Iver

NEWS! Tomorrow's people claim we have agreed to sell him to Fiorentina for, wait for it, seven million! Great deal if true, now let's get spending a few quid.

This has been denied by Roberto Moar. I think we are actively negotiating for Ramirez though. Portuguese paper "Record" linking us with Gaitan from Benfica for 18 million. Both top players and either would add hugely to our team in terms of creativity and flair.

They were horribly burned with last Summers transfers mate, and I think they have learned their lesson, especially after Downing. I would predict that all our "major" signings will be under 25 years old this transfer window, and that there is no way we will pay double figures for any player who is over 25. Wages on offer wont be lavish either - Sigurdsson saga is testament to that it would seem.

Ramirez is the player I really want. In another year or two I think he could be a superstar, and he is currently "gettable" at a reasonable price, and not an unrealistic target. I think our Uruguayan connections could swing this one for us if we really want him. Whole thing very similar to Suarez transfer - we were so lucky to land him when we did, and we would probably get almost double what we paid for him if we sold him now. Ramirez could be the number 10 playmaker / creative flair player we have been crying out for for the past decade.

No way FSG would part with anywhere near £10 million for a 29 yr old surely? Goes against their whole moneyball strategy. Dempsey is a tidy player, and would be a useful addition to the squad, but I would not pay more than £5-6 million for him considering his age and fact that he is in last year of his contract.

Agree 100% - were he not on a free I would not give him a second thought either - he is "only" 26 though.

On a free transfer, strictly as a squad player - fourth choice striker, replacement for Dirk, Kalou would be acceptable. He has scored his share of goals in fairness. We need to be shrewd in the market this Summer - I think there is something in this link.

Benitez approached this evening if media reports are to be believed (Mirror).

A few days ago Balague stated that FSG had decided to give Kenny another season.

Massive appointment IF true. Oversaw the current Barca reign. Fingers crossed.

Phew!

Is AVB just your gut instinct mate, or have you got it on authority?

You heard anything about this Jackson Martinez bloke mate????

I know little about him mate but very prolific in South American Football apparently. Age 25, very pacy, and great finisher, so they say. Fee being quoted is 6.5 million. Sounds good if true - hopefully might be another Hernandes type signing. Guy called Jorge Zambrano, supposedly a reputable Mexican sports journalist, claims we have effectively signed him, having made a downpayment on the fee.

Reports emerging tonight that we have agreed a deal to sign Colombian striker Jackson Martinez. Dubious sources but I recall us being linked heavily with him in January so maybe something in this.