Village Idiot

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Actually Rayo just said they pull back on the deal because Barrios unilaterally rescinded his contract and Guangzhou might not want to play ball.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

Still remember Lovenkrands' goal against WBA right after his father's death. One of my favorite NUFC moments since I started following you.

Any reference to his failed Jan transfer? I'm curious as to how they address that PR-wise.

Nosa was a bit part player for them last season, but with Beñat gone he has a chance to start more games this year. He's always looked extremely dynamic whenever I've seen him, certainly.

Betis paid 1,21€ for Cedric He bossed Liga Adelante with his pace. Wonder how he'll do in the top flight but so far he's impressed in preseason.

Changes in YD take years to display results, it took us a decade to begin to regularly produce good players since Cruyff reformed the whole thing mirroring the Ajax systems. You're possibly paying the neglect of 10 years ago (assuming there was one, I wasn't around). Whatever positive changes you'd be making now will take years to root and permeate. I too agree that nothing beats the feeling of a local lad turning out for your team and being key to its success.

Capel is the epitome of the headless chicken. Nothing to see. If you want your own pacy Andalusian winger, Vadillo's the new black. Betis would want a big sum though.

The salary and DP caps are there for that though. No need to fudge transfer policy. The single entity stuff is a bit maddening, even though I understand it was needed to procure the league's stability.

What's next? "Loïc Remy rejects a cup of tea while signing his NUFC contract?"

Given past performance I'm holding back on congratulating you until I see a pitch and shirt photo of him, but otherwise he'd be a great addition, particularly if there's an option to buy (although going by past performance again it looks like he'd try to angle for a big money move if he has a particularly good season).