Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

Mourinho is also keen to sign Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Essien and Frank Lampard from his old club. (Daily Star)

Carvalho is still in a long term contract so is Essien. It's Lampard that is the biggest risk. They are selling Drog anyway from what I heard

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

I'd rather lose Lampard than Essien, but I am worried about Drogba going, as this would leave us without a world class striker (an in form one that is).

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

I agree on Lampard but Essien is not going. They will not let him I think he is tied up until 2012

I'm not too worried about Drogba going as worst case they will just get someone in. There has been stuff going around about a swoop for Torres.

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

Yeah, more buying of the ready made talent.

Just because Essien is in a long term contract doesn't mean he will be staying, like whats happening with Ronaldo. If there's one player from Chelsea i think Mourinhio would want it would be Essien and i can see him wanting to go to Inter.

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

Buying ready made talent? how much did you pay for Jaap Staam, Ferdy? Owen Hargreaves? Carrick? Rooney? Surely that argument is irrelevant in modern football?

I'd hate to see Essien go to Inter (or any other club) more than any other player.

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

Calm down, i never said Chelsea were the only club that do it. But how many of Chelsea's player came up through their youth system or they bought young and developed and didn't have a big reputation before they got there? Maybe one?

I think Chelsea's best player by some distance is Essien, if they lose him they will be in trouble. Maybe being forced to play out of position for some of last season, which was one of Grant's worst tactical decisions, might affect his decision?

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

I don't think there will be many cubs going forward that bring most of their players through their own youth system. I get annoyed because its a charge levied at Chelsea more than any other club. Man Utd is probably the only club in recent times that won serious competitions, which struck a good balance in developing their youth players alongside their signings, but even they don't look like continuing that route.

You're right about Essien. I think him and Ballack in midfield work much better than Ballack and Lampard, so I know which one I'd rather let go.

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

I think Chelsea have some good youth players, like Ben Sahar and the players who go them to the youth cup final, even though most were not British, it's just whether they will give them the chance or not. United look like they are going to sign Ramsey who looks like a good young player and they have players coming through the youth system like Danny Welbeck and Frazer Campbell, who was at Hull this season, that also look good, but it's whether they will get the opportunity or not.

I would feel the same way if i was a Chelsea fan, i'd rather have Ballack and Essien in midfield than Lampard, although Lampard wouldn't be a bad replacemnt for either of them if one goes.

---------- Post added at 13:51 ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 ----------

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ty/7431155.stm

I can't believe he's joined the **** :(

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

Liverpool are on the brink of completing the £7m signing of Udinese's Italian full-back Andrea Dossena. The 26-year-old is reported to be in Liverpool having a medical. (Press Association, 1249 BST)

A bit of a coup there, he is supposed to be one of the best defenders in Italy.

If they get Barry and Quasmera (sp) as well, I can see them making a real challange for the title.

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

that rules him out as Man Utd boss anytime in the future lol......

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

Quaresma transfer a lot more likely now

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...pe/7435898.stm

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

Why Sparky, why? :no: :(

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill
 

Yet more speculation about Ronaldo and another team has shown their hand

Barcelona are to join Real Madrid in the race to sign Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, with Sandro Rosell using a pledge to sign the winger as his main weapon to be voted the next president at the Nou Camp. (Various)

Meanwhile despite claims Real have abandoned attempts to sign him as United don't want to sell

But the Spanish club are prepared to pay Ronaldo £300,000-a-week after tax in a £75m deal over five years to lure him to the Bernabeu. (Daily Express)

300k a week after tax, 300k a week even in the current market, that is jaw dropping

Re: Close Season Transfer Rumour Mill