City in ADVANCED talks with Dzeko [merged]

[Duckman]

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/12/30/2282986/juventus-to-hijack-manchester-city-move-for-wolfsburgs-edin

[Esky]

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/12/30/2282986/juventus-to-hijack-manchester-city-move-for-wolfsburgs-edin

Makes a lot of sense. 'Please Schteve, wait 6 months and we'll offer you half of what City can pay now, a couple of magic beans and Momo Sissoko'.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

+ 86 goals in 111 league games.
+ Bundesliga is the closest league on the continent to the Premiership in terms of style of play.
+ He's strong, good with both feet and had impressed me pretty every time I've watched Wolfsburg (probably 15 or so times over the past few seasons).
+ 24 and in great form for a poor side.
+ Good injury record.
+ Wants to come.
+ A poacher; gives us a presence in the six yard box which Tevez and Ade don't.
+ Will serve as a catalyst for RSC/Ade to move elsewhere.

- Lacks pace.

He may take time to settle (most players do) but it's a no brainer for me. There's not a better forward we could sign at the minute, nor one who'd add to our squad like he will.

The fact that he's got a good goals tally & the side has been crap, gives me more encouragement that he'll succeed for us than his performances of the past tbh, when everything was just a little bit too easy for him & Grafite; who also has a very good scoring record. I think he's a much better bet now than he would have been 12 months ago.

Both of these posts are spot on. I've liked him for a while now but agree that with Grafite creating him space with his pace, he occasionally has had it bit easy. The fact that he has been able to score in dire Wolfsburg side this season is really encouraging. He SHOULD be doing it for us as well with better players around (albeit playing against better defenders as well).

But just like with any transfer this is a punt. We'll see how it goes. I reckon he has brilliant chance of being a top player for us but only time will tell.

[Swales4ever]

I think this has been the worst kept secret now for a while. The story just doesn't want to go away so you have to assume there is something to this. As this is the last window in which we can spend freely that signing him now is important. Cannot think of another spot in this team where we are noticeably weak but I would like another fullback if Bridge is on his way out, maybe one who can switch sides like Zabs. I hear Bayern have a decent one, maybe Antii can fill us in.

I've never known player that would suit rags better. It'd be crime to steal him from his natural home. Let rags have him.

Regarding Dzeko, we need to do this deal. Of course there are question marks how he'll do in better league and all that but for me he has all the attributes and seems to have the hunger (rarely a problem with Balkan players anyway) so out of all the players available he's best suit for us imo.

I've followed discussions about him for a while and concensus among people who have seen him more than once is that he is nice fit for us. Only Ted seems to be sceptic which worries me little as I tend to agree with him regarding players abilities and talents in general. Rest of the nay-sayers have been about 'not British' which really isn't an argument at all in modern game.

I am sure that by the mere fact that I try to discuss a topic with you I'll drive you more urticaria than 2 pounds of cheap chocolate. Nothing new under the sun. Nevertheless, I find myself fully sharing both technical and emotional arguments (i.e. the litmus test through Ted). In particular:
it's come bright that the only major weakness at City still is the lack of aerial bossing upfront (not to say on defensive set pieces against few dirty powerfull sides).
On the basis of such an issue, as opposite as per Your "captatio benevolentiae" towards some limited insular minds, the "Non- British" (aka arrogant glory-hunters) had bben the most aware of the fact that this topos of centerforward must necessarelly be one which is also capable to partecipate to the passing game: thus the likes of Carroll, as much as they can appear terrific while threatening on the air, are to be excluded from the list of eligibles.
The fact that our clueless manager is chasing for him since last january (along with some other retards in the business, that You righteously cited) should confirm the point. Ideally only Llorente would probably fit a little better, but as BBS recently drove me to consider, major concerns are to be taken into account when moving a Basque from his special environment.
I also happen to meet Ted's depth analytical ability, insofar the reading of the tactical and technical aspects are concerned, but He's Human and thus fallible: don't know, either because the violent deserved emotion of having been made a Legend (including the use of the astonishing secretary) or just a slight seasonal desease but what I read on the ultimate attempt (thread) to regenerate a disguised comparison between Les and Bob, was definitelly NOT Ted at his best. I even tried to tease him a little, but as a good Round Table Knight, he has remained loyal to the order of ignoring me... :-)

[King Kev]

Just had a thought.. I think i'm right in saying Dzeko can play in the Europa League as i think Wolfsburg didn't qualify this year.

Anyone able to confirm this?

Would be awesome if he can!

Wolfsburg didn't qualify but is it too late to add players to our list of 25?

[Crossie]

Oh please, Juve dont have a pot to piss in.

The one thing I keep noticing about Dzekos goals, are that his movement is fucking brilliant, he loses his marker with ease, and he knows how to beat a keeper from close range, no doubting that.

Arriving full of confidence, it's a shame that our first opponents with Jecko signed will likely be Arsenal, a game we cant afford to blood a new striker in.

[Swales4ever]

Just had a thought.. I think i'm right in saying Dzeko can play in the Europa League as i think Wolfsburg didn't qualify this year.

Anyone able to confirm this?

Would be awesome if he can!

Wolfsburg didn't qualify but is it too late to add players to our list of 25?

Insofar I am aware - not 100% tbh - the list may be rivised in january for both CL and EL, and eligible players may be added.

[King Kev]

Just had a thought.. I think i'm right in saying Dzeko can play in the Europa League as i think Wolfsburg didn't qualify this year.

Anyone able to confirm this?

Would be awesome if he can!

Wolfsburg didn't qualify but is it too late to add players to our list of 25?

Insofar I am aware - not 100% tbh - the list may be rivised in january for both CL and EL, and eligeble players may be added.

I think you are right

Subsequent registration
18.17 For all matches from the start of the round of 32, a club may register a
maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches in the
current competition. Such registration must be completed by 1 February
2011 (24.00 CET) at the latest. This deadline cannot be extended.

[avoidconfusion]

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/12/30/2282986/juventus-to-hijack-manchester-city-move-for-wolfsburgs-edin

Hmmm.... poor Wolfsburg have a hard decision to make... do they take 35m Euros now and sell Dzeko now or do they take a midfielder and then sell Dzeko in the summer for a lot less...

Why would Juventus be a more promising target for Dzeko anyway... they didn't even make it out of their group in the Europa League and that's after Buffon was mouthing off about how much better Juventus are compared to City.

[MaineRoadMemories]

I think you are right.

Subsequent registration
18.17 For all matches from the start of the round of 32, a club may register a
maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches in the
current competition. Such registration must be completed by 1 February
2011 (24.00 CET) at the latest. This deadline cannot be extended.
18.17(a) However this deadline can be extended if you're called 'Arry and have brown envelopes

The revised 2011 version.

[Swales4ever]

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/12/30/2282986/juventus-to-hijack-manchester-city-move-for-wolfsburgs-edin

Hmmm.... poor Wolfsburg have a hard decision to make... do they take 35m Euros now and sell Dzeko now or do they take a midfielder and then sell Dzeko in the summer for a lot less...

Why would Juventus be a more promising target for Dzeko anyway... they didn't even make it out of their group in the Europa League and that's after Buffon was mouthing off about how much better Juventus are compared to City.

Totally spot on.
Plus: Fucking Bastard Juventus will never spend €30m on a football player while the Agnelli Family is still strongly "debating" with the unions on how to "renew the industrial relations". NEVER EVER.

[Original Dub]

+ 86 goals in 111 league games.
+ Bundesliga is the closest league on the continent to the Premiership in terms of style of play.
+ He's strong, good with both feet and had impressed me pretty every time I've watched Wolfsburg (probably 15 or so times over the past few seasons).
+ 24 and in great form for a poor side.
+ Good injury record.
+ Wants to come.
+ A poacher; gives us a presence in the six yard box which Tevez and Ade don't.
+ Will serve as a catalyst for RSC/Ade to move elsewhere.

- Lacks pace.

He may take time to settle (most players do) but it's a no brainer for me. There's not a better forward we could sign at the minute, nor one who'd add to our squad like he will.

A lot of that is spot on mate.

Except for the fact that you added on 20 goals to his record, which is a slight bit misleading...

[DoomMerchant]

I think this has been the worst kept secret now for a while. The story just doesn't want to go away so you have to assume there is something to this. As this is the last window in which we can spend freely that signing him now is important. Cannot think of another spot in this team where we are noticeably weak but I would like another fullback if Bridge is on his way out, maybe one who can switch sides like Zabs. I hear Bayern have a decent one, maybe Antii can fill us in.

I've never known player that would suit rags better. It'd be crime to steal him from his natural home. Let rags have him.

Regarding Dzeko, we need to do this deal. Of course there are question marks how he'll do in better league and all that but for me he has all the attributes and seems to have the hunger (rarely a problem with Balkan players anyway) so out of all the players available he's best suit for us imo.

I've followed discussions about him for a while and concensus among people who have seen him more than once is that he is nice fit for us. Only Ted seems to be sceptic which worries me little as I tend to agree with him regarding players abilities and talents in general. Rest of the nay-sayers have been about 'not British' which really isn't an argument at all in modern game.

I am sure that by the mere fact that I try to discuss a topic with you I'll drive you more urticaria than 2 pounds of cheap chocolate. Nothing new under the sun. Nevertheless, I find myself fully sharing both technical and emotional arguments (i.e. the litmus test through Ted). In particular:
it's come bright that the only major weakness at City still is the lack of aerial bossing upfront (not to say on defensive set pieces against few dirty powerfull sides).
On the basis of such an issue, as opposite as per Your "captatio benevolentiae" towards some limited insular minds, the "Non- British" (aka arrogant glory-hunters) had bben the most aware of the fact that this topos of centerforward must necessarelly be one which is also capable to partecipate to the passing game: thus the likes of Carroll, as much as they can appear terrific while threatening on the air, are to be excluded from the list of eligibles.
The fact that our clueless manager is chasing for him since last january (along with some other retards in the business, that You righteously cited) should confirm the point. Ideally only Llorente would probably fit a little better, but as BBS recently drove me to consider, major concerns are to be taken into account when moving a Basque from his special environment.
I also happen to meet Ted's depth analytical ability, insofar the reading of the tactical and technical aspects are concerned, but He's Human and thus fallible: don't know, either because the violent deserved emotion of having been made a Legend (including the use of the astonishing secretary) or just a slight seasonal desease but what I read on the ultimate attempt (thread) to regenerate a disguised comparison between Les and Bob, was definitelly NOT Ted at his best. I even tried to tease him a little, but as a good Round Table Knight, he has remained loyal to the order of ignoring me... :-)

it's not just me, right?

[youtube]ybDOJP7FP6Q[/youtube]


cheers

[The Man In Blue]

i'd like Antti to quote any post that specifically states the reason a poster does not want Dzeko is the fact he is not English?

I'm pretty sure any English supporter of any English team would prefer their entire squad to be local to the area. This is a pipe dream, yes, but I would still have us sign English players wherever possible. And, if I'm not mistaken, Mancini agrees with me.

[saulman]

i'd like Antti to quote any post that specifically states the reason a poster does not want Dzeko is the fact he is not English?

I'm pretty sure any English supporter of any English team would prefer their entire squad to be local to the area. This is a pipe dream, yes, but I would still have us sign English players wherever possible. And, if I'm not mistaken, Mancini agrees with me.

But when you look at our national side, who would you actually sign that doesn't already play for us? Cole maybe? Gerrard? Both gettin on a bit in footballing terrms.

After that they're either rags or shite or both.

[zeljeznicar]

Keep calm :)
On this summer, Diego signed last day for Wolfsburg, and Hoeness and Juventus make deal. Juventus is just lure for take more money from City. Source? Tuttosport...this papers/portal always send hoax informations.

[DoomMerchant]

i'd like Antti to quote any post that specifically states the reason a poster does not want Dzeko is the fact he is not English?

I'm pretty sure any English supporter of any English team would prefer their entire squad to be local to the area. This is a pipe dream, yes, but I would still have us sign English players wherever possible. And, if I'm not mistaken, Mancini agrees with me.

i can't speak for Antti...but he's a big boi...he can defend hisself.

What i HAVE seen inferred in some posts people is that folks may prefer someone Prem-proven and Andy Carroll keeps popping up as an option for which some posters seem to have a predilection, presumably because he's not only Prem-proven, apparently after just half a season but a slew of goals, but since he's English as well and would therefore "settle" more easily that what we've seen with say Robson or the mad-arsed Pirate known as Mario Skull n Crossbones.

Regardless, i'll have a couple scoops of Zekkers please! And no i haven't seen him play more than 4 or 5 times. Whatev.

cheers

[Original Dub]

i'd like Antti to quote any post that specifically states the reason a poster does not want Dzeko is the fact he is not English?

I'm pretty sure any English supporter of any English team would prefer their entire squad to be local to the area. This is a pipe dream, yes, but I would still have us sign English players wherever possible. And, if I'm not mistaken, Mancini agrees with me.

It won't happen, because its not real.

Everyone has an agenda, not an opinion... do you not know that by now?

[The Man In Blue]

i'd like Antti to quote any post that specifically states the reason a poster does not want Dzeko is the fact he is not English?

I'm pretty sure any English supporter of any English team would prefer their entire squad to be local to the area. This is a pipe dream, yes, but I would still have us sign English players wherever possible. And, if I'm not mistaken, Mancini agrees with me.

But when you look at our national side, who would you actually sign that doesn't already play for us? Cole maybe? Gerrard? Both gettin on a bit in footballing terrms.

After that they're either rags or shite or both.

Was AJ in the national team when we plucked him from the lower half of the championship?

[Wooders]

i'd like Antti to quote any post that specifically states the reason a poster does not want Dzeko is the fact he is not English?

I'm pretty sure any English supporter of any English team would prefer their entire squad to be local to the area. This is a pipe dream, yes, but I would still have us sign English players wherever possible. And, if I'm not mistaken, Mancini agrees with me.

But when you look at our national side, who would you actually sign that doesn't already play for us? Cole maybe? Gerrard? Both gettin on a bit in footballing terrms.

After that they're either rags or shite or both.

Was AJ in the national team when we plucked him from the lower half of the championship?

nope was given his debut seemingly because of the fact that we decided to buy him, so he must be worth a callup - might sound arrogant but it shows how far we have come
(ok so he had some good performances before but hey ho..)