Football Transfer Centre

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Wednesday December 4


Noel: 'At this stage in his career I would absolutely love to see Berbatov walking around the Arsenal frontline. Just thought as a club at the top of the PL you're ambitions might have stretched a little further than a Man U reject from years ago. Nice to know you are becoming more realistic in your own ambitions. Doesn't say much for the players AW regards as your back up strikers; Podolski and Walcott, though.'
14:45

Rich Lynn says: 'As a football fan it's very easy to enjoy the world's best players of which Bale and Modric are two. Irrelevant of who you support. Idolise is obviously a silly word to use however. We idolise our children for example but certainly not a footballer. And to say Spurs will never play them, that's another classic that needs saving. Bearing in mind Spurs are not seeded one when in CL there is a slight chance. And I will be in the South Stand giving them both huge applause in thanks for some fantastic memories.'
14:42

Simon Wan writes: 'I would be very interested to watch 11 Jose Luis Chilavert or Rogerio Ceni. On the side note, I need some Southampton fans to tell me if Luke Shaw is worth 30 million in FM 2014.'
14:40
Chris Coleman never doubted Bale anyway.
14:32

Brad: 'Noel - so having Berbatov as a back up striker on loan is evidence how Arsenal wont finish top 4?'
14:30

Tony F says: 'Hi and thanks to Brad (1.40) for that; spot-on. Yes, I am clearly talking in the future tense in reference to Modric and Bale; Spurs won't be facing them any time soon in a competitive match and so Spurs fans can, as Brad rightly says, idolise them. And Rob you've cleared up the confusion about whether Spurs fans are 'fickle' or 'confused.' As for Berbatov well here's your chance to answer whether Spurs or anyone would take him; Berbatov or Soldado? Hmm, that needs no thought at all - DB every time!'
14:20

Noel: 'Brad; you asked me yesterday why Arsenal cannot win the league. Your post at 13:32 has answered that question better than I ever could.'
14:10

Anyone fancy any upsets in the Premier League tonight? Liverpool's defence doesn't look one one to be trusted in my eyes but are Norwich capable of taking full advantage? Sky Bet are offering 7/1 on Norwich in the Draw No Bet market, which looks reasonable value. Gary Hooper is 14/1 to find the net first.
14:05

Derek: 'Kumar - Pele is 73 years old. I reckon even a team of Emmanuel Adebayor's would have a chance of winning against that team!'

Rich Lynn writes: 'Just logged in. Gerrard better than Bale?? Simply hilarious. Dread to think how far Bale will be in front of Gerrard in every possible stat by the time he's finished. Not belittling Stevie in the slightest but there's a big jump to the next level and Bale has done it.'
13:35

Brad: 'Talking of Berbatov, would any Arsenal fans take him on loan for 6 months in January? I would.'
13:32

Brad: 'Rob - In defence of Tony, he was quite clearly referring to the future and the fact that Spurs wont have to face Bale any time soon, so its easy for you to idolise him.'

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Thursday December 5


Rich: 'Yes Paul, you took Spain's centre forward (when Villa was injured) and managed to turn him into a player that made Spain prefer to play with no strikers than pick him. Genius work getting £50m though to be fair, Well, it would have been if you hadn't blown it on Carroll and Adam.As for 20 goals - I very much doubt it. You don't play Norwich again for a while do you?'
15:11

Alan: 'In reply to Rob, yes, Ibra and Cavani have both overtaken him (Falcao) after a blank couple of games on the top-scorer charts; he's scored nine in total and more gossip over here that he's in a big sulk over contract so I guess watch this space but seems like he's looking for a way out. I haven't seen him in the flesh since the opening game but agree he's hardly looked the player he was with Atletico last year (I won't mention the certain RS at Spurs but similar in taking longer to fit in perhaps). I guess the big draw is the fact he can play CL in the new year and that's maybe why Chelsea are interested; we all moan about strikers but Ba, Eto'o and Torres are hardly ripping it up down at the Bridge these days.'
15:11

Richard: 'In reply to Brad.Liverpool have coped very well without Suarez, his bans have forced us to.'
15:10

Simon:'This is my attempt to sum up every day here at the TC:Arsenal fans: We are #1. Ozil is #1. Ramsey is #1.Everyone who isn't an Arsenal fan: Jealous of Arsenal's good team performance and standingLiverpool fans: We have Suarez!Everyone who isn't a Liverpool fan: Liverpool is bad, Suarez is leaving 100% for cheap. Spurs fans: Bale is the best!Everyone who isn't a Spurs fan: Bro , do you even score?Man Utd fans: We will turn around and be in top 4!Everyone who isn't a Man Utd fan: They will turn around and be in top 4.'
15:08

Paul: 'Yes Noel, some players have had successful careers before they come to Liverpool, but surely not many! As for Suarez scoring, one against City, one against Chelsea, two against the Hammers, two against Cardiff and he must surely score at least one against Mr Dawson and co. It could in fact be more than twenty!'
14:40

Brad: 'Paul - How are you going to replace all these goals when Suarez leaves?'
14:38

Noel: 'To answer Paul's two questions. 1. No it wasn't, Torres had approx 40 appearances and 15 goals for Spain before he joined Liverpool. Contrary to what you seem to think players have had successful careers before joining Liverpool. 2. 20 is possible for Suarez if he gets 6 against Cardiff and West Ham. Taking his record against the rest of the better teams this season into account 1 would be a good return for him in the other 3 games you mentioned.'
13:53

Greg: 'Seems like it was my worst nightmare yesterday seeing the two worst Arsenal players hit in the second minute - Jenkinson and Bendtner. Does that mean we do not need new signings in January? Great. We have all the forwards and fullbacks we need to compete against the likes of City and Chelsea. Can't wait to see Giroud/Bendtner battle Negredo/Dzeko/Aguero - those three don't stand a chance!'
13:48

Jay: 'Brad I think we know who bought those players and my opinion on them is:Borini - Probably not good enough and will go back to Italy.Allen - Squad player but he's a more attacking threat than Lucas.Luis Alberto & Aspas - Jury out but need to starting adapting quickly (if they are going to) Sakho - Not seen enough for a true opinion, not the quickest but a beast of a man, I have hopes for him.As was said, everyone makes mistakes but at least if they do fail then they aren't 25-30M mistakes, the dearest there is Sakho at 18m and I hope he'll prove himself worth that. Even great players can be bought and fail in a certain country (e.g. Morientes)'
13:46

Rob: 'In response to Alan, I've watched 3 Monaco games this year and he certainly doesn't look the player he has been, he was dreadful against Nantes I think it was and was substituted after an hour. I'd like to see him in the PL, although I don't think Chelsea would suit his style of play as it has never suited Torres, they play very narrow and it's always tight for the no.9 to find the gaps between opposing centre halves which he is/was so good at. By the way, are you not counting Ibra and Cavani in the top scorer stat?'
13:45

Paul: 'Must just quickly turn back to Suarez. Several weeks ago, I was mocked on TC and you know who you are, when I dared to suggest Suarez would score 20 goals by January.Now with 5 games until January, matches against, West Ham, Spurs, Cardiff, City and Chelsea coming up, he requires just seven goals for the 20. Do you learned followers of football think he has a chance of this fantastic feat, considering he missed the first 6 games?'
13:44

Rob: 'Solado, that's an ice cream isn't it or is it a Spanish salad? Can you tell me when David Villa was not first choice when fit? There is zero research going on here.'

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Wednesday December 11


Jay Dowman writes: 'Brad, 'Hatred'? Really, bit strong that isn't it, you really hate LFC and their fans? Not going to get involved in a 'we're better than you' pointless argument. As was mentioned, both teams have missing players, Spurs have a better squad, we have the best player on the pitch which means that either team can win to be honest. Us outperformed by a stronger squad or a piece of magic from Luis, it's going to be a good match to watch I think.'
12:00

Phil Williams writes: 'Seeing that Bayern had to get a decent result last night to avoid being knocked off the top of the pile, I thought that City's second team did pretty well to win as they did. How many teams could choose to leave out players like Yaya, Nasri, Kompany and Aguero, and only bring Negredo on as a substitute, and still beat the European Champions on their own patch? If Bayern fatally relaxed a bit after scoring two early goals, arguably both offside, then that is their problem: they should be good enough and experienced enough not to capitulate and spoil their wonderful home record. And as for the Keane/Ferguson debate, personally I can't stand either of them. But that's not really a surprise, is it?'
11:58

Rob: 'Noel, Keane's problem with Ireland was that he had a manager and teammates that didn't meet his standards. He clearly showed remorse for that episode, something which he hasn't done about anything else, ever. This is also the reason he hasn't made a massive impression as a manager. However, he has managed average sides with the exception of Sunderland in the C'Ship as they were good for that level. He clearly gets frustrated tasking the players with the impossible, being as good as him. I believe that if he was in charge of a top drawer side, he would be a great manager.'
11:55

Rich: 'Don't forget Noel, that the Irish FA all travelled to said World Cup First Class while the players travelled cattle class. Then on the training ground they didn't even have kit that fitted, let alone balls etc. To a player used to the day to day organisation of Man United this was clearly not great. Then he gets goaded by an English manager not fit to lace his boots into quitting. He fully admits his mistake and it's his loss rather than anyone else's. Don't for half a second think Ireland could win a WC! As he said, he should have replied I'm playing for Ireland, not you Mick. Two men with big egos. Here's a question. If Keane had actually said that, I wonder if McCarthy would have had the balls not to pick him, stating that as a reason. Oh, and nice post Chris. Yes it's all a bit of banter. Right what you say though. Spurs a far better XI but Pool have a player that can win a game on his own if on song. Will it be the Arsenal/Hull or Norwich Suarez that turns up? Will have a big bearing on the result no doubt.'
11:50

Don't forget the abandoned Champions League match between Galatasaray and Juventus will resume at 1300 today. Here is Sky Bet's market on the match if you feel strongly either way. Personally, the home win at 7/2 seems a very fair price.
11:42

Brad: 'Chris, I spent my teenage years on Merseyside, so my hatred is more for LFC than THFC due to the utter arrogance and ridiculousness of their fans (being there in 1989 was sweet indeed), unlike many Arsenal fans I prefer a Spurs win this weekend. I guess though a draw is the best result for everyone at the top.'
11:40

Rich: 'Bit harsh on Keano there Colin. From an outsider looking in it seems to me he calls it exactly as it is, be it about United or Ireland. He was big enough to admit he made a mistake at the World Cup and seems to me he spoke very truthfully last night. I think if anyone's bitter over at United it's old Red Nose himself. By the sounds of it he barely managed the team for the last 5 years anyway, was more Phelan. Seems to be desperately clinging on to whatever power he thinks he still has. Personally think this has been an extremely shabby episode of his life. The way he's bad mouthed the players that won him his titles is disgraceful with his main general who was key to most of them at the top of that pile.'
11:38

Noel: 'TCers, Roy Keane walked out on his country on the eve of only their 3rd and still last appearance at a World Cup finals. If that's not pathetic then I don't know what is. To say that anyone other than Alex Ferguson is the best manager he worked under is obviously lies and anything he says after that is not to be taken seriously. They say everybody is good at something. For Roy Keane that was being a football player. He really should have left it at that.'
11:35

Chris Henderson writes: 'LFC vs Spurs I think we can all gesticulate all we want. No one will be none the wiser until after the game. Both teams have notable absences and both have been hit and miss at times. No doubt Spurs have the better 'Squad', but do they have a singularly brilliant player who can change the game? Whereas overall the quality of their first XI is great. As an LFC fan I am looking forward to this game and no matter the result I expect a great game. I won't lie the LFC baiting that goes on here does get me at times, but as its 'banter' it's all good...Supposedly. Question for Brad and any other Arsenal fan, what's the preferred result here? Quick well done to City, no one would have thought they had the balls to come back like they did. I work with a Bayern fan and he was pretty nonchalant this morning, in his words. 'we didn't lose position, so it doesn't matter'. Fair Enough!'
11:32

Darshan Shah writes: 'Cant believe that there are so many updates on Man Utd today here on TC!! I agree with all that Rio is way past his best. We clearly need to get a good defender to cover for Rio/Vida. Given our form this season, I am really happy that we finished unbeaten and at the top of our group. Playing a 40 year old and a central defender in the middle shows how short we are on the midfield front. This makes the Jan Transfer Window very important and I just hope that we aren't again after unrealistic targets and that the lessons from the previous window have been learnt. With all top of the top 6 playing each other in the busy period, we have relatively easier fixtures ahead of us. I just hope we get maximum points and then see where we are on New Years and then push on from then with the help of a few important signings.'
11:30

John Egan: 'I agree with Rob Roy Keane is refreshing and his views on Sir Alex are probably taking it a bit far but this is a retaliation. I think Keane has a great point. I think if Sir Alex really and truly had the best interest on Man Utd then he would have waited until next year to release his book '
11:30

Andrew Banks says: 'I completely agree with Ross about Rio last night, it reminded me of Gary Neville's last few games for us when he was totally off the pace. I'm reluctant to write Rio off because he has come back and proved us wrong before but I do think this might be his last season. As for Giggs, he should be starting the odd cup/home game but not anywhere near as he is - it really shows how poor our midfield is!'

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Thursday December 12

Kris Commons says Celtic urgently need to find a top-quality striker to compliment their midfielders.
14:30

Thanks to Red: 'Did Arsenal lose last night ? It seems the TC is a much more mature site today without the usual puerile tittle tattle posted every five minutes. Well done my man and long may it continue.'
14:25
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce claims he knows nothing about any possible move for Obafemi Martins.
14:00

Welcome back to Andrew Banks: 'In reply to Tom, that can't happen as you can't face a team from your own country or group in the last 16. You can only meet in the QF and I doubt all British teams will be there. As for Gordon, oh dear you caught me!! Of course I don't want United to get drawn against Munich, Barca or Madrid because most likely we would lose. If we can get into the QFs by playing a weaker team then yes that's exactly what I want. To win the competition you will have to play at least one great team but surely United have a better chance of getting further if we get easier draws.'
13:35

Gordo Mays says: 'Noel (12.55) I bet Barcelona & Real Madrid don't think like that - I would suggest their attitude would be in order to win the CL we have got to show everyone we are the best team - bring it on !!! Let me ask a question - FA Cup Third Round Arsenal v Tottenham - how do you see it ? Obviously, you would have preferred a home draw but do you relish the chance to dump your local rivals out of the competition at an early stage ? It's all in the mind - which is more important wanting to win or fear of losing ?'
13:30

Good afternoon to Tom. who says: 'Hello Dave, what are the chances that all four of our clubs will be paired-up together in the draw...or am I just being cynical about how UEFA will want to lessen the chances of an English winner? I'm guessing that Arsenal would fancy getting drawn with United as the weakest of the group winners.'
13:20

Many thanks to Ian Fong: 'Long time since i've written but i follow the Tc every day .. So in response to Gordon . As you say Gordon , the objective is to win it , nevermind who you play against . I prefer winning the C.L by playing Galatasaray , anderlecth , marseille Etc tthan NOT winning it because i played Munich in the 1/4 or the semi . These days ONLY silverware counts . The same applies to England , if England wins the W.Cup in 2014 people will always remember who is the winner even if they played , iran in semi and Australlia in final . So why , choosing the most difficult path if everyone have the same objective. It's as if you go to buy a car, one place it's £30K and the other place for the same car it's £60K .And you say ,i will buy the £60K ..'
13:10

Noel Madden has got back in touch: 'Gordon; the aim is obviously to win the competition but the best way to do that is by winning your group and so playing a second place team in the last 16. The odds are that one of Bayern, Barcelona and Real will be in the final. The most realistic way for the other teams to win the thing is to avoid those 3 until the final. Nobody is going to win the CL playing, for example, PSG in the last 16, Real in the QF, Barca in the SF and Bayern in the final. You might beat one of them in a season or 2 with a lot of luck but 3 or 4 is virtually impossible. Nice to dream about but not realistic.'
12:55

Hello to Gordon Mays: 'I just can't understand why everyone is so bothered about the draw for forthcoming competitions and which clubs or countries they want to avoid. Everyone says they want to play in the most prestigious competitions to test themselves against the best around then they worry about getting an 'easy' draw. Whether it be the World Cup or Champions League the object is to win it or at least give it your best shot - there is little to brag about if you get to a semi-final without having beaten anyone of note. Worrying about avoiding certain teams indicates a lack of confidence in your own ability and if that's the case you are dead in the water with little or no chance of success. I know that in the CL financial matters come into consideration but to clubs of size and statue once the group phase is over surely only winning matters and whether you get knocked out in the L16 or QF stage makes little difference - you're out.'
12:00
Roberto Martinez will look after both the old and younger members of his Everton squad with new contracts in January.
10:35

Good morning to Ken Livermore: 'Like the other contributors this morning, I was delighted to see Chelsea and Arsenal complete the English quartet in the knock out stages; well done !! Chelsea certainly seem to have learnt from United the art of expending the least amount of energy to qualify top of the group. Last night was no classic, but was a professional job very well done. Arsenal will once again be at the mercy of the draw, and you just know they will end up with Madrid, or Munich; it just keeps on happening. It does puzzle me how they can do an amazing job of being in the top four year after year, and then make such a limited impact in the CL. How can they be showing such great form in the PL, and then fail to get the required result in Napoli ? On their domestic form they should certainly have more than one appearance in the CL Final by now. What is it with Arsenal , and the CL?'
10:35

Thanks to Andrew Banks: 'Delighted to see Arsenal lose last night (no offence Brad) as it meant Dortmund didn't end 2nd in their group and become a possible opposition for us. I think United's possible opponents are Galatasaray, Olympiakos, Schalke, Zenit and Milan which all are winnable. Would be good for Moyes to be able to get us to QF in his first season in CL. But it's back to the league now and the next four games are huge- Villa (A), West Ham (H), Hull (A) and Norwich (A). If we can build confidence and take 10/12 points we will bring ourselves back into the pack as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and City will be playing each matches against each other and so some teams will drop points. Not sure if United will get any value in January transfer market but Moyes was scouting at the Atletico-Porto match last night.. Wonder who he was looking at?'

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[FONT=Arial Black]Friday December 13[/FONT]


Jay Dowman: 'Have a good weekend all, god help us all on Monday, it's going to be an interesting place!'
15:00

Dave Wort writes: 'I very rarely write in but enjoy, in the main, reading TC every day. I am writing now in response to some of the comments made by Spurs fans over the last few days. I realise when you are a small club that your main source of enjoyment is watching the bigger clubs fail, but there should at least be some semblance of realism in what you say. Spurs have not finished above Arsenal since God was a boy, you have won nothing of any significance (to the big clubs) in the Premier League era and play in a stadium half the size of Arsenal. Should you not at least try to achieve something before shouting form the rooftops. Perhaps you need to reconsider your targets at clubs more your level, Southampton, Newcastle etc?'
14:25

Andrew: 'John, everyone is entitled to their opinion whoever they support. As a United fan I am telling you the majority of our fans want an easier game so we can progress to QFs. As for Welbeck he was outstanding in both Madrid games, both attacking and doing a job on Xabi Alonso. Again, I agree Rooney should have played but the Welbeck selection was vindicated by his performances!'
14:20

Brad: 'Noel - remind me how many trophies Spurs have won in the last 20 years? I find it absolutely bizarre for a Spurs fan to continually go on about lack of trophies. United fan. Yes. Chelsea fan. Yes. Spurs? Bizarre. Also Noel, lets see how Spurs fare if they do ever build a new stadium (though i see you are getting govt help, so not really the same process Arsenal had to got through).'
14:15

Noel: 'Tim, how much longer is the stadium going to be used as an excuse for no trophies. It's all well and good qualifying for the CL and then the knock-out phase but how many years in a row do you have to do that without winning it before it's regarded as failure. Spurs qualified once and got to the quarters, Arsenal have had 15 extra tries and only twice got further.'
14:10

Rob: 'Tim, rebuilding for 8 years and about to be 9, sounds like a costa del sol apartment block.'
14:08

John Egan: 'Andrew 13:35 so we are only allowed an opinion if our clubs qualify for the champions league. Picking Welbeck over Rooney was a bad choice, but it wasn't on footballing ability that Sir Alex made that decision. I am certain that if Sir Alex hadn't retired then Rooney would be playing football elsewhere. Welbeck is awful, Suarez has scored more club goals in 2 weeks that Welbeck has in 2 years. If he didn't play for Utd he wouldn't have got near the England side.'
14:05
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie will be out for a month with a thigh injury, manager David Moyes has revealed.
14:02

Tim: 'Rich, if you call qualifying for the Champions League knock out stages every season for I don't know how long whilst building a brand new state of the art stadium so therefore in a transitional stage hence less funding to invest in the team a failing then there are not many clubs that actually succeed. I think in Arsenal's case you need to look beyond the trophies and look at what they have actually invested in for the future. We keep hearing about AVB and Brendan Rodgers 'building for the future' but you need the infrastructure in place before you can do that. Otherwise you will get so far then have to take 2 steps back. Wenger has been a key figure behind their rebuilding and there is no doubt Arsenal are now through this phase and could be looking at several years of success down at the Emirates whilst the others are playing catch up. I see Arsenal, City and probably Chelsea dominating for the next few seasons, not only this season.'
13:40

Andrew Banks writes: 'Gordon, first of all it's very easy talking about what we should do in the Champions League when you aren't even in the competition isn't it? Yeah SAF definitely shouldn't have played Welbeck who scored in Madrid and forced the OG at OT- terrible management.. I do agree that I would like to have seen Rooney play as well but don't think the Welbeck choice was a bad one! Lastly, Arsenal are playing very well and are in good form so I think they are in a slightly different position to my team, who are not playing well and could lose to Crystal Palace at the minute, let alone Munich. I want to be in the QFs so I am very happy to play a weaker team if that gives us a better shout. Would it give United confidence to be beat 7-0 over 2 legs by Munich like Barca were? I would like to think United would raise our game but at the minute Gordon, United need confidence.'
13:35

Rich: 'Tim, not at all. It's just that Arsenal's failings happens annually and Spurs' successes don't, so probably seems that way. With regards to CL, I fully expected them to qualify. I've said many times that I don't think Napoli are any great shakes. Think they will definitely struggle next round though. PSG their best chance.'
12:52

Jay Dowman: 'Nick, I don't think that the Henderson is probably fit news has the Lynns quivering. Although AVB saying Soldado might not start even though he scored 3 last night might cause a slight quiver?'

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Sunday, December 15, 2013

15:07
Zanetti: Messi would be ideal for Inter
The Nerazzurri are expected to spend big during the winter transfer window and the club captain's dream is to be joined at Appiano Gentile by "the best" player in the world

14:04
Thiago Silva: I never wanted to leave AC Milan
The Brazil international has once again claimed that he was forced out of San Siro but remains glad that the Italian outfit made a healthy profit on him

10:22
Manchester United push Zaha towards Newcastle loan move
The £17 million signing is available for a temporary switch in January and looks likely to end up at St James' Park despite reservations over relocating to the North East

08:41
Manchester United were close to 'major signing' last summer, insists Moyes
The Scot insists the club still boast the financial resources to attract the world's top talent, but admits his key targets chose other clubs over moves to Old Trafford

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Wednesday December 18

Entering the goalscorer markets could be the way to secure some betting value for Wednesday's Captial One Cup quarter-finals.
10:05

Rich Lynn: 'Nick, I hope for your sake he doesn't leave in January!!! At least you'll get 5 months wear out of your Suarez shirt then before you burn it. Does it come with a free t-shirt?'
09:48

Rob: 'Fair points from Andrew there, the one that has surprised me is Coleman, he has come on an absolute bundle in the last 18 months. And Nick, save your money or alternatively get a Real shirt with Suarez 10 on it, they're already printing them.'
09:45

Nick Watson writes: 'Nice to see Borini score last night and provide an assist. Could he be the next Suarez?? It is also good to see the club are now pressing ahead with contractual negotiations with Suarez, and on current form he is worth every penny of a 200,000 a week contract. If nothing else it would greatly strengthen our negotiating position should other clubs want to buy him and let's face it, as long as he is wearing the number 7 shirt at anfield the Suarez replica shirts will be selling like hot cakes, I know I am going to buy myself one for Christmas anyway '
09:35

Andrew Banks: 'On full-backs I don't think either Johnson or Walker are awful, but neither are fantastic & are both probably better at attacking than defending. Walker is so rash but luckily his speed lets him catch up with his mistakes most of the time. For me the best RBs in the league are Zabaleta, Sagna, Rafael & Coleman.'
09:30

Andrew Banks: 'How on earth did Sunderland manage to score an equaliser in the 88th minute with only their second shot on target? Although considering the Chelsea team should have been fresher in ET, Sunderland were the only team going for it after 90 mins. An easy win for City's 2nd XI showed the depth of talent in their squad (although I hear Aguero could be out for 8 weeks). For tonight's game I reckon Spurs will go through as players will want to prove themselves to new manager & West Ham look dire at the minute. Hopefully it goes to ET and tires out their boys for Saturday's game. As for United, we have a very good record against Stoke and I'd like to see that continue. It'd be good to get an early goal to calm down the Stoke support and take pressure off the team. Hopefully Welbeck gets another game up top with Fletcher possibly making his first start in a year!'
09:25

Rob Lynn: 'Morning Matt, nice start from Paul there, obviously missed out on the TC season of goodwill honourably started by John yesterday. To confirm, I assume that as Young Flanagan scored on Sunday and contributed to a clean sheet, he's now world class? Dear me. Naughton I'll give you, awful, as bad as Johnson but if you think Walker is poor player then you can't watch Spurs games.'
09:20

Noel Madden: 'Paul; I have a feeling Ashley Cole might make you eat those words before the season is out. A bit rich from a fan of the defensive rock that is Glen Johnson.'
09:15

Tim writes: 'Paul, I take it you've never analysed Jenkinson's play because if you did you would realise he is one of the best up and coming right backs in the country. Always does the simple thing when under pressure, supports the attacks down the right feeding the midfield/attacking players and is often the last covering defender coming round the back when opposing teams are attacking down opposite flank. At his age there is not a better right back in the league and in 2 years time he will be Arsenal and possibly England's first choice right back.'
09:10

Brad Smith writes: 'Paul - Good morning to you as well. Remember last time you got all carried away and started making wild predictions and declaring everyone bar Liverpool players awful? It didn't end well. Maybe give it a couple of months before reverting back to that?'
09:08

Paul Cressy writes: 'Morning Matt, Having watched atrocious fullbacks at Spurs on Sunday and obviously Jenkinson at Arsenal as one of the poorest full backs in Premier League history, I was astounded to see that Ashley Cole has finally 'gone'! Such a shame to see one of the once best left backs in the world reduced to a shimmering wreck. His pace, defensive quality and tactical awareness, all disappeared, time to hang up the boots Ash!!!'
08:15

Plenty of transfer rumours in this morning's Paper Talk, including Marco Reus being linked with Man United and Juan Mata to PSG.

[-=UMARZAIN=-]

GOOD INFO

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Thursday December 19


Tony Cannon is having a ball: 'As a City fan there is no way I can predict how our team will do. It's not in our DNA. I will say one thing and that is many are talking about Arsenal, United and others if they buy a player. No one has mentioned what will happen if City buy a player (or two). With that thought, have a Merry Christmas.'
14:45
Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston expects to have a number of players on trial in the coming weeks.
14:31

Greetings of the season to Simon: 'With all the arguing and talk back and forth over the course of the year, I just want to take a moment to thank all the EPL fans for making this league the best league in the world. There are many good teams all fighting for four spots and that is what making this fun. Rather you are Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Man Utd, Man City, Eveton, or Liverpool fan like myself, at the end of the day, we all should be grateful to enjoy watching good football. Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas everyone!'
14:12

Our betting tips for Saturday's Premier League matches are now available and you can back them with Sky Bet.
13:56

Here are the details on Andres Iniesta extending his Barcelona contract.
13:46

A kind message from John: 'Sorry I forgot to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. In this season of goodwill I wish everybody's teams a good festive period (unless you are playing mine). I look forward to the transfer window with great interest as I think that this might just be the most crucial one ever. Take care everybody and have fun.'
13:35

John provides his predictions: 'Man City will do it for me, but not by much I can see Arsenal and Chelsea pushing them close. Player of the year Suarez for me now that Aguero is out for a month. Champions league I will go for Real Madrid. Just a note a Brad Smith has been promoted to the Liverpool first-team squad!'
13:24

The Birmingham Mail report: 'West Brom's managerial search remains ongoing after they distanced themselves from claims they had made an approach for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - but they continue to keep an eye on the growing tension between Malky Mackay and Cardiff City's owners.'
13:22

The Journal report: 'It is understood Manchester United's Wilfried Zaha has not been included on a list of potential January signings for Newcastle.'
13:20

We will have a full story on this but the breaking news from Spain is Andres Iniesta has extended his Barcelona contract.
13:12
Sheffield Wednesday defender Glenn Loovens is keen to extend his stay at Hillsborough.
13:05
Swansea forward Michu hopes the club will make a loan move for Liverpool striker Iago Aspas during the January transfer window.

[miri-01]

Friday December 20


Richard Marsden: 'According to Cadena Ser (Spain's premier radio network) Xabi Alonso has decided not to extend his contract with Real Madrid. He's coming home to play with Luis et al.'
15:32

Rich: 'Gareth Bale was contracted to Spurs until 2017. Utterly irrelevant. As for Rodgers, you seriously are welcome to him. That programme with the envelopes etc was the most embarrassing thing I've ever seen football wise. Ps LS is quite obviously not the best player in the world right now. Only Messi is injured. Ronaldo and Bale aren't. Totally agree Brad, as we've said many times, our clubs are better than allowing the likes of Suarez to drag them through the mud. Wearing the captain's armband just summed them up really. Utterly desperate.'
15:30

Rob Lynn: 'Congrats to Liverpool on the Suarez contract. It means you'll get a price for him now and more importantly means my 16/1 on him for the GB is now a cert, wallop. And Ralph, nice stat research there, I always appreciate that. If I'm honest, I don't think the next Liverpool manager that will win the league has been born yet, but I've been wrong before. Lastly, can't believe we haven't taken Clint Dempsey ourselves. The greatest frame maker in EPL history that never hits a foot strike in the trash can and can also score head kicks when on the end of high evolution centres. He loves illegal roughage as well and I think we need that bite at the moment.'
15:25

Brad: 'Simon - I've never wanted him. Liverpool are welcome to him.'
14:55

Simon Wan: 'Response to Brad 14:20: As a Liverpool fan, I think the extension means a big January Transfer window for us (quality players coming in). However, I do agree about the release clause. Usually release clause is a bit more than the market value of the player, so let me ask you Brad, or any other non Liverpool fans: if the release clause is 65 million, do you want your club to get him?'
14:40

Brad Smith: 'Two words: Release clause. Merry Xmas everyone.'
14:20

Seun Odubanjo writes: 'As a Chelsea fan I believe the issue is kind of obvious, 1) They need a striker that scores, we can continue to depend on the midfield because there will be many games when they dont score. So a loan deal for Falcao is ideal being that he would be able to play in CL, let Ba and Eto go I still think Torres has something to offer. 2) We need a real DM playing Lampard there is pointless he doesnt have the legs or strength for it, Mikels time has come to an end. We need a DM that is solid and athletic. 3) Chelsea really don't have a real winger, Hazard, Mata , Schurrle , Oscar and Willian all come in, none of them keep to the touchline. Getting Salah might not be a bad idea or even Adam Johnson, a very good winger will change the way Chelsea play. If these things are not taken care of soon, Chelsea will not have a productive season.'
14:15
Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen confirmed this afternoon that former striker Clint Dempsey had undergone a medical at the club and is set to return on loan.
14:04

Richard Marsden: 'Great news that Suarez has signed a new long term contract for the Reds, like an early Christmas present. Loving the Spurs tetchiness over BR's comments, I'm sure they would rather have him than AVB, Tim Sherwood or even Glen Fiddich, but just couldn't bring themselves to admit it. Merry Christmas to all at TC Towers and as Santa says Ho Ho Hotspurs.'
13:58

John Egan: 'Liverpool now have Suarez until at least summer, these were rather short negotiations. So to round it up we have a manager, still have our star player and could (fingers crossed) be top of the league on Christmas day. No wonder spurs fans are sniping so often. How they would swap places if they could.'
13:55

Ralph Gomez comments: 'Liverpool are short at least 4 players in the first team and a few squad players from becoming a 'contender' for the the top spot. However, when we get the 4th spot (very hopeful for it to be this season) we may come closer to bridging the first team talent area. If that happens, I would not rule out BR being the manager when we win the title and i believe that BR will be the manager for quite a number of years.'
13:48

Liverpool fan Neil Danks says: 'Noel - the fact that the last 9 league games without Suarez were P9 W6 D2 L1 shows our team is pretty strong. In my opinion Suarez is the best player in the world on current form, why can't we push for the title. Put it this way if Spurs suddenly signed Ronaldo and he scored 25-30 goals for you between now and the end of the season, wouldn't you feel the title was possible?'