Village Idiot

He is right-footed, but has a decent left foot too (not at all two footed though). Plays on the left or in the hole for Sevilla.

Didn't Spurs bid for every striker under the sun on deadline day? There were reports in Spain of rejected bids for Forlán and Rossi.

Wasted 10 minutes of my life

My translation, he looks genuinely pissed at your ownership actually: Do you think the exit of Andy Carroll will affect the team? Yes, but it's not just Andy. He was a great striker for us, won all the high balls and was an important player for Newcastle. But other players left too and we have a short squad now. Some of my colleagues are debuting in the Premier League and we lack backups for certain positions. We all know we have a short squad and if we want to play a "top team"... if there are injuries we'll have problems. I have been promised that all the money of the Carroll sale will be reinvested. I hope it's that way... Speaking of Liverpool, the reds are looking at you for their next campaign... I have read in some English papers that teams like Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa want me and that's flattering. They are big English teams. Currently I'm fine in Newcastle but I don't close my door to anything. I love the fans and I love the city. I have suffered with the team, with the relegation two years ago... and we have to be realistic. Newcastle hasn't been acting well, they made promises that haven't been fulfilled and I'm ambitious. I want to play in the Champions League, important competitions, and be able to play for the national team. You have 16 months left in my contract, are you going to stay in Newcastle? I always said that I feel fine in this team. It's true that I have been promised things that haven't been fulfilled. Like any other player, I want to win trophies and I don't want my aim to just be staying up. I want to be able to tell my sons that I played in the Champions League or for Spain. I'm ambitious and I won't close my door to anything

I'll check, gimme a sec.

No, these clauses are voided if the buying club is the one to benefit. But if there were competing bids you could get Liverpool to agree to a lower amount since they'd be keeping all the money.

25% sell-on profit or full transfer amount? Crazy deal that.

I'd prefer Piatti, whenever i've seen him he's looked pretty decent if a bit small. How's he doing at Almeria? He was another one of those that fell under the 'next Maradona' category iirc. I love him, talented and with a very good work rate. Almería won't sell cheap unless they get relegated, though.

Deportivo would indeed fleece the hell out of you (again) but he would be a massive improvement over Jonás, massive. Just worried about his fitness.

Been frustratingly injury prone these last two years, but he is a very good winger.

Wonder if that joint Iberian league talk was really serious or just to make noise during the WC biding process (most likely option). I'd love to have Porto/Benfica/Sporting in La Liga.

Regarding Ben Arfa he's obvious quality and I look forward seeing him taking the field for you, but I withdraw judgement until he spends two seasons without picking up a fight with anybody. Still a no-brainer for that price, mind.

José Enrique didn't come exactly cheap, did he? Was it €7m or something like that? Decent coin for a young LB.

Villarreal are like our Mini-Me, they have been looking tired lately.

Yes, gotta think of Platini's auntie!

Like I said before, if I was an ambitious young footballer with a few braincells I wouldn't want to stick around these gambling idiots. Enrique probably does love the club and the fans to bits but he has to think firstly about himself and his career and fair play to him whatever he chooses. of course you would if you thought it was your best option. do you think he came here in the first place cos he loved the club and fans ? No, why would I think that? Don't understand what you are getting at. it was in response in particular to your first sentence quoted, thats why you would stick around, if we were the best option even if we didn't have "these gambling idiots". It would certainly make a huge difference to me if I loved the club and the area yes. and that works for how many professional footballers ? Sometimes people need to step back and think what they would do if it was a job other than football. Pretty sure a lot of people in this board have moved from Newcastle (or whatever place they're from) to get better/more paid career opportunities.

You're betting on potential here. 12 months ago he looked like the next big thing but he has stagnated a bit and has had a bad season so far (admittedly the whole team is underperforming). He's your classic "dribble until kingdom come" Argentine winger, but he really has amazing first touch and close control, but needs to mature and release the ball sooner. How much do you think Sevilla would want for him? They'd try to fleece you, they drive a hard bargain. BUT after not qualifying for the CL this season and in danger of not doing it again this one, they'll need the cash. As for what amount of money... given some recent sales and current form of the player I'd say €12m-€15m, their asking price this past summer was reportedly €20m-€30m

Zaragoza game will be moved up to Saturday, most probably. Schedules aren't final until 2 weeks IIRC.

You're betting on potential here. 12 months ago he looked like the next big thing but he has stagnated a bit and has had a bad season so far (admittedly the whole team is underperforming). He's your classic "dribble until kingdom come" Argentine winger, but he really has amazing first touch and close control, but needs to mature and release the ball sooner.

Say "hola", as they are apparently checking this forum to see if the rumor is true

checking...

Well, half of what we got paid for Touré. He just isn't good enough on the ball and picks up way too many cards in La Liga. Admittedly would have been a good sub yesterday though.

Real Madrid? Not that I wouldn't get a heart attack if they won the CL, mind.

Fair enough, would probably wish the same if I was a neutral.