Regardless of what lists are put in front of Ashley, any signing has to be one that Rafa has requested...it simply has to be. I don't necessarily buy into the argument that he hasn't covered himself in glory and for the most part I think he has brought in some decent players and some slightly better ones. The ones we have brought in who are now surplus to requirements we should be able to command a similar fee for to that which we paid for them. For starters I reckon we need at least 5 players bringing in for next season, possibly more depending on who leaves. I hate the Jan transfer window, clubs always hike their prices up cos they know teams are looking to replace injured players or bring players in the stave off the threat of relegation and I think Ashley knows this as well which is why I'm not arsed about us doing business in Jan. If we can spend £50m - £70m this summer and the same in the next 2 windows perhaps we should by then have to makings of a top 8 or top 6 side. There are many caveats to this of course. Rafa needs to stay, Ashley needs to buy into a short term plan for long term rewards. We can't become relegation fodder like the mackems....there's only so many times **** circles the bowl before it gets flushed and Rafa won't stick around to watch us treading water that's for sure.
