In all honesty, I think it is looking unlikely we will sign Hooper now. As for Fabio, I cannot see that coming off either. This is where the importance of back up plans come into play.
Yeah, the Alderweireld bid was a slight confusing, but I wonder if that was a case of just trying to take advantage and sign quality where we can when it's comparatively cheap. Would have been annoyed though if we signed him and ran out of funds for a striker. Assuming we're sticking to 4-2-3-1 (we played it most of last season and I doubt it'll change), which areas of midfield would you want new signings? I can only think of CAM myself.
Assuming Van Wolfswinkel wasn't part of this years budget. I reckon we've spent around 10-11 million so far this season. Take into account we bought in around £3.5 million for Holt and Vaughan I still think we have a fair amount left in the kitty. Probably around another 10 - 12 million I reckon. If Fabio Quagliarella will be available for £6 million he should be our next signing, I think he would be quality and would rather him than Hooper. The thing is I don't know whether he'll fancy moving to us, that could be a stumbling block and whether we could convince him to take a wage cut. Let's not forget about Becchio, I think he'll be given a lot more chances next season to be honest. I think he could do well given the chances but I agree we need another forward and possibly another attacking midfielder/forward just like Toivonen.
@football_oranje: Toby Alderweireld's Dad says his son has not rejected Norwich, but put the move on hold instead. #Ajax #ncfc I imagine he want's to see what come of the supposed Liverpool interest which you can't blame him for. He has said in the past he wants to see all his options before making a choice. In a World Cup year I imagine lots of first team football would be persuasive. I wonder if this was made public because the offers aren't shaping up how he expected?
Superb, so when he does join NCFC, McNally can slap his wages down by £5k a week and say "let's see how you like it (being held to ransom)"
Just found this on the Pink'un site: "Juventus is trying to prune the rose especially in the offensive department. One of the names in the output is that of Fabio Quagliarella former Udinese which is now in the process of signing with a new adventure for Norwich in England. The decisive meeting between the Ad Juventus Beppe Marotta and the vertices of Norwich will be Thursday, as reported by the editors of Tuttosport. The company would offer the Channel for the attacker to Castellammare di Stabia a figure close to 12 million euro, however, remain to file the details of the agreement between the bomber and Norwich." From Italian media search, translated by Google
Beautiful translation there! Would we really spend all that money on a 30-year-old? I don't know. It's not where we've been looking previously, but he's a class act for sure. Robin van Persie will be 30 before the season starts, don't suppose we'd say no to him on age grounds.
I don't know whether I would like us spending 10 million plus on a 30 year old, he is a great player but that is a huge dent in the kitty. I don't think we would pay that much, it's not like Juve need the money. I think it'll be closer to £6 million especially when you have to consider he will be a top earner as well.
Yep, I reckon Alderweireld thought with Spurs, liverpool etc sniffing about he'd have had firm offers by now and when they haven't materialised quickly he just wants to keep everyone on their toes and fighting for him (which is in his best interests) with this latest statement. I don't think it changes much really.
the original article suggested that we would pay €7m and €40,000 a week in wages if is was a 3 year deal the whole thing would cost us €12m/13m which is what they're suggesting more recently. I'm not saying this is what it means just that if it did the number would add up. Not a chance we pay over £10 otherwise, exciting though.
Well it has in as much as were linked again, I think he's acting very wisely with his comments that he wouldn't just accept the first offer that come his way and that he want the chance to really asses his future, you can't criticise him for that. Plus he clearly took us seriously when we tabled an offer which is all i would ask really.
Background on Castaignos and in hindsight I can prove I am a psychic: http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/217993-On-the-first-of-July-the-transfer-market-opens!-Oh-wait?p=4950395&viewfull=1#post4950395 Comment on Castaignos as a player: http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/217998-On-the-first-of-July-the-transfer-market-opens!-Oh-wait?p=4948586&highlight=castaignos#post4948586
Like with the 'the first offer will be shredded instantly if it is below 5 mil', and 'lower EPL clubs might have a go at him'. Also I stated probably, I didn't exclude the chance of it happening.
