In any case, I suspected the Antonio fitness issue for the start of the season and he's not on my extensive list of potentials (until hes back and firing). A list I will make lengthy analytical notes on and share if you dont be'ave yerselves ;whistle
I do think the Dave's will sit and wait to see what's around near the end of the window. For example Liverpool want £40m for sturridge and Arsenal apparently want £20m for wilshere plus a buyback clause even though he only has 12 months left on his contract ;lol
Both of these are examples of pie in the sky valuations which will plummet as the window draws to a close and these clubs will be desperate to get rid. Not saying we will or should go for either, but there will be other examples.
I don't think we will be done if we get Hernandez and arny.
I also think at least one of ac and Sakho will be off one way or another
Getting the players is one thing, but making the best use of them is something else. We all remember how Pardew (or was it Curbishley) had Tevez and Mascherano but did not initially play them. It was only pressure form the crowd that forced him to play I think Bilic wants to change WHU playing style. With Carroll there is a temptation to hoof it and the opposing defences gang up on hi. I think Bilic is looking for more movement up front and more nimble players. That will probably suit Lanzini, Fernandes, Hernandez, Arnautovic and Quina/Martinez (if they make the first team). To do that recruits need to be secured sooner rather than later and learn the new tactics.
To be fair, Mascherano didn't play because he couldn't have been less bothered if he'd run out in flip-flops and sunglasses, with a lilo under his arm.
He was kept out of the team by Hayden Mullins - on form!
Further reports today that we are still chasing Badou N'Diaye, and have sent representatives to his club for *talks*. He has played in Norway (3 seasons) and currently Turkey (2 seasons) since moving to Europe from Senegal. 26 year old goalscoring CM/ACM who looks decent on youtube...
My theory is that as West Ham are in Austria little chico has crept across the border from Germany signed up and crept back, they will then parade Chico and Arnie at the same time when they arrive back in the U.K. ;wink
You are aware that you don't just creep down to Austria from Leverkusen? I am not sure where in Austria they are but it would probably be a 10-12h round trip not including any time spent there.
Just checked on google. It is currently a 9h12m trip from Leverkusen to Graz not counting holiday traffic so no way would you do a return journey in a day.
Comments
In any case, I suspected the Antonio fitness issue for the start of the season and he's not on my extensive list of potentials (until hes back and firing). A list I will make lengthy analytical notes on and share if you dont be'ave yerselves ;whistle
I give the board a lot of stick but if they can get us:
Hart, Zabaleta, Arnautovic, Hernandez
+ a couple more....
Then fair play ;clap
Both of these are examples of pie in the sky valuations which will plummet as the window draws to a close and these clubs will be desperate to get rid. Not saying we will or should go for either, but there will be other examples.
I don't think we will be done if we get Hernandez and arny.
I also think at least one of ac and Sakho will be off one way or another
;whistle
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40669333
To be fair, Mascherano didn't play because he couldn't have been less bothered if he'd run out in flip-flops and sunglasses, with a lilo under his arm.
He was kept out of the team by Hayden Mullins - on form!
But that aside...
;wahoo ;wahoo ;wahoo
;wink