Tom Cleverley loan watch

[Toronto Villa]

I think a part of the discussion relates to what kind of player did we think he was when he arrived? Kevin Richardson was effective but anonymous. You can be a valuable player even if your work goes unnoticed. Cleverley isn't the most dynamic, but I think there is a lot more to come from him, with us or someone else. you generally don't get to play for Man U, and in the one season quite often without being decent.

[RussellC]

I wouldn't say that he's anonymous at all. Ineffective perhaps, but his work-rate alone makes anonymous an unfair accusation in my opinion.

The fact that we're quibbling about whether he should be deemed ineffective or anonymous sums up this discussion quite neatly.

The other thing I'd say is that a payer is wholly responsible for his anonymity, whereas a player like Cleverley can easily be ineffective because of the team/system he's playing in. Again, that's not to say that's he's been the shining light, because he bears the same responsibility as the rest of the side, but I do think there's a potentially very good player in there.

[Clampy]

A couple of million, at a push £3m, then fine. Any more than that and i'd look elsewhere.

My worry, is that I can honestly see us rejecting him and him joining Everton and being a very good player for them in a very attack-minded team.

There's a possibility that might happen. I suppose at the end of the day it depends how much Man Utd want for him if they decide to cash in.

My understanding was that the deal and price were already in place and it was just down to us to yay or nay it in january...?

Then it goes back to what the agreementl actually is. Like I said, if it's £2-3m, then fine. If it is anywhere near the rumoured £7m, then that's too much.

[RussellC]

I think a part of the discussion relates to what kind of player did we think he was when he arrived? Kevin Richardson was effective but anonymous. You can be a valuable player even if your work goes unnoticed. Cleverley isn't the most dynamic, but I think there is a lot more to come from him, with us or someone else. you generally don't get to play for Man U, and in the one season quite often without being decent.

I think a lot of people were hoping that he'd be that elusive "number 10" playing just in behind Benteke like he did during his loan-spell at Watford.

In reality, he's been asked to play on the left-handside on a midfield 3 in a team who's attacking philosophy is to get the ball forward as early as possible and then defend with a very deep line, meaning anyone that plays in our midfield has to put a shift in, as a bare minimum.

[lovejoy]

Send him back and put the money towards a new deal for Delph?

I agree, I'd be tempted to give Delph a take it or leave it offer, that if he turns down we sell him in Jan.

[Sexual Ealing]

Why would Delph sign when he'll get at least as much dough at a good team?

[Dave]

Quite.

I'd be surprised if the 'take it or leave it' offer to Delph came any later than October. I expect we're well beyond that stage now.

And good luck to him wherever he ends up next.

[ROBBO]

None of the top teams will go for Delph he just isn't that good.

[silhillvilla]

None of the top teams will go for Delph he just isn't that good.

He's not top 5 material . He is about spurs / pool / Everton level .

[fredm]

He is english and he will be cheap. That is why the top clubs will look at him.

[Dave]

Quite. Scott Sinclair wasn't at Man City's level either, but as his contract was running out they thought he was worth a punt.

If it turns out that Delph is free in July, I'd expect most teams to be interested. Worst case scenario is they sell him in a year or two for £5-£10m and make a big profit.

[Dante Lavelli]

He is english and he will be cheap. That is why the top clubs will look at him.

With Milner pushing 30 and contract running down, I would not be surprised if Delph was brought in and Milner displaced for their token british player role. 

[Tom_Mc9?]

None of the top teams will go for Delph he just isn't that good.

Sidwell.

[peter w]

A couple of million, at a push £3m, then fine. Any more than that and i'd look elsewhere.

My worry, is that I can honestly see us rejecting him and him joining Everton and being a very good player for them in a very attack-minded team.

There's a possibility that might happen. I suppose at the end of the day it depends how much Man Utd want for him if they decide to cash in.

My understanding was that the deal and price were already in place and it was just down to us to yay or nay it in january...?

Then it goes back to what the agreementl actually is. Like I said, if it's £2-3m, then fine. If it is anywhere near the rumoured £7m, then that's too much.

He's young and an England international. It really is nonsensical to think he'd be valued as little as £2-£3m.

[Gregorys Boy]

Think Cleverley will struggle to get back in the side now.  Delph looked good today and is clearly one of our most important players, Sanchez is an important player in a different way, and personally when Westwood does return I would have him ahead of Cleverley.