Rumours From Spain

[john@staustell]

Bearing in mind we are looking for a striker or 2, the usual merry go round is starting. Who will take our money?

David Villa - The usual story about Valencia having to give Bancaja loads of dosh by 30th June. Sport.es also has Villa nailed on to sign for Barca after their final match against Valladolid. Laporta and Llorente are negotiating face to face right now.

Ibrahimovic - Guillem Balague reckons Barca have asked a super-agent to flog him off to Chelsea or City, but only Juve are interested.

Torres - despite press bollox to the contrary Torres has said CL isn't his be-all-and-end-all. He has said it wasn't important (albeit at Liverpool) as long as his club were mounting a title challenge. Balague (doesn't often get it right) has said that City are the only ones putting in the effort. So - Liverpool are very vulnerable to a cash offer, unlikely he'll want to go to Real, Barca will sign Villa, Chelski wont get in a bidding war with City. Liverpool's dire results now have the joy of no CL added, plus a reduction in PL prize money to boot. It never rains but it pours. Is he now appearing the most likely? Is he settled in the north-west like Mr Tevez was?

Higuain - as per other thread strong rumours this underpaid fellow is to be sold by Madrid - but in order to buy who? Possibly just a contract stance by his agent, but then Madrid wont be Madrid without signing a big name striker in the summer.

One of these is surely going to be the subject of a long drawn-out City saga this summer. Can we be successful this time?

[Kev]

Does anyone else think Robinho is going to be used as part of a deal to get one of these top strikers from Spain? Doubt he's coming back to us and seriously doubt Santos will win the lottery.

[john@staustell]

Does anyone else think Robinho is going to be used as part of a deal to get one of these top strikers from Spain? Doubt he's coming back to us and seriously doubt Santos will win the lottery.

Possible, just possible. Maybe we could give him to Liverpool?

[The Man In Blue]

Does anyone else think Robinho is going to be used as part of a deal to get one of these top strikers from Spain? Doubt he's coming back to us and seriously doubt Santos will win the lottery.

we could palm him off on liverpool?

"yeah robbie, you're off to barca, just catch a flight at liverpool airport. what do you mean you just saw Nando Torres' car pull up outside?"

edit: john great minds think alike!

[ant london]

I have a strange feeling that the Torres purchase was pretty advanced prior to us failing to get 4th

If we'd got it I think it was a slam dunk but I think they are having to now do some more persuading. I think Mancini's statement just smacked of smoke and mirrors to me.

I'd heard that it was more likely that Torres and Gerrard would be off if Benitez stayed on at Anfield. Looks like Juventus are backing off him now so hopefully that might work in our favour.

CL or no CL we are massively more attractive as a club than we were last summer. Then it was all pie in the sky "hopefully" promises of progress and eventual CL football. Any top player now would be pretty confident that if they join they WILL be challenging for the title next season (and with it Champions League football). It's pretty clear that we were close and that we are not far off in terms of squad.

The ones who come will be the ones who make the difference. It's likely that even the "non Galacticos" like Boateng would be enough to take us top 4. One or two top top players are the ones who take us toe to toe with Chelsea and the Munchens

[Slim]

I have a feeling Villa is heading to Real Madrid with Benzema making a move to the scum.

City might just get Torres, he would be no worse off than at Liverpool and they could use the money, City are a lot closer to mounting a title challenge than the scousers now, Chelsea have already bowed out and the only other option would be Barca.(Can't go to Real for obv. reasons) I'd say odds on for him to remain at Liverpool however.

Aguero has a bit of a fucking attitude on him, claiming he won't move for anywhere but an established CL club, considering where he is playing right now you'd think anyone in the CL would be a step up.

Higuain is a weird one, I think this is the player that Chelsea might go after, but after such a good run at Madrid I cannot fathom why player discord would see him moving on.

Ibra is stuck at Barca now, paying him too much for anyone to be interested(outside of us) and with Bojan Krkic really starting to establish himself, Ibra will find himself sharing time with Henry on the bench.

Balotelli is bitching about being stuck on the bench, I think Twitchy will grab him with Pavlichenko being auctioned off...probably someone like Villa to pick him up.

Finally Fabiano, great striker and would love him at City....not moving, I don't think there is any chance.

[john@staustell]

Several sources seem to think Ibrahimovic's star at Barca is waning. Be surprised if we go for him though, although Bobby will know better than most whether he'd suit the Prem. I think not.

Aguero is a dwarf, so he can bugger off with his attitude. Can you imagine a Tevez/Aguero forward line? LOL

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Villa - Barcelona or Real
Benzema - Rags (and will be a star there unfortunately)
Higuain - Dead cert to stay at Real
Ibrahimovic - Back to Italy or Chelsea
Torres - Barcelona, Italy, Arsenal or possibly even Chelsea. NOT going to come to a club with no Champion's League football.

[ant london]

Torres - Barcelona, Italy, Arsenal or possibly even Chelsea. NOT going to come to a club with no Champion's League football.

I love it when you make these pronouncements of FACT

as if you are Torres, or his agent or family....and as if you cannot possibly be wrong

He is at a club with no Champions League football mate....as things stand he's not getting it at LFC next season. He doesn't have to worry about the WC as he's going anyway. He also can come to somewhere like City knowing we don't have to play him into the fucking ground like the Scousers will do after he's had no summer off.

It's still a bit of an outside bet I grant you but it is a million miles away from your stated fact that he is NOT going to come to City

[Ted Hughes]

Villa - Barcelona or Real
Benzema - Rags (and will be a star there unfortunately)
Higuain - Dead cert to stay at Real
Ibrahimovic - Back to Italy or Chelsea
Torres - Barcelona, Italy, Arsenal or possibly even Chelsea. NOT going to come to a club with no Champion's League football.

I would have thought Barca would try to break the bank for Torres. If not, I don't understand why not, he's everything they need. I fear them selling Ibra to us in order to help finance it.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Torres - Barcelona, Italy, Arsenal or possibly even Chelsea. NOT going to come to a club with no Champion's League football.

I love it when you make these pronouncements of FACT

as if you are Torres, or his agent or family....and as if you cannot possibly be wrong

He is at a club with no Champions League football mate....as things stand he's not getting it at LFC next season. He doesn't have to worry about the WC as he's going anyway. He also can come to somewhere like City knowing we don't have to play him into the fucking ground like the Scousers will do after he's had no summer off.

It's still a bit of an outside bet I grant you but it is a million miles away from your stated fact that he is NOT going to come to City

Where did I say it was a fact? Crazier things have happened in football for sure. But if you look at the cold, hard facts it does seem quite unlikely.

People to start thinking that we should go for Messi, Torres and fucking Fabregas will only leave them disappointed when we sign quality players who may not be big names. I've seen this MILLION times before.

[ant london]

your last line sets it out quite clearly that you view this as fact...hence the NOT for emphasis.

I don't disagree with you in terms of the managing expectations part but Torres is the only one of the "daft" suggestions re Spaniards/Spanish based players that I think has any chance of happening (well apart from Ibra....and I pray to god that he doesn't ever come near a City shirt).

Fully agree that the less "sexy" signings are those that, in the main, will really benefit us.

But this window is the first one where I think we have a genuine chance of a big transfer coup that happens because they mainly want to come to City (rather than mainly wanting out of their current club).

I basically want the motivation for the move clear in Adam Johnson, Lescott and Barry's moves (I want to come to win things and develop the club) rather than the Tevez, Adebayor motivation (I want out and I will show you what you could have had) and definitely rather than the Robinho, Toure motivation (Get me the fuck out of here...anywhere will do, just pay me)

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

your last line sets it out quite clearly that you view this as fact...hence the NOT for emphasis.

I don't disagree with you in terms of the managing expectations part but Torres is the only one of the "daft" suggestions re Spaniards/Spanish based players that I think has any chance of happening (well apart from Ibra....and I pray to god that he doesn't ever come near a City shirt).

Fully agree that the less "sexy" signings are those that, in the main, will really benefit us.

But this window is the first one where I think we have a genuine chance of a big transfer coup that happens because they mainly want to come to City (rather than mainly wanting out of their current club).
I basically want the motivation for the move clear in Adam Johnson, Lescott and Barry's moves (I want to come to win things and develop the club) rather than the Tevez, Adebayor motivation (I want out and I will show you what you could have had) and definitely rather than the Robinho, Toure motivation (Get me the fuck out of here...anywhere will do, just pay me)

Honestly. I don't. Only things we have to offer this year are STILL loads of dosh and "project". Very few Ballon D'or quality players are looking to move anywhere but to a Club that is already there rather than one on the road there. It's exciting for us supporters and 99.99999999999999999999999999999999999999% of professional footballers in this world but real créme de la créme of footballers, and I'm talking about top 10 to 20 players in the world here, will want it all on plate and that we can't offer. Other than that, and those players already in very top clubs and satisfied, every player in the world is very much available for us. And that's still massive pool to choose from and create a top side.

[ant london]

Honestly. I don't. Only things we have to offer this year are STILL loads of dosh and "project". Very few Ballon D'or quality players are looking to move anywhere but to a Club that is already there rather than one on the road there. It's exciting for us supporters and 99.99999999999999999999999999999999999999% of professional footballers in this world but real créme de la créme of footballers, and I'm talking about top 10 to 20 players in the world here, will want it all on plate and that we can't offer. Other than that, and those players already in very top clubs and satisfied, every player in the world is very much available for us. And that's still massive pool to choose from and create a top side.

I think you slightly misinterpreted by definition of a "coup".

I mean a Robinho-standard player. I'm not talking Messi or Villa or Rooney or Fabregas. I wouldn't even think Torres were possible if it werent for the Scousers being fucked.

What I mean is the chance of us picking up someone like Di Maria or the likes of Dzeko (or someone (if he hadn't moved last summer) like Sneijder) or Higuain. Someone who for whatever reason is either going to be sold or wants to leave to further career or earnings.

What I meant is that it is now easier for those players to now see City as not really being a gamble (or just a desperate mercenary leap...a la Robinho) and come to us in the genuine expectation that not only will they earn a lot but they will taste some success.

[john@staustell]

Most interesting today for us seems to be that Yaya Touré is on his way out of Barca. After weeks of being able to keep his gob shut, his agent Dimitri Selyuk could do it no longer. He reckons that Barca haven't been playing him enough for 'economic reasons' and that he is 90% certain to leave imminently (he gets a big bonus if he plays 60% of the season's matches).

He believes Yaya is one of the best players in the world and that most clubs would be interested - in any case Arsenal are interested and something may be done with Arsene Wenger (wages? I doubt it, not if City are interested).

Higuaín unhappy bollox still about, as is Villa to Barca bollox (wants his future sorted BEFORE the WC and is sitting down with Valencia chairman immediately after last match).

All the talk was about Ibrahimovic, but not for his situation, for his appearance in a red Ferrari at training (see picture in the article link below). However still rumours that Juve have offered €34-40 M in a deal which could se one Vincenzo Iaquinta move the other way. Juve I might point out, are not in the Champions League either. Funny how it only makes a difference in 'city' stories!

Ibra's Ferrari, if anyone cares - http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gen/2010 ... -rojo.html

[Ted Hughes]

Most interesting today for us seems to be that Yaya Touré is on his way out of Barca. After weeks of being able to keep his gob shut, his agent Dimitri Selyuk could do it no longer. He reckons that Barca haven't been playing him enough for 'economic reasons' and that he is 90% certain to leave imminently (he gets a big bonus if he plays 60% of the season's matches).

He believes Yaya is one of the best players in the world and that most clubs would be interested - in any case Arsenal are interested and something may be done with Arsene Wenger (wages? I doubt it, not if City are interested).

Higuaín unhappy bollox still about, as is Villa to Barca bollox (wants his future sorted BEFORE the WC and is sitting down with Valencia chairman immediately after last match).

All the talk was about Ibrahimovic, but not for his situation, for his appearance in a red Ferrari at training (see picture in the article link below). However still rumours that Juve have offered €34-40 M in a deal which could se one Vincenzo Iaquinta move the other way. Juve I might point out, are not in the Champions League either. Funny how it only makes a difference in 'city' stories!

Ibra's Ferrari, if anyone cares - http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gen/2010 ... -rojo.html

I'll be nervous until Ibrahimovic's future is sorted. It's not even that I think he couldn't be brilliant for us, I do think it's possible he could be sensational but that only makes me very worried that Mancini may think the same & take the gamble. The more realistic outcome is he'll fail, stroll around half arsed & we'll be buying a £60M Samaras.

[john@staustell]

Most interesting today for us seems to be that Yaya Touré is on his way out of Barca. After weeks of being able to keep his gob shut, his agent Dimitri Selyuk could do it no longer. He reckons that Barca haven't been playing him enough for 'economic reasons' and that he is 90% certain to leave imminently (he gets a big bonus if he plays 60% of the season's matches).

He believes Yaya is one of the best players in the world and that most clubs would be interested - in any case Arsenal are interested and something may be done with Arsene Wenger (wages? I doubt it, not if City are interested).

Higuaín unhappy bollox still about, as is Villa to Barca bollox (wants his future sorted BEFORE the WC and is sitting down with Valencia chairman immediately after last match).

All the talk was about Ibrahimovic, but not for his situation, for his appearance in a red Ferrari at training (see picture in the article link below). However still rumours that Juve have offered €34-40 M in a deal which could se one Vincenzo Iaquinta move the other way. Juve I might point out, are not in the Champions League either. Funny how it only makes a difference in 'city' stories!

Ibra's Ferrari, if anyone cares - http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gen/2010 ... -rojo.html

I'll be nervous until Ibrahimovic's future is sorted. It's not even that I think he couldn't be brilliant for us, I do think it's possible he could be sensational but that only makes me very worried that Mancini may think the same & take the gamble. The more realistic outcome is he'll fail, stroll around half arsed & we'll be buying a £60M Samaras.

I agree. Luckily we can afford expensive mistakes and have a long precedent.

From the other thread then it's 'take a chance on Ibra' or maybe 'Ibra, pretty ballerina'? Then 'money money money'!

[Ted Hughes]

Most interesting today for us seems to be that Yaya Touré is on his way out of Barca. After weeks of being able to keep his gob shut, his agent Dimitri Selyuk could do it no longer. He reckons that Barca haven't been playing him enough for 'economic reasons' and that he is 90% certain to leave imminently (he gets a big bonus if he plays 60% of the season's matches).

He believes Yaya is one of the best players in the world and that most clubs would be interested - in any case Arsenal are interested and something may be done with Arsene Wenger (wages? I doubt it, not if City are interested).

Higuaín unhappy bollox still about, as is Villa to Barca bollox (wants his future sorted BEFORE the WC and is sitting down with Valencia chairman immediately after last match).

All the talk was about Ibrahimovic, but not for his situation, for his appearance in a red Ferrari at training (see picture in the article link below). However still rumours that Juve have offered €34-40 M in a deal which could se one Vincenzo Iaquinta move the other way. Juve I might point out, are not in the Champions League either. Funny how it only makes a difference in 'city' stories!

Ibra's Ferrari, if anyone cares - http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gen/2010 ... -rojo.html

I'll be nervous until Ibrahimovic's future is sorted. It's not even that I think he couldn't be brilliant for us, I do think it's possible he could be sensational but that only makes me very worried that Mancini may think the same & take the gamble. The more realistic outcome is he'll fail, stroll around half arsed & we'll be buying a £60M Samaras.

I agree. Luckily we can afford expensive mistakes and have a long precedent.

From the other thread then it's 'take a chance on Ibra' or maybe 'Ibra, pretty ballerina'? Then 'money money money'!

Well thats the name of the game these days. I have a dream we'll sign some top players for next season but personality wise I'm not sure Ibra would be accepted as one of us. Roberto signing Ibra & perhaps Balotelli? 'Mama Mia'

[Mike J]

ibrahimovic would be a gigantic risk. we would look like such cunts if we spent about 40mill on him and he just strolled around the pitch for 90mins each week.

would leave this one well alone.

[Exiled]

Whoever we get will probably be a high risk signing, no matter who it will be and the best strikers carry an ego. I think Balotelli would be as a good bet as any. If he moves to City, he'll need to succeed as the footballing world will be watching him. Am assuming he doesn't have a lack of confidence issue and just flips out sometimes a la Drogba.

IMO if we somehow get Torres, the media will go mental. Not going to complain but I could do without the aggro for a change.

I'm not convinced about Ibrahimavic though. He's got to be good but I seem to miss those games that he excels in.