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Who, When and Why? (The Outs)

Transfer windows like this one are all the more challenging for players, managers, owners and of course fans.

The reason why there is that extra confusion in my mind and no doubt many of yours is that when we have a new(ish) manager who is perhaps still looking to impart his ideas on the players and hope he has already proved his own ability to persuade the owner to part with enough money and also trust his judgment over others who perhaps have a closer and longer relationship. We also have to consider the extra cost and upheaval that comes with making any, let alone many changes halfway through a season, so there is always a thinking that unless it ain't broke, don't try to fix it or unless it is for an absolute steal, don't buy it.

Of course we probably know where we would like to add quality, and I hope that AVB and his team already have a definite plan in place for who is and isn't part of his plans and also where he needs to add quality or depth. You do wonder whether there are players at the club who feel they are surplus, whilst I imagine a few already are very well aware that they are not in the managers plans and will either me sold or loaned at the best, if not first opportunity. Others will of course be loaned out either because it is a last chance to prove their worth to to simply gain experience, hopefully in as positive a way as Danny Rose is doing at Sunderland.

Question is who is potentially available and who might be sacrificed to get in quick money or if we can bring in other players? You assume that Jenas, Bentley and Gomes are already out of AVB's thinking and deals are already in the pipeline. Whether JJ will remain at Notts Forest remains up for debate. He still struggles with injury, but their fans rate and like him on the rare occasions he plays, and though they have surprisingly replaced Shaun O'Driscoll, who was apparently initially sceptical about bringing in Jenas, he has been replaced by Alex McLeish, who signed the player on loan for Villa last season, so despite him missing nearly all of that time due to snapping his Achilles, he clearly felt he was a good player.

Bentley is out of contract in the summer, therefore you feel that Spurs would accept any early deal, but equally you feel that Bentley may well prefer to bide his time and take a free transfer if he could get it and pocket the extra cash that may be available in the summer. a good and impressive domestic loan in between seems the compromise. Apparently Wigan are interested and I actually feel this could be a decent move. As for Gomes, he is already back in Brazil, which has prompted the suggestion that he is lined up for a move. Rumours that he could be a makeweight in a deal to sign Leandro Damiao from Internacional, may or may not have legs, but for Levy just getting Gomes and others off the payroll, will be a positive. If we generously accept that Bentley, JJ, Gomes and the already departed Cudicini earned an average of 40 grand a week, thats £8 million off of the wage bill.

Looking at those who are actively in the current squad, you still have to question the long term future of Michael Dawson, simply because AVB was prepared to sell him in the summer. Has his recent form coupled with attitude and effort on the training ground altered his thinking? Dawson is a strong and solid stopper type of defender and one that appears well liked and respected in the dressing room, but in terms of his being picked against the physical teams such as Stoke, could we honestly say that a fit Younes Kaboul wouldn't offer the same qualities of strength, but also add footballing qualities and greater pace to what Daws has? It did cross my mind yesterday that William Gallas will be next out the door. Perhaps he was merely rested or carrying a slight knock, however his not even being on the bench hinted to me that he is on his way and perhaps Harry has already lined him up as a cheap or free addition to QPR?

In midfield, You do feel that Tom Huddlestone is a player that simply doesn't have a future at WHL. Personally I like him, but he still hasn't ironed out certain failings to his game and it is apparent that he will never have that speed or mobility to operate in a midfield two, especially when an opposition play three, and perhaps doesn't quite have the all-round quality of others at the club to ever be anything more than a squad player. A loan perhaps, but if a reasonable bid came in and there was already a replacement lined up, could or should we sell. With a slighty heavy heart, thinking what might have been, I feel it is a yes. Can we see a situation where we would still consider selling Scott Parker? He is a player I rate extremely highly and I wouldn't sell unless I received a truly stupid offer or the player made it clear he wanted out, but should for example AVB get in his dream player (Moutinho) could Parker be sacrificed if they could get their money back? Of the youth, I would like to see both Livermore and Carroll get half season loans, as I rate their potential, but do feel they need games and experience, so should we sign one and retain Sandro, Dembele and Parker and/or Hudd, would it make sense?

In attack, there aren't too many players to discuss, but I will start with one that is already on loan in Harry Kane. Though he seems certain to remain at Carrow Road to gain experience, he has suffered with missing the majority of the season to date with injury, but has received positive reviews in his last two games against Man City and West Ham and having the remainder of the season to hopefully establish himself in the starting XI, you feel this is the right decision. One thing that does worry me slightly is that Norwich have been linked with several strikers, either on loan or permanent deals. Would a new striker mean less opportunity for Harry, therefore could it be wise to move him on rather than be a bench warmer? With only two natural strikers, it seems impossible to imagine one leaving, even if we bought a new player in. However, do we still feel totally confident in believing that either Defoe or Adebayor would be happy playing second fiddle to a big money signing that might become the first choice pick?

Jermain Defoe, has done very well, but for all his goals and all-round improvement to his game, he remains a poacher first and foremost and his default move is still to turn and shoot instead of looking for better positioned options. He is great facing goal and as a natural finisher, but does he really have that all-round game to bring the best out of those around him? Perhaps one to keep as a good and loyal option, but is he ever going to be a long term solution under AVB? As for Adebayor, he remains a bit of an enigma, on his day he is a brilliant and unplayable striker, but those days simply haven't happened enough this season, perhaps due to injury, lack of confidence or simply a lack of understanding or chemistry with his playing partner. Would it really be a shock if we were to sell him in the summer or even in January of an offer was made? I can't imagine he would embrace another striker that would limit his opportunities further and he has never been happy to be a squad option. Though I clearly don't know the exact details of his summer move from City, I do wonder if his pay-off from City and new wage at WHL would actually make it easier to sell him, as his wages would be more realistic and therefore easier to do a deal.

The fact Spurs seem to operate a committee approach to buying and selling perhaps makes things harder to make decisions, but in turn perhaps at least share the blame when a player fails. I can imagine Levy, Sherwood, Freund and AVB all sitting around a table with their player wants and reasons firmly in hand. Does this make for good policy of buying or selling? Without being a fly on the wall, I really don't know the dynamics of what goes on, but I would like to think that AVB will be the man who gets what he wants more than doesn't, as to date he deserves backing, but I also see no point in his being forced to buy or sell players he doesn't really fancy. To date I haven't heard of too many turkeys being touted to come in, whilst equally I haven't seen too many superstars of shocks going out. Bale to Madrid in the summer for £50m+ is clearly an option, but is that something that could be out of everyones hands if the bid came in and the player wanted the move. Long term contract or not...




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Writer: OxfordSpur Mail feedback, articles or suggestions

Date:Wednesday January 2 2013

Time: 11:42AM

Your Comments

COYS... 2013 here we go...
Yidmarks
PLAYMAKER and a STRIKER this month please Mr Levy...
Yidmarks
Apart from the obvious JJ, Gomes and Bentley I don't think we should make to many sales. I've always believed that a balanced squad needs to players for every position plus some youth. On this basis Hudd definitely looks surplus but given Gallas age I'm not sure that Daws is. We need four CBs (2 + 2 cover) which IMO should be Verts, Kaboul, Caulker & Daws, with Gallas being sold if poss otherwise I assume he hasn't long left on his contract anyway?
Kes80
I think to pretty much said it all, OX. Nothing to add except to say that my priority would be for a No 10 type of striker.
Love totty
Still think there will be very little movement inwards altho very happy to be wrong
Big Ron
Usual problem with this article, assumes we can sell players whether they want to go or not. Dawson has already turned down a move to QPR. Parker is going nowhere, he earns £75k a week, no one else will pay him anywhere near that so he'll see out his contract whether he plays or not. With any player you want to get rid of the first hurdle is the buying club must at least match his current wages, or as with City and Adebeyor you must be prepared to pay him to go away. Otherwise players can and will see out their contracts then move as free agents. The reason Jenas and Bentley are on loan is because no one is interested in paying them the kind of money they are getting from us and this way at least a small part of the cost is offset.
jod
MOUTINHO..SNEIDJER.. WILLIAN.. ISCO.. ALEXIS SANCHEZ... BENAT.. DZAGOEV.. LLORENTE.. LOPEZ.. LEWIS HOLTBY... INCE JNR... REMY.. KAKA..

COME ON MR LEVY... SURPRISE US..
Yidmarks
I don't see much movement for us in Jan. I would sell Gomes to say Brazillian side Internacional who are in market for a keeper and possibly see if a deal is possible for Damiao with Gomes + money. We would then have Lloris & Friedel and include young Jordan Archer.

I would sell Livermore or Huddlestone. In DMF we already have Sandro & Parker, provided if we buy someone like Moutinho.
sydqcb5
Jod, agree but we could lose the transfer fee and pay the player off. This will be cheaper than having them sat in the stands. Look at Gomes, the rumour is that Levy wanted a fee, doesn't make sense. Get rid, except the loss!! COYS, good article Ox.
RAF Yid
Accept, whoops!
RAF Yid
By the way, I have lost all my confidence on Levy in trying to sell Bentley. He should have somehow sold him back to Mark Hughes QPR for 10million in summer. And he should have sold Gomes to QPR before they got Cesar. Greene & Gomes would have been lethal & QPR would have been top10 by now.
sydqcb5
Stupid old VDV! Shoulda stayed with us after all
micyid
Cant see too many ins or outs this window. If we shift the obvious (maybe just release them for free now rather than in the summer) then we might bring in a player. I really cant see us signing anyone of any real quality though, maybe someone for the future or just for cover. Llorente, Damiao Schnider etc are all just birthday wishes. I would be very suprised if too many changes are made to the first 11. On a seperate note, siggurdson looked bloody awfull agianst reading. Think it highlights our need to get another player who can play on the flanks.
hudderspur
Modric voted worst La Liga signing of 2012! Amazing.
Tactically Challenge
Jod, of course you are absolutely correct in stating that it isnt easy to sell players, but that was also why I have talked about a loan option or also a situation where we might sell IF a decent offer came in. if we are able to move one player on in addition to the already departed Cudicini, we have two squad places free, therefore selling might not be vital to bring someone in, however much of what was written was based upon future plans and who may and who may not be available IF a deal could be made
oxfordspur
In yesterday's game, AVB wrote a note and gave it to Adebayor in the midle of the game. I found it really odd and intriguing. Any wild guesses what that might be?

Ox, why not a vital poll on this? :)
sydqcb5
Not on the same page, but what happened to Clive Allen? Also what role does Tim Sherwood hold at the club? If we make any signings during this window they will be good ones, AVB is a man i very much trust, the Lewis Holtby rumours doing the rounds, looks like a deal we could tie up now and join in the summer, by all accounts his a very good player Stefan will know all about him from his german contacts, we have good back up staff who know the game inside out. AVB has had the chance to look at most of our squad and decide who cut's the mustard at who does not. Carlo going to LA Galaxy, one of the books, Bentley another not good enough for back up, Jenas same as Bentley only worse, he has been hanging over us for far to long, Gomes should be allowed to leave and should do so for his own good.
spu 4 life
sydqcb5, firstly if you want to send me a poll suggestion, I will put it up. am just about to walk out the door. as for the note, I am guessing it is to ask him if he has decided to go to the ACN or not. Probably just said; Make your Fecking mind up!!!
oxfordspur
Good article there Ox, my worry is, based on your assessment of our transfer committee - we will look to buy a race horse and end up buying a camel... The only area where we seem to have a surplus of players is DMF and its with a heavy heart that Big Tom is the player to sell. All those haters of Livermore need only look at Noughton, Walker, Bale and even Sandro to see with full prem games under their belt the young players improve dramatically. I noted one ex-footballers comment during a match over the christmas, that it take s a young player about twenty league games to get up to speed and pace of the premiership. Noughton has really come on playing out of position at LB and we now have genuine cover when BAE returns which eliminates the need to purchase for this area.
Slurms McKenzie
At this stage of the season, well LEANDRO would be a massive signing, WILLIAN the same, Mountinho is still high on the AVB wanted list, SNEIJDER never say never. I know they may well be pipe dreams, but you can't have to many class players. Good indians we have, CLASS CHIEFS, more the better.
spu 4 life
Obviously I think that Jenas, Bentleyand Gomes should be sold aswell but that goes with out saying at this stage surely! Carroll out on loan is a no brainer, Livermore is probably in the worse situation in that he is a good squad option and so won't be let out on loan but equally won't get near as much game time as cover for Sandro / Parker! Will this hinder his development in the long run for short term peace of mind for AVB?
Slurms McKenzie
Every transfer window for the last four years seems to be a bit of a time warp we are linked with Leandro, Moutinho, Willian again, Llorente might come but juventus have champions league (until Celtic surprise them!) can someone please sign these players so Spurs transfer reports can move on!!!
Slurms McKenzie
Going back to yesterday, i have never seen a spurs side shoot so much from outside the box before, who's idea was that, because it was good to see. Someone has been doing their homework on teams parking up in front of us.
spu 4 life
Amazing init! Manure couldn't buy Sneijder for 40million twelve months ago and now Inter can't give him away for free!!! Harry will have some of that action! Parker would be the ideal player to keep QPR in the prem and probably have pockets deep enought o cover his wages! Don't want him sold but expect a bid none the less.
Slurms McKenzie
I guess Freund worked with Lewis Holtby in Germany when he was Germany U16-18 coach. If we end up signing him it may well be based on Freund's feedback. Till now I like the work Freund has done for us, may be we have to trust his judgement if we end up with Holtby. He looks a decent player to me.
sydqcb5
I would like us to try something different. For whatever reason Adebayor has gone backwards this season. He looks like he needs a new challenge abroad. If he doesn't go to the ANC next week then I would like to see us offer him plus cash to Juventus (who were interested in him previously) and try to prise Vucinic and Vidal from Juventus. That would give us a 'clever' hold up striker in Vucinic (Serbia's version of Berbatov) as well as an attacking midfielder in Vidal. They know each other well so should link up and deliver quickly. It is very unlikely to happen but it would be good to see us try.
SpuriousLife
Slurms McKenzie if we sign these guys the press would have nothing to write about
spu 4 life
Apologies - Montenegro not Serbia!
SpuriousLife
If we could just get our strikers to move as fast as Freund does off the bench when we score - we'ed be unstoppable!
Slurms McKenzie
Slurms McKenzie, I get the impression that AVB rates Carroll and Livermore, but perhaps he rightly (in my opinion) feels they need games and experience, as well as keeping them motivated. Can we honestly see Carroll get games if we keep Dembele fit and perhaps buy a player like Moutinho? similarly with Livermore, above Parker and sandro?
oxfordspur
I notice a few people would like to see Moutinho signed. He's a great player but is he what we need? With the Dembele/Sandro partnership flourishing how would Moutinho fit in? You could push Dembele forward but I'm not sure he's the player to fit 'in the hole' and I'm not sure that Moutinho is either.
Kes80
In response to the title. Hudd - ASAP - Fat.
thenuge
We definitely should not be selling Parker this window either! We need him not just for his ability but for his experience and leadership as well.
Kes80
Just as an aside, I really like the way Livermore seems to have settled into the squad mentality, he seems to have that confidence of mind, without appearing in the slightest cocky. Watching him wait to come on yesterday he was almost arrogant, in a good way with a self assured smirk. similarly do we remember the game he came on the pitch to sort out a scuffle on the pitch. He like Caulker dont seem like players to take any *****e.
oxfordspur
Arry can phuck off..''they were i trouble when i took over, it would take a miracle to keep them up, what do QPR fans expect they are all idiots''
spu 4 life
SpuriousLife,its hard to see why Vucinic will leave Juve and join us. He already rejected us last season and I dont think he will leave them.
sydqcb5
I believe that Levy has learnt from his huge mistake in letting Harry stockpile players for the sake of it. He had to repair the damage in the summer by removing 13 senior players offset against 6 coming in. The list of outgoings: Alnwick, Button, Janssen, Corluka, Nelsen, King, Bassong, Modric, Pienaar, Kranjcar, Gio, VDV, Saha. That still left Gomes, Cudicini, Khumalo, Bentley, Jenas, Dawkins and Obika, all of which have no material impact to the 1st team setup. I'm hoping Levy feels equally motivated to keep clearing this deadwood in January so we can finally get back to what most clubs would perceive as a "normal" squad size. He must have assessed the damage it did to the balance sheet especially in the close season when he was paying for all of them.

Levy has also learnt that it's worth checking the date of births of players as well. When the manager comes along and wants to buy one / sell one in Janury he needs to remind them that there is another one turning 21. In the case of next season we would need to register Caulker, Smith, Townsend, Mason and Parrett if AVB chose for them to be involved. Levy has taken longer than most chairman to get to grips with the 25 man squad rule. Hopefully he's finally sussed it now though and will help AVB have quality versus Harry's quantity of players.
muttley
I disagree re no activity in this window. This is the FIRST PROPER transfer window for AVB where his tenure has seen him get his feet under the desk, install his methods, system, tactics and hopefully helped him identify exactly who he needs or doesn't need moving forward. A pretty large group of players (thanks Arry) have been given a opportunity. IMO some have cut the grade the other failed and the odd one undecided upon.

I therefore expect a number of sales, loans and a couple of signings. I am not overly optimistic about TWO high profile additions and will be content with ONE. I expect several of our youngsters to be sent on loan.

ONE striker and ONE young/upcoming midfielder may be the best compromise. Though knowing Levy, lastminute.com may be on the horizon! COYS!
Critical_Spur
I hear that spu 4!!! Spurious Vidal looks like and interesting alternative to our midfield "problem" and maybe a cheaper option. To be fair to Ade he probably isn't anywhere near match fit due to injuries and his our transfer issues. A trip to the ANC would mean (hopefully) more game time for him and a decent third striker would have to be purchased by Spurs, then around mid February we would have three very good and fit strikers to choose from! If the Ade wants to be gauranteed first team football he needs to move to a smaller club with limited resources or improve dramatically!
Slurms McKenzie
@ Critical_Spur, I agree that there will and ideally should be ins and outs, but I want any move to be the right one as opposed top buying/selling because we feel we have to make instant change. If getting the right player means we have to wait until the summer, I would rather that than buy the 2nd or third choice and compromise our decision
oxfordspur
If we are going to sell a CB it has to be Gallas. Dawson is only what 28, and is happy to be the 4th choice, besides he is better than Gallas.

Of the obvious Jenas, Bentley and Gomes (I would keep Gomes and sell Grandpa) I think we should make room for our emerging youngsters and sell Hudd or maybe Livermore. Perhaps Livermore should be loaned out and see if he can progress to become Parker replacement in the future. We definitely should not sell Parker in this window. He has looked great and we stopped conceding late goals when he returned.
Jables
Get Saha and Nelsen... Sorted!
TopSpur13
Ox, Looking at where we are in the league and how well AVB has managed the team, It would be a travesty if he was NOT allowed to at least consolidate his work. A long term project does not need to start at the bottom of the league table. But having arrived at 3rd place through a lot of graft, we need to maintain it and it is patently obvious we need at least ONE addition at this point. If Ade goes to ANC, the striker recruitment is aramount. I think we can get aways without any midfield additions for now.
Critical_Spur
I agree Ox that Carroll should get a loan move and this will help him develop into a great player for Spurs, my point is that I don't see Lovermore getting the same oppertunity because he is closer to the first team but as you say only as cover for players mentioned. But if we gambled on the fitness of Sandro, Parker and Dembele and let Livermore go to another prem team for first team experience then the squad would be alot stronger come September.
Slurms McKenzie
A successful loan spell for Livermore might pave the way for selling Parker in the summer!
Slurms McKenzie
So at the moment our squad is looking like this: Keepers (sorted), Defense (sorted) with players returning from injury and possibly Gallas moving on (although the first part of this season showed that five CB on the books isn't really that carzy) Midfield - overloaded with players but unbalanced in terms of options and finally Attack - definitely limited in terms of choice. Based on this assessment signing of a striker in this window and thining of the midfield should be the priority. So one signing in and three to five players either sold or loaned.
Slurms McKenzie
Exactly Slurms!. So with the sales and Levy's wheeling dealing, finances should NOT be a problem imo.
Critical_Spur
But thats a credit to AVB because for a long time I thought we were light in cover for full backs but Noughton has proved me wrong! I am still amazed that Lloris pulls on Spurs shirt every week when you look a the goal keeping problems all of the other contenders are having or are rapidly approaching what a master stroke to get the French International keeper! A similar approach to our strikers department and we will be well on the way to greatness!
Slurms McKenzie
We should replace Bentley and Jenas (simply haven't played for us in such a long time, they need to budge) with one creative midfielder. This will keep us happy and also Levy, who will have 2 players off the bill and only 1 in. Thinking about our forwards, we may need to look at the loan option for now…. And this is only if Ade goes away to play for Togo. Any major signing we make i.e. Number 9 in Jan will affect the Defoe's and Ade's starts, and will limit what games Dempsey will start in. We don't want to upset these 3 at the current time. It could of course have the opposite effect and raise their game, but is this worth the risk? When we could get a higher profile player in summer who can train and be included in pre-season with the others? I think 1 IN minimum for Jan and 2 OUT, in the midfield area. Keep quality in depth and Happy days. We are starting to play the sublime footy Harry had us playing, and the amount of chances we are making is steadily climbing. Well done gaffa/lads over the festive period, onwards and upwards. COYS.
SpursOne2
Just did an interesting exercise. I calculated the average age of the starting 11 for this year's New Year's Day fixture and compared it to last year's. AVB reduced the average age from 28.4 years (last year) to 25.4 years (this year).
StillRickyVilla
Finances shouldn't be a problem anyway, in every window since HR's first, when we brought in a few like Defoe, Kaboul, Keane etc. although the cost of these was not as reported, and often quoted on here, as both Defoe and Kaboul were in effect reposessions from Portsmouth as the original fees for them were largely unpaid, and Liverpool still owed some of the Keane fee, we have at worst broken even, but usually made a profit, in every window since. Then there is the CL money, and PL prize money, so finance shouldn't be a problem. With regards to our current squad, is it the best it can possibly be, of course not, neither is it at any other club. Even the top teams i.e. Barca, Real, Man U, Man City, Chelsea, etc.etc. that is why they are always striving to improve, always in the market for good players who can make them better, stronger, year on year, window on window. To be successful you have to continually evolve and improve, to stand still as AVB according to his press statements, and Levy, apparently want and hope to do, is to effectively go backwards, as those around you progress. The term settled squad is a misnomer, it is in fact a weakness rather than a strength, as in any business it suggests stagnation, you always have to strive towards continuous improvement. Before somebody throws up the new training ground and proposed but unlikely new stadium project, the cost of these cannot be allowed to defer investment in the most important assets of a FOOTBALL CLUB, it's players, in order to remain competitive. So come on AVB and Levy lets see you filling the obvious holes in the squad i.e. a quality locksmith MFer and a proper striker. Having seen us murder Reading with 34 attempts on goal, 24 of which were outside the box, score 3 goals, wasting a golden opportunity of dramatically improving our GD, and for a brief period risking getting pulled back to 2-2, following draws at home v Norwich, WBA, and Stoke, surely these needs should be obvious to everyone including our chairman.
Frank
SRV perhaps the fact that we had Dempsey, Parker and BAE unable to start due to injury, or ongoing recovery, had as much impact on the average age of our starting line up than any AVB agenda.
Frank
Frank, maybe, maybe not. Neither Parker or Ledley played in the New Year's game last year, had they played the comparison would have been even wider.
StillRickyVilla
SRV - that was probably all down to leaving out Brad. LOL
Love totty
RAF Yid - If we pay off their contract in full its not cheaper, it costs us the same either way. There's no way the player would agree if you don't pay them in full. hudderspur - You can't "release" a player without their agreement. If you are paying him a lot more than he's worth he won't agree. oxfordspur - The problem with loans is you rarely get all the wages covered. If its a championship side probably only a small percentage. Its still often the least worst option but don't imagine it solves the problem. I really can't see a situation where anyone is going to make offers for players we want to get rid off, nor can I see a situation where they will take them for free on our wages.
jod
We don't have to worry too much about the Manc Clubs spending big or '2 more managers till summer' Chelsea. Can we see Arsenal, Everton and WBA spending big in Jan? I don't think so. We won't stand still ha, and we're not on a downward moving escalator either. We just need to use the squad and increase quality in depth. If we can move a few players out, get one in maybe..i think that's enough imo. Unless of course Ade does the off, then we need cover. I would love a new number 9 in but could be tricky and we want the right man. COYS.
SpursOne2
Love totty haha. Lloris for Brad skews it by 1.3 years (still an overall average reduction of 2 years between this year and last year though). If you put in Ledley & Parker into last year's team then it balances out exactly. So i think an overall reduction of 2 or 3 years is about right - i should get paid for working this stuff out!!
StillRickyVilla
Ok we need to get shot of 1 keeper and seeing as we've decided to spunk our money on Brad's wages then Gomes has to go...with Kaboul we could look to off-load a CB with Kaboom coming back- Daws we could sell and make a profit....Gallas at 35, on big money with only 6mths on his contract I suspect we may be able give away but a club would be mad to buy, Khumalo is doing great so we'll make a profit on the SA captain...Midfield we need a playmaker...if we can get moutinho I'd have no problem with Parker leaving IF we could get anyone to take him....he's been a very expensive buy for 6mths good service..but that said I don't think anyone will stump up the cash so I suspect Thud may be loaned or sold...and of course we need a STRIKER!!! Leandro with Gomes as a makeweight would be ideal...
shedboy2
as for JJ his contract is up in 6ths..Bentley I thought still had til 2014 but if he is up in 6mths then great our wage bill reduces even further...
shedboy2
we should have triggered the release clause on demba,this guy is an out and out finisher,surely at 8-10million
ghulamville
OX... Livermore is from a family well know in Enfield / N London... I lived in Enfield many years and know his dad and uncle..They are not guys who u want to take liberties with...
Block D Spurs
If as seems likely, we intend to continue to avoid paying out "proper" money in the transfer market, on proven established quality, usually foreign players, then perhaps we should look at the other area where we get significantly left behind, that is picking up quality players from outside the PL. I know we have had our occasional successes like Walker, Naughton, Rose, and longer ago Lennon, Bale and Huddlestone but recently there have several players who are looking the business who we missed out on, or perhaps didn't even bother pursueing. The likes of Stirling, Oxade-Chamberlain, Moses, even Jordan Rhodes, and soon Zaha have been there for all to see, and by us totally ignored. In addition there are the cheapies that get picked up abroad by others like Ba, Cisse, Jelavic (scotland), Ben Arfa, Cabaye, Odemwinge, Mutu etc. etc. The last one we found was BAE but since then we have gone to sleep, content to make excuses as to why we can't sign the "top dollar" players who all want to go somewhere else, for top money and trophies. What does our scouting network do. The players we chase are on the back pages of every paper in Europe, no surprise we miss out on most of them.
Frank
If as seems likely, we intend to continue to avoid paying out "proper" money in the transfer market, on proven established quality, usually foreign players, then perhaps we should look at the other area where we get significantly left behind, that is picking up quality players from outside the PL. I know we have had our occasional successes like Walker, Naughton, Rose, and longer ago Lennon, Bale and Huddlestone but recently there have several players who are looking the business who we missed out on, or perhaps didn't even bother pursueing. The likes of Stirling, Oxade-Chamberlain, Moses, even Jordan Rhodes, and soon Zaha have been there for all to see, and by us totally ignored. In addition there are the cheapies that get picked up abroad by others like Ba, Cisse, Jelavic (scotland), Ben Arfa, Cabaye, Odemwinge, Mutu etc. etc. The last one we found was BAE but since then we have gone to sleep, content to make excuses as to why we can't sign the "top dollar" players who all want to go somewhere else, for top money and trophies. What does our scouting network do. The players we chase are on the back pages of every paper in Europe, no surprise we miss out on most of them.
Frank
Ba's off to Chelsea, Sturridge to 'pool....looks like some clubs can do business early...
shedboy2
Sorry about the double post, bloody laptop suddenly that slow I thought it hadn't responded.
Frank
Bid in for David Villa apparently! Cant see that one at all. 30+ years old on about 170k a week. Gonna be a lot of these "rumours" flying around! Dont you love silly season lol
hudderspur
Why would we want David Villa, massive wages and perhaps not the player he was before breaking his leg? If he was he would be in Barca XI.
Frank
Hudd, love it. Muttley great post. Jod, surely by giving players away means you will save. 2 examples, Jenas, loaned to Forest, they paid £15k a week. Gomes, could have been given away but Levy wanted a price.
RAF Yid
Gutted about V.D.V & his marriage split . A slap doesn`t get you divorced so it must have been on the cards .
Massive respect for V.D.V for what he did at Spurs & hope him & the missus can get back together .Always under the impression he left Spurs to make her happy but still was not enough
big cockeral
sturridge signs now,another we could have got,the only player who avb got a tune out of
ghulamville
big cockeral, agree. Top guy, and incident sounds totally out of character.
Tactically Challenge
Tactically Challenge +1

Why do people rave about Daniel Sturridge ? Spurs fans will be well chuffed we missed out on him in a couple of seasons ,one of AVB`s biggest faults at Chelsea was standing by him ,& Meireles .
Theres no I in T.E.A.M & we need team players .Sell Adebayor & bring in 2 strikers & a winger to compete with the brilliant Bale & the improving Lennon (keep it going ) . Competition is good & the bench is a little weak
big cockeral
What about Sandro, Frank? Falque? Coulibaly? Ceballos? Prehaps if we gave our own youth a chance they could prove to be the diamond in the rough you're looking for? The problem is if we give one of our youngsters a start and he doesn't perform miracles in his first couple of games our "fans" start screaming about running them out of the club! Forget about gazing at the far away hills of the championship and cast an eye over our NexGen team.
Slurms McKenzie
Happy New Year Folks. Just a few comments. Thanks again Ox for a well-run site and thanks to all the contributors of articles and opinions. Always interesting reading.

On loans, I agree that both Livermore and Carroll would benefit from PL loans, but then arn't we limited to 2 players bein loaned out? I do not see Kane or Rose comng back or being sold, so loans will be pretty tough.

Bringing in Moutinho (who I don't think we need and if there is truth to the Holtby rumours, there is no need at all) would most certainly mean that Parker would have to go. I can't recall how many more years Parker has on his deal, but I do know he came to play. I don't see how he pushes Sandro or Dembele out of the lineup. If he's happy being a sub, I suppose it's ok, though it is a very expensive sub and he really is not suited to replacing Dembele as he does not push the ball forward. Hudd needs to go as it seems he will not get sufficient time unless there are massive injuries and, if that is the case, I'd much prefer to see Carroll out there than Hudd. I like Hudd, but I do not see how he will play at his best if he is not playing everyday. His talent has been surpassed by those around him, so he can only hope to be a bit player and that will see his career go down the toilet.

Gallas is just not up to it. Sell him, or let him go. As I understand it, he is on a year to year basis anyway. Just having his wages off the payroll would be a huge help. Dawson, IMO, has done everything I would expect from a number 4 CB. Been solid when called upon and remains very powerful in the air. If we bring in a player like Vanderweirald, fine, he can go, but if it's to be our number 4 CB, a more professional player you will not find.

Gomes and Bentley have been out of the squad for too long. Gomes has said he wants to go back to Brazil once his contract is up, so he'll be gone in 18 months. Bentley will be gone at season's end. If either can be moved now, great. Further wages off the payroll. Jenas, moved is best, but if not and the loan in the Championship can continue, that's fine. I believe he too is gone in 18 months.

Striker, for me, remains, by far, the largest issue. Nothing I have seen suggests that Defoe plays well alongside Ade or Dempsey and while Defoe's numbers are the same as always, Adebayor and Dempsey are both drastically diminished when out with Defoe, whether 4-5-1 or 4-4-2. Don't see much suggesting that Sigurdsson behind Defoe would work either. My largest worry is that we may well be handcufed by the contracts that Adebayor and Dempsey have and still believe that Defoe is best used as an impact sub. I'd really like to see Adebayor tucked just behind Dempsey in a 4-4-2. Let Adebayor be the hold-up guy and let Dempsey try to get on the end of crosses and work with Adebayor to clog up the middle allowing Bale and Lennon more room out wide.

Get Leandro, Willian and Holtby and we may well become one of the best attacking clubs in the premiership. I already believe we are well on the way to being one of the better defensive teams in the PL and we have been missing Parker, Kaboul, BAE and weren't playing Lloris. Let's keep it going. Onward and upward. The Future is Bright, the Future is Lillywhite. COYS
peterballb
WoW !!.....Real Madrids poor showing, so far, in their domestic league........could well trigger a merry go round in the jan' transfer window. Yes, we have talented youth, hence signing someone like sneijder would, i feel, be a kick in the teeth to the next gen'. I can see cellabos and coulibaly..appearing for the spurs first team next season, occaisionally. Deadwood out......new striker in...please.
82spursdebut
http://www.footstats.co.uk/index.cfm?task=teams&thisdate=02/01/2013&CFGRIDKEY=Tottenham

Stats for the current season for the games to date.
Shots on target - 214 Goals scored - 39
shots scored - 18.22%

Opp Shots on target - 110 Opp Goals scored - 27
Opp shots scored - 24.55%

Or in other words our conversion rate of shots on target is about 25% poorer than the strike forces of the team's we have played.

A striker has to be our main priority, followed by a creative midfielder, not the other way round. The striker will get the goals we need to get all the points we can from all but the top 3 or 4 sides. The creative mid will improve our chances against the top 3 or 4 sides, but that will get us only a few more points - important points, but lets get points from the other 80% of teams first with a new striker...
coopsieyid
If Adebayor going to the African cup of nations means us getting another striker (or 2 ) then we should drag him there ourselves .

We should be gutted about the ACON taking our players but in case no chance .Due to a pay dispute he may not go ,i for 1 hope he does .Poor player ,poor character ,not ticking any boxes to warrant any praise
big cockeral
cannot agree with sturrige,imo he is the knees bees.he is fast,has a trick or two and has an excellent finish,just watch him flourish at the pool-as for the holty geezer give me a break-i!ve watched this kid for the last couple of years to see what the fuss was about,holtby would not add anything
ghulamville
On the face of it......sturridge looks a good signing at £12 mill' for liverpool. Hope this spurs Mr. Levy into action.
82spursdebut
82spursdebut, I cannot agree with that. Schneijder would be a brilliant signing, if it can be agreed. I'd rather we went for Isco, Eriksson or Holtby but I would be delighted if we could agree a deal on Schneijder. Carroll is the closest of our kids to him and he needs to be playing every day to realize his potential. He just won't get that with our current squad and we need the creative MF now, as Coopsie said, right after the striker. Since Berba, Ade, VDV, Keane all looked to have no understanding with Defoe, I can only presume Schneijder would be no more fortunate.

As for the kids you mention, most of what I have read have Coulibaly a long way off (very inconsistent) and Ceballos being a little too lightweight. Time will tell but Carroll, Parrott and Mason all seem closest to the squad and they each have a long way to go before any squad member is sold to allow them to play. COYS
peterballb
IMO Liverpool signing Daniel Sturridge is good for us .
I`m pleased we missed out on him
big cockeral
I'd much rather have Lukaku than Sturridge. Leandro is better than both. COYS
peterballb
Oh God, here we go again.. Just come across this.....

"Just been listening to Talksport, and their Brazilian reporter was saying we are deffo in for Leandro, but 3rd party ownership has been our problem trying to sign him previously" .....

Then somebody suggested that we've surely spent the last 3 years trying to look at a way around this, the response he got was thus......

"Yes, well apparently we have struggled to get all parties around the table to even discuss the deal, but the reporter seems to think now is our best chance of getting him, as Internacional need to trim there wage bill, and Leandro wants the move".......



So, there you go, another rumour to dismiss :)
coopsieyid
sneijder at £200k per week........ooooh way too much. Yes, coulibaly is tiny...smaller than defoe. Cellabos....also quite lightweight but he is deceptive with excellent body swerve speed that takes him past others with ease...and can use both feet. Carroll...progressing...but have to disagree on him being like sneijder. Mason...think he has great maturity.....and i be thinking he can do well, as pro' footballer. Parrott...is being overtaken at spurs. Yes, if we in the market for central attacking midfielder.....others seem Ideal for now....like eriksson.........BUT my hope is that we give mason or cellabos a chance and spend decent monies on one, possibly two strikers, before next season.
82spursdebut
Coopsie is that the first reported sighting of an ITK of the new transfer season?!
Slurms McKenzie
I agree striker is where its at in terms of need. We could see out the season with the current midfield, barring injuries (based on Coopsie's chance creation stats) and then assess where the squad stands in the summer. I would much prefer a bit of butchering to be done in this window so we can concentrate on putting meat back on the bones from the start of the summer transfer window.
Slurms McKenzie
Merry xmas and Happy New Year yall!!! Our keepers/defence are sorted. We just need one signing to cover the Mid/AM/STR postions like a Willian/Isco. Any bankbuster signings can wait til the summer if/when we got champ league place so we can make a calculated signing rather than a rushed overpaid January signing. COYMFS!!!
JattYid
No bad stats coops. We could also consider that our forwards are all starting to get more goals now. Ade is getting back to his quality best and is scoring more goals and getting more starts (first goal in Nov). Dempsey is finding his feet and making an impact when coming off the bench (first goal back in Sept I think currently on 4 PL goals). Defoe although hasn’t bagged any in the last few games is sitting on 10 Pl goals at present (he is joint 3rd in the top scorers list). Any new striker coming in we hope to find his feet instantly. But will he need time to work with the team like the others have? Will AVB play him instantly anyway? We saw what happened with Lloris etc. IMO a creative midfielder to help the packed midfield we have already is a good idea, especially if we shift a few first. We have more options for the forwards and maybe even a little flair in some areas we miss. Come Summer we have pre-season and training to bed a top quality forward. Getting a top quality forward like say Llorente will be difficult without CL secured and also will Levy pay the money in Jan? Again, would love a new striker in Jan but imo a creative midfielder is a better option, unless Ade buggers oof.
SpursOne2
coops - I heard the guy on talksport...and he's never dimissed the idea of Leandro coming even though he gets asked every week ( for the past 3 years!)...so about time we sign him them!!
shedboy2
re: snjeider... i have it on good authority that we made a bid which was accepted. However his personal demands are the problem a la wages. And even if we did reach an agreement with him. It's no mystery that Old Trafford is his preferred destination. So very very very unlikely this will happen. If Manu turned him down then we are in with a shout but still got the problem of his huge wages. Not gonna happen this one. Leandro is interesting as he seems more keen to move but I think its more likely to happen in the summer if at all. The latest rumpour doing the rounds today is we are in for David Villa. Surely the problem again there would be wages? William has been priced out of the market by Shaktar even though he wants to leave. I believe Moutinho is the only target we have a chance of signing in Jan seeing as we only missed out last time due to time restraints. Dont think we will get thatmuch needed striker until the summer!
TornadoYid
I meant Nice stats coops!
SpursOne2
I again note how well Adam smith is doing on loan this season. It now seems that a couple of Prem teams are interested. loan him for the next 18 months will at least save AVB the headache of deciding who to play at RB over him, Walker or Naughton...
oxfordspur
Ox- yep he's getting good reviews....millwall want to keep him (which is no bad thing) but a prem loan as you say for 18mths would be ideal...
shedboy2
SpursOne2 the enigma there is if you spend now and sign a striker who will convert the chances we are creating then you go and secure the champions league football for the following season. If you don't sign that type of player and you miss out on the champions league then you can rightly sit back with a smug look on your face and not have to spend money on a big money striker because you didn't reach the champions league revenue stream? Also with the new TV rights deal kicking in for the 2012-2014 season Prem based clubs will have more money so prices will sky rocket or competition for players will dramamtically increase. Currently it makes more sense to sign your transfer targets in this window then wait until the summer.
Slurms McKenzie
A little off topic but I'm very concerned about the uncertainty of Adebayor going to the African cup of nations. Surely given our lack of striker options I would have thought Adebayor would have had the intelligence and decorum to at least be straight about whether he will be with us after next week or not. It's not like we're overloaded with strikers so we need to know one way or the other. All this 'will he, won't he' nonsense is selfish and disrespectful to the club. As far as I'm aware players at leaving next week for the tournament so it's not like we've got a lot of time to sort things out. He needs to make a decision (one way or the other) and stick to it. No more posturing and messing about please Adebayor. Decide and stick to it for once.
SpuriousLife
SpuriousLife I agree with you and to make matters worse its very much out of character for him!
Slurms McKenzie
Damiao looks unlikely, but would be amazing. Don't trust JD or Ade to score consistently for a whole season. JD has only scored once in the last six games! Not good.
Tactically Challenge
slurms- exactly- now is the time to buy....it also gives the new guy a chance to settle in...the supporters time to say what was all the fuss about? and then for him to rip it up next season...in the CL!
shedboy2
TC I agree with you as well but unfortunately Spurs being linked with Leandro Damiao is as predictable as the sun rising in the morning and as likely to happen as the sun rising in the West!
Slurms McKenzie
Hi Slurms, I wouldn't call it IDK mate. It's just somebody sharing what they heard a Brazilian reporter saying on TalkSheit...

I've got a question for the few that are saying Holtby would be a waste of time for us. What if AVB thinks differently? What if AVB actually likes the lad & thinks he's exactly what we need? This is the ONLY site I've been on that has anybody opposed to us signing him, let alone dismissing his talents. I'm not having a go, it's a genuine question & I'd be interested to know what you think IF AVB has identified Holtby as someone to add a different dimension to our somewhat 'creatively limited' midfield. I think the main reason I ask is because AVB identified & signed this little midfielder who he thought would add the creativity that the Chel$ki midfield was lacking, he was called Mata & hasn't turned out too shabby at all.
coopsieyid
There is that problem Slurms! If we could get a striker in Jan, with out CL secured, will he be the right man for the long term? Including age, experience etc.
SpursOne2
Slurms - "TC I agree with you as well but unfortunately Spurs being linked with Leandro Damiao is as predictable as the sun rising in the morning and as likely to happen as the sun rising in the West!"...

Mate, what is this "Sun" that you speak of??
coopsieyid
I'm not commenting on holtby, as never seen the young chap. Gary Mabbutt was a great signing for spurs though, at less than £200k.
82spursdebut
I agree with you TornadoYid.
SpursOne2
Tornado, if Schneijder wants to come, it will be up to him. It will cost ManU more on the wage side and on the fee side than it will cost us as we are not considered CL competition (atm). Schneijder with RVP would be deadly, I just don't think ManU gets a deal on this one. If Schneijder comes to us, he will be looking to get out of a bad situation and offer himself a platform to go to another top club for a last contract. I can see a deal getting done in our favour on this one.

We missed out on Moutinho because of third party ownership. The Leandro situation is the same. We can agree all we want with Internacionale and the player, but if the third party wants to be greedy (a la Moutinho), there is not much that can be done. I would still consider Isco, Eriksson, Holtby to be more realistic "needs" than Moutinho, who is a slight upgrade offensively on Dembele, but a considerable drop defensively. COYS
peterballb
coops- if he signs him then we'll all want him to do well and he should, if he didn't and flopped then would he be seen as an AVB buy or someone else's? ...Mata was always in another class not too hard to dig him out...what about Lloris, dembele, Gylfi and Dempsey - they're AVB buys, aren't they?
shedboy2
82spursdebut, the wage you are mentioning is not really an issue. We won't be paying any player that amount unless it is greatly subsidized. I understand Schneijder's contract was hugely front loaded, so his wages may not be as bad now (likely done to subvert FFPR as his first couple of years would not have been part of any meaningful calculations). Regardless, if we agree a deal, he will be receiving no more from Spurs than Adebayor or Bale is, which I'd be fine with for a couple of years. He would be a fabulous teacher for Carroll and has a level of dead ball delivery we are lacking. COYS
peterballb
Coops - Probably because Lewis Holtby doesnt sound sexy enough. If he were called Sanchez Marquez "tito" lopez im sure everyone would be spaffing in thier pants.
hudderspur
Well if this really does happen it would be great.......................... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/9775108/Tottenham-keen-on-Damiao-and-Willian-in-January-as-club-says-Emmanuel-Adebayor-can-join-up-with-Togo.html
chrishove123
Sneijder & RVP despise eachother and, I believe, Sneijder was ruled out as a possible Utd signing as soon as RVP was secured at Old Trafford. There's also talk that Nakata has alleviated any need for a Sneijder type player now.

shedboy - I don't know who was responsible for identifying any of the players you mentioned mate. As I said in my question, rather than dismiss any potential signing as unnecessary, why not have a bit of faith in the manager & his decisions?
coopsieyid
Ever see a woman $hit herself , poor girls got the squits ,see this to believe + more ,more ,more HA HA priceless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGes6_ypp28
big cockeral
coopsie, that's true but i doesn't mean they can't be in the same side. I understand that VDV and Huntellar aren't the best of buds, and while they rarely see the pitch at the same time, they are almost always in the eligible players for Holland games. I do not believe as ManU will pay what will be asked of them to get Schneijder, which to me says that we are one of the best options, if personal terms can be managed. Chelsea and City have no need. I think he will come to Spurs IF, and it's a big IF, personal terms can be worked out to the payer's and the club's satisfaction. If nothing, Levy has shown himself to be quite creative when agreeing deals. COYS
peterballb
coops- we have no choice but to have faith, it would be great if we signed Holtby and he lit up the prem...like I said previously I've seen him but half of his team seem better...so if he were the main signing I would be dis-appointed. sign llorente and I'd be delighted as I've seen him grow into a real player....but Llorente could come and flop and Holtby could be great....I can only rate them with my eyes....
shedboy2
For me, it has to be Llorente. I'd take him over Damiao at this moment. Just go all out to at least tempt and interest him Mr.Levy! His contracts out in the summer so they'll want to cash in and his wages won't be a ridiculous amount. He has to be the no.1 target! There'll obviously be competition but it's worth a punt!
TopSpur13
shedboy, if Llorente comes (and I agree, he would likely be just what was needed - still prefer Leandro) it will be because he can't manage a deal with RM or Barca in the summer. Juve and a bunch of other clubs are also in the running, so we'd have to get CL to be able to persuade him, assuming he would still accept wages within our wage structure. Failing all that, I would still try to get in for Castaignos although he'll cost a bit on a transfer. Could have had him for virtually nothing the past 5 windows. COYS
peterballb
Looks like we could miss out on joe cole, never should have sacked Arry, yeah, yeah, yeah, like to do a deal, once i speak to brenda, i think Sandra has watched him on you tube, yeah, yeah, yeah, up to the chairman.
spu 4 life
Topspur, I thought I read last week that Llorente and Bilbao were both intending of l;etting the contract run it's course. Llorente believes both RM an Barca will be considering him if he is still there in the summer. Juve and Spurs both wanted to prise him away in the summer, to no effect. I see Leandro as much more likely, given the club finances, the willingness of the player to leave and our right to match. COYS
peterballb
the spurs players wouldn't believe we got sneijder cheaply.....if we got him.....thus i feel he would perhaps upset the cohesion. espec' with Addy...not value for money, at the min'. But yes, sneijder would be a upgrade...espec' if he can inswing corners and freekicks, towards the goal. Personnally, i cannot see it happening. Love Leandro..if we had £30 mill'. Love dzeko..if we had £25 mill'. I'm doubting that we have more than £15mill' available.....but who knows......it'll be a exciting one.
82spursdebut
Sky pay us how much, champions league football is worth a fortune ask wenger, 2/3/4th is going to come down to goal difference, Levy paythe money for leandro and lets have the best striker in the world, phuck falcao, leandro is the dogs what's it's.
spu 4 life
Leandro is a great singer and him and sandro could win x factor thats worth 5m
spu 4 life
Peter - After a bit of scouring, I've actually discovered that both RVD & Sneijder have denied there's any rift at all. Whilst having my little scour for that info, I discovered the the underlying problem between RVP & Huntelaar is Huntelaar jealous that RVP gets more starts for Holland lol. It seems that he even stated he was now open to a move to Arseanal now that RVP has been sold. What a big girls blouse lol....

shedboy - I can't argue/disagree with that mate, your eyes see what they see. As I stated yesterday, I've never even seen Holtby play at all, so am literally in no position to have any opinion as to whether we should or shouldn't sign the lad. I've simply tried to gain an understanding of peoples opinions about him, which you have kindly given me. And again, as I said lastnight, there could be people in Spain who hadn't seen much of Modric before his move to Madrid and think he's a poor player. We know differently though, don't we ;). I'm glad that the grass hasn't seemed to be greener for him :).. Back to Holtby, Something else I've read elsewhere, though we all know how much we shouldn't pay attention to IDK merchants. Talk has it that Holtby is indeed a player that AVB has identified as a possible target for us (some saying that the pre-contract is as good as signed) BUT Levy supposedly prefers the younger option of Eriksen. I struggle to believe that part of this Holtby rumour, mainly because Eriksen would cost upwards of £10mil (+wages, happy now Jod?) and Ajax, as we found out last summer with Vertonghen, are VERY difficult to deal with. There's also talk that Ajax are currently in the process of trying to force Eriksen into signing a new contract so that they can demand a bigger figure for him, but he's refusing.
coopsieyid
*RVD = RVP* Sorry...
coopsieyid
Coops I've seen HOLBY every episode, it's an accident waiting to happen mate.
spu 4 life
I fail to see how the amount Schneijder would make would cause a problem. Ade makes double what Defoe gets. I doubt it's an issue. So long as what Spurs pay fits within the "salary structure" it really doesn't matter. Schneijder is highly unlikely because any deal that works for us will be incredibly complicated (look how long the Adebayor saga drained on). What helps us is that those with tons of cash don't seem to be interested, so we have a shot. Leandro and Isco, for me, would be the two players who would vault us up the talent spectrum. COYS
peterballb
Peter - re Leandro. I just discovered this little conversation elsewhere :)

"In the last TW I am sure JJ said Leando was 100% owned by Inter and there is no third party ownership".....

The response......

"I'm not sure if he did or not, but i can confirm that he is, when he signed his contract renewal last year Inter bought out the 3rd party ownership (which was Leandro's former club). So he is 100% Inter owned now."......

So we actually have a clear run at him this time IF we actually are interested!!
coopsieyid
Oh dear, spu lol
coopsieyid
A free run until and unless someone ele offers ridiculous wages. I understand Barca, Inter, Juve and AC Milan have all made inquiries and I'd be socked if there weren't a few others looking at him. He, like Sandro, looks absolutely mustard, regardless of the opposition. COYS
peterballb
P.e.Aubemayang.(st' etienne)..... looks more realistic.(if, can be persuaded). Maybe doumbia..at csk moscow. But wish we had the money for leandro, though
82spursdebut
If you wish to copy and paste and save it, you can quote me in season end 2013/2014. Lewis Holtby would be a fantastic capture for us, if we can get him, they say these type of players come around every so often, he will be as good if not better than Gareth Bale for us, his style of play is a lot like Gareth's great left foot can play either left or right attacking midfield, this kid is good, really good.
spu 4 life
82spursdebut - lots of people elsewhere are suggesting this Aubemayang fella, yet another one I haven't seen BUT his name is being mentioned all over the place.. Please don't mention Doumbia though. I've literally made people HATE reading his name on here over the last 2 years lol.. The guy would be an absolute beast as our focal point upfront. One of few in the world who actually has the pace to keep up with/be on the end of our counter attacks with Bale & Lennon. He has skill in abundance, strength when he has the ball, his intelligence of movement in the box is outstanding, very good in the air AND is as deadly a finisher as I've seen in a very long time. If we could acquire Doumbia we'd have somebody with the ability to match the goalscoring levels of RVP, Aguero, Tevez, Rooney, torres etc etc etc....

Peter, I hear you sir. It seems that AC Milan are no longer in the market for a striker, so that's potentially one less concern IF we are interested.
coopsieyid
1.HOLTBY; 2.LEANDRO; 3.ERIKSEN OR MOUTINHO, 4.SNEIJDER. job done replacing carlo, bentley, jenas, gomes.
spu 4 life
spu - I'm sorry to ask this, but I'm sure you'll understand lol. Are you taking the pi$$ with your Holtby post? Or are you genuinely of that opinion?
coopsieyid
Same as last January please - Saha and nelson. Still don't actually believe that happened. Coys. Only add young potential or those who will make an immediate impact on the first eleven. Moutinho, William, eriksen, snjeder all fir t the bill.
Windlespur
My 11 year old son came up with those two. I was thinking dzeko and Walcott.....but me son, wikpedia and youtube....persuaded me on those two.
82spursdebut
Well I can't speak for the guy from St Etienne mate BUT can confirm your 11 year old son has a heck of an eye for a striker ;)
coopsieyid
Probably the worst scenario would be Levy refusing or haggling too late over AVB’s requirements, and then us making top 4 anyway. Then there would be a lot clubs sniffing around AVB himself , realising Chelsea was just an unfortunate blip,and of course the first thought going through AVB’s head would be “Do I really want to continue working for this chairman”.
matt hoten
We should deffo keep Dawson. A true leader of men, top pro and a solid defender as well.
HuddersfieldYiddo
To say that Carroll is the nearest we have to Sneijder is like saying that Mumbai is nearer to Auckland than London is, but it's still a fecking long way away. One is a genius, in his time among the best 4 or 5 players in the world, the other is an under nourished promising young lad, with much to do to become a regular PL player, never mind a world great.
Frank
HY - Though I don't disagree with what you say, we have Vertonghen, Caulker & Kaboul, as well as old man Billy G. Obviously the easiest thing to do would be to get shot of Billy G & retain Dawson BUT removing Billy G doesn't bring in any funds, whereas Daws would be bringing in a probable minimum of £6million. This money could be used to strengthen the areas that we are all currently discussing as priorities, ie creative CM & class striker. As much as I've openly stated in the past about my concerns for Dawsons actual 'footballing' ability, I still feel he deserves to be playing week in, week out for somebody. He is no longer going to be doing that for us and, as much as he's a great pro & doesn't moan about his current role within the squad, he DOES absolutely LOVE playing for his country. For that reason alone I'd not only happily see him moved on, I'd be glad for the lad too. In my opinion, he'd be the perfect replacement for Distin at Everton & would make an excellent pairing with Jagielka.

Just my opinion mate :)
coopsieyid
Can't argue with that Frank lol.. I used to understand the Carroll/Modric comparisons, but the Sneijder one has just been wonderfully summed up by yourself lol
coopsieyid
Coopsie, while Gallas would likely go for free, it would likely save us more on wages than Dawson, for the balance of this season, at which point Dawson could still be moved for a fee. That all presumes that we get someone in who can either displace the three in front of Dawson or who is at least as serviceable as Dawson. Fact is Gallas is too slow and most of our defensive issues have been on the right side when Gallas is beside Walker. Both constantly play guys onside and seem oblivious to what is going on around them. They are also useless in the air where Dawson remains one of the better defenders in the air. I'd much rather have Dawson as my 4th than Gallas.

Frank, to be clear, I meant that the skill set of Carroll, how he plays and what he is able to do on the ball, are as close as we have to Schneijder, which is exactly why a Schneijder-like player is what we desperately need. I believe Carroll to be a cross between Modric and Carrick, but that can only develop with time on the pitch. Schneijder, is the finished product, and he is a top player, though not as good as he was a few years ago. COYS
peterballb
While we are often frustrated with Levy’s purchases (or lack thereof), one can argue that his timing in getting rid of some players has been pretty good judging by how poorly they have done since leaving Spurs. There are obviously other factors involved but the stats are interesting nonetheless: 2012-13 Season Player Games Played Assists Goals Modric 13 0 1 VDV 11 4 1 Gio 8 3 0 Krancjar 2 0 0 Pav 9 0 4 Even Crouch and Pienaar with 19/4/3 and 19/4/4 respectively have hardly been great.
PB Spur
All this "if we buy a striker now, and this, or that, or the other happens," is all crap, we are trying to make excuses to do nothing, just as we have done in the striker dept for the last 7 or 8 windows. We have needed a proper 20 LEAGUE goals/season striker since the Berbatov/Keane partnership was broken up. Never mind all this "x goals in all competitions" bollox, 20 LEAGUE goals is what we need, as well as a MFer to supply the chances. Talk of David Villa is all very well, but he needs a Xavi Alonzo, or Iniesta, or Messi to give him the "threaded through the eye of a needle" type of passes he thrives on, we don't have this type of MFer. We are currently 3rd in the PL and in a group of contenders including Arsenal, Everton, WBA and in the second half of the second half of the season possibly Liverpool, to stride into the top 4 behind the two Manc clubs and Chelsea for a CL place, so Levy for once in your life, for Christ's sake show some ambition for once, take a punt, and invest in the CL place run in. Nothing is guaranteed, it could go wrong, but it's no good dying wondering. That's the hard cruel world that is football club ownership, but there is always the option, the old adage re. heat and kitchens etc. Let's learn from our mistakes, it is only 12 months ago that for the sake of a £10-15M punt, we lost out on a £30-40M revenue windfall from the PL. I would have thought a bean counter would have seen the folly in that, so would not repeat it.
Frank
I dont know why everyones so hyped about llorente! He would flop for us big time, hes similar to andy carrol...he's 6ft6 and cant run 2 save his mums life, hes slower then corluka, its alright to have no pace in la liga with players like falcao shining but in the epl you need both strength and speed to be a successful lone striker. Negredo/Osvaldo/Soldado/Remy/Pato Is the players we should be looking at.
SpursSnM
Is it me, or is anyone else absolutely sick of hearing the name damiao every fecking transfer window. I don't agree with some though, a cheeky bid for modric back would be perfect ( I was equally shot down when I mentioned berbatov return). My view is, 90% of footballers are mercenaries, so just get the best players. Not gonna happen though. Gallas, Bentley, Gomes and jenas all welcome to leave and if a good bid, Huddleston too. Livermore on loan.
Windlespur
Keep the current players at the team bar Gomes. Poss loan Livermore but I'd rather sell Thudd at the minute. Get a striker and we are set. Not too much tinkering needed as things stand. If Gallas left then no biggy. If Parker did we'd be in trouble IMO.
thebizniz
That pienaar chap looks a good player :). Hopefully nobody we want to stay will not make noises to leave, but an outside (only, just a gut feel, but hope not and unlikely) would be a Parker sale. Lots of bad feeling at club about going to euros with an Achilles injury.
Windlespur
Ohh and ofcourse Damaio
SpursSnM
We need a striker - we all agree I think. But, what type of striker - hold up, tall, pace, poacher, spectacular ? Established, proven, potential, sell on value ? Obviously a bit of everything would be nice.
Windlespur
Not sure why we think avb has changed his preferred targets since August? Then he wanted moutinho and William, so assume he would still want those two or at least two similar type players to those two.
Windlespur
If Dawson goes I'd take Lescott from City and let Gallas go. That would be a great signing and would be a great boost for a slightly leaky defence.
warner__
Spurssnm - aaaaaahhhh
Windlespur
Frank, you still have to balance the books. Regardless of whether or not PSG wins the CL, they will not even get close to breaking even. IF, and it's a big IF, the FFPR have any teeth at all, there are teams that will be in dire straits. Being booted out of Europe would have hugely negative effects on many teams. I wonder about the finances of AC Milan, Inter, Barca, RM, Chelsea, City, Liverpool, PSG. It's not the transfers that kills it, it's the salaries.

I too would love to see Levy get the go-ahead from Lewis to spend like a sailor in Tortuga, but what would be the net gain? Our CL year didn't see us pocket 20M. Where did all the dosh go? Salaries on players our manager could not even be bothered using. It was so bad that AVB needed to see 6 go plus another for any player we brought in. Huge task given the wages some of these guys were on. ManU made more in losing than Chelsea did in winning the CL. Then again, United won more money than Barca who beat them. The monies in CL have a lot to do with points in the group stages but it is also largely due to your TV popularity. If your club gets 20M from the CL but had a net spend of 20M, you didn't really make a cent. In fact, you lost commensurate with every salary amount that was increased. Leandro at 25M on a transfer fee will cost us likely another 20-25M on salary over 5 years. So we'd have to make CL twice in those 5 years, just to afford him.

I know you are not a Levy fan. I am. I can state categorically that for the first time since the 70's Spurs are now a going concern this side of the ocean. Every Spurs League game has been on cable. That is a huge change. UA in North America is now carrying Spurs merchandise. I can tell you for a fact that my only option up to this year was to buy the hideous blue Mansion shirt or buy off the website. Spurs merchandise was nowhere to be found. Spurs are more relevant now than 10 years ago and are worth considerably more. Sure, stadium is long overdue. Harry should never have been allowed to throw 40M at Defoe, Crouch, Keane, not including salary. I can pick bones with lots of decisions. Where I always back Levy is in the end result. 5th, 5th, 11th (CC win), 8th (CC final), 4th (FA Cup semi), 5th, 4th, currently 3rd, though Chelsea have games in hand. Fact is, we have gone from a mid-table team when ENIC took the reins to a team that is now in the CL conversation every year. That is a huge jump and we still are the 11th richest club.

This window and next we'll see how much of the non-buying was down to Harry's targets or Levy's refusal to spend. That said, none of that will resolve the main issue of needing to generate more income to be able to afford higher salaries while staying on budget. Other than Arsenal and ManU the teams around us are all, IMO, operating beyond their means. I do not advocate the sugar daddy route. COYS
peterballb
Warner - leaky defence ???? What is it, 2 goals in last five pl games and with rotating defence too, no bae/ kaboul etc. don't care if gallas goes, but for status quo, added heart and good performances this season, hope Dawson stays. Even if, I believe vertonghen, kaboul and caulker are all better.
Windlespur
windlespur, the type of striker depends on whether we are going to go out and get a creative MF. Regardless, whomever we choose must be able to get on the end of the countless crosses and corners that are supplied every game. We have been so wasteful in that regard over the past 5 years. It's why I'd take a punt on a guy like Castaignos - young, physical, smart and can play a bit too. Leandro though, for me, is what we need. He's not the only guy though. Add a player like Dzagoev or Remy and perhaps you kill two birds with the same stone. Or go off the map with players like Kostas Mitroglou. Point is, there are always guys who could be afforded. You just have to get someone who fits your system. Regardless of 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, we need (NEED) a striker who will get on the end of the ample crosses and corners that are delivered every game. COYS
peterballb
Warner, Lescott is reportedl on almost 100k/week and has another year and a half on his contract. In my books, he'd still be number 4 but would he be any more capable than Dawson who is a couple of years younger. Like Gallas, he's a warrior, but he is being beat out of his position by a 19 year old. To me, money wasted for no real gain. He'll surely want at least three more years added on to his current deal which would surely be his last big pay day. COYS
peterballb
peterbalb - I've always been a Levy fan but do think he took way too long adjusting to the 25 man squad rule. It cost us a small fortune in wasted salaries that should have been purposed on the 1st team. Whilst other teams right sized their squads, he let Harry do what Harry does and that is keep building ours. In the end Levy saw the error of his ways and had to let 13 leave and replace them with 6 last summer whilst in the process of swapping out the management team. That followed 2 years of starting the summer with 35 players.

Even this season after the cull we started this season with 30 players and saw Jenas, Bentley, Khumalo, Dawkins, Rose etc quickly loaned out to ease the squad proliferation, with 23 year old Obika not even getting a squad place and 4 very senior keepers draining the wage bill.

Levy must now know that is no way to run a club. I bet no team in the top flight have ended up loaning out more over 25's in the last few years than us. He isn't whiter than white but at least sees the errors of his ways and corrects them. As you say, at least we talk about Champs League EVERY season nowadays and our global brand is better than ever. He's a good guy who's made a few errors along the way but always has us trending in the right direction.
muttley
Yes, like Negredo......seems like their are many strikers possible this transfer window. Wonder who really is available.............down to you Mr.Levy and AVB. Be brave..........oh i remember the harry quote, saurez not for him !!!....lol
82spursdebut
I agree Mr.Levy is a good man...and at least seems a spurs fan. The club is going in the right direction....new stadium soon...but not soon enough !! Not happy that it now has a 2017 / 2018 finish date. Also.....clear we had a great chance of winning the prem', this time last year....but Nope we didn't follow through and buy that striker. yet, now find ourselves with 3 ageing strikers...and no striking youngsters coming through......for a while, at least.
82spursdebut
Muttley, was it Levy, or did Levy do what Harry wanted? Harry said just a couple of weeks ago that he wanted to keep Taraabt at Spurs but the chairman sold him. How convenient. Fact is, Taraabt asked to go because he was not playing. Harry was the one not playing him. He threatened to leave on a free. Said he should have signed for Arsenal. Levy chose to make a profit with a possibility of further sell-on, rather than lose him for free. Same with Pav, Corluka, Kranjcar and others. Wouldn't play them. Wouldn't let them go. IMO, it's all Harry. I don't recall these issues existing under Jol. The ruls did not apply back then, but can you honestly tell me one player who continually sat on the bench who was good enough to play but was being kept out by knackered, under-performing "starters". I can't think of one. The whole Stipe Pletikosa saga sums up Harry and his ways. I don't blame Levy for that. He hired Harry because that's what the fans wanted. He hired AVB in spite of fans resistance. In that, I'll agree, he has learned from his mistakes. COYS
peterballb
"Coops I've seen HOLBY every episode, it's an accident waiting to happen mate." there we have it the best un of the transfer windo so far stand up and take a bow MR. Spu 4 Life!!!!!!!!!
Slurms McKenzie
If we could get Eriksen and Doumbia I'd be disappointed if we weren't challenging for the league title next season. I like Holtby too from the little bit I've seen of him and would take either him or Eriksen - not both! I don't actually think we need Moutinho. He plays too deep in midfield for what we need and his goal scoring record over the past couple of seasons has been poor. One other curve ball I'm going to throw out there is I'd happily see us swap Kyle Walker for Micah Richards. I doubt it would ever happen but I can't help but dream...
SpuriousLife
Yes, i agree on moutinho......i like dembele, where he is in midfield. Gives him a chance to build that speed, stretch the legs.
82spursdebut
What I like about Doumbia is that he is a complete player who can play anywhere in attack. He scores, sets up goals, takes penalties, free kicks, much like Drogba. I think he will wind up costing more than 20M though, and I don't rate him ahead of Leandro, so for me, it seems a no brainer, which way to go. I'd rather get Dzagoev in as he is lightning quick and is a winger who can score. Any winger who can average a goal every 5 games is pretty interesting. At 22, he's still got lots of years left in him too. As a complement/option to Lennon and Bale, it's not a bad shout since he also can play behind a striker or longside a striker. He too will cost over 20M but for me, the three years more youthful tips it in that direction, though, if we were to sign Isco, Holtby, Eriksson or Schneijder you would go with Doumbia every time. As I sated, there are guys out there we can afford. COYS
peterballb
peterballb if Joe Lewis is going to splash the cash it needs to be not on some bling bloody player but on a new stadium where his name is writ large.
HuddersfieldYiddo
why would buying moutinho mean dropping dembele or playing him higher? I would have thought it would allow a 433 the goals would have to come primarily from the forward 3 of Bale, Leandro and willian...;)
shedboy2
yeah can't wait to have a stadium to pay for....yippee we may even be able to compete with Newcastle in 15 years once we pay off the debt...
shedboy2
Huddersfield, Lewis would never waste the opportunity to sell naming rights to someone other than himself. Stadium plus naming rights could easily double Spurs current market value. He is just not the type of businessman who splashes cash out of his own pocket. Let's say the new stadium is ready to go in 2017/2018, he'll have seen his investment go from just over 200M to about 1B. That's pretty darned good and could be even better given our growth in North America, and Asia. Whatever he sanctions though, will be done within a formula that sees us turning small profits or losses every year. In other words, living within our means. It's no different than Kroenke of Arsenal. He runs all of his businesses the same way. Small pofit or loss while seeing the franchise value appreciate. It's boring, but it works. COYS
peterballb
Bloody Everton just gone 2-1 up v Newcastle, after their start I thought the Bar-codes were going to do us a favour an nick at least a point.
Frank
Haha......c'mon, we 're all gonna love 'Arry if QPR hang on to their lead for 10 minutes or so. :-)
TQ2Spurs
why don't we just re-name whl now and use the money to buy some players????
shedboy2
shedboy, I don't see a need for 4-3-3. Our XI looks very settled with 2 protecting the back 4. What we do need is that "special" player who possesses the ability to break teams down wit a simple touch. Mata is phenomenal at this. There are others. Isco will be the next great one. Irrespective, we need that striker who can get in to the open space and convert through balls, crosses, corners etc. That has to be the priority. COYS
peterballb
HuddersfieldYiddo, Joe Lewis wont splash the cash on either a stadium (finish date now 2017-18 for now, watch it creep further away), or players, bling or otherwise, why break a habit of a life-time. At 80+ years old he probably wont live to see the new stadium, or he will have already sold the club, with planning and other consents in place. If only the latter were to come true.
Frank
There's only one Harry Redknapp, one Harry Redknapp....there is only one Harry Redknapp.....
ItalianYiddo
Ha, ha, ha! The mighty Chelsea lose to QPR at home! Anything can happen in football.
Fanman
shocker at the brigdski. that wright-phillips is a top, top player. still third
BillNich
Well done Harry!
Fanman
Fanman, not quite anything. I'm sure it's impossible for united to lose and for Ferguson to say, "Yes, the best team won on the day"
In-spurs-ational
saw nobody mentioned the score with a word during the match. probably afarid of jinxing it. i was
BillNich
Shedboy, just guessing here, but I suspect as the entire project will have naming rights associated with it at some point in the near future. Levy, IMO, has been incredibly creative. Not enough from one sponsor for the League and the cups - fine, how about two sponsors. I still suspect that Beckham's group will inevitably get the naing rights for our eventual, new stadium. And yes, we all wish it had been done years ago. COYS
peterballb
I think we should thank Benitez for that Chelsea line up, what a plonker.
CanUkSpur
Or for Wengar to say, "yes I saw it and they did deserve the penalty"
In-spurs-ational
now we tap up mata. a player of his calibre needs to play in the CL
BillNich
Does anybody seriously expect that the much vaunted FFP regulations will have any effect on the big rich clubs. The multi-billionaires that own these clubs are very adept at body swerving round financial regulations, most of them have been bamboozling the tax authorities for years, they will make short work of Plattini and his cohorts, they will be spending the majority of their time in the courts. Can you honestly see UEFA trying to run the Champions League without Barca, Real, PSG, Man City, Man U, Chelsea, Anzi whatever they call em etc.etc. They are posturing, it is destined to fail, the loopholes and flaws will have already been planned.
Frank
Peter, agree with most of the points you make however he has been forced to play 4-4-2 because we don't have the forward capable of playing as a loner up front. IMO, Ade could but looks off the pace. Wait til he gets one and the midfielder who provides, we will play 4-3-3. Great point about Dawson, AVB should take credit to play him against the big fella's, some will say that Kaboul will do that but I still think he will get enough games if we get rid of Gallas. Injuries/Cups etc.
RAF Yid
In-spurs-ational, lol you got me there mate.
Fanman
Frank, so true, the most pointless exercise since the respect campaign.
RAF Yid
peterbalb - I was in that place for a while blaming Harry for the squad proliferation and the clear ostracising of players. That all being said, solely blaming a manager who works for a chairman that hired him is clearly not fair. Levy put Harry there, Levy didn't manage Harry well enough and therefore is also culpable. When we needed to sell 2 or 3 and buy 1 quality player we sold nobody and bought an OAP whilst using the loan system to hide the issue. It was pathetic and so many of us could see that what was being built would end in tears. The chairman had to be more in control.
muttley
Agreed RAF Yid, AVB has been forced into a sort of 442, more of a 4411. He will revert to a his preferred 433 once he gets the right players.
ItalianYiddo
Frank, I have spent no more than two minutes thinking up loop holes (and I don't have millions of pounds worth of lawyers to find even better ways). First, say Chelsea buy Billy Bigboots who wants a wage of £500,000 per week. Chelsea actually pay him £50,000 a week. Then in an unrelated matter, Roman says he wants a guy to take a few photos of him when he's at the ground. He personally hires Billy Bigboots at £450,000 per week (if a player can't have more than one job, Roman hires Mrs. Bigboots instead). Second, Chelsea create 100 new executive boxes at the ground called "The Millionare Box". Each box costs £1m per year to use. Roman decides to rent all the boxes from Chelsea. If I can think of those two in a few minutes, I'm sure better people than me can think of even more ways to get around FFP.
In-spurs-ational
Don't say too much about Chelsea yet lads we have QPR away next in the prem. as for transfers would love isco or eriksen. Holtby sounds good as well. Certainly wouldn't complain if we got moutinho but I like other am hoping dembele continues to play where he is which can't happen if we sign moutinho as he plays deeper if not mistaken. A number ten type player is what we need. Either that or Dempsey has to play as he seems to be our only player that is able to spot a pass early an thread it through. Aide from siggy but he's yet to establish himself with us
BrooksySpurs
Well done QPR good for us Chelsea dropping point and Arsenal last night. Shame Everton didn't drop some. I saw Fallani play thought he was banned.
thfan
Really, really, really hoping that we can sign a top quality striker and playmaker who can play as a number 10. Willian would be great, but I doubt we'll get him.
Fanman
Massive thanks to benitez for phucking up his team selection.
spu 4 life
Don't we have QPR away next league game? Let's hope they've got their one good display out of the way and can revert to being rubbish for our visit.
In-spurs-ational
Always loved Harry.
Tottenham Hotcore
Wow we are still third today! Thank you Harry!
noone
peterballb- here what you say re 4231 but without Dembele we look poor-two primarily ball winners (parker/Livermore/Sandro) don't compliment the system and Thud just hasn't been able to get back to form....it would only be a slight tweak to put Moutinho, Dembele and Sandro together they'd compliment each other and get forward when needed...we'd be v powerful and retain possesion...we could also revert to 4231 if say Dembele was injured....BUt agree Isco would be special...can't see him giving up CL to come though...
shedboy2
Llorente and Eriksen in, job done until summer. Why even entertain breaking our wage structure for the likes of D Villa or W Sneidjer when the likes of Llorente could be got for a snip and still has the legs to last more than 18 months? Not sure Llorente would even command the same wages as the other two either. The sale of the old Chigwell Spurs Lodge will generate far more than the £45 million the Enfield site cost to buy and develop. Levy and his degree in land economy has made ENIC a small fortune there, so let's see some investment on the playing side and sharpish too. It's a month long window Mr Levy, you should already know who AVB wants, so just go out and back the man now rather than looking for a bargain in the final half hour. Every day we wait is a day wasted. To dare is to do. COYS
thfc1882whl
i gotta bad feelin about harry taking revenge on us,i believe it is next
ghulamville
Coops, sorry late reply on Holtby; me a taker the pi$$, no way mate, he is a bloody good player, would fit into our style of play without any problem, if we can get him for peanuts, he will be worth millions in the future.
spu 4 life
Benitez has always been a tinker man. He over rotated. What possible excuse can he have for leaving out mata and Hazard? 50 nillion for Torres? Tut, tut, tut...
Fanman
Don't sweat it ghulamville, we'll easily beat QPR. Nothing to worry about there mate.
thfc1882whl
ghulamville, hopefully we'll be too powerful for QPR, with the pace on Bale and Lennon on the wings, and Sandro and Dembele in midfield. You never know what Defoe and Ade are going to turn up. We're bound to miss chances.
Fanman
thfc1882whl, I don't think it will be an easy win. Harry will build on the victory today.
Fanman
At least with them beating Chelsea, we won't take the game too easy and just turn up and expect to win
In-spurs-ational
Slums, thanks for the nomination, more to come mate, they may not be as good, but i will let you be the judge, lightens it up a bit. lol
spu 4 life
I hope QPR have their giant killing out of their system....AVB will be up for the game anyway with the Arry connection but the chelski result will mean there'll be no complacency from us...
shedboy2
Fanman.... I hear what you're saying mate but I honestly believe that AVB has far too much tactically for Harry and our squad is also far superiour, just a freak result that will have taken too much out of them for a repeat to happen. Stick Sandro on Tarrabt and he'll either fold.
thfc1882whl
thfc1882whl- spot on...you've got to think if we all can see two quality players can make a huge difference to us then levy/avb can....FFS Saha and Nelson should be a warning from history....buy for the now!!
shedboy2
Or score a blinding consolation.
thfc1882whl
Can you imagine if AVB was without Lloris and Vertonghen through injury that he decides to put Walker, Sandro, Dembele and Bale on the bench? That's the equivalent of what Rafa did tonight with Cech and Terry out leaving Cole, Ramires, Hazard and Mata on the bench. Clearly, AVB or RDM aren't good enough to manage Chelsea but Rafa is. Too funny.
muttley
Whether we bring in anyone or not, I would prefer it if an experienced player is in consideration, then get it done asap. If a youngster (future player) is in mind then it can wait 'til the end of the window, or even summer.

If Levy can't see the glaringly obvious re a striker, then he's wasting his time sitting in the Directors' box. I remain hopeful of seeing the new hit man within the next 10 days.......

Willian and Leandro would be too orgasmic to handle!
Critical_Spur
If we sign Willian, the team will be running out to this; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7O91GDWGPU Willian, tell you what his crosses bow no resemblance, some put it on a sixpence or 5p in new money, this guy can take apples of your head.
spu 4 life
Goes to show that bus parkers can't always be turned over even by a million dollar team! So much for their lock pickers!
Critical_Spur
I wonder if leaving Cole out means he's off-ski??
shedboy2
thfc1882whl I too have a nasty feeling about that game. He will be all out for revenge, especially after his "Anyone who takes over as manager of Chelsea and cannot be successful would have to be a dope". comment. Is this a snide dig at AVB supposed to anger him or something even though the article nmentione Benitez? Couldn't be better timed before our London derby with them especially after the win against chelski........ I'm telling you he is going to do his Houdini act yet again. I hope he does it because I can't begrudge him that because of what he did for us whilst he was here, but it had better not be at our expense. ........                                             http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/9775132/Only-a-dope-would-fail-at-Chelsea-insists-Harry-Redknapp-as-QPR-prepare-to-face-Rafa-Benitezs-men.html
chrishove123
Yidmarks More like Come on Mr. Levy SHOCK US. LOL
chrishove123
When Levy said that the club was looking to move in a different direction, a new project, I hope he included himself in that project. AVB has done his bit so far, over to Levy to stand by HIS words!
Critical_Spur
I really don't think any major business will be done this January, maybe well get this holtby guy on a pre contract and maybe get shot of Gomes, possibly a few players going on loan like hudd and caroll, were in third and Levy will see this as a perfect excuse not to change things and spend money. Btw Is anyone else getting *****ed off with Everton? When are they gonna start losing!
Jantheman
thfc1882whl, Tarrabt the most over rated player by a long way. All this talk of where Moutinho will fit in is short sighted. We will have injuries, we will rotate, AVB obviously fancies him, Levy you need to back him, we have the money. Everyone knows we need 3 players.
RAF Yid
Frank, I believe that some of the larger clubs (City, Chelsea, Milan, Inter, Roma, Juve, PSG etc) have all acted like they don't believe the FFPR will have any teeth at all. One can only hope. PSG net spend of 125M not including salary. How is that responsible?

RAF, I agree that the 4-4-2 suits us best and that's why AVB is playing it, but it still does nothing to create chemistry between striers or get guys on the end of awesome, predictable crosses. So, in that regard it's still not working. The problem is, Defoe, up top of anyone, doesn't really work. I still maintain, 4-4-2, with the players we have, is the way to go. I would play Dempsey up top of Adebayor with Defoe coming on as a sub, but that's just me.

Muttley, Harry stockpiled. Pav had deals with Birmingham and in Russia, the Chairman wanted to sell. Harry said no. Yes, Levy could have forced Harry, but then why retain the manager. He'd allowed that mistake to happen at the end of Jol's tenure. He gives his managers what they want, so long as it fits in the financials.

ItalianYiddo, I still think AVB will go 4-5-1 if we get a Schneijder/Isco/Holtby/Eriksson/Pjanic type player.

Shedboy, we didn't have Parker avaiable. A healthy Parker could step in and play for Sando who could switch and play the Dembele role. f you have noticed, Sandro is going forward more and more.

QPR will be up for our game. That said, we are very good away from home and look to be more and more solid. We'll score for certain. The question is, can QPR manage more than 2? I doubt it. Anything can happen. Chelsea have a poor defence. They also have a really congested fixture list. Benitez tried to rest several players and it cost him. I would have rested them in th first leg of the Cup, but then what do I know? No team can be taken lightly. That said, QPR score less than a goal a game and concede almost 2 a game. Our squad is getting healthy. Dempsey, Ade and Sigurdsson all seem to be getting up to speed. Parker is back. BAE imminently. Kaboul a few weeks away. We just need to treat each game as the most important game of the season. AVB has also shown what real coaching can do within a game. COYS
peterballb
@Jantheman - I am *****ed off with Everton! Surely they cannot keep this up? Their key players will tire eventually....
Jables
If Redknapp saves QPR from relegation and within three years he gets them in the CL he should be proclaimed a great manager until then in my estimation he got lucky at Spurs.
ItalianYiddo
Benitez and Chelsea took this game for granted. Proved a big mistake. Seems they had most of the ball and the chances. Just he wrong guys and the wrong attitude on the pitch. COYS
peterballb
Peter, I still maintain that a rigid 442 away from home to the top six teams is too risky, anyway AVB is too smart not to change the formation according to the opposition.
ItalianYiddo
Ironic that Benitez was just beginning to win Chavs' fans over with the recent wins and all that hard work peed on by ONE home match against the bottom team!

I really hope it is US that edges them out of the CL spot this season. COYS!
Critical_Spur
RAF Yid ....... Not sure about Tarrabt being over rated but temperamental for sure. Give the guy time and space to play though and he can hurt you. Having said that, he can be got at and a couple of crunching tackles can really affect his game. I agree we need 3 players but can't see Levy breaking the habit of a life time, Llorente, Eriksen and McClean would be my choices.
thfc1882whl
I know nothing about young Holtby but going by this we seem to stand a bloody good chance of getting him. http://www.cartilagefreecaptain.com/2013/1/2/3828244/tottenham-hotspur-transfer-rumor-lewis-holtby-schalke?
chrishove123
thfc, I am hoping that Levy's reluctance to spend in the last couple of years was due to him losing faith in Harry, I think AVB has done enough to trust him with some dosh. As I said hoping...
ItalianYiddo
Some horrendous news that I have just read. Kaboule out until Feb. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/02/younes-kaboul-tottenham-return-delayed
chrishove123
Adebayor has said that his problem with playing at the tournament relates to the Togolese FA's struggles to co-ordinate the logistical arrangements in a satisfactory fashion and to create a safe environment for the squad, rather than his unhappiness at the non-payment of bonuses. Adebayor is haunted by the gun attack on the Togo team bus before the 2010 tournament in Angola, when three people were shot dead.
chrishove123
If that's the case chrishove Dawson isn't going anywhere
ItalianYiddo
ItalianYiddoI certainly hope not.
chrishove123
peterballb- yep sandro can do more going forward but his strength is breaking up the opposiion...Sandro and Parker didn't look very good last year and sandro and Livermore looked pretty poor this year. It's all about the balance but we'll see if we get moutinho!!..;) as for Ade playing off Dempsey it might work against lesser teams who sit deep but I think they'd lack pace against a higher line...also Dempsey has rarely played up top on his own ( I was informed on here it was 5 times but he scored each time, have to take the posters word) so would be a bit of an experiment...
shedboy2
For all those Lennon haters try reading this about him by Scotty Parker. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/02/scott-parker-aaron-lennon-tottenham?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487
chrishove123
Marin's challenge as bad as Ade's in the Arsenal game, one a yellow and one a red. Difference being that a **** in the name of Webb was in charge at the Emirates.
ItalianYiddo
shedboy, I quite like the idea of trying Dempsey in front of Ade and nothing to stop them switching during the course of the game, would give defenders a bit more to think about.
ItalianYiddo
chrishove123, the worrying line from the Holtby article is "If Holtby signs a pre-contract with Spurs, it could very well force Schalke to look to collect a small fee to move him in January, rather than losing him for nothing". Does this mean that rather then let him go to us for free at the end if the season, Schalke will look to sell him to anyone in January meaning we could miss out
In-spurs-ational
In-spurs-ational Yeah I know but at least it is a glimmer of hope for us.
chrishove123
A glimmer of a hope for us?? you make it sound like we are the back of beyond last hope club for any pro footballer to come to ffs. If he signed a pre contract for us then it would mean that his club could TRY to sell him but he would have to agree too its not like they could send him to the russian goolags fgs if he signed a pre contract he is as good as ours and thats all IF COYS
nomorewhlegends
Holtby wants to move to PL. Oonly few teams are in contention. Freund could tip the balance for us as he has worked with him in Germany as youth coach. His wage request is 75k according to Bild and we are favorites to land him atm
sydqcb5
I bet you Harry hatters must be gutted that little QPR beat the Champions of Europe last night, even though it helps Tottenhams CL mission greatly, such is your blind dislike for the man who gave us top 4 and CL football on a smaller player personnel budget than that of little Stoke City. I guess it's similar to how peterballb feels when Defoe scores for Tottenham! He knows it's great for the team and the club, but he just cant enjoy the moment!
pelebro
On the Jan window. Well, we all know Levy refused to back Harry in the transfer market since he got us top 4 and CL football, as the club have made a profit on the transfer market since then. Nor have the board spent the CL or the Under Armour money, so there must be a cash reserve of 100 million plus just sitting there, without Joe Lewis having to spend a penny of his 3 billion personal fortune. Nor will the other billionaire on the board have to take a dip either! So If the board don't back AVB this window, after the positive start AVB has made at the club, it will confirm what many have feared for a long time... That Lewis, Levy and the politician are suffering from strange rare form of cheapskate, penny-pinching, miser, scrooge disease...
pelebro
pelebro HA HA well said my man. I bet they feel a stab in the heart when JD scores or old 'Arry wins a game. IO know I wanted him out and was pretty vocal about it, but I don't wish the old boy's career to be in ruins. He did a good job for a while and took us on a crazy and exciting roller coaster of a ride, he was good for us during that purple patch but all good things come to an end , and his end came, so good luck with QPR 'Arry I hope you achieve your aim in staying in the Prem. But as I said, NOT at our expense.
chrishove123
pelebro HA HA I take it you are the ghost of Christmas past. LOL
chrishove123
chrishove123, Agreed mate, I hope that Harry saves QPR, but I don't want him to turn us over! Couldn't happen! Could it?
pelebro
QPR are the latest club to try and pinch Remy. Good luck ha. To think he nearly ended up at Chelsea only for that Sturridge deal to fall through, well pool have their man now so wonder if the chavs go back in for him? I was convinced at one stage he should come to Spurs. Lennon is on fire though, Dempsey and Sigurdsson are showing life so not sure anymore. Is it worth another Cheeky bid for him?
SpursOne2
pelebro I hope not, but we all know how 'Arry can motivate players. Should be a really good game. I'm looking forward to it albeit with a touch of trepidation.
chrishove123
Or are the chavs in for Ba?...hmm.
SpursOne2
QPR 0 - Spurs 3 :-)
SpursOne2
chrishove123, Yes, some call me the ghost ;) but I'm not Martin Peters, who was famously known as the ghost back in the 1970's for the way he appeared out of nowhere to score for Tottenham Hotspur... Impossible to mark! What a player!
pelebro
In-spurs-ational- if Holtby were to sign a pre-contract with us....he'd be as good as ours in the summer....no club can sell a player without the players agreeing to go to the purchasing club and if Holtby were to agree to go to another club after signing a pre-contract with us he would be in breach and we would be due compensation....
shedboy2
pelebro - so where exactly is this £100m?
muttley
muttley - Maybe Rosie better check her bank account, might be some serious interest!
yiddyboy
pelebro Yeah I remember going to the Lane and Ipswich watching Martin Chivers. Wonderful player and along side Alan Gilzean what a pair. I feel honoured to have watched that era of Spurs play.
chrishove123
muttley I rthink it is hidden up Mr. Levy's squeaky tight backside.
chrishove123
I see the fryers deal is back in the news...I thought we were going to get him back in the summer? so I believe LB is sorted for next year....Naughton, Rose and fryers....unless benny is off to chelsea now???
shedboy2
Fryers to Spurs daily mail; next they will have us linked to a George Foreman grill
spu 4 life
Pelebro, let them take the pi$$ all they like, what you say is absolutely true. Some of us haven't fallen into the trap of believing a single word that slap head says, either on his own behalf, or whilst expressing the ex pat tax evader's position, or protecting his £3 billion + of ill gotten gains. I'll start to believe these two charlatans when we see the mythical new stadium actually open, and a game on the pitch. It has been a promise for 13 years, and as the completion date gets extended, now 2017-18, it may well be at least that before it ever emerges, if ever.
Frank
Think a couple of outgoing loans likely but fail to believe we will spend more than £10 million on any 1 player let alone 2 or 3. Think AVB is about evolution not revolution. Love Damaio but think Zaha more likely if we can fight off others. Zaha may be wary though - see Bostock's career path!
Wilts Spurs
If Gomes follows Cudicini out and Archer is promoted to No. 3 keeper next season that will be fine. Defence and Mid are good. Need a creative 10 and a striker like many suggest. 1 striker essential but likely to be young or a cheap import rather than star player even if Ade goes to the ACN.
Wilts Spurs
spu 4 - not as good as Holby city....I think you may have peaked..;)
shedboy2
wilts- I'd have Archer as number 2 for next year...Brad won't be able to tie his own shoe laces by then...I think we're OK in defence provided Kaboul comes back to form/fitness, we could do with a creative mid and one of Livermore/Thud/Parker making way...but we NEED A STRIKER!!!!
shedboy2
Frank - the same 3 billion that rapidly became 2 billion when Bear Stearns collapsed in 2008. Short memories.
muttley
pelebro, Harry got us CL on Stoke's budget? lol! Shame he couldn't do it for West Ham. Portsmouth and Southampton maybe he will do it for QPR but I won't hold my breath. And as for last night I celebrated their goal, because it keeps Chelski below us because as an idiotic Spurs fan I care more about my team than Redknapp. COYS.
ItalianYiddo
WTF is pelebro on about? Even if Sol Cambpell was manger of QPR, I would be ecstatic over that result. I just dislike Harry, think he is overrated and still believe that QPR will get relegated.
thenuge
sb2 good point on brad. seems we are trying for more midf/wingers than strikers though. Policy error imo. Juve start official talks with Llorente so that rumour can now stop. Just leaves Damaio for the red tops to recycle.
Wilts Spurs
PLEBro more like though. I love it when idiots assume what people are thinking just so it can fulfill their need to be abusive at no one.
Tottenham Hotcore
SpursOne2 Chavs have GOT ba as long as he passes his medical. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/9776978/Demba-Ba-heading-to-Chelsea-from-Newcastle-as-70000-a-week-deal-breaks-transfer-deadlock.html
chrishove123
So, Ba, Llorente and Pato are all going. and not one of these transfers is above £13M... definitely in our price range, but then what do I know, we don't do our business till the last day, if at all.
rahn DMC
Happy new Year to all, and especially Frank and Pelebro who, like the enlightened yet increasingly vocal minority, refuse to buy the ENIC crapola. Since 2001 these barstewards have promised much, and their FIRST priority was addressing the stadium issue. They said through David Buchler that this was going to be dealt with, and yet, in nearly 12 years they have added 70 (seventy) seats. When are these useless tw*ts going to be held to account? What other business would lock out 20,000 punters waving their cash every time they opened their doors? And yet, mouth-breathers will come on here and support them. Unbe-fricking-lievable.
lordjohnny
Italian you are spot on mate 442 away to the top sides is attempted suicide...esp with our squad...451 (switching to 433) and we are as close to unplayable as an away side ever seen in the prem....
tophobunty
 

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