[Archived] Nicko's January Rumour Mill

[Eddie]

Glad we didn't get Bullard.

[The Prof.]

  budha said:

If Riise was on 40 (The payslip picture) and Torres is 90, I would say Keane is definitely over 40.

Sorry - though it was Roque he meant. Keane - probably over 60. Spuds pay well and he'd have improved on that. (just found it - £80K!)

[Bennisfromheaven]

  The Prof. said:

Sorry - though it was Roque he meant. Keane - probably over 60. Spuds pay well and he'd have improved on that. (just found it - £80K!)

I got the impression that the opposite was true, that though they pay big fees spurs are not the best when it comes to wages! Maybe Nicko can shed some light?

[imy9]

  nicko said:

Rovers watched THREE strikers around Europe at the weekend - all fairly expensive.

That can only mean one outcome - get Roque's replacement and get him sold.

More details later.

So Rovers were not only in Spain then, interesting as we have been linked to Edin Džeko in Germany too.

The promising thing is that most of the players we are looking at are mid 20's, meaning a good chance to make some money if they turn out to be a success.

[Majiball]

  Eddie said:

Lo(a)ner.

Very good LOL.

  mattyboy6000 said:

to be fair though, 20million for roque is silly prices too. if we got paid that I would expect any club to ask for "their cut" - if you will- for any replacement we went in for.

Once the seasons over we'll have the UEFA and Champions league clubs looking to do some business.

  67splitscreen said:

But maybe not that crazy. Keene on loan. Everton This has to be bboollooxx why would Liverpool ever want to help out there rivals.

Keene

Not convinced that deal will go down to well, Keane to Everton on loan, Reds helping Blues????

I can't believe it even made print. It'll prob turn out to be true now.

  imy9 said:

The promising thing is that most of the players we are looking at are mid 20's, meaning a good chance to make some money if they turn out to be a success.

Finally.

[Taggart]

  nicko said:

No, that one has passed.

As in he has been signed by another club !

[nicko]

  Taggart said:

As in he has been signed by another club !

Yes, it's history.

The striker thing is far more interesting and relevant just now.

[BRFCBOY]

  nicko said:

Yes, it's history.

The striker thing is far more interesting and relevant just now.

any news on the striker nicko

[gazsimm]

  nicko said:

Yes, it's history.

The striker thing is far more interesting and relevant just now.

have things progressed then Nicko. Santa off to City?? Are we only looking abroad for a new striker nicko or are we watching a certain someone in the prem?

[Oklahoma]

Nicko, Any truth in Dzeko being a target for Sam?

[nicko]

I will give you the names I have got later tonight...the truth is I don't think the people who watched them have got back together yet.

But the underlying point is that a top striker is being looked for - to replace Roque.

What you need is to agree on the best one, find out the price, check out any side issues, see if he wants to come and figure if it can be done within the budget...

However wheels are definitely in motion.

Should have a cleared idea about the pecking order soon.

Not 'teasing' because I don't think Rovers know themselves which one they are going to go for...but that should change soon.

Reasonable names, before anyone asks.

[Blue n White Rover]

  nicko said:

I will give you the names I have got later tonight...the truth is I don't think the people who watched them have got back together yet.

But the underlying point is that a top striker is being looked for - to replace Roque.

What you need is to agree on the best one, find out the price, check out any side issues, see if he wants to come and figure if it can be done within the budget...

However wheels are definitely in motion.

Should have a cleared idea about the pecking order soon.

Not 'teasing' because I don't think Rovers know themselves which one they are going to go for...but that should change soon.

Reasonable names, before anyone asks.

Is the top striker Janko or someone else?

[nicko]

  blue n wite rover said:

Is the top striker Janko or someone else?

Janko was the first choice before the weekend...but he was NOT included in the spying trips on Saturday and Sunday.

He isn't out of the frame, but at £9 million he may be too much - and not worth the money.

It depends who the best of the others is...and what he will cost.

But right now the main focus is on finding a striker for decent money which means only one thing - it will be Roque's replacement.

[Bennisfromheaven]

  nicko said:

He isn't out of the frame, but at £9 million he may be too much - and not worth the money.

Does that mean we wont be spending that kind of money on anyone? in other words, what price bracket are we looking at?

[RevidgeBlue]

  nicko said:

I will give you the names I have got later tonight...the truth is I don't think the people who watched them have got back together yet.

But the underlying point is that a top striker is being looked for - to replace Roque.

What you need is to agree on the best one, find out the price, check out any side issues, see if he wants to come and figure if it can be done within the budget...

However wheels are definitely in motion.

Should have a cleared idea about the pecking order soon.

Not 'teasing' because I don't think Rovers know themselves which one they are going to go for...but that should change soon.

Reasonable names, before anyone asks.

Not having a go at you nicko but how can there possibly be any issues about doing any sort of deal "within the budget" unless the plan is to stash away a very sizeable chunk of money?

Also assuming what you say is correct there seems to be a distinct lack of planning here, it doesn't sound like any of the targets are players the manager particularly wants, more like players the manager wouldn't otherwise have looked at just so the owners can get their mitts on the Roque cash.

Again if what you say is correct, Sam has only been here less than 6 weeks and the owners have already failed to back him on a priority target (Bullard?) and in his stated mission of keeping Roque.

[nicko]

  RevidgeBlue said:

Not having a go at you nicko but how can there possibly be any issues about doing any sort of deal "within the budget" unless the plan is to stash away a very sizeable chunk of money?

Also assuming what you say is correct there seems to be a distinct lack of planning here, it doesn't sound like any of the targets are players the manager particularly wants, more like players the manager wouldn't otherwise have looked at just so the owners can get their mitts on the Roque cash.

Again if what you say is correct, Sam has only been here less than 6 weeks and the owners have already failed to back him on a priority target (Bullard?) and in his stated mission of keeping Roque.

If Roque is sold it will be a decision agreed by all parties at Rovers...Sam might be talking up his price but he is also aware that Man City's money is too good to ignore and will never be repeated.

A new boss wants to bring in his new players too - and if Sam can find a replacement within the budget he will do it.

The players being watched are worth looking at. There was a big file on Janko in place and the ones being looked at are good names.

Remember Roque came with a CV that would have put most off and was a gamble at the time.

Every signing includes risk and chance.

Hopefully they pick the right one...the timing is not ideal when it comes to looking abroad but there are few players in the country who can be bought.

As for the player Sam didn't get...I don't think it was a 'priority' in most eyes and sometimes the money men are entitled to their views...but, like I say, that is gone now.

If Rovers sell Roque, get a good replacement and have change left for a late dip or two you may just have won the pools.

[rossyste]

nicko....

hows the burnley "situation" developing...........and before anyone shouts it could be rovers related

[nicko]

  rossyste said:

nicko....

hows the burnley "situation" developing...........and before anyone shouts it could be rovers related

It's on another thread...

[Kelbo]

  RevidgeBlue said:

Not having a go at you nicko but how can there possibly be any issues about doing any sort of deal "within the budget" unless the plan is to stash away a very sizeable chunk of money?

Also assuming what you say is correct there seems to be a distinct lack of planning here, it doesn't sound like any of the targets are players the manager particularly wants, more like players the manager wouldn't otherwise have looked at just so the owners can get their mitts on the Roque cash.

Again if what you say is correct, Sam has only been here less than 6 weeks and the owners have already failed to back him on a priority target (Bullard?) and in his stated mission of keeping Roque.

I dont think that is what has been said, If Rque wants to go and the club can find a good replacement, then no problem, Roque has struggled this year and despite the lack of a wide man, has missed a host of chances when played.

As for the money for Santa, please remember, some money does need to be set aside, we cant just chuck the lot in January, we have to look at it as a financial year and we must remember also that we are still in a precarious situation and should the worst happen, we will need some cash then!! Trust the club, the team aint doing too badly now, we missed chances on Saturday with Roque in the side!! I think with both Dunny and Grella as a midfield and another quality striker, we will be fine.

[RevidgeBlue]

  Kelbo said:

As for the money for Santa, please remember, some money does need to be set aside, we cant just chuck the lot in January, we have to look at it as a financial year and we must remember also that we are still in a precarious situation and should the worst happen, we will need some cash then!!

I disagree with that, if we sell players for a certain amount then a player/players of equivalent ability and value should come in. Otherwise the squad just gets progressively weaker.

Also if we're that worried about relegation the only sensible option is to tell Roque he can't leave this window and then sell him in the summer.

[Presty On Tour]

Nicko, is one of the strikers Saviola? Sam has always been linked with him and he is available though his wages are an issue.

Also did you watch the Royal Rumble last night? Fix I tell ya!

[broadsword]

I agree with Revidge.

You can't just let the squad get weaker and weaker, particularly with the perilous position we are currently in.

Despite all the back and forth arguing I still don't really understand what the money situation is.

Why are we selling decent players and not replacing them properly? When other sides are strengthening, we seem to be getting weaker, and I think an explanation would be welcomed by the fans.

[nicko]

  Presty On Tour said:

Nicko, is one of the strikers Saviola? Sam has always been linked with him and he is available though his wages are an issue.

Also did you watch the Royal Rumble last night? Fix I tell ya!

Saviola isn't playing and is way off fitness. I don't think he is on the radar. Need a fit, scoring striker who can slot in immediately.

Pass on the Royal Rumble.

[RevidgeBlue]

  Presty On Tour said:

Also did you watch the Royal Rumble last night? Fix I tell ya!

Nah, it's real!!

[Paul Mellelieu]

I think the one area we must strengthen is central midfield. We currently have Dunn and Grella (both injured most of the time) Tugay (38), Andrews and the Axe (both not good enough). Ideally we need a couple in, a ball player and a stopper.

Oh and a right sided mid/full back and a replacement forward.