I made the same point above, and do hope we've got more realistic back-up ideas! Whilst it's all very nice bidding for these players, should we get turned down by all of them we'll end the transfer window without the players we need. On paper Bassong is our best CB, so it's not unfair to assume we'd be able to buy a player of equal ability in this window if we wanted to. If we're not going to land the likes of Rannochia, then sign "Bassong 2", pair them up for the remainder of this season to get us through Turner's injury, then be prepared to sell "Bassong 1" in the summer to be replaced with a target like Rannochia. It's the same level of squad improvement, but reduces the risk of us going into February with only 3 CB's.
I may be wrong but I think that in Italy the transfer figure also includes wages? I heard that somewhere can someone advise?
I seem to recall that from Quagliarella rumours as well. As for bids for top players, I'd guess that CH is trying to find another RvW type player who's willing to forego the Champions League to use City as a stepping stone to one of the top four clubs.
Non NCFC related but: I hope he goes to a club that truly values the immense talent he possesses. One of the Norfolk clubs would do, if the Atletico bid falters
You say that, but I think he'd actually fit in really well at Arsenal. If they'd been in this position 12 months ago (needing a striker and in the hunt for the title), it wouldn't surprise me if they'd brought in RvW as back-up to Giroud. Like Giroud his hold-up play is better than you'd expect, and his excellent touch, movement and finishing would have worked nicely with the Arsenal midfield. Whilst they could have had him for £8m last January, I think now we'd hold them to ransom and want nearer £15m+, for which they'd be better looking at Jackson Martinez, etc. But I do honestly think RvW could have done a job for Arsenal.
Kevin De Bruyne to Wolfsburg is meant to be an £11m deal. Almost disappointed he wants to go back to Germany, we could just about have stretched to that...
The wind must be blowing on the coast to clear your brain enough to come up with that - brilliant !!!
Hull have agreed a fee with Everton for Jelavic now opening contract talks. He's a striker I've always liked & would happily see come to us, Hull are really starting to look like they've got the making of a team that wants to stay around in the PL.
I heard £24m which frankly sounds more realistic - he's an animal. I would cream my pants almost as much as I would for Dzsudzsak. Hi everybody.