Liverpool Banter Archive January 09 2014

09 Jan 2014 21:51:34
This has come from twitter so not the most reliable. athletico Madrid have been contacted about Diego Costa, this could make a huge statement of intent, when Suarez signed his new contract one of the big factors was transfer targets. do we dare to dream

{Ed002's Note - Best not to.}

Wake up. Not going to happen.

09 Jan 2014 21:33:37
There was an article in the Echo earlier saying that our business will be done towards the end of the window. Eds do you see it that way?

{Ed001's Note - it does look that way, mostly it does happen like that in January, one move starts off a chain of moves.}

Its not that Liverpool 'want' to do their business towards the end of the window. But if it does take that long for the transfers to complete, then that is how long it is going to take.

09 Jan 2014 20:53:42
EDs, just curious. does anyone connected with the club read this site and if so, have any of them passed comment?

I imagine something would get said about some of the waffle that goes on here and just can't be ignored!

{Ed001's Note - yes and yes, usually to point out inaccuracies or to deny things being said. They never want to be quoted on it though, unfortunately.}

Is john henry one of them ed? ;)

{Ed002's Note - Certainly there was a small company in Hartford collecting data for FSG about the on-line perception of the club etc that used this site as one source.}

Cheers guys. Thought it would be amusing if, say, Stevie G was a regular and turned out to be a fan of Harry's posts.

Ed001 I do hope that company took no notice of posters like Harry and Ozone because most fans think Rodgers is doing a fantastic job and that FSG are also doing things the right way.

Do you mean Hartford in Cheshire, Ed? If so, which company?

{Ed002's Note - It would not surprise me but sounds a little like speculation right now. I don't know what may have led them to conclude this.}

10 Jan 2014 10:55:25
I know for a fact a few players look at this site and others on a fairly regular basis. Mostly younger players and British ones. Also a lot of ex players have visited a few times as well. 2 very famous ex players (not naming names) are here a lot and one posts anonymously. That's what I know anyway from what I have been told by them. (I get to meet a lot of footballers). Also I would imagine a lot of ex players who are trying to break into journalism would be trawling through these sites a lot, stealing ed2s info and pretending to be in the know.

09 Jan 2014 20:47:52
Hey Eds,
Just wondering if you knew if any clubs are interested in PSV's Belgian Winger Zakaria Bakkali. My Dutch friend says he's a fantastically talented player but he's insanely selfish. Still he's only young and he could grow out of it. Thanks for the great job you're doing guys.

{Ed002's Note - He is a child - no.}

09 Jan 2014 20:51:30
Mathieu valbuena looks a great player and could offer a lot for us

09 Jan 2014 20:23:23
When is this transfer window going to get going for us, I'm getting bored sh. less waiting and reading all the hopes and guess work.
JFT96

09 Jan 2014 20:01:41
Alright eds and reds
I think we all know the problem areas that need tackling in the team but there is no chance of us covering them all in January as we are only likely to get one or two signings and absolute maximum would be three but possibly unrealistic.
Was just looking for people opinion on priority of signings needed?
Personally a few months ago I would have said full back however no when I look at it I think we may be better waiting to see if we can get a better option in the summer if we can improve by getting into top four, the only player we have been linked with who I believe has the potential to be world class full back would be Montoya, the rest sound more likely to be stop gaps or future cover.
Now I think my choice would be:
1. A powerful quick box to box midfield with a bit of bite in the tackle
2. A quick and creative forward player
3. A quick and defensively sound full back
Would love to hear some opinions

1. Kevin-Prince Boateng
2. Pedro
3. Alex Sandro

no squad players wanted!

I would hope the fullback isn't a priority. Whereas I don't necessarily believe pace is what we require from the midfielder we're searching for, we certainly need creativity.

I think we do need some pace in the middle, yes we definitely need some creativity but with a fully for squad against weaker teams coutinho could play in the middle and gerrard still can pick a pass and if we added a forward player we would have creativity from there. But I feel we have no one with any real pace of physical presence either alongside Lucas or to replace Lucas in certain games

09 Jan 2014 18:03:18
Why is Sidney Sam going so cheap?

{Ed002's Note - He is out of contract in the summer.}

He was co owned by poundland? does it matter?

09 Jan 2014 17:50:11
hello edd's I have a question about the situation of these 3 players (I think they are also the most possible signings in January):
-Yann M'Vila (we had been linked with him in the past, I know that, he was also watching mersyside derby and is a good friend with Shaco, plus the reports had been saying recently he is can leave the club if he wants to(something like that, if I'm not mistaking))
-Christian Tello (in my opinion not needed adition, as we have Sterling on fire recently)
-Mohamed Salah (there is not much to say about this matter I know, but some reports are saying we agreed on a deal in the region of 9milion, others are talking about another figure, but what is the real case here, becouse I'm getting worried it might come, if we do not act and only talk and show our interest, to the Myhiktirian case again -.-)
well. thanks in forward for your time

cheers Luka

{Ed002's Note - M'Vila remains of interest to Napoli and Everton. The previous interest of Fenerbahce seems to have waned. The others are not something I wish to comment on.}

09 Jan 2014 17:27:08
I work on old hall street, Liverpool and have been told than Juan Mata was sighted getting out of blue Masaeratti.

Not convinced to be honest but though I would pass it on.

Can anyone confirm what car(s) mata has/drives and if we have offices or links to offices there? Easily disproved if we don't and if he still drives an Aston.

Also, what's Ken Aguero up to these days anyone?

Cheers

Yes he still drives the Aston. Didn't you see Ken Aguero in the passengers seat? I wonder if they will both go straight into the team. Either way we'll have good bench especially with Coentrao coming in.

Dont forget about alonso, he only signed at Real for the jokes.

Ken now has lucky pants!
I'm not rubbishting you!

Juan and I go way back. We struck up a friendship at a youth international tournament and our families are very close.
I can confirm that he owns more than one car.
He was taking the blue Masaeratti in for a re-spray to Diablo Red. We had checked how much he would get for a trade in but he loves the way it drives.

The lucky pants got washed today ready for Saturday.

Great news ken!
I think I need to get out more I seem to be obsessed with your pants lol!

09 Jan 2014 15:12:02
ED 01, you keep mentioning when posters give Lucas abuse that he is one of our most important players, and that in most teams he'd be the first name on the team sheet. You have also said that in the past few years a lot of teams have shown interest in him. I was just curious as to which teams these are as I to agree that Lucas is essential to our system of play.

{Ed001's Note - both Milan clubs, Juve, Fiorentina, Arsenal, Spurs, Barca and Atletico Madrid have all made enquiries regarding his availability at one time or another. Napoli did ask the question the moment Rafa was installed as well.}

In order for people to appreciate Lucas they must realize that he is a defender. He may be listed as midfielder but he is essentially part of a back 5. Because he is listed as a midfielder people don't rate him because everybody is expecting midfielders to get forward more like Henderson does. Just like when Masch went to Barca, they saw him as a cb.

Also you said were lacking bite in the middle of the park just wondering if we were to add bite would it not be at lucas exspense? As he is the defensive midfielder of the club

{Ed001's Note - no, it would be to play alongside him.}

One thing for sure we missed him when he was out. Desperate for some cover

So 2 defensive midfielders no attacking treat or ability on the ball from deep to set the tempo lucas is a good dm but the holding roll is his only roll ed we need goals from the middle allen played grate if only him and hendo could add goals

Lfc was one of the highest if not the highest scoring teams. lfc concedes a lot from set pieces

10 Jan 2014 07:38:34
Dezy,

Lucas and Makelele are similar in their underappreciated image.

Don't forget Lucas was an attacker for his youth years.

09 Jan 2014 16:15:00
Does anybody remember Kerlon? Eds what happened to him? I remember him doing the seal skill,, snap him up BR if he's not in an aqua park somewhere.

09 Jan 2014 17:36:09
Went to Inter, never played for them, several loan spells in which he played very little. Went back to Brazil, and now plays in Japan.

25 and 0 caps. One would assume he's actually not that good.

09 Jan 2014 17:37:53
Did some more poking around and apparently he has knee issues. That may explain why he's effectively disappeared from the radar.

Shame. Great talent. Remember him being the talk of the 'next best thing'

Remember reading a BBC article by Tim Vickery (South American correspondent and only decent journalist on there) and Kerlon has basically had horrendous injury issues since he burst onto the scene. He may not be that good anymore but he's also been very unlucky, some players just never get a chance to be as great as they could, a pity.

09 Jan 2014 15:22:04
Hi eds

Is there any chance construction could start on the Stadium towards the end of this year?

{Ed002's Note - No.}

I'd rather say unlikely but a slight chance.

{Ed002's Note - Feel free to mislead him.}

There has been recent developments on roads around the ground. In the past few months one road towards the corner of the kop/main stand (heading towards stanley park direction) has been closed off and so far half the houses have been ripped down. I would presume this is to do with the overall regeneration of Anfield and the surrounding area

A bit of demolition perhaps ed.
That would be a major step forward as part of 'the scheme'.

{Ed002's Note - Bold - tearing down parts of Anfield when planning has not only yet to be granted, but no plans have even been submitted.}

True, but the demolition of the crucial part - the terrace on Lothair Road - does not need a planning application from the club, that's in the Councils Masterplan for the area.

{Ed002's Note - Sure, Liverpool are going to let the council start demolishing Anfield this year.}

Ed002 I think you might be wrong mate, the reason I'm saying that is, I was walking past Anfield earlier on and someone had taken down their curtains. Which if I'm not very much mistaken means work will start very soon. Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - Having checked the code book, it is the signal for a signing, arriving by plane this evening at 2100 with a medical for the morning. If the left-hand curtain was drawn first, it means he has a silly haircut.}

The houes at the rear of the main stand are being removed and most are currently unoccupied. From what I've been told the local authority are planning ahead knowing that the Main stand and Anfield Rd will eventually be redeveloped (Pending planning and design application) and a smaller scale regeneration will be completed. If LFC did decide to build a new ground, which is unlikely then the area would then be ready for full regeneration plans for new housing and local amenities.

{Ed002's Note - So back to the question. Are they tearing down bits of Anfield and starting building a new stadium this year? No.}

Sorry Ed002 your might be right mate, I was walking up Anfield on the left hand side, so I didn't see if both of them had been taken down. Sorry for jumping to conclusions and wasting everyones time, please forgive me. Hang on a minute, so what your trying to say Ed002 is were going to sign Messi that's the only one who has a silly haircut isn't it?

Edoo2, you never know with LFC. When the plans for the Centenary were going through at first they were delaying any start date and then brought it forward and went full steam ahed. I know this as my dad's company at the time won the contract for fitting the bar's and upholstery. I had the pleasure of going along a few days to get the guided tour and stood on the roof looking down over the centre circle, magnificent memory.

{Ed002's Note - So Liverpool are above the planning regulations. Fine.}

09 Jan 2014 17:59:08
No ed you didn't read the post about the curtains properly they weren't drawn at all they were taken down/removed . I can only presume the knocking shop had been busted and therefore closed ;-)

I'm sure someone say Rooney legging it down the street wid a wrinkly blow up doll under his arm.

Seriously tho.
I think their are only a few houses that are holding up the redevelopment of the area and in turn our beloved Anfield.
If what I hear is correct the council are looking to obtain Compulsory purchase orders on these properties. Which sounds good for us but could take months, or years to complete.
I hope there can be an amicable solution to this which would make all parties happy and move the project on.

09 Jan 2014 14:42:26
Eds is the salah deal dead now? I also thought we were looking for a cm to boss the midfield, we looking at anyone?

{Ed002's Note - I have no interest in discussing Salah.}

09 Jan 2014 17:49:17
Ed02, I have to give you your dues, you're on the money when it comes to inside information on all football transfers.

{Ed002's Note - Some.}

09 Jan 2014 14:24:52
Lot of talk today of zenit coming for salah with a bid double of ours we mite miss out but I'd rather that then pay over the odds for a player just remember Andy Carroll as his could still be a flop

We missed out on mkhitaryan, William, and Costa in the summer after see mkhitaryan i'm glad we didn't up our bid much better player about for £20m, William turn out to be a money grabber and hasn't set the pl alight yet and Costa did want to leave

We need cover at left back/right back but probely could wait until the summer to improve these areas

I'd like to see a holding midfielder I'd like fernando form Porto
Not seen much of him but does look class, m'vila would be good to but think he won't come cheap and m diame from west ham for 3.5m would be good business and then a forward/winger salah, yarmolenko or my choice konoplyanka have to wait and see

Willian would have been a fantastic signing for us

he s starting to settle at chelsea and I am certain he ll prove to be a great signing for them

09 Jan 2014 18:06:19
Diame is overrated pal has the odd good game them goes missing a lot so i'd rather save the money.

09 Jan 2014 11:12:17
Don't see the point in Loaning players unless its to buy and they are up and coming like Morata, Tello etc etc. The likes of Moses and Sahin have been big failures. Stop taking other teams castoffs!

Ynwa

Because we are skint, wouldn't see any other big team doing it!

{Ed001's Note - didn't Real Madrid take Essien on loan last season? I would call them a big club myself, personally, but you obviously know best.}

09 Jan 2014 12:20:25
Who knows before we sign them they are going to flop?
Sahin it's technically stronger than any of the CMs we have.
He couldn't couldn't adapt to a new country and new position.

09 Jan 2014 12:21:40
And Moses is what, 22-23? So what's your definition of 'up and coming' exactly?
Sahin was hardly old at 25.

What about Suso? I don't know if that's the case with him, but I would prefer if not!

Sahin was a big success at Dortmund last year, he's played pretty well this year too, although Dortmund have looked very laboured this year.
Landon Donovan did well at Everton, so did Brian Mcbride.

Sahin is playing well for dortmund rogers playing him as a AM rather than a deep lying play maker
Also if we don't get salah why not bid 15 million for tello see what happens

Ed001 - There is a big difference between signing one player on loan when I can't remember the last time they did it. Mou obviously had a good relationship with Essein and wanted him there. We are constantly on the look for other clubs cast offs. Not even players who make the team, we literally want loan players to make the numbers up. Sahin, Mosess Both massive failures. If they were that good the club wouldn't let them go. Truth of it is in the whole, BIG clubs loan to small clubs to give players playing time because at that very moment the players are not good enough to play for the BIG club. Sad to say but its true.

{Ed001's Note - not it is nonsense. Italian clubs regularly make use of loans or split ownership, as do Spanish clubs. Nothing to do with size of the club at all, just you finding more excuses to whinge about anything connected with Liverpool. You can use caps all you like, it just emphasises how little you actually know about the game of football.}

Everton would be doing grate with out there loan singings wouldn't they

09 Jan 2014 13:30:54
Maybe one100 would rather we signed them for
£20 million each,
I personally think its great. i'd rather see a player given big contracts based on current performances.
Like, I'm glad we didn't sign Sahin permenantly.
Given his performances, we would have lost more money in taxes, vat, agent fees and then a loss in his transfer fee, than we did by loaning him.
Same with Moses. Worth around £7 million or so I'd wager. On current form, Chelsea would be lucky to get £5 million.
If they are any good, we'll keep them. If not, we'll chuck em back and let the parent clubs deal with it.
I would also expect FFP to have an impact on loans.

Ed1- Just because you know a little more than the rest of us with regards to what goes on behind the scenes don't make out you know so much about the actual ''game'' of football. Why would I care about the Italian teams, there all rubbish aswell now a days. Your deluded if you think it has nothing to do with size and financial muscle of the club.

{Ed001's Note - so you are agreeing you are ignorant and have no idea what you are talking about then? Thanks, it was nice to have it confirmed. Not that is wasn't already obvious to all and sundry. Being ignorant makes your opinion worthless, so I will take no notice of your attempt to be derogatory as you don't have the knowledge to understand anything you are trying to talk about.}

Yes dezyboy, but we haven't got Evertons loan signings have we, we have go Moses.

Ed001 kicking ads since 2009! (Sorry took a guess at the date as that's when I started reading football rumors lol)

{Ed001's Note - actually started the site in 2001 mate, just before my daughter was born.}

Extraordinary. I’d say Davids to Barca and Klinsman’s second spell at Spurs are examples of great loan signings by “big” clubs. Not at all sure why you’d attack the concept of loan signings, which make the whole world of sense for a variety of reasons. Try getting behind your club and its players.

To one100

Many teams loan players, including big teams.

Real Madrid loaned Essien and Adebayor

Arsenal loaned Baptista, Henry and Benayoun

Dortmund loaned Sahin

Man Utd loaned Henrik Larsson

Spurs loaned Adebayor

AC Milan loaned Beckham

These were just off the top of my head, probably loads more. It isn't a matter of loaning people because we're skint. More because the best available are able to come on loan, which is better for us in some cases anyway (Sahin)

Remember when city bought Barcelonas cast off in YAYA what a drab that guy turned out to be. People don't always fit into teams or playing styles, infact there are many reasons why a player may get loaned out or sold. Doesn't mean they are necessarily cast offs or rubbish players

Ha ed I was 9 years old when you started the site. Wow.

{Ed002's Note - Same age as the Ed.}

To be a bit fair to one100, although I'm not sure what the official definition of 'skint' is, the club has lost pretty massive amounts of money the last 4 years. The part where we would disagree is I'd say loan signings, given our skintness, is simply being pragmatic. FSG are not the Sheikh nor Roman and Liverpool is not in a position to simply spend vast sums of money it doesn't have on players to make the moaners happy. There would be a special sense of sad irony if we were to qualify for CL and then be prohibited from playing in it due to spending more than we should on the players one100 wants.

Im defiantly not one of these fifa fans, although I do play fifa. I don't want the club to be owned by a sugar daddy. But I do believe there needs to be more flexibility with regards to the estimation to a player. If we don't budge our valuation for the sake of 2-3mil why were we ever chasing a player if we can't go that extra bit to secure that player. If we get to the end of the season and we miss out on top 4 by a couple points would it really of been worth losing a player for such a small amount more?

Loan signings although can be good don't work, one because if they are a good prospect and we train them all year and they turn out to be great then the other club will want than back and two if the are slightly older like moses then they obviously not rated that highly by there club else they wouldn't want them to leave would they?

Let's not forget we loaned Mascherano who was a great success.

2-3 million. Why not 5-6 as it's only a few million more than 2-3? Or 7-8 since we were willing to go a few million more last time? At some point you have to set a price and simply stick with it based on what you feel the player in question is worth to your club- others may feel they are worth more to them and, if so, then so be it.

Also not sure who you think we've missed out on that would, for 2-3 million, that would have gotten us top 4? Are you referring to a specific instance or just in general?

09 Jan 2014 10:51:51
Macca
I know you can't keep continually giving us a update but are you still sure on salah and tello
Everything's gone quite. Also and dm names
Cheers lee

09 Jan 2014 09:37:22
I know it isn't Liverpool related but Eds, what's the situation with Nahki Wells of Bradford City? They are my local club and around herethere is constant talk of bug money moves to clubs like Leeds, Huddersfield, Burnley (and others) and even Premier League sides such as Sunderland. Is he expected to leave this Jan?

{Ed002's Note - No idea.}

09 Jan 2014 08:14:40
Morning Eds. Hope all is well.
I am reading that even though they are opposed to the idea, it now looks almost impossible that the 2022 world cup not to be moved to later in the year with November looking the most likely.
So how will this impact on that seasons domestic league do you imagine?
Would it just be a close down for them full stop? Maybe start and end the season 2 weeks early and two weeks late?
Logistically this must be a nightmare. What do you see happening (I know its a long way off) I find it incomprehensible that when Qatar was chosen no one had the foresight to see this as a problem.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

{Ed002's Note - It means that Liverpool's game against a revitalised Charlton Athletic will be postponed. Ask in 9 months when a decision has been made.}

LOL. You so brighten my day with some of your responses!
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

09 Jan 2014 10:22:53
i agree with vrcamp you would think during the process of picking the host that the ability to safely put the tornament on in the summer would be paramount.i would love to see a bid in the future coming from britain and ireland with group games in both islands in ireland there is croke park aviva stadium and winsor park is getting a reinvation.in all the other countries there is plenty of stadia, with the final in wembley this could be a way of getting round what looks like bias against england from the very top in the game.

09 Jan 2014 14:20:56
1st time poster long time reader great site just a quick thought couldn't a winter world cup be a blessing for England as our players would be at their peak ie. Not knackered out by a whole perm season with no winter which other countries benefit from.

I see what you mean Dingandbid love you to be right mate.
But we will still be rubbish! It does not matter how far you move the posts we are, and for the foreseeable future, will fall way short of being World Cup contenders, if we carry on with the current coaching set up in England.
Long live the FA! Fu-king Ass H-les!

09 Jan 2014 00:10:05
Eds any news on aggers injury yet? Also would you throw sturridge straight in against stoke?

{Ed001's Note - no and defo not against those cloggers! They will welly him up in the air every chance they get.}