Vranny

Time to make a "the boy's got some stones" pun?

Probably this: Stones Jags Distin Coleman Gibson Fellain Baines Mirallas Anichebe Pienaar Or Stones Jags Distin Coleman Gibson Fellaini Baines Pienaar Anichebe Mirallas

He would solve our box to box mid problem... Damned if the mooted deal linked above isn't tempting, depending on the rest of our transfer funds, but I'd still be inclined to vomit a little bit in my mouth if we signed him

Correct. I imagine having the technical ability and speed to play at RB as he does currently, while possessing the height and skill set to eventually move into the centre of defence appealed. Probably would have fit into the right side of Wigan's back three nicely.

The only reason I'd take Sinclair over, say Ince, would be due to the likelihood of getting him on loan with an option to buy. I'd be very surprised if we had much coin left, so getting a good look at player before buying and delaying any purchase isn't such a bad idea. We can always toss him come the end of the season if he turns out rubbish anyway.

I have an uneasy feeling that one of Baines or Fellaini is a heading out the door with rumours like these still plentiful. If we could sign Ince witout any major losses though I'd be absolutely made up.

Get some regular game time into him and that situation could quickly improve though. Hence why I wouldn't mind a loan + option to buy deal for him.

I'd be very surprised to see that happen. Considering the forwards Martinez has trusted in the past (the likes of Scotland, Rodallega, Di Santo, Kone) it's not just about having the skill and vision to get involved in build-up play. A bit of strength to hold up the ball has been a bit of a prerequisite in his lone strikers. He's not exactly an exponent of the "false 9" style striker that Deulofeu would most likely play up top.

He's referring to Junior and to be fair if the listed heights I've seen for him are correct (1.62m) that could be a legitimate concern, especially considering his position. Even Messi would be towering over him

---------------Howard--------------- Coleman-- Jags--Distin--Baines --------Gibson------Fellaini------- Deulofeu----Pienaar----Mirallas ----------------Kone----------------

Bit of an odd thought, but considering Moyes' clear pursuit of a central midfielder (i.e. Thaigo and Fabregas interest) what would people think of a cheeky bid (loan or otherwise) for Anderson? Obviously we can't see as to how Moyes will utilise him this coming season, but he's fallen right off the radar over the last couple of years under Fergie and would provide a box-to-box mid to the team that a lot of us are hoping for. Still only 25 and his price would surely have taken a tumble over the years.

If you're talking about his run of goals during the 2011-12 season it's true that his shooting technique was absolutely exquisite during that period. Should have specified that by "technically limited" I was referring to his first touch and ability on the ball. He's certainly not the kind to create chances for himself or others.

A mate of mine also tells me he's a pure poacher. Supposed to be technically limited and contribute nothing to build up play. Doesn't sound like a Martinez type striker to me.

He was a clear starter for Doncaster in league 1 and their fans really rated him. Bodes well for his potential game time in the championship if the move does go ahead.

Find it hard to draw that link when one's an old school no. 10 and the other a robust winger. Of players we've been recently linked to I'd say he's more comparable to Honda. Lacks the zip of Honda, while he isn't as classy on the ball and is generally not as balanced a player as the Japanese mid though. To give you a rudimentary idea of the differences in opinion I hold of them if we were to sign Macnelly my interest would be piqued, if we signed Honda however it'd definitely produce some fist pumping

From what I've heard he's a bit of a poor man's Riquelme (not intended as an insult). Good eye for a pass, decent shot and technically gifted, but small, slow and not the fittest player in this professionally era of football. Would be a quite a gamble to bring him in, but one that might be worth taking at the right price.

He'd eat up Baines' crosses that's for sure. Much more of a beast in the air than Jela and much more clinical with his head than anyone else in our squad. Could be an interesting option for us.

Either really. He used to play on the left mostly at Celtic and cut in, but he's got the pace to play out on the right and has done so mostly with Ireland and Spartak to my knowledge. A bit like Mirallas in that aspect.

At the £4 mil quoted I'd say it'd be a risk worth taking. It's a pity he's not a few years younger though considering the age of our squad.

If we don't lose anyone over the summer (unrealistic, I know, but for the sake of this argument that's what I'm going on) I'd basically be looking for 3 or 4 players for the squad. A striker of real quality to get us those 15-20 goals a season we crave, a box to box mid to give us someone apart from Fellaini to cover ground in midfield and to give us a bit of pace through the middle of the pitch and another winger to give us some genuine cover in that position (No more Naismith out wide. I'm begging ya Roberto!) Depending on our transfer kitty following these purchases I'd look for a young goalkeeper for the future or another more experienced journeyman on a free to provide Howard with competition as well. Up front, if he's available at a decent price, I'd be looking at Seydou Doumbia. He's been a consistent goal scorer for CSKA, he'd provide genuine zip up front (ideal if we ever go two up top considering one of Jelavic, Anichebe or Vellios would be partnering him) and just has a bit of everything. For a box to box mid I find it hard to go past Fer. For starters he genuinely wants to come to the club! He's got decent pace and is a decent dribbler, so provides some sort of counter-attacking threat. Also possesses a good engine and the idea of being able to unleash him and Fellaini on opponents is honestly quite scary. For a winger I reckon a good option would be to trying to get one of Sinclair, Marin or Moses on loan with an option to buy. All three have failed to cut it at big clubs, so there is a bit of risk in bringing one of them, hence why a loan option would be brilliant. And considering that neither of Chelsea or City are exactly in need of money it presents a fairly realistic option. For a keeper I've got no fucking idea tbh! Still seething we missed out on Butland to Stoke :shaking fist: Hopefully there's some young, talented, foreign keeper out there that none of us have heard of heading to the club in the near future.

Again, talking to my Dutch mates about it they reckon he could go for as little as 8 million euros But he'll probably end up staying in the Eredivisie, impressing for PSV or Ajax and getting a big money move in a couple of years a la Suarez.

Completely agree. He'd probably be the biggest signing for the club in years if we were to pull it off. I'm guessing he'd cost upwards of 20 million euros to buy in current form. Just not going to happen unfortunately.

Even though he doesn't exactly play in a position that we're lacking depth in (attacking-mid), if there was one kid I'd be willing splash the cash on this transfer window, it'd have to be Dutchman Adam Maher. He's only 19, technically brilliant and already possesses playmaking abilities beyond his years. Some of my Eredivisie following acquaintances have said he's the best Dutch talent since Van der Vaart and Sneijer and will probably be the one to replace them in the NT. Unfortunately I've also heard he wants to stay in the Netherlands to continue his development as it stands. I reckon he's a damn good bet to replace Eriksen (assuming he leaves) as Ajax's new playmaker. If he somehow ended up at Everton over the summer I reckon I'd have to take some "private time" over the signing.

Indeed, as well as many other teams do in these days of the 4-2-3-1 formation. I was responding to Avin's thoughts about needing another strong defensive midfielder. Reading back on the quote though I assumed he meant physicality-wise, not based on overall ability, so that could be my mistake there.

Am I the only one that wishes we had just kept Hitzlsperger? :dont know: