Wayne Bridge? Please god no. I would'nt mind seeing us sign Lavezzi and Diego they could bring creativity to our team.
We don't know how Downing will slot in with the players we have and the way we'll play, either.
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Skysports.com understands Birmingham have rejected Stoke's joint bid for Scott Dann and Cameron Jerome.
Stoke have identified highly-rated central defender Dann and striker Jerome as two of their top summer transfer targets this summer.
Birmingham are resigned to losing a number of their top stars following their relegation from the Premier League.
6ft 2in stopper Dann is attracting major interest from a number of clubs with Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa all thought to be chasing the 24-year-old as well as Stoke.
Bolton have been credited with an interest in Jerome with the Trotters believed to have had one offer snubbed for the former Cardiff hit-man.
Stoke have firmed up their interest in Dann and Jerome by tabling a double bid for the pair as they test Birmingham's resolve to hang onto the duo.
However, it is understood that Birmingham have rejected the undisclosed bid for Dann and Jerome from Stoke with a number of clubs thought to be waiting in the wings to move for both players.
Reports that Stoke's offer was in the region of £16million are wide of the mark, with the package tabled understood to be one which could eventually total £9million.
Its not the idea of how he fill into the team, its more a case of his ability, I don't know if it will add enough depth in that area.
If Liverpool buy Downing, what are we planning? Downing on one wing and Henderson on the other? Its just not enough depth, we need creativity and flair.
Our problem was depth when Rafa had to be thrifty and we ended up with Riera instead of Downing. What you mean is he's not a top name. His skills and stats are good enough to improve out squad depth and he's a team player.
As a true left winger Downing is better than pretty much everybody at the club right now. He'll be better than Babel, Riera and Maxi. That is an improvement to squad depth.
One player won't add enough depth, whoever it is. You think Mata's going to save us single-handedly? Overseas players are a gamble early doors as they try to settle and adjust. We got lucky with Torres. Ronaldo was £12m and labelled a diving showpony when Fergie bought him. He did little in his first seasons to dispel that idea and even his teammates were telling him to cut the diving out. In his first three seasons he scored 6 in 40, 9 in 50 and 12 in 47, while Dirk Kuyt got 14 in 48, 11 in 48 and 15 in 51 from the same position. And Liverpool fans said Kuyt wasn't good enough.
But what are we (i.e. Kenny and Steve) planning? If we knew then it might be possible to say which players would suit better. But we don't know. What we do know is Kenny has an eye for a player and a way of getting the best out of them. So when judging abilities it's wrong to believe they'll transfer as is. Who knows what Kenny can do with Downing or any other player deemed, like Kuyt and Lucas once, as "not good enough for Liverpool"?
Why would we have to replace Kuyt with another hard working player? You can always make a talented player work hard with good man management skills, you cannot make a hard worker a talented player, which is where Kuyt falls down.
Sky Sports News said:Sunderland have completed the signing of Connor Wickham from Ipswich for an initial fee of £8million.
The England Under 21 international has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light and the deal could eventually be worth £12million.
Sky Sports News revealed on Tuesday night that the 18-year-old was due for a medical in the North East and the deal has now been completed.
Wickham was a target of Liverpool, while Arsenal and Tottenham were also linked with the teenager, but Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been prepared to meet Ipswich's asking price.
A statement on Sunderland's official website read: "Steve Bruce has made England Under 21 international Connor Wickham his latest summer signing.
"The 6'3" 18-year-old - rated as one of the country's brightest talents - has moved from Ipswich Town for a fee of £8m, with the potential to rise to £12m over the course of the contract, depending on a number of factors."
More to follow...
Good afternoon all, new to the forum!!
looking through the speculation and gossip it seems that if Man city are going to be signing gael clichy, we will not be competing with them for the players because they have unlimited cash and also can offer champions league football next season.
Also there are other options im sure as well as looking within our squad.
Downing would be a good addition due to being left footed naturally and we are in desperate need of a wide man to put balls into the box for big Shandy Andy Carroll and also give width.
Also following form that charlie adam should hopefully be completed over the weekend as he has expressed he wishes to leave blackpool and we are his preffered destination.
At £8mil I feel this is a good buy.
FInally, our midfield will be full of strength and depth with Aquilani also returning and with adam, henderson, lucas, gerrard, miereles and spearing.
Welcome to the forum!
You make some good points. I still would want Clichy at left-back. He's good attacking and if we brought him, we could improve him defensively. He is pretty young as well. Fits in with the buying young policy. Maybe match City's bid and let the player decide where he wants to go?
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