. Yes, we probably need reinforcements in midfield if KEA is off, but I'd honestly prefer us to spend £1m on Palacios and put the rest of the money towards solving a genuine problem.

Sorry Russell, but I couldn't disagree more.  If we continue with the 4-3-3 formation then we desperately need someone like Cleverley to play alongside Sanchez and Delph.  Central midfield has been a problem for us for a number of seasons and I think the introduction of someone like that will make a big difference.  A "number 10" type would be nice though we don't really play that formation too often ( we have Cole, N'Zogbia and Grealish who can all play there to varying levels of effectiveness if needed) and I still hold hope that a wide player will also come in as well, even if on loan.   

The bit that I don't understand, though, is the 'someone like Cleverley'. What exactly are the specific skills that you think he'll bring to our midfield to warrant such an outlay?

The other thing I don't get is how on earth we're expecting to fit him into our wage-structure. If this goes ahead, and for the figures suggested, why on earth are we still dragging our heels on getting Delph's contract extended.

[pauliewalnuts]

I see Leicester have signed Esteban Cambiasso.

That's a pretty impressive signing.

[Toronto Villa]

I see Leicester have signed Esteban Cambiasso.

That's a pretty impressive signing.

It is from a name standpoint. Can he still do it and will it be what's needed to keep them up? Will be interesting to see how he does.

[kippaxvilla2]

What is everyone's problem?  We've got the creative midfielder we need in Joe Cole.  Cleverly is needed to reign us back in when being too ebullient going forward.

[Louzie0]

I see Leicester have signed Esteban Cambiasso.

That's a pretty impressive signing.

It is from a name standpoint. Can he still do it and will it be what's needed to keep them up? Will be interesting to see how he does.

It's not Cleverly, though. From an impressive name standpoint and can he still do it, I say yes, he is, he can and he will.

[RussellC]

What is everyone's problem?  We've got the creative midfielder we need in Joe Cole.  Cleverly is needed to reign us back in when being too ebullient going forward.

I actually think we'd have got more out of Tonev than we did Cole last night.

[pauliewalnuts]

I see Leicester have signed Esteban Cambiasso.

That's a pretty impressive signing.

It is from a name standpoint. Can he still do it and will it be what's needed to keep them up? Will be interesting to see how he does.

He doesn't have to do enough to keep them up alone, he just needs to contribute something worthwhile.

Played 32 times for Inter as recently as last season, I'm far more confident of him still being able to do it than I am of Joe Cole, put it that way.

[olaftab]

What is everyone's problem?  We've got the creative midfielder we need in Joe Cole.  Cleverly is needed to reign us back in when being too ebullient going forward.

Brilliant I never saw it that way. Thanks and all our troubles will be far away  soon.

[olaftab]

This from Daily Mail:
Aston Villa have made a £7million bid for Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley.
The 25-year-old, who has one year left on his contract, also has interest from Hull City and Everton.
Cleverley's advisers held talks with United earlier this month over a new contract and expected an offer to follow. However, with United tied up on trying to sign new additions and Louis van Gaal clearly not happy with some of the players at his disposal United will listen to offers.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2736901/Manchester-United-s-Tom-Cleverley-subject-7million-bid-Aston-Villa.html#ixzz3BjRJhTVc
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[ChicagoLion]

What is everyone's problem?  We've got the creative midfielder we need in Joe Cole.  Cleverly is needed to reign us back in when being too ebullient going forward.

Brilliant I never saw it that way. Thanks and all our troubles will be far away  soon.

And I believe in yesterday

[pauliewalnuts]

What is everyone's problem?  We've got the creative midfielder we need in Joe Cole.  Cleverly is needed to reign us back in when being too ebullient going forward.

Brilliant I never saw it that way. Thanks and all our troubles will be far away  soon.

And I believe in yesterday

Scrambled eggs ....

[Matt Collins]

Bloody hell just got back in. I didn't expect us to be making £7m bids for anyone, but if we are I didn't expect it to be for Tom cleverly!

I'm guessing he plays number ten ahead of Richardson or cole? 

His confidence seems shot so I hope the crowd give him a chance. I've never really seen why he's been highly rated but there's obviously some talent in there if Martinez rates him

[Toronto Villa]

I see Leicester have signed Esteban Cambiasso.

That's a pretty impressive signing.

It is from a name standpoint. Can he still do it and will it be what's needed to keep them up? Will be interesting to see how he does.

He doesn't have to do enough to keep them up alone, he just needs to contribute something worthwhile.

Played 32 times for Inter as recently as last season, I'm far more confident of him still being able to do it than I am of Joe Cole, put it that way.

you might be right. The PL is a lot faster than Serie A, and in a DM he'll get a lot of teams playing quick pass and move football (ok not us, but some teams, you catch my drift). He'll offer a lot experience and leadership.

[tomd2103]

I don't doubt for a second that Cleverley is good enough for us. He's just not what we need at all. Especially for what is highly likely to represent a huge chunk of our budget.

We're desperate for creativity in the final 3rd, be it a proper number 10 or an out-and-out winger. Yes, we probably need reinforcements in midfield if KEA is off, but I'd honestly prefer us to spend £1m on Palacios and put the rest of the money towards solving a genuine problem.

Sorry Russell, but I couldn't disagree more.  If we continue with the 4-3-3 formation then we desperately need someone like Cleverley to play alongside Sanchez and Delph.  Central midfield has been a problem for us for a number of seasons and I think the introduction of someone like that will make a big difference.  A "number 10" type would be nice though we don't really play that formation too often ( we have Cole, N'Zogbia and Grealish who can all play there to varying levels of effectiveness if needed) and I still hold hope that a wide player will also come in as well, even if on loan.   

The bit that I don't understand, though, is the 'someone like Cleverley'. What exactly are the specific skills that you think he'll bring to our midfield to warrant such an outlay?

I can't see us changing too often from a 4-3-3, so what we need is someone to come in on the right side of that three alongside Delph and Sanchez.  We need someone energetic, decent in possession and can chip in with a few goals, all things that Cleverley has proven he can do in the top flight.  Ideally I'd like James Milner back, but I see Cleverley as a similar type of player.     

[PeterWithesShin]

Potentially a decent signing, but at 34 and playing in a new league he could just as much struggle. Must be a reason he was subbed 10 or 12 times last season with a fair few after about an hour, and that's with the slower pace of Italy. Having said that he will probably be more use than Joe Cole based on the Orient game.