Writer: Chix 
Date:Wednesday January 14 2009
Time: 8:00PM
Speculation, Speculation, Speculation
Following the success of Sundays 'Five New Faces' article I thought now would be a good time to bring you up to date with who I see as being in the driving seat for a move (loan or otherwise) to our famous old club.
I've listed all the 'possible' signings that I can think of and even offered my odds against who will join Pompey before the close of the transfer window at midnight on 2nd February 2009
The odds are based on various pieces of speculation, knowledge of the players involved, tip-offs and most importantly of all guess-work.
So, if you feel like a punt place your imaginary bets below and I'll do the maths
Alternatively just post a comment to say what you think about some of the speculation
1/2
Joey Barton (Newcastle United) - Combative Midfielder
A sure-fire certainty if ever there was one to sign on the dotted line before the month is out. With Bolton pulling out of the race for his signature it seems Pompey are the only team left with an interest. It just remains for Uncle Peter to agree a fee (£4.5m max.) and check on the availability of cells at Kingston nick.
Evens Money
Edu (Valencia) - Defensive Midfielder
Another dead cert I reckon. Tony's old mucker from his Highbury days. It might have been quiet on the Edu front during the past week, but I'm guessing the deal is done and although he scored for Valencia at the weekend I think we will see the 30 year old Brazilian with wife Paula and their two young children house hunting in the New Forest before January is out.
3/1
Manuel Fernandes (Valencia) - Creative Midfielder
The former Everton an Pompey loanee has seen his stock increase since the speculation at the weekend and given the deal is reportedly worth £6m this could be an attractive proposition to Tony. It was only 18 months ago that Benfica wanted £12m for his services. If you think a welcome return could be on the cards back him at 3/1
7/2
Christian Obodo (Udinese) - Midfielder
The 24 year old Nigerian is definitely worth a punt. Despite having too many O's in his name Obodo would be a good proposition for any team that is in need of some midfield muscle. It you've never heard of him, he was Sulley Muntari's midfield bodyguard at Udinese before Redknapp snapped the Ghanaian up.
4/1
Gary O'Neil (Middlesbrough) - Central/Right Midfielder
Needs no introduction. Question is. Is Steve Gibson going to back down on his statement that none of his players are going anywhere. If you think he will it is surely worth a tenner at 4/1
9/2
Mirel Radoi (Steaua Bucharest) - Centre Back/Def.Midfielder
Strongly linked with Pompey in the past. Currently looking for a move abroad but rumoured to favour Standard Liege or Fiorentina rather than us. The Romanian international is being touted at about £4.5m which is not too much to pay for a player that is equally at home both in midfield and at centre back.
5/1
Michael Johnson (Manchester City) - Midfielder
Johnson is a great prospect that probably won't get the playing time he needs to develop at Eastlands. Could he partner Joey Barton in the heart of the Pompey midfield? If you think he could or indeed will 5/1 are cracking odds
11/2
Andrew Surman (Southampton) - Midfielder
Surman has been linked to Pompey before and it is rumoured that he has been speaking to us within the last couple of weeks. Whether he was discussing a possible transfer or advising Tony on what life in the Championship is like I'm not sure, but there`s no smoke without fire and at 11/2 he just might be too tempting not to have a little flutter on.
6/1
Aruna Dindane (Lens) - Striker
A great punt at 6/1. Dindane is sharp and strong and in the Drogba mould. Has made no secret that he wants to ply his trade in the Premier League it's just a question of whether he fancies Pompey, Stoke or West Brom. £5m may be a bit steep for an unproven striker with a history of cruciate problems but apparently he is looking impressive in training.
7/1
Benjani (Manchester City) - Striker
The housewives choice. Tony laughed off suggestions that Benjy could be on his way back and I too see no role in Tony's plans for the hard working striker. As much as we love him, he is long odds at 7/1. If you want to waste your imaginary money back Benjani for a return. It is just not going to happen.
8/1
Javier Saviola (Real Madrid) - Striker
I've nicknamed Saviola 'the big let down' He has honours as long as an orangutans arms in Argentina but since he was made surplus to requirements at Barcalona he has not settled or realised his potential. He might have been the youngest named player on the FIFA list of the 125 greatest living footballers, but that was three years ago and compiled before he lost his confidence. If you think Pompey can be the springboard to relaunch his career stick a cool £100 on this one. Although beware David Moyes as Everton are keen, as too are Wigan.
9/1
Kris Boyd (Rangers) - Striker
Long odds for a striker that I would have hoped we could have snapped up by now. Speculation suggests he done everything at Birmingham except sign on the dotted line. If you think Tony can get in quick and nick him from under the noses of the Birmingham Blues for less than £4m then name your stake. Personally, I think we may have missed the boat on this one.
10/1
Andy Driver (Hearts) - Winger
Although he has said he is in no rush to leave Tynecastle I still believe Driver is a great bet for those of you who believe Tony will sign an unknown. He is an England u21 playing for Hearts. Hearts need money, Pompey need a winger, what's left to decide. A good outside bet at 10/1
10/1
Modeste M'Bami (Olympique Marseille) - Midfielder Playmaker
Pompey have reportedly made contact with the Cameroonian whose agent is quoted as saying "He wants a new adventure" and "England is his priority". If you can pronounce his name he is surely worth a bet with odds at 10/1
11/1
Nathan Dyer (On Loan @ Swansea) - Attacking Midfielder
If you really believe Dyer (who can't get into the Southampton team) has a future at Fratton then back him at 11/1. I'll be mortified if we sign him, but stranger things have happened
12/1
Royston Drenthe (Real Madrid) - Left Winger
Work this one out. Drenthe was a youth player at Excelsoir, Johnny Metgod was a coach at Excelsoir. Metgod moved to Feyenoord, Drenthe moved to Feyenoord. Drenthe moves to Real Madrid, Metgod moves to Pompey. Pompey sell Diarra to Real Madrid and . . . Well you put in the rest. If you want to make a killing with your bet you could do a lot worse than back this 21 year old Dutch prospect for (at least) a loan spell at Fratton despite Ramos stating he sees Drenthe as a key player this season
15/1
Leroy Lita (Reading) - Striker
David Nugents U21 strike partner is going for a song. I smell a rat. There is something fishy about the price of Lita. Best left to Sheffield United to take the gamble I reckon. If you disagree, he has long odds at 15/1
20/1
Marvin Elliot (Bristol City) - Midfielder
This fella impresses me every time I see him play. Whether Bristol City will release him remains to be seen but surely Premiership aspirations must run through the veins of every young pro. Is he worth a punt at 20/1 you decide.
20/1
Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg) - Striker
He is 22 years old 6ft 3' and has scored 6 times in 13 games for his country and valued in the region of £7 million. I can see no way that this guy is coming to Pompey. Not at that price anyway. Waste your money if you wish by backing him at 20/1
25/1
Patrick Vieira (Inter Milan) - Central Midfielder
The links are obvious but we would need to sell the club to pay his wages. I offer long odds for this World Cup Winner.
33/1
Stephen Appiah (Unattached Mercenary) - Midfielder
Redknapp's Ghanaian love habit. Similar to Vieira but will demand more. Rates himself far too highly.
33/1
Yohann Pele (Le Mans) - Goalkeeper
The 26-year-old French No3 is out of contract with Le Mans at the end of the season. If you think a keeper of the calibre of Pele is going to sit around and wait for James to retire (or move) then waste a bet. Might sign a pre-contract agreement though
50/1
Jimmy Bullard (Fulham) - Creative Midfielder
If Bolton are sniffing around why can't we? Because he's on his way to Arsenal for the bargain price of £5m
100/1
Jermain Pennant (Liverpool)
I will not be surprised if he leaves Liverpool but if he is at another Premiership club come February, I will eat my shorts. Waste a bet if you want, I'll happily take your money.
150/1
Luis Garcia (Athletico Madrid) - Winger
If you really like a gamble here is your man. Has been touted around every premiership club during the past month and nobody has made a move. Will Pompey?
(Other odds available on request)
So there you have it, my take on the runners and riders in the race to join Pompey
What do you think ? Do you agree with me? or am I way off the mark?
It is time to Place your Bets
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| 1. | pompeyrug | 59 |
| 2. | eastneydave | 43 |
| 3. | storagematt | 30 |
| 4. | Jimsmithswig | 22 |
| 5. | mslorna48 | 20 |
| 6. | blueballoo2000 | 11 |
| 7. | PFCblue | 10 |
| 8. | PompeyJake | 9 |
| 9. | Pompeytim | 8 |
| 10. | Alty Blue | 7 |
| Latest Results | ||||
| Shrewsbury | 3 | - | 2 | Portsmouth |
| Portsmouth | 3 | - | 0 | Sheff Utd |
| Brentford | 3 | - | 2 | Portsmouth |
| Portsmouth | 0 | - | 0 | Stevenage |
| Portsmouth | 1 | - | 0 | Tranmere |
| Preston | 1 | - | 1 | Portsmouth |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 18. Stevenage | 46 | 15 | 9 | 22 | -17 | 54 |
| 19. Oldham | 46 | 14 | 9 | 23 | -13 | 51 |
| 20. Colchester | 46 | 14 | 9 | 23 | -21 | 51 |
| 21. Scunthorpe | 46 | 13 | 9 | 24 | -24 | 48 |
| 22. Bury | 46 | 9 | 14 | 23 | -28 | 41 |
| 23. Hartlepool | 46 | 9 | 14 | 23 | -28 | 41 |
| 24. Portsmouth | 46 | 10 | 12 | 24 | -18 | 32 |
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» Swindon : 18/05/2013 22:31:00
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» Yeovil : 18/05/2013 21:36:00
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| Pre Wembley Preparations
» Yeovil : 18/05/2013 21:28:00
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| Johnson Up For April Award
» Yeovil : 18/05/2013 21:24:00
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| Pre-Contract Offer Made To Winger?
» Preston : 18/05/2013 19:50:00
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| Murphy Heading North
» Carlisle : 18/05/2013 19:42:00
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| DRFC Ryan - Only two left on Rovers shortlist
» Doncaster : 18/05/2013 16:39:00
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As you say I too think a loan agreement is the only way we will see Pennent arrive a Fratton but even then I am somewhat suspect but I wouldn't complain if it did happen
The April fools gag made me laugh as did Big Tone smokin something - If Earnshaw is a goer (which I doubt) I've have serious concerns aboutwho else he'd bring in - That saidCarpets point about Adams being silent and the paper therefore speculating is also quite valid - I think he is playing his cards very close to his chest
Benjani 'He'll never come' although I suspect that he'd like a return as much as we would - I really hope I'm wrong on this one but I just don't see a role for him in Tony's short or long term plans. I'm going cold on O'Neil too the longer Downing and he stay at Boro I more I think it ain't gonna happen - But if Gibson budges on one then perhaps he will on the other - I'd love to see Johnson down here and I would consider that a quality signing both for the short term and the longer term.
Joey Barton and the Notorious Knees first hit? ... An opposition midfielder surely!
I think I've posted before (elsewhere) that Bolton's refused Bid for Barton was in the region of what I'd expect Newcastle to take for him - I'd be very worried if we go higher than £4.5m at the absolute tops - Especially given his knees and the risk involved if something goes wrong - I still fancy him though... but not in that sense.. as a signing
Whizz I think your money will be safe on Edu. O'Neil I've just commented on. As for Fernandes I just hope (if we sign him) he starts to live up to Benficas original estimate of £12m - If that happens we will have a real bargain - He showed glimpses at both Fratton and Goodison so we know he has the talent we just need to see more of it more frequently - One his day he makes a good Kranjcar look ordinary.
I didn't see must of Dindane in the ACN but read somewhere that he was off form because one of this children were sick - His daughter died or something - I'll go check..
Isn't discretion the better part of valour? - Not sure what it really means .. Anyway some good shouts and a little flutter on Royston Drenthe is a wise move me thinks .. Although we have to convince Juande Ramos first. A definate prospect for the future though even if it doesn't come of in Jan - He seems to have tracked Metgod for a fair number of years and I guess Tony would also have first hand experience too from his time in Holland.. I'm very surprised we haven't been linked to many Dutch or Dutch League players given Metgods appoitment .. Maybe too discret to be obvious !!
A yankee? Is that gambling rhyming speak for five winners ? But Surman in both eh - Do you know something? He has been speaking to Pompey VERY recently I hear.. Not a bad shout. Elliot would be a cracking signing too - I'm surprised he is still at Bristol City
Re the percentages (lol) If you notice my fractions are only divisible by two maximum 9/2 = 4.5/1 I can managed those (just). As for a new signing grabbing a winner on Saturday wouldn't it just be brilliant - I'm still waiting for the Friday press conference tip-off.. so far not a whisper !
I didn't see the Harry interview but a newsnow search on Spurs shows a who's who of the last 20 years of European and World Football - If Vital Spurs were to run a thread like this they would have to enploy a full time typist just to keep up with the comments. As for me being up late I'm being as available as poss for this thread as it seems that the 'live' articles really take off if the author can respond quick enough - All good fun and involves everybody too - More coffee needed though !
Ah ha (I think) Where's Nodster with his fractions when you need him ! ... I'm gonna search out my dummies guide to maths ! - The only doubles and trebles I'm aware of are those that go in my whiskey coffee !
Jeez I need a lesson in placing a bet ! - Re TA's left-field surprise I think you maybe right but I (sad git that I am) track the transfer speculation/gossip/players available for loan etc.. really tightly so there are very few (normally Africans) that I miss The only sub-set I can think off that he could pull from that would really shock me is probably a Dutch youth player - There's a good young prospect at Vitesse called Ricky Van Wolfswinkel I'd love that to come off just to hear the Fratton End try and sing his name
Roy Beerens was indeed the player you say .. A Dutch U21 but he only signed a new four year deal in 2008 so I doubt if we'd get him - Good player though and maybe a bit of a dark horse for a bet
24 hours since original article
Ok fellas I'm back for some more interaction - Let's have a look at your comments from today
Blarmy I still think you are barking up the wrong tree about Cisse, especially as Sunderland have agin stated that nobody is leaving again today - I reckon I'll give you 200/1 on that on ;)
Bowlsey
I'd go with with of your 4 midfielders but can't see Eliott coming - I'd like him too but can't see Bristol City parting with him unless it's for a lot of dosh. As for Kris Boyd I'm still hopeful we might nip in and steal him from Birmingham but the latest news is that Rangers are desperate for him to sign for Brum so they can spend the money on Utaka !!! - Watch this space for that one
You are correct in stating that the 72 hours are up today and we've still not a sniff of a press conference - I've also heard rumours that Peter Storrie is 'still' abroad. Which could mean things are not going as smoothly as he had hoped - That said Saviola has been linked with us in the Spanish press today - I don tknow the Spannish for wallet so I've no idea if Sasha has lost his - But if he has I just hope somebody hands it in soon !
So bleak an outlook mate - You reckon we are not going to bring anybody in !! -Wot nobody? I so hope you are wrong otherwise I think you are right (if you follow) and I too will begin to worry. Thinking about it we must sign at least one.. Robbie Earnshaw anybody ?
Thanks Mate appreciated comments about the Man City postponement but more to the point got any leads on Benjani or Johnson !
Are you sure it was Messi you saw in McDonalds and not Johnson in B&Q (lol) - But a ggod shout about recalling Subotic rather than waste £3milion - THREE MILLION on Earnshaw - That has to be a wind-up !
If earnshaw is gonna lace Nugent Nugent boots he'll have to sign for Sheff Utd - If the gossip is true - which it surely can be - I think you have a chance of getting maybe two of the five you suggested - Saviola and Johnson ..maybe .. the others not a chance I reckon Vieira will demand too much and Benji is wrong tactically (As seen through Chixy's looking Glass into Tonys World)
Odds on Stephen Hunt ..umm there's a challenge. I really don't see why we need him (he's a left sided player). I'm not even sure he is of the quality we need (but have seen a few good displays so will give him the benefit of the doubt) BUT and it is a big but.. We have been linked with Reading a lot in this window .. Lita, Nugent, Hermann etc.. so it wouldn't surprise me if a Reading deal comes off - Which one I'm not sure (don't fancy any to be honest) .. I'll give you a very genorous 15/1 for Hunt I reckon Carps.
What info do you have that I don't. I supposed to be the Transfer Guru! - Cme on spill the beans and maybe the press conference will happen tomorrow - Hang on I'm gonna make a phone call !
Plymouth Graham
I think you are spot on mate this window is murder - It's worse than the last three or four put together and it's only the 15th !! - Seriously the Earnshaw rumour just has to be a joke doesn't it .. I'll go nutty if we sign him as a replacement for Defoe .. imagine Defoe or Earnshaw .. umm. well.. err.. Earnshaw has a better international scoring record I 'spose
Rob Someone from the Scum .. Can't say I've ever heard of him (lol) Interestingly I think of those you name Johnson is one that WILL come .. whether we have made a bid remains to be seen
Bentley, I'd snap their hands off - I followed his youth career at Arsenal and was veryu impressed - He has since lost his way a little and got too big for his boots - Needs to 'step down' to realise how good he really is - A bit like Glen Johnson did.
Jeez £107 million for Kaka - Do you reckon Tony can nip in and steal him from under their noses (lol) I won't comment on the 'whys and wherefores of if it's good or bad for the game - There's a thread running on that) but at least we will see his talent at Fratton Park twice in a year if he decide to go to Citeh - Just hope he'll be on the losing side next time - I'd let Glen Little mark him again!
So it was announced on the football hour eh.. erm so let's say it is right and also go with a right winger and a central midfielder. Andy Driver and Christian Obodo get my votes - Oh how I love January
If you are right that's a good signing although it has been well under the radar - He's a swiss international but I didn't think he was a winger - Oh I'm excited now ! Edu is probably a fair shout, but without Fernandez probably means that deal is dead.
Have a read of what Arsenal fans thought when he was linked with them ... 'click here' [Edited by hickin]
Rob, I think you are right on two of the three counts and that is we will field a patched up team against Spurs and we most probably will be in the bottom three after the Villa game (although with a game in hand) As for nobody coming I'd be very surprised if nobody comes .. Heard a whisper that jermaine Pennant is also on his way - Watch this space [Edited by hickin]
Colin Kazim Richards not sure he's good enough to be honest hasn't really been that much of a hit in Turkey and only went their because of family connections
Newcastle have stated time and again that they can not buy until a player leaves so if they are bidding for M'bia they have either off loaded Given, Owen or Barton... I think you could be right !
Yep I can give you that one although I've got him in my file from way back.. see below.. I never thought it would come to anything though to be honest !
Redknapp rubbishes Pennant link - Pompey boss yet to consider January transfers
SkySports.com Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has rubbished speculation he is considering a January move for Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant. The former Birmingham star has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since arriving in a £6.7million deal in 2006 and he has fallen out of favour this season. Pennant made a late substitute appearance in last weekend's Merseyside derby victory over Everton, but prior to that his only outing this term was in the Carling Cup against Crewe earlier in September. A lack of first-team football has seen Pennant linked with pastures new and Portsmouth have been rumoured to be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old. But Redknapp insists that he has not yet considered transfer targets, telling The News: "I like Pennant. He's a good player, a great crosser of the ball and he's definitely got quality. "But I can't say I have thought about signing him. In fact, I have not thought about anybody really, to be honest. "The transfer window has just closed and the next one isn't open until January, other signings are not really in my thoughts this early. "As far as I'm concerned, I have got my squad here, players I'm happy with. "I just need to get on with it now. It's like any transfer, I'll see how we are going closer to the time and if we need something. "You never know, you may get an injury in a certain position, something might need freshening up. "I've got to see if everything is going okay. If everybody is doing well it's not a problem and I won't need to bring in anyone at all. "But at the moment I'm not even thinking about that."
So the Sun are reporting it then eh!... Must be true. I'm sure they publish 100 stories in the hope that one comes off and they can claim' You heard it hear first' (lol)
I think he'll be an OK loan deal though might give us a little something extra until May.. even if it is a bit of competition for places
I think you are correct about the odds for Penant and also a few others - I think we are gonna have to go
5/1 - Pennant
7/1 - Barnetta and this mornings newest contender
15/1 - Scot McDonald of Celtic
It could be a very interesting day today.
Have you been on the beer with Storagematt and Sea-Juicer? (lol) - I'm (maybe foolishly) going trust Uncle Peter just one last time. I can hear you laughng from hear !
A good shout - I'll let Sunday's game happen first then issue a new one on Monday - It'll also allow for any signings to be announced today - Will you guys stop laughing at me !!
There of course is the argument that advertising you have agreed a fee opens the door for other prospective buyers to come in and offer the same or even more for the player.
Another point I have heard is that they have apeg in the changing room with Jermain written over it. To save money they are trying to sign players with the same name or in this case just an extra E.
48 hours since original article
Well fellas I thought we were onto something today with Pennant but I think a loan is the best we will get out of him - If that. Now to respond to some of your thoughts..
I reckon you are right about trying to recruit some Pompey fans to the 'Pompey Peoples Positive Front' there are a lot out there who just don't or won't trust Uncle Peter anymore - Me.. I'm going to give him until the close of the transfer window then if nothing comes good or we sign nobody at all (after what he has said then I will launch an attack - Anyway but to transfers..
Don't stick pins in your eyes mate - 12th would be great and I reckon we could do it with the same players but, as I've just said to Jbaker I'm staying positive .. except I don't actually think we will beat Spurs or Villa - Two draws will be good for me. If we win one I'll be well pleased.
I'm up for the Boyd - Utaka swap everyday of the week .. I'm still hopeful about Boyd and the longer Birmingham drag their heels the better we could nick in and steal him BUT if he remains unsold and Pompey sign nobody I wil be very annoyed - We wants a move, Rangers need the dosh and Pompey need a striker - It is that easy isn't it ?
I'll chip in for the Utaka flight to Scotland - How much do you want.. come to think of it I'll drive him there myself..
Stay positive man - We are not in for a disappointing month It's only the 16th just over half way through .. things will really hot up next week you'll see.. As for view on Peter Storrie I'm with you - This is really his last chance .. It nothing happens we'll use my gun.. I'll load it and you can pull the trigger ;)
FIFA 2008 is the real world isn't it .. On your recommendation I think Barnetta will be great .. even if he has a name like a kitchen bin.
I loved the comment about the empty locker with 'Jermain' on it really made me laugh - I too expected Edu by now and Barton to be honest (although I know you're not keen on him) Be patient and remain confident that some will come in and nobody will go .. although I wish at least Djimi and Richard Duff would !
Given the comings and goings today I'm not ready to eat my shorts just yet ..(well spotted though) - We'll see what happens over the weekend
I too think that Pennent won't come - Loan at best ! - But I agree with you that a central midfielder remains the priority.. actually I think we need two.. one defensive and one playmaker to supply Crouch..
Spot on mate as is Eastneydave about not being able to make a player and also the point about an accepted bid makes a very firm statement to anybody who is interested.. The more I think about Pennant the less I think he will come and if he can't really be bothered I'd rather not have him anyway - I hope Tony stands strong and only signs him if he REALLY wants to come and is up for a scrap.
It is being reported in Spain that Real Madrid have confirmed that they have spoken at lenghts with Peter Storrie about signing Saviola - Storrie has said there is a deal to be done but it's up to Tony if he wants to sign him
I'm sure thing will happen and it's fair to expect (given what was said last week about a couple of signings due to be made) something to happen, but I'm sure Pompey are doing all they can to bring players in but these things take time - We are not allowed to speak to anybody (well not really) until Jan 1st and a lot of players want to weigh up their options before making a decision - Hang in there mate and stay postive
7 Players we are in talks with - well if we get 3 I'll be happy (depending on who they are) but there's little point blaming the bloke if they don't sign - All Storrie can do is ty and convince the guy to sign .. he can't actually force him - Penton are Andover any good.. Have they got a good right winger I wonder
I must admit the Saviola news has cheered me up no end - I'm on the beer already and will crack another in the hope that something comes off over the weekend. As for Pennant I agree with you a loan signing at best .. but even then I'm cynical about it .. Is he doing it for us or for himself .. could have the same result though if he has a point to prove we could benefit I 'spose
I'm quite excited about this one I don't know whether it's a perm or loan deal but the guy obvioulsy has talent but seemed to have lost his way at Barca after he was told he was suplus to requirements - He went on loan a couple of times (scored 8 in 29 for Monaco and then 8 in 30 for Seville) before signing for Madrid - It seems to me he is a confidence player and if he bags a couple he could potentially fly in the premiership - Hope he signs .. fingers crossed !
Rob you and I first spoke about Andy Driver in November - If we can get him we really do have a problem solved - The guy is class he is young (21) can play on either wing and Hearts need money - We really need to go after this fella £3m should do it.
Fair point about Diarra/Pennant and not one I can really argue against (me argue ;) but Diarra was younger, more talented and just wanted to show the worldhow good he was .. Pennant has had chances (Arsenal, Leeds, Brum & Liverpool) and I think he thinks he is better than he is .. All that said I hope you are right.. He is certainly a great crosser of the ball and with him being at Liverpool he'll probably know where Crouchy's head is!
Stop thinking about Earnshaw.. it might make it come true ... (God I hope not !)
Penton
Even given your description the Andover right winger sounds more industrious that Utaka.. who incidentially owes us a performance.. or so he says..
Is Fred really considering Stoke ?.. We tracked him last year and it came to nothing. He is a wonderful player and scores goals for fun.. How can we have overlooked/decided against going for him.. His scoring record really is second to none - If I remember correctly he was better than a goal every other game.. throughout his career .. STOKE !!
I'll give you a 10/1 on Fabian Delph - You are right Tony did track him before Xmas - My file on him offer an interesting comment
11 November 2008
Portsmouth boss Adams looking to steal Leeds youngster Delph from under the noses of Arsenal
Daily Mail – On Line
Portsmouth manager Tony Adams wants to take Leeds midfielder Fabian Delph from under the noses of Arsenal. Adams made a personal check on the 18-year-old during Leeds' draw with Northampton on Friday night after learning his former boss Arsene Wenger is tracking the talented teenager. And Adams was impressed enough to ready a bid for the highly-talented youngster, who is also interesting Newcastle. Defiant Leeds owner Ken Bates insists Delph will not be sold but a serious bid from one of the Premier League’s big guns will be hard to turn down. A solution might be Leeds agreeing to a permanent deal but then taking the teenager back on loan for the rest of the season.
umm interesting don't ya think?
Sea-Juicer
So you reckon Pennant will be ok then?.. I'm still worried about his attitude and motives but I guess if he signs we will have to trust Tony's judgement
Everybody
I'm going make these the last comments on this thread and 'unsticky' it later today to allow for the matchday articles and Toast to get the airtime they need - I'll be back on Sunday evening (after all the match reports etc. With another entertaining 'sticky' that will track next weeks transfer speculation - Thanks for your involvement in this (and the other transfer threads it seems that we have achieved a whole new level with Vital Pompey Article.. Back on Sunday then