Top defenders

Neil Thomson

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From RI:
Speculation that United will use the Stam debt to secure Lazio’s Alessandro Nesta was dashed when he said:

“I am already here and I feel good in Rome. I have my house, the sun, I have everything. It would please me to play another season with this team and without the problems we have had. I am sure things will go much better for us.”

Meanwhile another long-term United target claimed he will stay in Italy. Parma’s Fabio Cannavaro:

“Now I'm thinking only of Parma and escaping relegation. But no one could say no to Juventus. When I was in Naples, Juventus always held a great fascination.

“Gigi (Buffon) has told me he enjoys it at Juventus.”


Not Nesta. Not Cannavaro. Juventus might be signing Cannavaro - Thuram being linked with a move away (because he's had a bad season - so why do we want him?). My money is on Hofland and Ayala because they have both expressed a desire to play here and we have had the strongest contacts with these clubs over these players. I think they would make a formidable partnership, and with Wes and O'Shea as cover (and learning from Ayala), I think the CB slots will be catered for. Cost? £15m for Hofland and £10m for Ayala. Veron out to pay for this. I would still expect a new full back as well to offset Irwin leaving, and a lack of quality full backs in our reserves/youth setup. I don't think there has been a really strong candidate yet though.
 
IMO we will only have 1 CB coming in ... Fergie always rate Wes Brown highly ( and me too ) ... he won't just bring 2 CB in at one go and shut to door on Brown ( to be the 3rd choice is really like shutting him up altogether as he's at the age of needing more experience and exposure ) ...

IMO even Hofland is good ... but looking at the existence of Brown and O'Shea ... chances are we will have one more experience defender instead ... so Ayala looks the better choice ... although I wouldn't really like another non-EC players in the squard ... but I will live with it ...

Back to the candidates ... are these the only 2 ? .. well ok narrow down the scope a bit to "experience" defenders ... so Mexes is out as well ... any others ?
 
Originally posted by Penny:
<strong>IMO we will only have 1 CB coming in ... Fergie always rate Wes Brown highly ( and me too ) ... he won't just bring 2 CB in at one go and shut to door on Brown ( to be the 3rd choice is really like shutting him up altogether as he's at the age of needing more experience and exposure ) ...

IMO even Hofland is good ... but looking at the existence of Brown and O'Shea ... chances are we will have one more experience defender instead ... so Ayala looks the better choice ... although I wouldn't really like another non-EC players in the squard ... but I will live with it ...

Back to the candidates ... are these the only 2 ? .. well ok narrow down the scope a bit to "experience" defenders ... so Mexes is out as well ... any others ?</strong><hr></blockquote>
I agree about Brown, I'm sure that he will be in with a decent chance of being in the first team, but with so many defenders going for various reasons I think we will get 2 CB's and I think Alex has actually said this himself. But possibly only one will be experienced (Ayala) and the other a youngster (Mexes). But if Auxerre refuse to sell Mexes for another year, then whether or not we sign another CB would depend on whether or not Johnsen can stay fit. If he can then I think he'll get a new contract, otherwise I don't think he will and he'll be replaced. We've got O'Shea as a promising youngster already, so I think we need some established and commanding CB's, but I am not sure if Hofland is that yet - but we have been very strongly linked with him. Tudor would probably be better, but I can't see Juve selling him. :(
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Not Lizarazu either:
He said:
"This club does not perhaps have the same glamour image as Real Madrid, but they have an efficient style"


"It is more and more unlikely for me to leave, I have great chances to end my career at Bayern" he said.

"This club does not perhaps have the same glamour image as Real Madrid, but they have an efficient style and it is respectable."

"For five years, they are always present in the Champions League quarter final and I think the German championship is as strong as Premier League. Anyway, if you want to know what weight Bayern have on World level, look at the trophies."
 
Originally posted by Neil Thomson:
<strong> - Thuram being linked with a move away (because he's had a bad season - so why do we want him?). .</strong><hr></blockquote>

Henry had a bad season with Juventus.

Bergkamp had a bad season with Inter

Silvestre had a bad season with Inter
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Man Utd will get Ayala and Mexes for sure. Mexes says he wants to replace Blanc come the summer and Valencia hav already offred Fergie Ayal for 12m pounds. Especially now that their sights are set frimly on Fabrizio Cociloni
 
Im not too sure about Nesta cos he is not playing too well lately. Maybe we should get Stam back :)
 
tudor would be my first choice at cb. ayala is about the same size as GN and i would prefer a taller cb. and is ayala 12m better? i only saw him in uefa cup matchs so my question is a real one. nesta will stay in italy , it will assure him a place in national team.
 
Originally posted by mu77:
<strong>tudor would be my first choice at cb. ayala is about the same size as GN and i would prefer a taller cb. and is ayala 12m better? i only saw him in uefa cup matchs so my question is a real one. nesta will stay in italy , it will assure him a place in national team.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Ayala is unbeatable in the air, IMO he's one of the top 5 CB's in the world.
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thanx gio. tudor is a pretty tough defender and strong in the air too. how do you rate him vs. ayala and or hofland. hofland seems to be the name everyone is throwin' around including me.
 
Originally posted by Gio:
<strong>

Ayala is unbeatable in the air, IMO he's one of the top 5 CB's in the world.</strong><hr></blockquote>

True, he's got a great jump. Against Inter he almost headed home a free kick, he was given some space and completely outjumped the defender. So his size is deceptive, it may even make him a little more agile than most defenders -he turns quickly.

Hofland is good, and it would be an easy deal to make. He moves well enough, passes ok, but he looks a little unsure of himself, though that may be just his youth.

Desailly or Thurham along with Mexes(can't afford to miss him), would be just about perfect.

I take the point about not closing the door on the young players coming through,ie Brown, O'Shea but if another player that is clearly going to improve the team appears-Mexes, then you have to go for them. At the level United are at now(especially considering the pressure to win every game), if one youth player can break through each season thats an achievement.
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Nesta = No = Will stay @ lazio

Lizarazu = No = Will stay @ bayern

Thuram = No = Expiry date has passed on this transfer if it were ever to happen, like us with rivaldo.

Cannavaro = Maybe = Would be a target for juventus
and inter milan, but parma may want to sell him abroad rather than to another serie a club - wants to play for one of europe's big boys - fergie's an admirer, apparently had a bid turned down in the aftermath of selling stam

Ayala = Yes = My banker for this summer, i have a strong feeling we will sign him, for around the £12-£15 million mark - plus he's an international team-mate of veron (always helpful)

Hofland = Maybe = Strongly linked but lacks experience, will only come as a second c/b, and that all depends on price

Desailly = No = Stay @ chelsea, plus too old, starting to lack in former ability

Samuel = No = Stay @ roma

Others:
Chivu
Mexes
Yepes
Andrade

All lack experience, perhaps future buys, but want fergie wants is someone proven, not a rookie. :)
 
Originally posted by Cigar:
<strong>Nesta = No = Will stay @ lazio

Lizarazu = No = Will stay @ bayern

Thuram = No = Expiry date has passed on this transfer if it were ever to happen, like us with rivaldo.

Cannavaro = Maybe = Would be a target for juventus
and inter milan, but parma may want to sell him abroad rather than to another serie a club - wants to play for one of europe's big boys - fergie's an admirer, apparently had a bid turned down in the aftermath of selling stam

Ayala = Yes = My banker for this summer, i have a strong feeling we will sign him, for around the £12-£15 million mark - plus he's an international team-mate of veron (always helpful)

Hofland = Maybe = Strongly linked but lacks experience, will only come as a second c/b, and that all depends on price

Desailly = No = Stay @ chelsea, plus too old, starting to lack in former ability

Samuel = No = Stay @ roma

Others:
Chivu
Mexes
Yepes
Andrade

All lack experience, perhaps future buys, but want fergie wants is someone proven, not a rookie. :) </strong><hr></blockquote>

Agree about Nesta, and Lizarazu staying put. Cannavaro apparently wants the Juve move- which might ease the sale of Thurham, if he is indeed disgruntled.
Yes, Desailly has almost eliminated any inquiries by saying recently he didn't want to move to OT now. Still he is the kind of figure we need.

I agree that we need a commanding CB to take charge, Hofland would do, but Thurham would be my choice, and though Mexes is inexperienced, he is quality and we should try nab him now rather than wait and see that door close.
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Gary Neville and Silverstre are okay at two full backs with Phil Neville as backup. Therefore what we need is two world class CB, and I agree with Neil that Hofland and Ayala should be our primary target. Regards Brown if he is good enough he will eventually get the chance, either at centre or as RB, so there is no need for us to worry about him.
 
May be only Ayala or Tudor for this round ... both good in air and could score for set-pieces ... like it !! .. If Hofland come then better with somebody more experienced together ... he's not a confident CB yet ... a real gem though .. We can't afford to have another "nightmare" defence season next year ...
 
Nesta was shit last night .... of course this is only one game but from what i saw i though he was dirty and panicy ..... i think he believes his own hype and price tag.
don't want him at OT .... we want to players yet to really achive their hungrier and more eager to preform eg HOFLAND, MEXES, TUDOR ;)
 
Originally posted by JOBT:
<strong>Nesta was shit last night .... of course this is only one game but from what i saw i though he was dirty and panicy ..... i think he believes his own hype and price tag.
don't want him at OT .... we want to players yet to really achive their hungrier and more eager to preform eg HOFLAND, MEXES, TUDOR ;) </strong><hr></blockquote>

Nice point, bring on Mexes and Tudor - Hofland doesnt have the attitude I like, too arrogant and perhaps he isnt a team player, I've had enough of dutch defenders for awhile. Mexes can lead a defensive line just fine, he can command our defense despite his age I reckon. Once he settles anyway.

Tudor can be like Pallister, get the long balls and score the corners etc etc. Also versatile, RB or DM or CB. But I dont see Juve selling him unless they get Cannavaro.
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good point gabe on o'shea , wouldn't WB be better at rb? (again a real question). and if ayala comes , is his pace quick enough that Mu can go 3 across the back? hofland's got some go in him , but he's a pup.
 
Tudor is good.
Hofland is young and arrogant.
Ayala is good.
Thuram is good.
We can use Hector Cuper formula for CB.
One tall, one shorter (Materazzi-Cordoba / Ayala-Pallegrino)

Ayala-Tudor will be great. <img src="graemlins/devil.gif" border="0" alt="[Devil]" />
 
Originally posted by iyan giggs:
<strong>Tudor is good.
Hofland is young and arrogant.
Ayala is good.
Thuram is good.
We can use Hector Cuper formula for CB.
One tall, one shorter (Materazzi-Cordoba / Ayala-Pallegrino)

Ayala-Tudor will be great. <img src="graemlins/devil.gif" border="0" alt="[Devil]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Tudor-Hofland, yes please!! :D
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Ayala is a top class defender though I have not seen much of Tudor.
 
Originally posted by Raoul:
<strong>You're quite the transfer gopher arent you Kemo.</strong><hr></blockquote>

They're in the know down in Uganda - special contacts so I've heard. Having said that I like what he says and personally would be happy with either of them.......I think we'll only buy one defender though actually.
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It's rediculus that we pay 10 mil for Ayala and 15 for Hofland, as if Hofland has experience that Ayala has (Spanish league+2 CL finals)-he could be next Blanc...
 
Mellberg has done a great job for Villa as CB, and he always does well for Sweden on international duty. He played RB for Sweden in the last game and showed some of his attacking qualities. He'd fit right in IMO.
 
Originally posted by Sydius:
<strong>Is Mexes the next LARRY! Me thinks we shouldn't miss the opportunity like we did with Blanc several years ago.....</strong><hr></blockquote>

Saw him yesterday against Lyon, played solid. Composed and reads/antisipates well, hence the Larry comparisons, though with a more aggressive edge than Blanc. Technically hes' all you could wish for in a CB, good in the air(much needed at a OT) and scores regularily. Shows the leadership and charachter that would allow him to eventually drive a big club ala Keano.

Still only 20 I think, another strong season in France and he could well play at OT with a more experienced CB partner. Just hope we follow up on our reported interest, rather than try to buy him from another big club 5 years from now.
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NO

Nesta - As i've been saying all along. He's Lazio through and through and it likely not to be sold.

Lizarazu - He just recently reiterated his desire to stay at Bayern.

Thuram - A solid & feasible choice. Hes voiced his displeasure at having been played at RB. I personally don't think that Juve will hold onto both Thuram and Tudor.

Hofland - Has had the year from hell. A series of injuries and loss of form have put a serious dent in his prospects to join us imo.

Cannavaro - Can't see Canna moving to England. He recently made some statements about wanting to stay in Italy and that Serie-A was the best league in the world blah blah....

Desailly - We should get out of the business of signing ancient defenders. He's no Larry White, and thats that.

Walter Samuel - No way Roma would let him go.

Mario Yepes - <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />


Yes

Mexes - Classy young defender. There's a damn good reason why he's called the next Larry White. Young, aggresive, confident, and at 20 would be a rock for us for the next decade plus.

Ayala - Would be a fantastic edition.

Tudor - Ditto, though it seems as though Juventus might want to keep him and build their future defense around him.

Emerton - Fantastic player, though it's unlikely that he could find a spot on the right.


My personal preference:
-----------------------

Thuram & Mexes - Both high quality, language factor is a plus since Fab, Larry, and Silvestre already communicate in French etc. Fergie has made some recent statements in which is described Johnsen as one of the best defenders in the Prem, which leads me to believe that he will certainly sign one CB to replace Blanc (hopefully Thuram), and possibly another young gun (hopefully Mexes) to compete with Brown & O'Shea for the future.
 
Originally posted by Raoul:
<strong>NO

Nesta - As i've been saying all along. He's Lazio through and through and it likely not to be sold.

Lizarazu - He just recently reiterated his desire to stay at Bayern.

Thuram - A solid & feasible choice. Hes voiced his displeasure at having been played at RB. I personally don't think that Juve will hold onto both Thuram and Tudor.

Hofland - Has had the year from hell. A series of injuries and loss of form have put a serious dent in his prospects to join us imo.

Cannavaro - Can't see Canna moving to England. He recently made some statements about wanting to stay in Italy and that Serie-A was the best league in the world blah blah....

Desailly - We should get out of the business of signing ancient defenders. He's no Larry White, and thats that.

Walter Samuel - No way Roma would let him go.

Mario Yepes - <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />


Yes

Mexes - Classy young defender. There's a damn good reason why he's called the next Larry White. Young, aggresive, confident, and at 20 would be a rock for us for the next decade plus.

Ayala - Would be a fantastic edition.

Tudor - Ditto, though it seems as though Juventus might want to keep him and build their future defense around him.

Emerton - Fantastic player, though it's unlikely that he could find a spot on the right.


My personal preference:
-----------------------

Thuram & Mexes - Both high quality, language factor is a plus since Fab, Larry, and Silvestre already communicate in French etc. Fergie has made some recent statements in which is described Johnsen as one of the best defenders in the Prem, which leads me to believe that he will certainly sign one CB to replace Blanc (hopefully Thuram), and possibly another young gun (hopefully Mexes) to compete with Brown & O'Shea for the future.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I sent you a PM

THURAM-The immediate need is an experienced and commanding CB, that can just come in and 'hit the ground running', Thuram is a powerhouse, SAF rates him the best defender in the world(at least last Summer he did), but we won't pay 23mil, maybe 16-18. Plus, Real who we know have far more money than sense are keen to get him.

HOFLAND-Definately agree about Hofland, would prefer to wait and see him play a strong, uninterruped season before investing 15mil on him.

MEXES-Looking to the future Mexes is the way to go, probably partnered by O'Shea or Brown. But he will not come now just to compete with 2 other young CBs, anyway his game would develop better by staying at Auxerre another season.

So one new 'primary' CB such as Thuram, with Ronnie, Brown or O'Shea partnering him would be fine.

I'd plan on bringing in Mexes the following Summer(or live to regret it) as a starter, and try leave space for this to happen (shuffle the defence a little without dirupting it too much).

And a decent FB as Dinny is going.
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Originally posted by JOBT:
<strong>Nesta was shit last night .... of course this is only one game but from what i saw i though he was dirty and panicy ..... i think he believes his own hype and price tag.
don't want him at OT .... we want to players yet to really achive their hungrier and more eager to preform eg HOFLAND, MEXES, TUDOR ;) </strong><hr></blockquote>

Oh my, oh my, this is better than a comic movie!
Not seen much european footie in the last five years, right? He he he...
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
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Defenders:
Bayern's Kuffor, we could try him again this year? Lucio of Leverkusen? Mexes (even though he's young) could make an immediate impact... And that Purse-guy at Birmingham, what's he like(type of player)? I'd preferred an english CB because it's too many foreigners in the PL these days..
 
Thats a good call on the English player thing. But who, Bramble is quite promising, Woodgate - Trouble maker, Terry - see Woodgate, Barry - not good enough (yet), King - posible, Gardner - not enough experience.

Can't think of any more right now, but the future of English defending is uncertain at the moment.
 
Originally posted by greenred:
<strong>Thats a good call on the English player thing. But who, Bramble is quite promising, Woodgate - Trouble maker, Terry - see Woodgate, Barry - not good enough (yet), King - posible, Gardner - not enough experience.

Can't think of any more right now, but the future of English defending is uncertain at the moment.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Yes, Ledley King of Spurs, he's a "hot prospect" ? Think he's good enough to play fot us right now, and he'll possibly get better ! Yep, we have our man there right? :)
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i will go for hofland or tudor instead of nesta, they will make a perfect partner for wes brown <img src="graemlins/devil.gif" border="0" alt="[Devil]" />
 
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