Of course Champions League football is important, but people seem to be banging on about it more than is needed. At what point did simply playing in the Champions League become such a huge achievement? I'd suggest there are still players out there long-sighted enough to weigh different factors when picking a club. Sergio Aguero's agent said earlier this week it (CL football) will not be the deciding factor, and he's probably the biggest name in world football transferring this summer. If Real Madrid dropped out of the Champions League this season would it affect their summer transfer plans? No, players from every level would want to join them. We have enough money to be able to offer Champions League wages, have significant transfer funds, and a hugely exciting few years ahead of us. Plenty of players will buy into that, especially one who is willing to miss out on the Champions league this season for the sake of the long term. Mata- Valencia need to sell, Liverpool have a good recent record with Spaniards and his international teammate Reina at the club, Sid Lowe (leading journo in Spain) has today said LFC are a realistic possibility for Mata Cazorla- Liverpool surely have a better chance of catching Utd in the next 5 years than Villareal do of catching RM and Barca? Rossi is fairly likely to move on. Hasn't been linked with any other English clubs, and EPL is only other choice at the same level for those leaving La Liga. Jeffren- said he's flattered being linked with us, would want first team football i imagine Hazard- honestly think he isn't going to leave Lille for us? Regardless of Champions league? Yes Arsenal would maybe be his preferred choice, but a season from now (when he will probably move on) will Arsenal be willing to spend ~£25mil on him? He's consistently talked about his development so is probably unlikely to choose Man City. Not saying we will get these players, but they are not completely unrealistic options.
