Really interesting point DR. The only issue I'd have is that Babel seems to have acted totally unprofessionally, taking a pout and refusing to go on pre-season training. Thanks also NI for the summary. The issue I'd have this time is with Benitez who wasn't known for a system of wide play when he was at Liverpool and I'd question whether that perhaps affected Babel's lack of consistency. Associated with Captain's point about him being in-out, in-out. As others have said, he could do well under the right manager and system. So we could be a good fit. Dempsey's position is probably the determining factor though. And of course the fee and wages.
Steven Pienaar It looks as though his move to Everton on a permanent deal has fallen through - http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/7930460/ Should we not be stepping in and making him a priority target. We can offer him quality time more so than the other two clubs mentione. Maybe not wages though ... pity that.
We played mostly a 4-2-3-1 with Rafa, Alonso and Masherano holding, Gerrard behind Torres and rotated the wingers. When you attack, that essentially becomes a 4-3-3 and Babel got a fair amount of time as a left winger. I do feel like I'm being a little too negative - he could win a game all by himself, and you'd be set for a few crackers next season if you signed him. What really summed him up for me was in the CL groupstage in 2009-2010 (Rafa's last season)... Playing Lyon, he scored a wonder goal, and straight after put a shot so far wide it was closer to being a throw in.
Matt Jarvis After a quiet start not only the weather is hotting up today. First Mr Kelly now a very strong rumour the we have signed Matt Jarvis. He's valued at £7m and we know Wolves are playing hard to get but hopefully we got him for a tad less. If it's true ..
I'll be honest Ireland, to taking a bit of a flyer on this one. West Ham have had a bid of £4m already turned down. The story I was told suggested we would pay £6m spread over the usual performance extras. And it had been agreed in principle. It would have been more accurate of me therefore, to have said "close to signing". Separately, one of the youngsters released recently, Richard Barroilhet, has signed for Dutch club RKC Waalwijk on a 1 year deal with an option of a further year. Apparently Jol put in a good word for the lad. http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=nl&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=sv&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http://www.rkcwaalwijk.nl/rkc-waalwijk-nieuws/fransman-richard-barroilhet-naar-rkc-waalwijk/
I’ve seen a load of web sites today linking Spurs with a bid for Dembele senior as a potential replacement for Rat Boy Modric. Unfortunately I don’t think his long term future is at Craven Cottage however I would love it if we could keep him for another year or so. I’d be gutted if he goes to Spurs though
Sadly I think we are bound to lose him; if you go to google and type his name in- then click the tab on the left side that says news- lots of stories from within the last 24 hours come up- he's linked with Utd, Spurs and Arsenal in the top three. I think he should stay for one more season, develop further as a centre mid, and then move away as a specialist in that position. The top clubs need good players who play a set position and play it well- only the exceptional talents can get by as 'luxury' players. Dembele is not yet a luxury player, although he could go on to be. If he does go, I'd prefer Utd, he has the best chance of exceeding his potential there.
On the upside we should be able to get a fair amount of cash for him so could afford a decent replacement. I'd rather keep him for another season but if he goes a good sack of cash is a fair compensation.
I'll reserve judgment on that until we see how big the sack of cash is for a player in the last year of his contract. Whatever the price, I think losing DemPele would hit us hard. He seems to be second choice on a lot of shopping lists, so I'm hoping that the big boys get their first choices and no one actually makes an offer for him. By the way, great Avatar, Fulhaman.
Spurs are the worry, I don't think the others would actually want him - but Spurs just buy for the sake of it at times, although now 'Arry has gone this may change a bit. I also wouldn't like to see him go to Spurs simply for the fact that he would probably be bought for them at a knock down price and then, in a year or so when the inevitable happens and he realises he wants to move on to actually get a game, they will ask for £75 million or some such ridiculous figure. I mean, £40 million for Modric? He's good, but he isn't £40 millions worth of good.
I want to see the sack of cash too! They should bring it out at the first home game, Big Mo could have a bath in it or something.
Dino Islamovic It looks as though we've signed the 18 year ols striker from Malmo - he was on thebench in the U21 game v Met Police tonight - http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/internationell/england/article14614426.ab
Nope, and neither does Wikipedia apart from mentioning him in the squad as a forward for both Malmo and the Swedish U19's.
Moussa Konate - http://www.westlondonsport.com/paper-talk/fulham-and-west-ham-said-to-be-eyeing-teenage-striker Fulham also named in the article. Might have to buy the new Football Manager to get some more info on these younger players we're being linked with.
That would make three Moussas on the books (two of them with the same surname). Perhaps the club is desperately doing everything it can to make DemPele (the original) feel that Fulham is where he belongs. (Appalling pun alert) If we want him to stay, we Moussa have a better plan than that. I'll get me coat.
