How much will we spend?

Are we going to surprisingly flash the cash and tell the media where to go,

or

is the chequebook going to stay shut?

Get your votes in for our estimated January transfer spend....

I'd like to say we'd spend about 15 - 20 Million.

But I think the Americans are only going to give us about 5

I've gone for 5-10. Judging by slick Rick's comments at the Champions League draw last week, there will be money to spend. But the way things are going with the yanks, I don't think we'll be getting much. After all, Rafa has to concentrate and focus on the players he has doesn't he?

I think the owners will give out a bit for Rafa, they will let Rafa buy who he likes, but in January there aren't all the players we want for sale. I said 15-20 because we have already made a few youth transfers while the season has been going on, they will join us come January. But apart from them we will sell someone and gain two, just my prediction. Don't forget we need to get Mascherano, what's the price on his head?

Well as the deal for Masch is gonna be up and around 17million, you'd technically have to vote for 15-20m, but that is a weird deal and could well be concluded in the summer anyway. In terms of players signing on the dotted line in January, I'll say we won't get more than 10 millions worth. If Rafa gets his way he'll get a couple of bosmans, a centre back and leave the big spending 'till January, as that seems to be the way he likes it.

I say 10-15...we're going to see a lot of cash coming back with Carson, Sissoko and Riise almost certainly to be sold in January.

I think that we will spend about 10-15m on 2 players ( a defender & winger ). But we will sell Carson to help increase the funds for javier.

I say 10-15...we're going to see a lot of cash coming back with Carson, Sissoko and Riise almost certainly to be sold in January.

I'd be shocked if we sold Riise, I really would.

Why would you be shocked if we sold Riise?

I wouldnt be shocked per say but would almost guarantee 2 defenders coming in during the transfer period.

If the backup centre back we buy can play left back, like Heinze or Kaladze, I'd be well up for selling Riise. His best days are definitely behind him now.

If the backup centre back we buy can play left back, like Heinze or Kaladze, I'd be well up for selling Riise. His best days are definitely behind him now.

I agree with you, though not on those two choices there. Aren't they both 29? They're best days will soon be behind them too...

Having watched Insua for the reserves a lot I think we only need someone for the next 18 months, come the start of the 09/10 season I would expect the young Argie to be ready.

Agreed Ed. The kid impressed me too when i watched him. Heinze is the one who keeps popping up to come in. That leaves us with AA, Agger, Carragher, Hobbs, Aurellio, Riise, Sami and Gaby. Strong line up.

Rafa has been doing talk as of very recently about having players lined up- I would bet you a dime to a dollar that Gab Heinze is one of them.

Rafa has been saying today that he hopes to make some big signings pretty soon in January. Watch this space. PS it was on Setanta.

The team needs the following additions:

a) Another prolific striker, the likes of Torres,
b) Mascherano on a permanent basis,
c) A top-notch Central Defender;

I think 15 -  20 million pounds will be 'sensible', that will seal the mascherano deal; and then Rafa can off-load some excess baggage and buy new players that can further strengthen and increase our thrust to the top of the league.

I say 10-15...we're going to see a lot of cash coming back with Carson, Sissoko and Riise almost certainly to be sold in January.

That will be a miracle; Selling Riise, that is. Rafe Benitez is not going to sell Riise anytime soon.

Err, why?

Err, why?

Not talent wise but depth. We need depth in defence and we're suffering abit. Selling him assures 2 defenders coming in pretty much.

Well Martin Skrtel in £6.5m, probably Sissoko out = £8m? And who knows about Javier Mascherano...

15.5 million im thinking.

We must get Mash