Village Idiot

Stoke.

Doubtful but it's a bit of a false comparison as clubs in lower leagues abroad don't have anywhere near as much capital as Championship clubs do. I can't really think of many A-list players that had a sizable career for teams in the lower divisions in Spain though, Villa was probably the last one. Most La Liga clubs do a pretty good job of scooping up talent before they become pros, given the existence of B teams and how easy is to poach a youth player since they can't sign pro contracts until they turn 17 (that's changed this year though).

We haven't had a settled defence for two years, that's hurt Piqué; his understanding with Puyol was preternatural and they complemented each other magnificiently.

We'll see. I really can't see Mou selling to us for less than a king's ransom. Anyway, FWIW Cesc just rubbished the rumors that he might leave Barça.

Sammy is a player I wish was far better than he is, absolutely loveable fella.

When is this played?

Tends to lose his position to run forward, takes a lot of risks to bring the ball out of the defence, has low explosive speed, not a great tackler.

My appreciation of David Luiz has grown over the past months, particularly after the Confe Cup, he played like a man possessed in that. My only issue, apart that I don't think we'll meet Chelsea's price, is that he's a bit too similar to Piqué in style/weaknesses and they wouldn't be a great pairing.

Isn't he giving up loyalty bonuses and similar if he does that?

Over here they're saying that it was just €20-25m, but yeah, we made a bid.

Weren't them the ones who broke out the Rooney to NUFC story?

That just makes no sense

"Hey, I stuck to my poor tactics despite them being proven s*** every week, doing nothing to change our terrible results. Am I not great?"

Actually Rayo just said they pull back on the deal because Barrios unilaterally rescinded his contract and Guangzhou might not want to play ball.

That'd be a coup if he has any fire left in his belly. I assume they're not going to paying him. He's on a free, sure as hell Rayo can't offer the kind of wages he wants though. Wonder why bigger clubs aren't taking a punt on him, he'd be class for Valencia for example, their striking options are pure after Soldado left.

Or him or his agent are using them as a way to get more money off you. I'm already tired of this and I'm not even a NUFC fan. It's not like this guy is the new Drogba.

Rayo in talks with Lucas Barrios. Just wow.

Really can't wait to see Liverpool fans u-turning on him after all the lengths they have gone to excuse his disgraceful behavior.

Chelsea's MF is so stacked... Mou doesn't rotate much so if you pick the right ones you're gold. Personally think they'll run away with the title.

People reckon Hazard will keep his spot under Mou? Trying to figure out my "serious" FF entry.

I think the "poor people are more likely to devote to sports" cliché is a bit overused. Catalonia is one of the richest regions in Spain and we produced nearly half of the Olympic medalists in London. Infrastructure availability and a family that can allow you to practice a sport instead of working at Maccy D's to make ends meet help a lot.

This Aulas guy looks like a fine piece of work

When you signed him, Damien Duff was twice the player Downing has ever been.

Liverpool have signed loads this season, they need to clear off the wage bill and IIRC he's a big earner there. It makes sense to get rid cheap-ish given he's 29 already and not that good. His wages is what makes me doubt you'll be in for him though.

This is *so* American. I expect a full sabermetrics report by the morning.