According to Talkshite (Yes, alright, I know!) Real have lowered their asking price to 15mm, and he's now most likely on his way to Spurs - with Palacios going to Stoke.

Apparently Stoke are (allegedly) going to bid about 18m for Crouch & Palacios- so it would free up wages to allow Diarra to join Spurs.
gee I'd make a good journo I know all the made up rumours![]()
One might question as to how Stoke can afford all of these players.
One might question as to how Stoke can afford all of these players.
Nothing against Stoke at all. Unlike some I would never complain about how they play, its up to the opposition to counter that. Perhaps there should be a new thread "teams we don't mind...".
But on the main subject I'm not sure where Diarra would fit in assuming (which is quite an assumption admittedly) that all our midfielders are fit and not sold at the last minute. We have one of the strongest midfield's in the league I think. Of course Sandro's injured, but I'm assuming he won't be at some point and that he would be more-or-less first choice in CM So if we bought Diarra who would he actually replace? I think when we are linked with people the basic analysis that is never done by the so-called journalists is how would he benefit our team. Sure he would beneift our squad, but that's not the same thing. So basically I agree he would be 'nice to have' but I don't think it gets us much further toward CL qualification.
Just because the BBC say something DOES NOT give it credibility or make it true.
One might question as to how Stoke can afford all of these players.