Manchester United Rumours Archive July 24 2013

24 Jul 2013 21:28:00
Fabregas has told friends that he is split 50/50 on staying at Barca or returning to the PL. He does not want to sour relations with what he calls his 'Arsenal family'. He is open to talking to David Moyes but that can't happen until Barca are happy with a fee. Utd would rather not exceed £35m. This could run & run but Utd want an answer by the weekend.

Utd will not go for Bale or Ronaldo. Utd think EFC's value of Baines is excessive. Baines will have to hand in a transfer request to help negotiate a lower fee/forfit a loyalty bonus. Jagielka could be part of a double deal for cash + Michael Keane. No bid has been made for Fellaini yet as DM is unsure if his style of play would suit Utd. Cabaye is an option but scouting reports say he drifts in & out of games too much and is no better than Cleverley. Should the Fabregas situation falter expect the red tops to hint towards a Modric bid which is Moyes preferred option.

Henriquez will go out on loan along with Macheda (West ham have enquired on him) and Bebe whose contract may be terminated on mutual agreement. Anderson is also attracting interest from Hull and Palace and Nani could be given a short term deal till January to prove his worth.

I cannot see us signing any more than 3 players. A left back and a central midfielder will be our only business unless we can pull off something special up front. Signing Fabregas could start a merry go round of players: Fabregas to United, Rooney to Chelsea, Bale to Madrid and Ronaldo to United. Not saying by the way that what we do has a bearing on what Madrid do with Bale.

So you know our scouting reports, exactly what Moyes is thinking, exactly what Fabregas is thinking and our exact loan plans. Are you David Moyes and have you gone on a sly trip to Barca? No wait you must be Ed Woodward? LOL, about 5 different "this is exactly what's going on" types of posts today and each one of them is just a spin on the previous one, please get a life people.

Dan

24 Jul 2013 22:37:38
Why would we want jagielka?

Sounds like a load of bull.
Jagielka? For cash plus Keane?
lol
Anderson to Hull?
Weak man, very weak.

Is this based on information recieved or are you speculating

stevox

Frustration is really starting to show now. Come on lads. Someone posts a rumour on a rumour site and everyone jumps down his throat. It's no wonder the Edds are absent so much. There is a disagree button if there's nothing nice to say.

Its based on sh*te!

Cabaye no better than Cleverly? Get a grip son!

I still think the dust is being blown off the "no value in market" press release.

What I don't get is most of the big clubs get their major business done very early on in the window so the new players get settled in and ready for the new season. Here we are with August fast approaching and nothing done! are we just bad at transfers?

Dave

If you think CF is on his way you're deluded

No way will he come to us. We simply cannot attract players as we once did get used to Carrick and another sub standard CM playing for us next year

Motes states the reason we not signed anyone because he's only been in the job 3 weeks. The same length of time as Pellagrini and look what he's done

J Ankers

The point is, if anyone really wants to prove they are credible they could explain how they know this. I understand the odd genuine poster might not want to reveal his sources but you can still justify it in a way they won't be exposed.

Dan

Everton fan, just like to say that our valuation of Baines is not excessive. Moyes promised to stay away from our players anyway. £12 mill was an insult, either pay £18 mill or leave it. IMO you don't need him and the money would be better spent on your midfield. Good luck to you for next season.

24 Jul 2013 19:07:10
*****My mate works in the membership office and has told me that a deal is in place to sign felliani for 18mill + michael keane. Also Wayne Rooney will stay at Manchester United and has been promised a new 3 year deal at Christmas provided he shows the form of old which seems fair enough.

He also told me that Anderson will be given until Christmas to prove his fitness. Apparently 3 premier league clubs have shown interest.

Fabregas is moyes key signing and its turning into a long transfer saga with fans becoming annoyed at lack of buys.

There is also rumours circulating around Old Trafford that David Moyes has had a fall out with Jonny Evans. Keep an eye on that one

Cheers

I'd be hoping that's Michael keane on loan and not permanent, mike's got a lot of potential.

I'm not against getting Fellaini but M Keane shouldn't be sacrificed. He's got a lot of competition ahead of him but he can make it here without doubt. God I wish we can get Fabregas.

Dan

Having worked for Manchester United I can assure you that nobody in the membership office knows anything about transfers.

Reckon M. Keane will go out on loan again. He really developed last season and was one of the best players for Leicester. Hope he goes to a premier league club this season!

Sorry mate but I don't believe any of that. Michael Keane has a big future at MU. It could only be a loan. If Cesc is signed Anderson will be out that door before you can say KFC. Rooney will sign or be sold. I cannot see this dragging on past the summer.

Sydney!

No way will either Keane brother be going any were except the first team in the very near future been watching the tour and Michael is a beast he makes Vidic and the rest of our defenders look tiny and both brothers are excellent prospects that look future stars the academy is having a glut of future united stars which is better than signing every tom dick and harry in my opinion. Katef

So basically we will sign baines, fellaini and jagelka i'm sure everton would be happy with that, not

Haha Katef, M Keane makes Vidic and other defenders look tiny? M Keane is an aggressive player that will get stuck in but he still needs to work on his physique, he's too skinny. But has all the right credentials be be a top class CB. As for W Keane he also has a big big future so long as he recovers fine from his horrible knee injury at the end of last seasons.

Personally i'd love nothing more than to see Rooney sign a new contract, re-discover his fitness and form and show the world just how devastating he can be.

Ozwald

Agree with everything you put there Ozwald. I just think a Rooney departure is inevitable. He wants RVPs position and status which he can't have, shame he's not happy playing behind the main striker because he can be world class there.

Dan

If your mate works in the membership office, he will know absolutely NOTHING about transfers. That, I know for a fact

Dan, he just needs to work on his fitness and train hard, he's a great goal scorer. There's no reason why we can't play Rooney and RvP up top together like we did at the beginning of last season where they each alternated between the no. 9 and no. 10 positions during games.

Ozwald

This rumour is 100% wrong. Fellaini is going nowhere.

When Fellaini's minimum release clause expires on 31/07/13 his transfer fee will rise to 30m+. and everyone will see why (whoever he's playing for)

24 Jul 2013 18:02:18
I know what the Eds have said but Irwin seems to be an oracle on what we do in the transfer market. He said RVP to us early, he said Nani to Monaco (which might come to fruition now) and he's said we'll get Fabregas in much the same way we got RVP. Late on in the window for what might seem an over inflated price (until he won us the title). I'm really holding out hope we can get Fabregas, £40m plus I wouldn't care if we don't sign anyone else, he would make the difference.

Dan

. Dan I'm not sure what your smoking fella but if you think that just signing Fabregas will solve all United's problems your badly mistaken, if your saying your b happy with United's squad if Fabregas signs then u don't know anything about football chap. all these transfer saga's I believe r a front 2 keep the fans happy, when was the last time United went public with a transfer like they have done with Fabregas, NEVER, so why now.?. SAF has bailed out because he knows we have no dinero & the other top teams r buying big & we can't compete with them. I really hope I'm wrong on this & Moyes is gunna b a genius in the transfer market & address the problem area's within the squad. Tonger10

Firstly Tonger, I'm a coach, I think I know more about football than yourself judging by the rest of your post. We are financially in the best position we've ever been, when FFP comes in we'll be a good distance ahead of our rivals in sponsorship terms practically doubling our nearest rivals like Arsenal, Chelsea and city. Our sudden splashing of cash is no coincidence in my opinion, the board knows we'll be able to financially out muscle nearly any team in the world soon, Abramovic and Mansour won't be able to compete with us if they want to follow the rules.

Fabregas is nearly all we're missing. We have top strikers and a pool of top defenders presuming we buy a left back soon. We have Januzaj and Zaha coming through who are world class talents to replace our underperforming wingers. Carrick is a world class holding midfielder with years left at the highest level. Jones is a capable deputy when Carrick's injured and could act as a very good or box to box midfielder that people seem so obsessed with here.
All we're missing is someone to control a game a la Fabregas. A ready made top winger would be nice but Fabregas would make us title favorites right away.

Dan

Lol Tonger10, why is our transfer policy different now? uhhh I wonder. BECAUSE WE HAVE A NEW MANAGER!

Keep the faith man, stop being so pessimistic. At least we are trying to sign decent players such as Fabregas and Thiago. Be patient.

HinkseyRed

Tonger10 you obviously know nothing about football or business if you think transfer targets are a front to keep fans happy.

Stew4d

Agree with Dan. Fabregas would help transform us into a truly great side. Even with someone like modric we would be a vastly different team.
Uniteds weakness is a lack of world class passers, that are mobile enough to get around the pitch. Its no good having one without the other. Anderson is a world class passer, but he's nackered after 30 minutes. Scholes giggs and probably even carrick too can all be accused of lacking speed and agility too because of age. Cleverly is the opposite. All stamina and movement but not enough quality.

Without necessary levels of speed, the team cannot break forward and push numbers up. A lack in the quality of passing, and you cannot probe and create oppertunities. Its not a wander why we have had to grind out results for the past 2 years, rather than unlocking teams through quality of play.

stew4d - why is it not possible that transfer targets are a front to keep fans happy? It seems like the type of thing to expect from people who bought the club 100% on debt, have raised season ticket prices a great deal, and have taken 5 years to spend money gained by selling the clubs best player. No one knows for sure, but its obvious that its a possibility.

Tonger how can you even say that about SAF? To say he bailed out because he didn't think we could compete financially against other teams in the transfer window, you're off your head!

Likwise agreeing with Dan in the fact that Cesc Fabregas could be all we need, okay a LB and potentially a LW would be good too but you don't know how well either Evra/Buttner/Fabio could perform with such healthy competition for the position (I think Fabio looked much better against Yokohama). For the LW Zaha could become immense while hopefully Valencia re-discovers his form down the right wing.

Fabregas helping out Carrick and Kagawa in midfield could really push us to be better than either City or Chelski next season.

Ozwald

. so I state yesterday that United targeting these players is just a front & get shot down my people that ain't got a clue what there talking about (Dan). then 2day Thiago states on a radio station that HE NEVER HAD ANY CONTACT WITH UNITED & NO TRANSFER BID WAS PUT IN 4 HIM. Booooom. shocker. !. wake up & smell the coffee fella's. I'll say it again, SAF left because he saw the writing on the wall, we cannot compete with r big spending rivals & got out because he knew that winning the league last year could b r last BIG trophy 4 a while. Dan stop spouting tosh about world class this & world class that, any person with half a brain can see United have NO world class players. Tonguer10

Tonguer10, RVP and Carrick are world class. We had 3 players in the PFA team of the year who will be here again next season. Rio is still in top form, Rafael is one of the most promising and best right backs in the world. Zaha and Januzaj are worldy talents coming through and Our squad is stacked with other top prospects. Yeh 30m bids going on for other world class players, we clearly can't compete financially lol. You're a joke of a WUM, you have no idea about FFP and how much better off united are financially to every other PL club. Why can't we compete then? You're obviously an undercover scouser/bitter.

Dan

. Dan Dan Dan let's clear this 'world class' business up that u keep going on about. let me give u a few examples of 'world class' players off the top of my head. Xavi, Iniesta, Pirlo, Ibra, Messi, Ronaldo, Lahm, Falcao, Thiago Silver, 2 name a few, now these players put in 'world class' performances week in week out, season after season. Carrick had a decent season but 2 put him in the same 'world class' bracket as these guys shows your lack of knowledge of football. Same goes 4 RVP at times he was outstanding 4 United then went missing without scoring 4 something like 10 games, he had 1 decent season with Arsenal & half a decent season 4 Us, 2 b 'world class' u have 2 do it week in week out, season in season out. Zaha & Januzaj have not played at a decent standard 4 u 2 call them 'worldly talents', how many young worldly talents have United had b4 only 2 b released, so again your talking rubbish chap. let me just say that Carrick & RVP r great players & Zaha & Januzaj r talents but let's not get carried away. now on 2 the transfers. just because we put in 30 million pound bids in 4 players doesn't mean we r financially stable or we even want the player, Thiago wasn't even contacted by United!it's all a front 2 keep plastic fans like u happy, why did we go public & let r rivals know we put a bid in 4 Fabregas. !. if we're so rich why don't we pay off r debt. P. S Dan what is a WUM. ?. I ain't down with the kids sorry fella. Tonguer10

24 Jul 2013 15:37:29
According to Ed001 on the Barcelona page, we were never in for Thiago. Apparently we know exactly what had to be done in order to sign him and we didn't do anything about it.

When asked why did we wait after Thiago was gone to bid for cesc, his answer was we are probably not too bothered to sign Cesc, and since his transfer never looked likely, the bid for him was mostly to appease the fans and show that Moyes has ambitions.

But if that was true, why did we bid twice, and a third bid is apparently on the way? Something doesn't add up. If Ed001 is around would you give me your 2 cents on the matter if anything new has appeared? {Ed001's Note - there are only really two possible reasons, either you think Martino doesn't want him, or it would be too obvious you were just messing about if you just bid once. In my opinion, there has been no sign, despite the way Sly have been covering it, to suggest he is interested in a move to United. Their coverage is strange though, it is almost like Marca's coverage of Madrid, the way they proclaim Rooney is going nowhere, while saying Cesc is open to offers from United. Neither seems to be true, unless Cesc is being dishonest, as he has made it plain to those around him that he wants to stay at Barca first and foremost. Until we know what Martino has told him about the role he foresees him playing, we won't really know for sure. Certainly the club told him they wanted him to stay, but since then Tito has gone and been replaced, so the new manager might have his own ideas. I really don't know a lot about the new guy, but with Thiago gone and Xavi ageing and troubled by injuries, I would be surprised if he was wanting to offload Fabregas.}

Thiagos dad has said today he was close to signing for us but we could reach an agreement when in talks with him.

Unless Barcelona is desperate for more money to buy a decent centerback.
One more year without a proper cover/first choice to pair up with Pique is rather ridiculous.

Thanks ed. I actually find it strange why Fabregas would be interested in a move to United.
He is playing for one of the best clubs in the world, and a move to us would argubly be a sideway step ( some would even consider it a downstep ). Unless he is deseperate for a worldcup starting spot of course.

But even with barcelona needing him, they sure know that they need central defenders first and foremost, and they might need to sell some players to fund the move. They still have iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Song and the young Sergi Roberto who is beeing touted as the new Xavi.

So their need for a central defender outweigh their need for Fabregas and maybe, just maybe, they are willing to sacrifice him to improve their defense.

On another note, I know you are kind of an expert on youth football, so what do you think about Sergi Roberto? Does he really have what it takes to make the step up in the next couple of seasons?

Ed001 Do you seriously believe for one minute that Manchester united would put a bid in for a player just to "appease" the fans? Seriously come on behave don't you think that if that was the case that this would raise doubt in the fans mind over David Moyes's ability to attract the right players rather than "appease" US fans. Do you seriously think for one minute that David Moyes would sit back and let the united board make him look like a fool? Do you genuinely think that united would do such a thing to the new manager and put him under even more pressure than he is already under ( just has any manager would be under pressure trying to take over after sir Alex) I seriously doubt your thoughts on this matter. David Moyes has sat there in a few conferences now and told the waiting press and the United fans that ed woodward is working hard to try to get this deal done so not only would they (United) be making Moyes look a fool they would be making out that the new Chief Executive of the biggest club in the world is incapable of doing his job. What sort of message would this send out to the footballing world and the shareholders? plus what message would this send out to the new York stock exchange? we all hate the glazers but I don't think for one minute they would be that stupid do you. really? {Ed001's Note - I fail to see how it would be blamed on Moyes if Fabregas doesn't join?}

Ed001, all Sky have done is quote Moyes saying Rooney is not for sale. That is all. Sky are the biggest sports media outlet in the world. It would be pretty poor workmanship if they never quoted Manchester United manager publicly stating Rooney is not for sale. But Sky have also said via Dharmesh Sheth that their sources say that it's likely Rooney will be sold, but MU will want two significant signings in first. I'm not sure what's happening with Cesc, but I do not believe for a second these are token bids. Cesc could replace Rooney in the hole very easily. If not he is exactly what we need in midfield. I think Barcelona will sell at the right price and that will inevitably give an unwanted Cesc a big decision to make. I find it hard to believe that there has been no indication by Cesc or his agent that he would move to OT if a bid was accepted by Barcelona. Not sure we will sign Cesc, but I do not think it's token bids.

Sydney! {Ed001's Note - so why do they not say just that in their main reports? They were saying all yesterday Rooney is not for sale, following a report saying Barca said Cesc isn't for sale but we are told he is. Why not put the same addendum on the Rooney report? Sly are not interested in truth, they are only interested in what stirs up the betting market, saying Rooney will stay will get a few mugs to put money on it. Saying Fabregas will go stirs up more bets. That is all they are doing.}

Have to agree with Ed001. Sky's transfer coverage has been going downhill ever since they opened .

Reports that Fabregas is considering his future seem to have originated from 'tv' shortly after a second affirmation by Barcelona that Cesc would not be sold. Although it's being reported in numerous other places - they're all quoting Sky as their source.

The 'fact' that their 'sources' have told them that Cesc is considering his future would surely shorten their odds on him moving to United - but it hasn't. As far as I can see they're eager to encourage betting on something which they are pretty certain will not happen. I'm tempted to put money on him staying with them if there's still a market for it.

redseven

But why waste time on fabragas to appease the fans when there are many excellent midfielders we could actually sign with whom united fans would be very happy?

just chuckling at my voice recognition software which spelt fabragas as fabric ass and now fab rubber gas! must be my northern vowels!

The reality is that football transfers are full of innuendo, half truths and pure speculation. Most of the nonsense originates with players agents who make vast sums for themselves by such behaviour and tipping off journalists, some of whom are good and credible and some who are just hopeless. a website does not have a great reputation for real insider knowledge but we clearly did not pursue Thiago as hard as we could and I really believe Moyes wants Fabregas very badly and has been told deal is possible. Only time will tell.

Ed001, I know Sky like to meddle with the truth and when they say "a web site sources understands" you can always take it with a pinch of salt, but I do not think Sky work with MU in the same way as Marca do with RM and I do not believe MU are making token bids for Cesc. That's all I was saying.

Sydney! {Ed001's Note - sorry, I wasn't meaning to imply it was like that, I meant they are liberal with the truth in a similar way to Marca are with Madrid. Though for totally different reasons, I agree.}

How come cesc or his agent haven't come out and dismissed these rumours the last few weeks. Clubs will always say the player is not for sale but every player has his price and utd must know they have a good chance of getting him. That's why they've bid three times. I think you are talking nonsense Edd001. Wishful thinking {Ed001's Note - he has said numerous times that the only club in England he would play for is Arsenal, I am not sure what else he could add to that? Not sure why it would be wishful thinking by me, I don't support Arsenal and I don't rate Fabregas all that highly. I think there are many better players out there for United, especially at this price.}

I would agree with Ed but then something I'd ask you Ed is why hasn't Fabregas said he's not interested in joining united after we started bidding? He's said after Neymar signing that he'd still fight for his place but he's been silent since this all started.

Dan {Ed001's Note - he has said many times, publicly, that he would only join Arsenal in England. Maybe he just doesn't feel the need to say any more? After all they have sold Thiago, who was more of a threat to his position than Neymar, who plays a totally different role.}

Fair enough. But the signing of Neymar will just push Messi and Iniesta to cover the 2 positions he likes to play in. Neymar would play wide left, behind the striker (or false 9 for Barca) or false 9. These are Fabs positions. I don't think he would play wide right would he? Xavi and Busquets are the 2 in midfield all day. The only way I see him getting a starting place and not a squad role is playing with Xavi and Busquets in a 433. But then it's hard to fit Iniesta, Neymar and Messi into an attacking 3 with Pedro wanting a place as well.

Dan

25 Jul 2013 10:19:29
@Ed001

Would just like your opinion on this one if you have the time.

At the price that we seem to be going towards with Fabregas which players do you think we should be going for instead? I really don't see a chance of any other top midfielder out there right now who could move, perhaps Modric but that is just about it imo.

Also, I know it must be frustrating to constantly answer the same questions for you, but I think the obsession on here with Fabregas is because there is no other info about our transfer dealings out there currently, so have you heard about interest in any other players that we may be pursuing currently?

Thanks.

REDFAITH {Ed001's Note - I wrote a few on another post, but at that price, I personally would push for Vidal or Gundogan. Fabregas is a big name, it excites the fans, it is in the media constantly, so people want to know more. It is only to be expected to be honest, with the scarcity of other movement on the United side of things. Incidentally, I found Roberto Martinez's comments a bit baffling regarding Baines. Saying no firm interest in him. Odd comment that!}

25 Jul 2013 12:19:46
@Ed001

Cheers. I would love a move for either Gundogan or Vidal but don't think either is going to be let go.

Didn't read Martinez's comments about Baines. So no other activity from our side? Very odd. This transfer window has been poorly managed by us imo.

REDFAITH

24 Jul 2013 11:51:23
It appears that Manchester United do not expect Rooney to leave this summer.

Well obviously they are going to say that aren't they!

We'd have no cover if Van Persie was injured, so it makes sense. Ryan.

Will keane although not ready for the first team just yet may be RvPs understudy and a great prospect

Oh right, getting a bit mundane now in it.

Just driving price up.

Obviously we need to sign some players before we let rooney go but personally I think he definitely needs to leave utd. He thinks he's above the club and considering we pay him around 1/4 a million a week to score goals he gets shown up by Hernandez who sits on the bench for a good percentage of all our premier league games. Get him out now and move on like we always do.

C19LAV

24 Jul 2013 10:42:22
Got a buddy at NY stock exchange who says United should be announcing big news in the next few days. He says it is BIG! Couldn't say what though because he would be pulled up on disciplinary. Reliable source, told me about big news previously, turned out to be Fergie retiring.

I have been told something similar
firstly I thought about a signing but
they don't have to announce additions
only departures
I think we are joining up with an MLS
team and D Beckham

The "big news" is Roy Keane is out of retirement co we can't seem to attract any decent players to the club

J Kerr

It's not just departures. It's financial transactions which could significantly effect the market.

SB

Someone has found Paul scholes phone number. Even though he's ex diectory

Probably another sponsorship deal. don't think we have our own bog roll sponsor yet. Maybe that's it.

Insider dealing is a criminal offence and for anyone from Wall Street to leak such info is completely unbelievable.

The next big news, Manchester United is merging with Man City.

24 Jul 2013 00:08:52
i am a west ham fan who has a bit of a soft spot for utd because all my immediate family are die hard utd supporters. my uncle is a high up chelsea scout (altho a utd fan) who naturally hears a lot of good vibrations from managers, agents, players and other scouts regarding transfer dealings. he says that fabregas is only utds second biggest target of the summer. he also said that united are interested in either bale or ronaldo with real madrid calling all the shots on who utd go for based on reals transfer activity. ronaldo is first choice altho united don't want to pay more than around 60 due to age and length of contract remaining etc. should real refuse to sell (which is likely) then it is widely expected that real will not pursue a chase for bale this summer and this is were utd will step in with bids expected in the region of 60-70million (unless playerswap deals are added into the mix). naturally these two players are extremley expensive and deals of that magnitude are riddled with pitfalls so I wouldn't go mad just yet, just a heads up. my uncle also said that chelsea did infact sound utd out on rooney regarding the potential of swapping players but utd knocked them back straight away. this was then covered by mourinho in a press conference when he stated that no players were offered to utd as part of the deal. this was done so as the squad would not become uneasy/disheartened and all players would continue giving 100% feeling valued and wanted by mourinho. chelsea apparently confident of signing rooney this summer altho my uncle reckons this will only be the case if united are confident of signing ronaldo/bale as the cash from the sale will cover up to half of either deal! he also says he watched janujaz (dont know how to spell it) before he went to united and said that was one that chelsea should never have let slip away. pity he has no interesting news for myself about the mighty hammers haha. anyway that is my lot, thought i'd share and good luck for next season

Stop giving me hopes man!
(Long time reader, first time poster)

- EA

This may be true. This may be totally fabricated. Either way this is as good a post as I've seen on here for a while. Thank you West Ham fan for your insight/imagination whatever the case may be.

The only bit that doesn't seem sensible to me is why we rejected Mata being included in the Rooney deal.

I hope we pull something off but would guess we may come unstuck due to one of the many pitfals.

Ben

You could also mention Moyes saying 'Alcantra' wasn't a target as not very sensible! Anyone would take him for that sort of money!
JP

JP I discounted anything we say aboit Thiago as in my opinion he was always going to Bayern and Moyes was just saving face.

Ben

Well put together post that is believable but at the same time a lot of points you've made have come out in the press in one way or another.

The fact that Bale/Ronaldo have been speculated to be a target, Rooney and Mata swap deal with Mourinho saying he doesn't want any of his players to leave otherwise it could unsettle the whole squad.

I'm being honest and I can't see us signing Fabregas, why would Barca sell after the work they put in to get him back? Why would he want to leave unless he just doesn't enjoy La Liga as much as the PL?

Ozwald

We just seem sloooooow this year! Quality players integrate quickly, but still would like them more than one day before season kick off!
JP

The gentleman didn't mention Mata who's to say it wasn't others like ryan Bertrand for all we know although agreed if it was Mata maybe we should have

Apparently Chelsea only asked us if we'd do a player + cash deal, no mention of names, and we said no.

I respect you for posting this mate! seems pretty genuine and honest to me, just hope it works out nice for us. good luck with your season as well, i'm sure the hammers will cause a few upsets along the way!