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15 Aug 2021 20:18:50
Hi Ed002

I’m sure a read a while ago that you said MU where talking to Atletico Madrid in regards to Saul. I’m not after blow by blow updates, I was just wondering if they’re still talking or has the interest moved on.

Much appreciated.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - Saul Niguez (CM) Nobody will pay his release clause, but Atletico could look to a high fee for a player who has a contract that runs for years in order to get his €300k weekly wage off the books. He was Bayern Munich's first choice to add for midfield but Bayern see his cash price at €60M (or €75M on terms) and wages of €300k as too high and will turn elsewhere. He is being offered to the usual suspects who have money – Barcelona (who would need to include players in a deal - and offered Griezmann but Atletico saw his wages as too high), Manchester United (who would probably need to offload Pogba), Juventus, Manchester City, PSG, Chelsea as a potential Kovacic replacement - many of which are looking to add a player in his position, but his wages are a major issue for most. Atletico have effectively signed his replacement in de Paul but may make other midfield changes as well. I am not aware of any bid from Liverpool to Atletico at this time, but he would be an excellent choice, but a lot more expensive than other options which could rule him out. Atletico have said that there have been further discussions with Barcelona but they would prefer the cash to having any players involved in a deal. Other clubs could become more involved if players are sold, Pogba for instance.}


 

 

19 Jun 2019 18:23:20
Ed002

Can I ask for any info on Lo Celso I have searched and saw you last update with interest from spurs and Everton I was wondering if any other team is now showing interest.

Thanks.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - The interest is down to Spurs alone at the moment in terms of discussions and bids and they are apart in price by €40M - so both parties will need to shift a bit if something is to happen. they are wanting €75M (where they are willing to come down to from the full $100M asking price). The interest is down to Spurs alone at the moment in terms of discussions and bids and they are apart in price by €40M - so both parties will need to shift a bit if something is to happen. Payment terms may also be an issue.}


1.) 20 Jun 2019 11:46:08
Thanks again ed.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}


 

 

21 May 2019 07:13:36
Hi ed

Couple of questions if your able to answer.

Thomas Parteys agent has reportedly said a couple of clubs are interested in his client. Any truth in this that you know of.

Napoli president has said they have turned down €110m for kalidou koulibaly do you know anything of this.

Thanks in advance.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - (A) Inter Milan and Manchester City. (B) I am not aware of any such statement from Aurelio De Laurentiis.}


1.) 21 May 2019 09:35:22
Just see it had been reported typical journalism ed curiosity just got the better of me.

Thanks much appreciated.

{Ed002's Note - He has a lot to say normally, but I am not aware of anything like this being said. There is interest in the player, but they are looking to keep him.}


2.) 21 May 2019 18:45:13
Thanks ed I've read that Aurelio De Laurentiis is tough to deal with aswell so maybe the clubs that are interested in koulibaly might be better looking elsewhere, I'd imagine koulibaly will be very very expensive.

{Ed002's Note - Sure - if there were an offer that would be acceptable they would talk - and for some years Mr Mourinho saw him at the first centre back that he wanted.}


 

 

04 Jul 2018 18:02:54
Ed001,

I'll put this on here.

I've noticed you're quite critical of a lot of the Cbs that get mentioned that are linked to certain clubs and although I don't disagree I'm curious as to what centre backs you like.

If you don't have time to answer no worries

Cheers.

discountdave

{Ed001's Note - to be honest there is a problem with defenders in general in recent years. They are footballers first and defenders second. I don't mind a defender being good on the ball, in fact I prefer the ball-playing defender, such as Alan Hansen, but the priority should be to defend. They should know basics, such as not playing offside when there is no pressure on the ball etc. Very few do know the basics and that is the issue. The reason why Uruguay are so solid at the back is because they have a centre back pairing that defend first and play football second. They have two centre backs I do rate, in Godin and Gimenez. To be honest, they are, imo, the best centre backs in European football right now.

It is a mindset thing, a defender's first thought when two players go in to win the ball, should be to get into position to cover in case the opponent gets it. They should constantly be looking on the negative side for their team and be in position to protect against it. There are other little things though, that very few players seem to do, such as retrieving a loose ball, don't cruise over to it because no one is pressuring you or you might not be able to react if someone does chase. It might be too late when you realise. So you run to it and then you can relax when you get there and take your time on the ball, if no one has chased.

A few years ago you would be able to include the likes of Chiellini as excellent centre backs but those good Italian defenders are not what they were and no quality has come through to replace them yet. Which is why Italy failed to make the World Cup. Next time you watch Uruguay play, instead of watching the ball, just watch their back four, they move together. It is like they are all attached by elastic to each other as, even if they do move to make a challenge, they are straight back into a four again afterwards. They shuffle from side to side together. Then watch Colombia or England and you will see a huge difference. To be fair, thinking about it, Brazil haven't been bad either, their centre backs have looked very composed, but their full backs are awful defensively.}


1.) 05 Jul 2018 06:15:34
Thanks ed very interesting and it's funny you mention Uruguay as I was only saying the other day they are fantastic defensively and you can see why they've only conceded 1 goal so far.

Regarding past players vidic was one of my favourites and I also thought he was better than people gave him credit for. Also Jaap Stam another favourite of mine.

The reason I asked this is there seem to be very few top top defenders out there at the minute as oppose to 10 year ago.

Virgil van dyke for instance I think he's a good defender but lacks intellige, I remember the MU v Liv game rashfords 2 goals why didn't VVD sense sooner that Lukaku was bullying Lovren because after the second goal they switched and Lukaku did nothing. Although VVD has improved massively.

For some reason I had you down as a Jan Vertonghen fan

Thanks for that ed.

{Ed001's Note - I do like Vertonghen alongside Alderweireld, they are a good combination and Vertonghen is one of the better centre backs. He does have a mistake in him, sometimes he falls asleep defensively, but when awake he is very very good. Putting him alongside Davinson Sanchez brought the best out of him because he was so busy covering for Sanchez's lapses and positional ineptitude that he was unable to lose focus!

As for Alderweireld, he is the best centre back in the Prem on his day. Excellent player.

Van Dijk is physically perfect, technically ideal but the guy is far too laid back and finds it all too easy so can be a bit slow to react when he is put under pressure. He is so used to strolling through games, he really struggles to get his head in the game when he can't. He does have a tendency towards being slow to get back as well. Defensive players should be sprinting to get back when they are caught upfield, he never does that.}


2.) 05 Jul 2018 08:36:20
Views on Azpilicueta as a CB Ed002?

{Ed002's Note - CA only really plays as a CB in a back three, else he plays as a RB and can, if required, play as a left back as well. Chelsea spent a long time looking at him with a then player also giving advice after watching him. There was no intention at that time of him playing centre back but they needed a replacement for Jose Bosingwa at RB. The change of formation took him to CB and the club are more than happy with the results as far as I know. He has given absolutely zero grief to the club on or off field, has not suffered with injuries, is bright, funny and seen as a very good and reliable player wherever he is asked to play.}


3.) 05 Jul 2018 08:36:28
Sorry meant Ed001.


4.) 05 Jul 2018 12:30:11
Just wanted to add into this conversation that as a Chelsea fan I will never ever forget Azpilicueta's contribution towards our club. Must be up there as one of our best defenders ever and for me one of my favourite ever players due to his hardworking nature, outstanding attitude and not to mention his quite obvious ability no matter where he plays. What a man.

{Ed001's Note - he is excellent, but I think he is not cut out to be a centre back in a 4, perfect for a back 3 though. He is one of the better players in the Prem, in any position you want to mention.}


5.) 06 Jul 2018 00:44:58
Yeah I do agree there as well but I think any manager would probably sense that too and for that reason we will probably never truly know as it may be a risk. Be interesting to see where he fits in if Sarri comes in and changes us back to a 4 man defence. Most likely RB I guess as we'll have far too many CBs competing for 2 places even without Azpi being part of that list! Glad to see you hold him in high regard Ed001, whilst Ed002 has the most incredible knowledge of the business side of the sport your knowledge and judgement of the playing side is one I hold in extremely high regard so it's nice to see us agree!

{Ed001's Note - thank you mate. It would be crazy not to rate Azpi, though he is not the best going forward, defensively he is sound. Which is why he is so well suited to a back 3.}


6.) 06 Jul 2018 08:02:44
Based on the short time he has been with Liv, do you see any improvement in van dijk game Ed? also do you see any young centre backs right now that you think can be excellent cbs in the future?

{Ed001's Note - there has been improvement in both his and Liverpool's game with him there. He has struck up a very good partnership with Lovren and that is more important than even having the best individuals. Teamwork is key at the back.

Giminez of Atletico and Uruguay is the outstanding young centre back around. I am sure there are others, but I just can't think of the top of my head.}


7.) 06 Jul 2018 09:29:06
Great insight on Azpi there Ed2, I always got the impression that he was a true professional and never the type to really complain. Always gives 100% for us and so far I’m more than happy with him at CB in a 3, not so much in a 2 but that would never happen anyway. Future captain one day for me.


8.) 06 Jul 2018 19:08:17
Could I pick your brains ed001 on Milan skriniar.

{Ed001's Note - I have not really seen enough to judge him, saw him a couple of times and it was mixed. Some things he looked great at, other times he looked dodgy as hell.}


9.) 06 Jul 2018 21:31:00
Lenglet has been impressive whenever I have seen him. Also ed1 what is your opinion on Lindelof? I don't know why but I think he will end up a good player (whether at Utd or not? ) I just get the feeling he needs a bit of time to adapt and will eventually deliver. Also ed1 what about Sule? I think he too will go far.

Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - Lindelöf is very good on the ball, which has been his downfall in English football. Because he is a ball player he is trying to play too much and thinking about that, rather than concentrating on defending first. Imo he is just trying too hard to impress and I think he will settle down fine this season.

Sule is an odd one, sometimes he looks top class, others he looks like a donkey. I haven't watched enough to be certain, but I think he is very reliant on the partner alongside him.}


10.) 07 Jul 2018 09:25:14
Ed001 - what are your thoughts on Harry Maguire. I think he looks solid when he needs to and can play the ball out, but seems to know when to play and when to clear his lines. Leicester will do well to keep hold of him.

Godin is the best CB going for me, just pure class.

{Ed001's Note - sorry mate, Maguire is not for me at all: Harry Maguire player profile


11.) 07 Jul 2018 11:08:58
Thanks ed1 your opinion is always held in high regards around here. Not just CBs but there is severe shortage of good full backs in World football right now. Very few are good at their main duty which is to defend.
Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - that is very true, it shows how lacking good ones are that people are raving about Trippier, who is Championship level.}


 

 

05 Jun 2018 18:29:14
Ed002

Do you have an update on Clement Lenglet. I've read a few articles suggesting MU have made an approach. I was under the impression he was Barcelona bound.

Seems like a cheaper alternative to Alderweireld if it's true at all.

Cheers.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - No Dave, it is not true. Manchester United has not made any approach for Lenglet but they are one of a number of clubs to have watched him. Barcelona have an interest and theu but not MU could force Sevilla (who don't want to sell) in to asking the player whether he wants a move to Barcelona by offering €35M but they would need to be quick as a new contract and a revised release clause are being discussed.}


1.) 05 Jun 2018 18:50:38
Thanks ed really appreciate it.

Any chance of Cbs that MU have interest in? Or would you prefer I ask on the MU page

Thanks again.

{Ed002's Note - Pretty much as it was right now Dave:
- Toby Alderweireld (CB) - but may need to fend off an offer of a new deal from Spurs, Manchester City and Real Madrid
- Raphael Varane (CB) - it drags on rather but Real Madrid may be willing to let him leave this summer for the right price as part of their major rebuild programme – so might be possible
- David Lopez (CB) - do not rule him out - Mourinho will wait and remains keen
- Don’t rule out a move for an English CB to keep the balance
- The likes of Clement Lenglet (CB), Milan Skriniar (CB), Kalidou Koulibaly and others have all been watched but no approaches made.
Umtiti is off the table.

Feel free to add this to the MU page Dave.}


2.) 05 Jun 2018 19:37:17
Thanks ed will do.


3.) 06 Jun 2018 11:17:32
Thanks Ed, really appreciated!


 

 

 

discountdave's banter posts with other poster's replies to discountdave's banter posts

 

27 Jun 2019 08:17:30
Ed002

Can I ask of interest in Joachim Anderson I've never heard of him but his name has cropped up lately in regards to him possibly heading to England.

Thanks.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - You should have been looking on the Spurs page Dave. Joachim Andersen (CB) there are several sides interested with Atletico considering him as an option if they cannot get the player tey prefer and Inter who were looking to Andersen as a Skrinier replacement - who is now no longer needed. Milan are long term admirers and the player has always said he would like to make such a move but their problems are much worse than they were and they see the €40M asking price as very high. Sampdoria are now open to a sale with Lyon and long-term admirers Spurs still in the reckoning - and there is little doubt that England will win out over France should Spurs decide on an making an acceptable offer.}


 

 

17 Apr 2019 15:47:33
Ed002 I've just seen your list of MU targets thank you for that.

I just have a question about milenkovic, you say a very good option by that do you mean ability or good value for money.

Is he highly thought of and is he ready now or for the future?

Thanks.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - Milenkovic is a decent player and a viable option to say Manolas.}


1.) 17 Apr 2019 16:05:38
Thanks ed I know nothing of milenkovic hence the question

Much appreciated.


2.) 17 Apr 2019 18:05:34
You can check the player profile on Milenkovic Dave. Maybe it can help form an image of him.

{Ed001's Note - Nikola Milenkovic profile there you go added a link for you.}


3.) 17 Apr 2019 18:45:03
Thanks checked out and I quite like what I see.


 

 

30 Oct 2018 05:48:35
Hi ed

Could I trouble you for any info regarding interest in Kalidou Koulibaly

Thanks.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - If Kalidou Koulibaly were available there would be plenty of interest but he is not for sale, the player is happy, Napoli gave him a new contract when approached at the end of the summer about him and he would likely be priced out of a moved.}


 

 

14 Jun 2018 14:48:33
Ed002

Is there still interest in sergej milinkovic-savic or has his price put interested teams off

Thanks.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - There remains interest but price is a major issue Dave.}


1.) 14 Jun 2018 20:53:16
Moggi is quoted today saying that juve have agreed a price with lazio for SMS. Is there any truth in that ed002?

{Ed002's Note - Milinkovic-Savic has no issues with personnal terms but it will take a commitment from Juventus to agree the fixed asking price which I am not aware they have done yet. They had ideas about players being involved - but the proposal wan't accepted. But they would like a deal at the right price - but that we know already.}


2.) 14 Jun 2018 21:10:52
Thanks ed appreciate it.

Has MU midfield targets changed at all or are they still pretty much the same as the last sharkopod?

{Ed002's Note - e have been minor changes.}


3.) 14 Jun 2018 21:15:41
Thanks ed. So are united totally out of the reckoning now on him?
Juve are on a s5oending spree of sorts or so it seems will they be trying to sell the likes of dybala sandro or higuain to fund the potential new purchases?

{Ed002's Note - I have explained what I know.}


4.) 15 Jun 2018 09:38:58
Hi ed

I'll ask this here since I asked about MU targets. In regards to MU interest in players are we starting to see what Javier Ribalta will bring to club.

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - I very much suspect that Javier Ribalta will be concentration on looking to bring in younger players Dave and will co-rdinate with the likes of Paulo Henrique Xavier and the guy in Argentina whose name escapes me. Manchester United are still actively looking to add at least two more regional scouts but it is unclear quite how the revised structure will work with Jim Lawlor already having largely stepped back from day-by-day scouting to co-ordinate matters and slightly odd role that Marcel Bout occupies.}


5.) 15 Jun 2018 10:27:07
Thanks ed appreciate it.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome Dave.}


 

 

26 Jan 2018 11:13:05
Hi Ed

Is there interest in Napoli’s jorginho?

Thanks.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - Arsenal has an interest going back to when Wenger was a child but he has failed to push for a deal. Juventus have stepped back after discussions. Napoli are trying to get a new deal agreed but have yet to put a clear contract on the table for consideration. Mourinho had an interest when at Chelsea and had him watched against old club Verona but he would not be first choice for MU. The player is looking to see the season out and consider his options.}


1.) 26 Jan 2018 13:41:12
Thanks Ed appreciated as always.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome Dave. It is hard to see why Arsenal have not made an offer.}


2.) 26 Jan 2018 16:58:57
Ed are Chelsea interested still.

{Ed002's Note - Who?}


 

 

 

discountdave's rumour replies

 

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08 Aug 2019 11:25:50
I'd hardly say you got it wrong ed, me and majority of posters know things change on a day to day basis. Yours and the other Ed's info is greatly appreciated.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - Obviously I got it wrong when I said the move was unlikely this summer - hence it being thrown in my face. I won’t be sharing anything like the amount of information in the future.}


 

 

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20 Jun 2019 11:46:08
Thanks again ed.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}


 

 

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21 May 2019 18:45:13
Thanks ed I've read that Aurelio De Laurentiis is tough to deal with aswell so maybe the clubs that are interested in koulibaly might be better looking elsewhere, I'd imagine koulibaly will be very very expensive.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - Sure - if there were an offer that would be acceptable they would talk - and for some years Mr Mourinho saw him at the first centre back that he wanted.}


 

 

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21 May 2019 09:35:22
Just see it had been reported typical journalism ed curiosity just got the better of me.

Thanks much appreciated.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - He has a lot to say normally, but I am not aware of anything like this being said. There is interest in the player, but they are looking to keep him.}


 

 

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06 Jul 2018 19:08:17
Could I pick your brains ed001 on Milan skriniar.

discountdave

{Ed001's Note - I have not really seen enough to judge him, saw him a couple of times and it was mixed. Some things he looked great at, other times he looked dodgy as hell.}


 

 

 

discountdave's banter replies

 

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17 Apr 2019 18:45:03
Thanks checked out and I quite like what I see.

discountdave

 

 

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17 Apr 2019 16:05:38
Thanks ed I know nothing of milenkovic hence the question

Much appreciated.

discountdave

 

 

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15 Jun 2018 10:27:07
Thanks ed appreciate it.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome Dave.}


 

 

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15 Jun 2018 09:38:58
Hi ed

I'll ask this here since I asked about MU targets. In regards to MU interest in players are we starting to see what Javier Ribalta will bring to club.

Thanks.

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - I very much suspect that Javier Ribalta will be concentration on looking to bring in younger players Dave and will co-rdinate with the likes of Paulo Henrique Xavier and the guy in Argentina whose name escapes me. Manchester United are still actively looking to add at least two more regional scouts but it is unclear quite how the revised structure will work with Jim Lawlor already having largely stepped back from day-by-day scouting to co-ordinate matters and slightly odd role that Marcel Bout occupies.}


 

 

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14 Jun 2018 21:10:52
Thanks ed appreciate it.

Has MU midfield targets changed at all or are they still pretty much the same as the last sharkopod?

discountdave

{Ed002's Note - e have been minor changes.}