I think the point he was making is that shouldn't matter all that much to us, as we'd be getting the one quality striker available, who has PL experience and successful PL experience at that. I'm surprised by the reaction to Benteke too. Every Spurs fan has been complaining about our strikers and it feels like a big chunk of those wanted us to spend big to solve it. Now there's a possibility that we are prepared to pay what it takes to get a top target he's judged to be a huge risk and overpriced. How many great seasons had Falcao had when we wanted him? How many good seasons had Rossi and Forlan had in the PL when we were after them? Etc, etc. If he'd already proven he could score 20 league goals(give or take) regularly in the PL at the age of 22 then we could forget about him because all the biggest clubs in Europe would want him, he'd cost another £10-15mill and 6 figure weekly wages. I'm also surprised that we might be in for him, he's a pricey target, particularly after signing Paulinho. Then again I was also surprised we spent a record fee on a centre mid who's a bit similar to our other midfielders and I was also surprised that we bid so much for those to Croatian kids, especially when we wouldn't even get them for another year. It appears that we're prepared to open the cheque book though this summer. Currently we're in need of a new striker and if AVB and Levy want to make Benteke a priority signing and spend more than we would for other options then that's great. I expect him to become a very good player and I'm excited that we're trying to sign him, just as I was excited that we were after a great player like Villa.
It's not just about the amount it's really about the 'right' player. Bent, I would argue, not only cost us a record fee but lowered the standard of our performances. It's easy to underestimate what we already have and overestimate the quality of who we are trying to bring in. I.m not making a judgement on Beneke (haven't seen enough of him) but I do know the hype surrounding strikers is out of all proportion. The striker is the holy grail in football and very very few live up to their billing.
"It makes sense for them to keep him now and look to sell him next season, as it's unlikely that his value will drop much, even if he doesn't have a great campaign." But if others do have a better WC etc, Da-meow can find himself very quickly yesterdays' man. Regardless of whether the valuation by Internacional is reasonable or not. And that is what I think will happen (Internacional will miss the transfer boat) .
Also, does anyone else think that once Baldini is well and truly bedded in, we are more likely to get a fairly decent striker in the Jan window ??
We could always try signing eriksen as a replacement for bales position, and then just shove bale up front?! Eriksen would work well in a 4231 or a 433. Bale is a tall, strong lad who is capable of holding the ball up. **** it. Bale up front. We'll be fine.
You joke but I think that's what could happen. We'll sign this Chadli fella for £6m or whatever it is, play him on the left, Lennon on the right and Bale in the middle. We'll probably also sell Ade given what I've seen on Twitter this afternoon - so there will still be a need to get a striker in (our new striker force being JD, Bale and <cough> Dempsey.)
Just read that we might go for Jelavic if we get desperate. I think I might give next season a miss if we do.
Well, it's not like we don't need creativity, is it? we'd actually be potentially killing 2 birds with 1 stone. Who knows whether bale would work out up front, but it's certainly a cheap, low risk option! and Eriksen at £15m is nothing. he's pure class. I actually have a lot of respect for that young Barcelona lad joining everton. That's clearly for footballing reasons as he feels he'll be playing every week. With us, it's unlikely he would. Good luck to him. Unfortunately, Levy has got a bit of a name for himself and other clubs are now playing him at his own game. lets hope personal pride doesn't get in the way and end up being detrimental to the squad.
whats the betting we'd select Jelavic for his **** half and then JD/Ade for their **** halves too (whichever one is still here that is, not saying 3 halves)
I think he's just staying at Madrid - I don't recall seeing anywhere mentioned. On other topics: We are unwilling to meet Aston Villas £25m asking price of Benteke, with Levy only wanting to pay £15m....... (from Twitter) Reports claim Sunderland are close to a double swoop signing of Tom Huddlestone and Danny Rose (again from Twitter) Tottenham are battling with Zenit St Petersburg to sign Andrea Ranocchia from Inter Milan. (talkSPORT)
Look's like we won't be getting Benteke then,the Chav's will pay more,does anyone know anything about Ranocchia like what position he plays
