by LFC2007 » Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:22 pm
Aaron Lennon has decent ability - he has more trickery and pace than Pennant, but he's not powerful enough, doesn't offer a great goal threat, and overall not what we should be looking for (IMO). I don't think he'd be much of an improvement on Pennant, and not he's not the level of player we require if we want to nail it. To boot - I'm sure he'd cost well above what could be considered reasonable. No more gambles, we need the solution this summer, and that means top quality. That's Lennon ruled out.
Ashley Young, a better bet than Lennon in my view, although still not what we should be looking for. He offers a better goal threat than Lennon, he's more powerful, provides plenty of assists and has a bit of flair, but doesn't have the quickness of feet and loses possession too easily. Again, he'd likely cost more than what can be considered reasonable given that Villa paid £9m for him. I'd estimate £15m would be the sort of money they'd be looking for, and that's too much, because he's not the finished article and not exceptionally talented.
Petrov, a decent short-term option for the left wing, but again not what we should be looking for. He isn't powerful enough, doesn't pose a great goal threat, and isn't that special top quality talent that we need. He isn't the level of player we require, and he's one of a number of players in this 5th-10th place echelon who are solid, decent players, but not especially talented.
David Bentley, a player with great quality on the ball, who can crack an accurate strike consistently, good in the air etc. but he won't beat defenders with great guile. I'd sooner sign him than Young or Lennon, but I don't see him as the solution. If we could sign him for around £8m and still sign a top quality left winger who possess trickery and guile in abundance then I'd approve, but I'm not sure it's financially feasible.
Gabriel Agbonlahor, I like the guy. I'd have him for <£8m as a second striker, but again he's not a solid solution for the present.
Jimmy Bullard, we don't need centre-mid's, he's decent and his qualities on the ball are notable, but he's just not what we need and isn't good enough for us frankly.
Robbie Keane, he's having a very good season and I'd take him for <£12m. He wouldn't be my first choice because he's not top class (IMO), but if other targets became unfeasible then he'd be a meritorious alternative. I'm not sure Spurs would sell him after this season, but for a King's ransom, and taking into account Berbatov - who may himself leave.
Dmitar Berbatov, I'd take him for <£15m, but for the price he'd likely cost I'd steer clear.
Micah Richards, I'd love to have him, but we don't need another centre-half and signing a right-back (where he also plays) shouldn't be a priority. He'd cost an outrageous sum of money aswell.
Benni Mccarthy, don't be so f*cking ridiculous.
James Milner, not good enough.
Michael Johnson, we don't need centre-mid's.
Sulley Muntari, we don't need centre-mid's.
Stephen Warnock, not good enough.
Joleon Lescott, not feasible and not great anyway.