Liverpool Banter Archive August 19 2013

19 Aug 2013 23:33:27
Lamela's people are meeting with Tottenham tomorrow. I really hope this means they're after just after him not both, if they manage to get Lamela, Willian and Coentrao rumoured to be in the Bale deal, I, I just don't even know.

Where is he going to play should be the real question. You can buy who you want for whatever price but how will they play and gel? BR`s team has a jump on a few teams because the team KNOWS the system and everyone knows their jobs. That`s why we have been very fluid in our play. Long may it continue.

Spur are going to get Willian. they always beat us to player. Levy > Ayre

20 Aug 2013 08:00:01
Coentrao is nothing to do bale! Its to pay off the modric deal!

Get a grip, ffs.

I can't wait for the transfer window to be over, and we can be spared the incessant hand-wringing and blubbering.

This is Liverpool.

20 Aug 2013 08:32:56
Whaaat. It would still be a 3 way race for the 4th spot.
Us, Arsenal and Man UTD.

If spurs really do get both Lamela and Willian, I reckon our hope for top 4 in the next few years will be if a sugar daddy comes and buys our club.

They must have been asleep when we nabbed Sturridge & Coutinho then. Could have signed Suarez but flinched. Aspas is a touch of class and cost a quarter of Soldado's fee while contributing more than half as many goals and more assists in an inferior team in the same league.

19 Aug 2013 13:42:07
Hi ed 30

If we do manage to sign willian how do u see our front 4 lining up? Obviously William is going to line up on the left with coutinho CAM as Rodgers has said. But all that leaves is Suarez to play right? Or sturridge? Thoughts please? {Ed030's Note - I think a 4-2-3-1 with Sturridge up top,Suarez on the right Coutinho and Willian if he signs on the left however I have been impressed with Aspas so I would think he will challenge for a starting berth,Mate. }

20 Aug 2013 00:01:57
I think Willian on the left, Coutinho through the center, Aspas on the right and Suarez uptop will be best. Suarez, IMO, is too wasteful to be on the right.

Ed030, that was exactly the point I made a couple of days ago but nobody agreed. Where were you mate?!

Thanks for the reply mate! What a front 4 that would be eh! Defiantly up there with the best.

Im impressed with aspas too, and I think if it happens like what ed030 suggests, we'll have a very good squad with aspas on the bench. any of the forwards can be subbed or be swapping positions and we still have a quality front 4

20 Aug 2013 08:35:20
ED030. spot on. I have been crying for this formation. 4-2-3-1 would do it for me. we need not rely on gerrard to post any attacking threat. He would just sit with lucas in the middle and dictate the game.
that front 4 is eoungh to breach any defence in the EPL.

I doubt Suarez will play wide Ed030

20 Aug 2013 10:17:48
I would much prefer Suarez to be on the right, he's much better at making chances than taking them

19 Aug 2013 22:15:26
got to love jaime lol it was crap. brilliant

I actually enjoy that show with him and neville.

19 Aug 2013 21:42:48
Hi Ed02/001,

What is the delay with the club announcing the signing of Cissokho?

I understand from pictures 'leaked' that he has passed his medical & signed on the dotted line so, what are they waiting for? {Ed002's Note - There is no rush - they will get to it.}

Fair enough, Thanks Ed. Great effort on this site btw

YNWA

19 Aug 2013 21:19:17
hey reds, Suso starting for Almeria vs Villareal tonight

19 Aug 2013 21:05:19
Is anybody else really enjoying all the negativity coming from AFC fans because they haven't yet signed anybody of any note. All we need now is for them to get knocked out of the CL. Justice I'd say after that ridiculous and petty offer for Suarez. THEY HAVE NO CLASS and we are on the way UP!

Well, I see it slightly different. I want the Gunners in the Champions League to stretch their squad and to make sure that we keep our quota of 4 teams in the CL. Just in case we ever do make top 4.

Wow one game of the season, show a little more respect please.

What a ridicules post, talk about small minded. I'm almost ashamed to say I support the same team as you.

How funny would it be if they got knocked out by Fenerbache 3 days before the window and we then accepted their bid of £40,000, 001 for Suarez?

One in the eye for both Suarez and the Gooners. I know they still don't have to buy even if we accept their offer, but it it would be funny to see Wenger backtracking like mad.

I actually think they've made a terrific signing in Yaya Sanogo (no sarcasm). This lad is top notch.

Dirk Kuyt and Raul Mireles with the goal.

19 Aug 2013 20:52:44
Good win for the U21s tonight 4-2 at the Mancs

19 Aug 2013 20:41:40
For those that didn't just see Fabio Borini's goal for U21s. it was beautiful . check it out!. WOW!

Not sure if you meant the first one or the second one, but they were both very well taken. Good to see the lad hit the target for a couple.

Only problem is that we paid 11M for him to do this in the PL, not under 21s!

He is getting some match fitness. what is the god damn problem? OH I know. he scored twice so you couldn't come and moan and call him crap and so on and so on? pathetic support.

19 Aug 2013 20:34:53
Evening eds. ANZI looking at fire sale hence the Willian news/rumours.
Do they have any other players we should be looking at or maybe looking at? I know nothing of them other than they spent huge last few seasons and want rid of Johnny Foreigner

EDs opinion of any other ANZI players that can leave
Cheers {Ed002's Note - Sure, buy them all.}

Lacina Traore

19 Aug 2013 19:56:56
Only tangentally related to Liverpool, but: Jovetic not even on the bench for City tonight.

If anyone's wondering why we talk about 4th instead of winning the league, well there's your answer.

How can he effect a game though if he is not in the squad? {Ed002's Note - Mind control?}

Jovetic is overrated. What striker on City's team was better than Sturridge for Liverpool?

All this money being spent on Spanish strikers (Negredo for city) yet Spain have to play false nines? I mean, with that midfield? Comon, money doesn't equal success. We are signing hungry players, and they're doing fine. Just because Jovetic costs a ton doesn't mean he's worth it.

He's injured mate

Tough to maintain harmony in the squad in a World Cup year when you have too many players.

Manuel has the best squad in my opinion, but he will not have it easy.

He picked up a knock playing for Montenegro. That is why he is not playing.

He wasn't fit due to international duty. It's absolutely nothing to do with us in any way.

I sometimes despair at posts like this, just another reason to moan.

Puzzled Red

Congratulations Ken Aguero for the goal

19 Aug 2013 20:59:30
Mind control? That's fantastic. Perhaps we should sign Dynamo.

19 Aug 2013 22:16:22
Injured?

Well that was my first assumption, but the BBC match feed said he was available for selection. Guess they got it wrong.

And Tj, in answer to your first question - Aguero & Dzeko. Possibly Jovetic too, we'll see. And that's not to take anything away from Sturridge, either.

19 Aug 2013 19:37:58
Aly Cisshoko has signed for LFC!

Where is this confirmed Tel? Not disbelieving you but nothing on the lfc website yet. {Ed002's Note - Come on Tel, what's your source? You screwing with us again? We never heard of this mother?}

19 Aug 2013 19:19:26
The real AG because the post moved on. Burak Yilmaz is a striker, we don't need a striker. You don't even know what kind of player we are looking for.
He IS the best option compared to the players you mentioned, each of them are near 30m value.
Konoplyanka has a release clause of 40m and unproven in big leagues. Adrian is also a forward and Turan is the only viable option but Willian is the better player. So before posting all these players bear in mind this is not Football Manager game.

Unproven in the big leagues? Willian played in the Ukranian league and Russia for six months. I'd love him but I'd also love Konoplyanka aswell

Shakhtar and Anzhi are bigger teams than Dnipro. Willian is also unproven in bigger leagues, but there is no trial and error from a guy who regularly played in Europe for years and helped his teams a lot.
Now, Konoplyanka how can you be so sure he will be excellent buy for the PL and for one of the top 4 teams(because we are aiming for that)?
I easily see him to a mid table team first and then working his way up. But Willian is a top team kind of player. {Ed002's Note - Such strong words about the Kirovohrad Messi.}

Yes Guv but Willian is proven in the champions league too which Konoplyanka isn't.

Puzzled Red

19 Aug 2013 21:44:46
DonCorleone,

LFC have bid/showed serious interest in Mkhitaryan (an attacking midfielder), Diego Costa (a striker) and when we missed out on both now Willian (a winger). I am pretty sure we are looking for an attacking player, who is versatile and can improve and grow with the team. Add to that, Ed02 pointed out interest in Yilmaz.

Clearly, the one playing all the Footy Video games is YOU.

Then you go on to and speak of this unproven league (Ukranian) where Willian made his name. Also, it's worthy noting that Konoplayanka and Mkhitaryan has played majority of their games in this unproven league.

My suggestions are exactly that; suggestions. The suggestions however have a reason behind it. LFC has shown strong interest in Turan and Dsudszak and Konoplayanka and Adrian are exactly the kind of players that would fit in the system and the kinf og players BR goes for.

OK Eds, this is my second post that has gone missing today! I was just answering the unwanted criticism (IMO) from keyboard warrior DonCorleone.

PS. Don, that name ain't fooling nobody.

Whoops, should have held my tongue. Sorry Eds.

PS: I see you have cut all the spicy bits :)

20 Aug 2013 01:35:28
It all makes sense: the suggestions are suggestions. Brilliant.

It's a suggestion inside of a suggestion inside of a dream within a dream inside of a duck in a pig wrapped in bacon with Leonardo DiCaprio and a spinning top inside of real life.

#winning #biwinning #bywinning

I'm not the one throwing names pretending to know how much better they are from our current targets.

I think too much is made of Prem proven. I don't think the Prem is the be all and end all. Quality is quality and if you have the right mentality there is no reason why you wouldn't succeed. Adaptation to life in England is a separate matter but purely from a footballing perspective I don't see any issues.

I get what you're saying about making a sort of middle step up, but say he does that and is spectacular, his price sky rockets I doubt we'd be able to attract him then.

We need to be getting these types of players at the source before they become out of reach.

19 Aug 2013 19:18:56
Aly Cissokho has passed his medical and is expected to be confirmed by the club soon.

19 Aug 2013 19:10:13
Lucas and Coutinho should pick up the phone to Willian and offer him a home cooked brazilian dish.
The only thing that could lure him to Spurs is ekotto's barber.

Can't have too many brazilians in your life my younger, single version of me is telling me. {Ed002's Note - Others were thinking the same Mikey - but they were concentrating on the chicks.}

And couldn't sandro and paulinho offeer him a similar meal?

I heard coutinho makes a wicked curry

19 Aug 2013 19:07:21
aly cissiko as signed tonight

19 Aug 2013 19:00:00
A. Cissoko is a red!

19 Aug 2013 18:55:01
Cissokho has been confirmed, pictures already out of him signing his contract

19 Aug 2013 17:57:22
Hi Ed's great work loving this site :


ssn say Tottenham have moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Willian.


Whats your views Ed? {Ed002's Note - I have explained that Liverpool has made an offer below the minimum Anzhi would accept and have added a sweetener that they will hand back a percentage of future profit. His agent has this offer and will have informed Anzhi. Spurs have an interest but have yet to ake an offer. They would like interest from a Champions League club as well.}

Your opinion ed do you see Anzhi being interested in the offer? or are you expecting them to reject it? {Ed002's Note - IN an offer below what they have said they would accept? Not unless there are no other offers.}

19 Aug 2013 14:58:05
Afternoon Eds. General question as the last week of transfer madness comes round. Who do you seriously think are Liverpools targets, not who might we be in for or who might want to come to us but who do YOU(the eds) think might be Liverpool targets out of the many mentioned on here? I know its a bit of an open question but I thought i'd ask it anyway. Thanks for all the excelent hard work you lot out into this as well. {Ed002's Note - Cissokho and Willian.}

19 Aug 2013 18:23:38
My two pence on Willian. All the discussions seem to be about his price and is he value for money. We keep on making these points even when we know the transfer market is hit and miss. If we paid 35 million for Carroll, how much is Willian worth? Similarly, if Spurs value Bale at 100 million, how much should Anzhi consider a fair price?

The fact is, after all the posts I've read concerning Willian, the only conclusions that can be reached are that we all want him at the club and most of us believe that Brendan can help him to fulfill his potential.

With that said, I have complete faith in our recruitment system and transfer policy based on how the calendar year has gone so far.
So let's just get behind FSG, Ayre, Rodgers and the lads we already have because who knows, if we don't get Willian, next year this time, we might all be saying we dodged a bullet a la Dempsey, Sigurdsson.

19 Aug 2013 18:13:38
Hoe we put out a good u21 side v Manchester United tonight fed up of getting a good hiding from them

We are murdering them tonight. just gone 3-1 and should be 5 - Only 20 mins gone!

19 Aug 2013 19:21:17
so far its 3-1 to Liverpool for those that ain't watching it

scorers:-ibe, morgan and borini

3-2 at half

Wow I got what I wanted! Strong side we put out! Deserved the win after an awful start!

19 Aug 2013 17:14:09
any idea on when cissoko will be unveiled? {Ed019's Note - soon, provided he passes a medical}

Signed now

19 Aug 2013 17:06:34
If we get Wilian, we need papa at CB. Business done.
Plenty of options to work with and have a good go at top four.
I am hopeful rather that wishful compared to this time last season.

19 Aug 2013 15:33:17
ed's would u say lfc is closest to signing WILLIAN please answer and post #thelfcullah {Ed019's Note - Spurs/Liverpool. Player's choice who he wants to join}

I thought AVB said today that they had not made a bid for him, is he telling porkies? {Ed002's Note - Andre is correct - they have not made a bid.}

19 Aug 2013 16:35:29
Just reading a few angry irrational posts on here. A few funny ones blaming Ian Ayre for not signing Wiliian (who could well still come) and asking for him to be sacked because of it when he's not even conducting this deal.

Ayre has his faults, yes but calling for his head on every occasion is just embarrassing! Please stop making us LFC fans look like persons.

Puzzled Red

19 Aug 2013 18:28:34
im confused is the negotiating on transfers not done by billy hogan so why would we blame ian on failures and have to say r transfer activity of late is getting far better than previous regimes.

Yes, laughable that some nuggets are blaming Ayre.

Ayre has nothing to do with Willian, someone else is doing that.

19 Aug 2013 16:07:06
I am always fascinated by fans views of players we haven't bought, as generally they haven't actually seen that much of them play.

In recent years there were people begging for Adam Johnson (now looks ordinary at Sunderland, let alone at a top class side), Ashley Young (out of favour at United), Papis Cisse (jury still out on one season wonder), Demba Ba (about to be offloaded by Chelsea), Gaston Ramirez (now just a sub at Southampton), along with many others.

No-one was clamouring for Coutinho or Sturridge (or Suarez for that matter).

I think too many people are swayed by values - if he isn't touted around at £20m he's no good.

I actually doubt whether too many people really understand that some players are right for some clubs and playing systems, and some just aren't going to fit in (Andy Carroll anyone?).

BR has inherited a whole squad of players, some of which just cannot get to grips with his preferred style. The biggest losers appear to be Skrtl and Coates, who are nowhere near the first team, and if any decent bid came in would be out of the door in a flash. Looking at the way we are playing gives me great encouragement that we are really close to a squad which would suit the style of play we now have.

You could argue that Dortmund have a similar approach, with not too many superstars, just a lot of players who fit into their system. I would be fairly happy if we could replicate their recent success in our own manner of playing football and developing players.

I hope all LFC fans can see the type of player we are looking for. The price tag should be irrelevant. Just get behind the player when he arrives. if he proves to be not good enough, that is the fault of the management not selecting the right player, not the fault of the player.

Hopefully happy days are ahead.

Well argued Shirt Seller

Good post. That`s why fans can`t and don`t run teams ever. Owners and coaches should NEVER do what fans tell them to do in CRITICAL situations because fans will get you fired.

19 Aug 2013 14:57:33
apparently Liverpool are willing to match a transfer fee of around £28million, a fee that Spurs are comfortable to pay for the 25-year-old, but personal terms could be a problem. He would need to take a cut to join us while Spurs sound like they're willing to offer more. A decision from the Willian camp on his future is due later in the week.Meanwhile, reports originating from Italy today claim that AC Milan are competing with Liverpool to sign PSG defender Mamadou Sakho for £8million.

just thought i'd post this

19 Aug 2013 14:38:13
Does anyone know if there was some sort of buy back fee/or arrangement included in deal of jonjo shelvey to Swansea?

Harold

God harold I hope not.

19 Aug 2013 17:56:28
Hopefully some % of any future sale. But no buy back or nothing of the kind.

Would think so as we any sold him for £6M, stil think he will turn out to be a very good player.

I hope so as I've always thought he was better and will bring a better goal ratio than Hendo and Allen, that's my view so let's here all the slander.

And we would buy him back because . ?

Sell on would b nice just for more money but no buy back. He doesn't suit us not fluid enough not fast enough not good enough.

And why would we want him back? He was never good enough after being given his chances. He`s been sold so move on.

19 Aug 2013 14:07:29
Just read an intersting snippet from Eurobot on Yahoo(normally reliable enough), who says his sources are suggesting that Anzhi are quite possibly over doing the interest spurs have in willian, which according to them is of little interest now they have other players, in order to make LFC panic and bid as high as they are wanting.

Do you know if this is true eds, or just one of many possibilities? {Ed001's Note - sounds like utter cack to me, Spurs won't care how much we pay.}

Hey ed, the claim actually is that Anzhi are using Tottenham's name to convince us that there are other clubs pushing for a deal.

Drigan {Ed002's Note - Spurs have a serious interest in the player. Anzhi have said little r nothing on the}

No Ed01, sorry a bit confusing but I meant Anzhi are suggesting interest from Spurs is real so we pay quickly and more for Willian when actually Spurs interst is low {Ed002's Note - So what do you think Anzhi has said?}

I think the op's point was that anzhi are trying to make us up our bid by exaggerating interest from spurs. Which seems to me like a common enough negotiating tactic but I don't know anything about who's interested

I think he's saying Anzhi are trying to make us up our bid, not Spurs. Apparent Spurs interest is what they are using to achieve this.

I have no idea what they said to Anzhi Eds, how would i?
I was just passing on something I read on a normally fairly accuarte resource.

Of course they may be wrong and I do not doubt you guys but I also think it seems fair to suggest that teams will use this tactic to try and force a higher bid by over doing interest from other teams, in the same way agents push their players around many teams to get a higher bid and more interest.

Anyway I guess if spurs bid and win then they are wrong and if not and they do not bid, maybe they had a point. Either way always greateful to you guys

19 Aug 2013 14:03:36
There are one or two on here how are bagging Ayre for his 'lack of activity' and also for 'missing out' on reported targets.

For me the signings of Coutinho and Sturridge were top drawer and a marker for things to come. The fact that we have signed some quality players already in Toure Aspas and Mignolet further underpins that view.

I remember last year when similar barbs were thrown at the management team when we 'lost out' to Tottenham with Sigurdson and Dempsey. (I'm personally glad we did). They haven't exactly set the world on fire, have they?

We have had 5 excellent signings this calendar year (plus Luis Alberto - so possibly six) and we have the prospect of two or three more coming in before the end of the transfer window.

So to those of you who are bemoaning the incompetent Liverpool recruitment drive, I suggest you think before you type.

Well said pal. Totally agree.

Nods in agreement

Top post! I`ve been following football for 30yrs of my life (lfc fan for all that time) and have learnt to leave the experts to do their jobs. Fans should just trust that they have the club`s best interests at heart instead of spouting out abuse because the player THEY want is not bought. Dempsey, Sigurdsson were superstars (according to "experts")that would have added nothing to the team for the price and wages they wanted so good riddance. PS: Stop slating Ian Ayre, BR, or the owners for no reason because it just make one look daft.

19 Aug 2013 12:56:20
Hi eds I wish spurs will go and find there own bloody players instead of poaching ours I mean come on something must be done rogers hurry up and sign Willan offer the money and let's get on with this season

I wish people would stop posting bilge about Spurs nicking our targets. We play in the same league, have roughly the same appeal (right now) and similar budgets. It would be more surprising if we didn't occasionally fancy the same players.

19 Aug 2013 12:13:48
Hi Eds
Is there any truth that spurs are ahead of us to sign willian? Hope it isn't true! Also do you believe Liverpool will get the marquee signing they are looking for this summer?
thanks and keep up the good work!

According to old eurobot abd his sources spurs interst has been made up in order to push LFc into making a higher and rash bid, and his sources are good like the EDs on here normally so I trust them.

I know Spurs were intersted but I do not think they are at monet due to other signings and are looking at other players.

Personally never thought we would get Willian but I do now think we will if we want him enough

19 Aug 2013 17:17:11
avb said on that they have not made a bid for him I think the media likes to report both clubs going toe to toe for a player imo.

19 Aug 2013 12:34:24
Sorry if this question has been answered Eds but do you know if Aly Cissokho is having his medical today? {Ed001's Note - I thought he flew over and had it done yesterday? Maybe I am getting mixed up in my old age, but that is what I thought had happened. Our medicals are very thorough and it takes a while for the results to come through.}

Cheers Ed001 I thought he was over yesterday as well. Your answer is much appreciated.

Would be bad if cissokho having a problem with his medical check up.

19 Aug 2013 12:11:10
Here's my take on the centre half situation.

Firstly I want to say I'm delighted with the acquisition of Toure. Not only is his ability still there in droves, but his personality both on and off the pitch is wonderful to see and very contagious. He'll be brilliant in the dressing room and prove a great signing.

Agger is also a great choice at vice captain. He's a very strong player and extremely loyal to LFC. He'll make a strong partnership with a commanding Kolo next to him, but I do think we need stronger back up and competition for that position.

I still feel that Coates will go when we the opportunity arises, which is understandable. He's got potential, but doesn't fit our system or the pace of the league.

Wisdom will likely take his place, which sits fine with me, although I would like him to go out on loan to gain experience personally. He's got a lot of potential, but doesn't have the greatest acceleration to recover and he'll need lots of work on his positioning to account for that. That may improve in training, but ideally he'd be getting regular football, which would improve this.

Kelly isn't remotely proven as a CB for me. He does have the physical attributes to play there, but hasn't played a single senior game in that role, so it's a big risk for me. He'll cover right back when required, but he's almost as injury prone as Harry Kewell so can't be relied upon.

Skrtel is a conundrum for me. Personally I wouldn't loose sleep if he was replaced. Yes he had a quality season two years ago, but if you look back over his time at LFC, he's only often had a good spell right before renegotiating his contract. I don't mean to sound harsh, or judgmental, but I think the man (or his agent) thinks he's better than he actually is. He's a strong reactor to danger, but doesn't read the game that well and seems uncomfortable in BR's system and against strong opponents.

One potential replacement, who wouldn't be bullied is Papadopolous. I like man have mentioned him a few times before. Firstly because I know his quality, but also because he's a player in that position we were strongest linked to. I know the fears over his knee are there, but he genuinely has the ability to go on and be one of the best in the world. He's an absolute animal, a talent that like Willian would normally feel our of our reach to Champions league clubs. Perhaps given his high tag and knee, we stand a chance. You may say well that's why others aren't buying, but he may be a risk worth taking.

A brief note on Mignolet, as he does come into this. Firstly I'm delighted with his penalty save. For me he's up there with the best shot stoppers in the league. His distribution, whilst it needs a little work is decent. His main area of weakness is his collecting of crosses, not unlike Reina. I think this can improve with training and experience, especially when he's used to playing with our defence. Personally I have faith that he'll go into to being on of the best in the league, he's a tier below Cech, Begovic and Lloris at the minute.

We will need physicality in some games this season, plus a stronger defence, maybe even a back three if we're going to play an attacking front 4. Coutinho will be quality at 10, but we need a strong base behind him to allow for this, plus Sturridge, Suarez and dare I say Willian (I'm still confident) in attack.

Lucas is finally looking like his old self, but with our attacking full backs and a slower Gerrard we will get exposed (as we did once yesterday) on the break, against top sides. Perhaps adding Henderson into midfield will help, but the defence has to be very strong with an attacking team.

Some may want the goals and all of the glory, out scoring opposition 4-3's 5-2's etc. not me however, I like to see us playing fluid attacking football, but I'd happily take a 1-0's all day long.

Whether we sell Skrtel and buy a new centre half remains to be seen. But I for one hope we do. We've brought well all summer for players that fit the style were looking to achieve. Kolo fits this, but him and Agger can't do it alone, we need a strong squad to compete on all areas of the pitch, if we're to stand a chance of top 4.

Papa G

Good read, Papa G, and agree with 99% of it.

One thing I might say is I think Mignolet does fine with crosses, his weakness for me is more on set pieces/corners where the box gets crowded. To be fair, I haven't seen too many keepers in recent years who are any good at dealing with this. Seems to me something the older keepers (e.g. Cech) are better at handling for some reason?

Centre half is indeed our Achilles heel.

Our fundamental problem is that we have not been able to replace Hyppia.

I don't know the solution. I have not seen enough of Papa so can't speak to that.

I have seen Kelly and Wisdom, and I suspect they are not going to be the solution. Skrtl unfortunately does not have a footballing brain.

One way or another, Rodgers and scouts must find the solution. We need a centre half of the quality of Vidic or Kompany if we are to win this league.

Good post and good read Papa G. Can't disagree too much with your views

Good post. Well written.

A good read Papa G. Unfortunately, I don't think we will sign a centre back now.

19 Aug 2013 11:15:14
Ed are Spurs Man City Manchester United Chelsea all interested in Willian? {Ed002's Note - No.}

Are United Ed? Little worrying as CL football could probably sway it, let's hope not and we can wrap things up. {Ed002's Note - Not right now.}

Eds are any of the above rather than all currently interested and if so which? {Ed002's Note - Manchester City will likely not return with another bid. Spurs are certainly interested.}

19 Aug 2013 10:51:05
eds, do you think we haven't pursued talks with willian because we've turned our attention to another player in a similar mould? thanks {Ed002's Note - I have explained the situation with Willian.}

Thanks Eds- so as of today have the spurs or another club that has been approached made an offer? Is there some sort of timeline that anzhi will say "ok this is the best offer we will get" and make the deal with LFC. thanks again for taking the time {Ed002's Note - I have explained the situation with Willian - why not read the posts.}

19 Aug 2013 10:40:48
Morning eds.

With all the speculation regarding Willian, I can't help thinking we should be taking another look at Tello from Barca. Tello has scored 11 goals in 19 senior starts. He's quick, strong, skilful and only 22.

Willian on the other hand doesn't really carry the same goal threat. Yes he can dribble with the best of them but we need a player who can get double figures and I'm not sure Willian is that guy. I may be wrong, I'm not a scout.

So my question is eds, do we still hold an interest in Tello or is he definitely staying at Barca?

Cheers {Ed002's Note - Tello is not an option, he will be staying at Barcelona.}

Oh we'll.

Cheers

We have suarez and sturridge who are more than capable of double figures. I wouldn't be surprised if aspas is also. And if alberto can perform anything like he did for barcelona b team then he won't be far behind either so remind me again. What do we need?

19 Aug 2013 10:32:38
Morning eds {Ed002's Note - Good morning.}

Morning Mr T

19 Aug 2013 10:29:04
EDs, was the fee you mentioned for Willian form Man City really just under 40 mil because that is an insane drop for the figures been quoted now? {Ed002's Note - Yes, but that is in euros. Everyone is seemingly getting confused about currencies and are simply blurting out numbers again.}

So we're talking about maybe 33m pounds I'd say?

19 Aug 2013 10:24:40
There is always a limited amount of top class players up for sale during any given transfer window. And as all of the bigger clubs are always looking to strengthen its inevitable that other teams are looking at the same players we are. The same with Diego Costa, no one had mentioned Willian a week ago. Now if we don't get Willian its going to be the end of the world. Until a player is pictured at Anfield holding a scarf above his head, saying that has always been his boyhood dream to play for us, I try not to get my hopes too high. Before the window closes we'll continue to be linked with a host of other players, hopefully we'll get 1 or 2 of them.

But you forget one crucial aspect. So dramatic over the top 'end of the world' pronouncements are part of the fabric of fandom.

19 Aug 2013 10:02:30
morning eds . do we have another player lined up if we don't sign willian, and is there any news on a CB like sakho or the other 2,

on another note we could have had 6 or 7 goals but 3 points count the most, and as I've said before I would rather win games 1 -0, just as long as we win,

im just waitng to see if i'm right about us not buying anymore players in this window, I really thought after all the news on willian we would have had him already but my mind always goes back to us buying suarez and the stupid amounts of money we trying to get him for, I think our 1st bid was something like 12 mil which was rejected, and then I think another 2 bids were tried before we bought him for the asking price, I think that's the reason why spurs and other clubs get their targets straight away, they meet the asking price, we just haggle and we have missed out on players because of it,

we all know we are in profit and have money from the tv rights, so there should be no indecision on buying a player, if we want a player the owners should just go and buy the player because this season will be our best chance of getting in the top 4, as with the celtic game the stoke game showed we need a top CB, as good as agger is one part of his game is not that good and that is heading, but all this is just my opinion, if suarez stays and scores for fun again then we buy willian that's our attack sorted then if we get sakho then we will have a team to challenge for the top spot never mind 4th at least we were at the top for an hour :)) {Ed002's Note - You need to read the posts Mickey.}

19 Aug 2013 09:44:39
What about Barry on loan for a season? We keep talking about the need for experience to push us over the line in the tight games, I personally think he would be a great signing short term.

I think I will give that one a miss.

I know that he is friends of Gerrard but I hope we don't go for him. He has absolutely no change of pace whatsoever. Very overrated for me.

Better to have kept Spearing.

Jay Spearing. Barry without the massive arse!

19 Aug 2013 09:00:49
Just read on tv that Willian may move to spurs. You know what I'd love it if we could actually sign a player over the top of them. Dempsey, Siguardson and whoever else are were due to us and went to them. Come on FSG do this one right and sign him up and then close the chequebook!

19 Aug 2013 09:25:54
i think its the media trying to big up spurs as a bigger club than Liverpool hopefully billy hogan goes all out for this 1. for the right reasons I want this player not just to beat spurs to a player for once.

Hello Ed,
can you post a summary of the latest part of this Willian Saga. I searched but didn't find anything.
Because according to Gary Jacobs (Spurs Journo from times) Spurs are confident of a deal.
While according to Di mirzo (the most reliable Italian Journo) we are front runners having offered Anzhi 30M€ + 50% of future profit on sale of Willian. {Ed002's Note - As of Sunday evening, Liverpool have proposed a figure to Willian's agent that does not meet the minimum valuation that Anzhi want for the player. The proposal from Liverpool also heavily relies upon Anzhi accepting a significant amount if and when the player is sold. Right now Spurs has not put a figure to the agent, who is also expected to enquire again with Manchester City and other Premier League clubs. Anzhi have already rejected a significant bid from Manchester City and were hopeful they would come back with a higher bid, but accept now they will have to accept less.}

Either way let's just relax. I like the look of Willian based on a few ECL games and some youtube clips but if we don't get him, which is a possibility, then so be it. We have a look at a few others and see how we go.

Andy K

19 Aug 2013 11:25:31
Ed02, so in the event we were to sell Willian in the future (that is if we sign him first), we would need Anzhi's agreement? {Ed002's Note - No, it would mean giving a percentage of the profits over a certain amount to Anzhi (not the figures suggested by Navjyot).}

Thanks for clearing that up Ed.

19 Aug 2013 08:54:46
Morning eds. Not really bothered if we don't get willian but I really do hope we buy a couple of quality players to take us to the next level. My point is, how many mid fielders do spuds want? Lewis holtby can't even get in so god knows why they want another. Surely this must be a concern for any new players tthey sign that they could spend a lot of time on the bench or even in the stand.

19 Aug 2013 08:17:07
Good Morning eds,

Have we actually bid for Willian or is it just speculation? Can you see him choosing us over spurs?

Thanks, hope you enjoyed opening weekend
ynwa {Ed002's Note - See previous answers.}

19 Aug 2013 07:20:34
everyone would be upset if we loose willian to spurs? I personally wouldn't mind if the diamaio rumors came to something.

From the little I have seen, highlights, Damiao looks pretty complete as a striker. How that would work with Sturridge I am not sure.

Andy K

19 Aug 2013 04:12:27
Now Spurs are fav to sign Willian. imo and I know these are strong words but in the scenario that suarez stays I think the willian signing will make our season but let's hope spuds will not break the season

19 Aug 2013 01:08:59
Just found out that Begovic made 10 saves on Sat. Hopefully Guzan doesn't decide to have the game of his career too. Villa's front 3 are pretty good as well, so our defense, especially the full backs, will have to be on their toes.

If we can beat Villa then it should do wonders for our confidence against Man U. Seeing Moyes on the Anfield touchline should also help. But, one day at a time, we'll cross that bridge when we get there. YNWA.

Arsenal were very sloppy, Villa needed two pens and we will make sure we win that midfield battle. If Lucas, Gerrard & Henderson play like they did against Stoke I can see us dominating that area. Toure is a better man to mark Benteke than Carra so we should be OK. Another 1-0 or 2-1 hopefully.

19 Aug 2013 00:42:13
My understanding of the William deal is that Liverpool have offered higher wages to Willian and better conditions to Anzhi, future money, etc.Spurs source to some journos says he is confident but I assume at this point LFC is confident as well and trying to finish the deal. this is not from ITK but from what I have gathered by looking past journos with a bad track record and focusing on journos with better track records and less of a bias to each club. Because as we all know the papers seem split down the middle at this point. if I'm wrong excuse me eds just what I have gathered.

19 Aug 2013 00:34:43
You sometimes have to pay slightly more than you want for the players you want. IF and I say if as it could all be made up drivel as often is the case, we do get outbid by spurs as we are willing to pay 26 million as opposed to 30 million then that just is embarrassing.

Whether he is worth 30m or not, we obviously think he is worth 26m if the stories are true. 4m really is not that much when you are paying a high fee anyway (for a player you think is worth 26m). City, United and now Spurs don't mess about like we do. we have consistently made ourselves out to be a laughing stock, like with Dempsey where we wouldn't even budge a million or 2 to make what was then, a desperately needed signing, although it turned out to be a blessing in disguise I guess but the principle still applies.

Why do everyone think we are a laughing stock?. we will pay what we think is right and everyone is entitled to their opinion right or wrong so please stop this non sense of LFC made them self a laughing stock. Do we guys( posters in this site) think they know more then the professional at LFC I don't think so. or if you know you could a better job then them why don't you apply for a job in the LFC signing committee please, it will save a lot of heartache

Can't agree with you on this. I'm quite glad to see lfc refusing to pay more than what they think a player is worth. £4m is a huge amount in anyone's book especially when there are other targets to be pursued like Turan out there.

Singh that is nonsense. Just who do we look fools to? You? This kind of post and drivel exasperates me! The club is being run as a business and if they have set a valuation that they believe is correct then who are you to say they should compromise that just to make you happy! Also, maybe you could enlighten us to the clubs finances which you clearly know inside and out to know what is affordable and not affordable. By your reckoning, if LFC value Willian at no more than £26M and can't afford more than that then the club is letting you down!

I disagree. In the last 12 months we have stuck to valuations and walked away. Dempsey was not a miss because by waiting Sturridge was signed for a great fee for us (he's worth at least 20m) now. We didn't push for Sigurdsson and were able to get Coutinho (now worth min 25m). If we don't get Papa but ing Sakho and return him to form he's another we could more than double our money on. Willian at 30m has no upside so we are right to try and take advantage of Anzhi's fire sale. Was anyone clamouring for this guy 2 weeks ago? No. If Suarez stays he's not needed. Sign Ince as he scores goals and won't need to settle and if and when he gets 10 a season he'll be worth triple our outlay.

No embarrassment whatsoever in sticking to our valuation of the player.

Well the so called professionals mess up sometimes too. the handling of Suarez situations springs to mind immediately. The unwillingness to spend an extra 5% on a player you really want continuously does make a club a laughing stock in my opinion. and as you say we are all entitled to our opinions, so an invalid post.

Really glad to see so many disagreeing with this post. We can't bend over and offer whatever clubs ask for that is how we made a laughing stock of ourselves with the fees we paid for Carroll, Downing, Henderson and even Charlie Adam!

Also agree with the first two sentences in Kidder's post and then disagree with the whole rest of his post.

We don't make double on any player unless we're selling them. Suarez stays he would not be needed but we'd have Ince making the team? Ince who done nothing much since Christmas is it and that being in the championship?

Imo Ince would be a pointless signing just padding out the squad which I don't think we need. I think we need quality to improve the first 11 not squad players now.

What I mean by not paying over the top once in top 4 is that in this situation for example, Willian would certainly choose us over Spurs if they weren't in top 4 and we were meaning it wouldn't matter what Spurs bid. and players have a big say these days

Sean. You think Turan would score more than Ince if they played the same number of games? My point re; Ince was that he's not as creative as Willian etc but if we want to improve our efficiency in front of goal he's a good bet at the price. We need a core of English & British players as well as foreign talent and he it's he bill. Not just my views, the scouting team also recommended him.

And is Downing at 20m comparable to Willian at 30m!?

It obviously depends on the player does it not!? Of course Liverpool can afford to pay 30m, they just don't want to. That is quite frankly OBVIOUS from the Dempsey situation and to say we got Sturridge in the end is a load of rubbish, do you leave yourself short for half the season on purpose!?

In addition, if we were unwilling to pay an extra 1-2 million last summer that clearly shows FSG's over the top stubborn stance.

To be successful, ON OCCASIONS, not all the time you need to pay a little more. We expect to sell Suarez who clearly isn't worth more than 50m due to the fact he missed 1/3 of the season for more than that but want a different rule when buying. Absolute rubbish.

All comes down to ambition, as someone earlier said, where has this policy got Arsenal!?

Once we are top 4 then we can attract players without having to pay a little extra as they will WANT to come to us. It's quite simple really

18 Aug 2013 23:46:20
Watching the athletico match ATM and was just wondering if all interest in Diego costa has gone. He looks like he could be an excellent signing and with him added to our current strike force I believe we would breeze into a champions league spot next year.

He has penned a new deal with Atletico

He is no longer an option mate.