Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)

Brendan quoted today in the Echo as saying:
'' I believe the worst is behind us now, I have been saying to one or two people in the staff it has been a difficult period but for us as a football club we have always known what the objective was and that wasn't to lose one of the top strikers in the world.''
''That is still something we still want to achieve . We want to keep him within our team and within or group.''
''The owners have made it quite clear they have been brilliant in supporting our intention to keep him, we also hope to add one or two more to strengthen the squad.''

Brendan's words do seem seem to conflict with JWH's statement that it is too late in the day to sign anyone, much less Suarez being quoted as saying he remains commited to leaving.
Feels like a soap opera where you miss a few episodes....

He didn't say that though, did he.
He said it was too late to sign a replacement for suarez.
Bit of a difference there.

Brendan has come out and said that he believes Costa has signed an extension to his contract so that pretty much puts our interest to bed on this one.

I wasn't personally that keen on it anyway in truth but it would appear that our main targets are slipping away and that's a worry for the Manager.
Contracts being offered, I suspect, aren't up to scratch.

As has been said before, offering small, performance related contracts may work for the up and comers but players that are a little more established seem like they want more reward for their past performances and the reason behind your current interest.

I find it interesting that this rumour has suddenly died now that Suarez is staying.
Would seem that like many suspected, this guy was to replace Suarez, not to complement him.
Speculation of course, but are we now selling Downing to raise funds for another transfer..?

Where's the money?

He should do, enough people on here reminding him.

 


All I remember is a media frenzy on Costa generated by .......  ?  and now what ?

All I remember is a media frenzy on Costa generated by .......  ?  and now what ?

Don't worry mate, over a month ago you said "is that it" and got ripped into a bit, well so far it has only been added to by departures. Costa/Mkhitaryan who actually believes we made a viable bid, because I don't. Not fee + contract because I don't feel we're in a position to.

No worries, sell Downing, loan out Skrtel and then look back and hear the brass say "there'll be nobody else leaving this window".

How would you know how Downing came about this information...? FFS

That's why i said. I dont Think downing....
wasnt meant as a fact but as i saw it.

He didn't say that though, did he.
He said it was too late to sign a replacement for suarez.
Bit of a difference there.

Fairy muff, let's see what difference any signings if they do transpire, make to to our fortunes.

We would have signed Mkhitaryan but he wanted to join Dortmund, nothing can be done about that.And Costa is wanted but what can Brendan do when the player doesn't want to come here? The money is obviously there, we wouldn't have bid  plus  mill on 2 different players if we were skimping.

There's plenty of tricks. Agree a fee, then do ridiculous terms eg payment over x years.
Or just refuse to agree terms with the player ie offer him a derisory salary.
Alternatively, just bid on players you know have no intention of signing.

Personally, I'm sure FSG plan to sell Luis late in the window followed by a public relations "boo hoo hoo, that nasty Suarez has left us without a replacement"...

Back on Costa and Mhkwhatever, I don't believe they were really serious at all. There's plenty of top players about. But FSG believe they can get 40 000 fans through the door no matter how weak our squad is.

Either way, selling Luis for 40 to 50m, and a replacement for about 20m, its pretty indicting all the same.

http://www.marca.com/2013/08/12/en/football/spanish_football/1376330678.html

Diego Costa agrees to Contract extension

Think we dodged a bullet on this one. Glad to 'miss out'

Think we dodged a bullet on this one. Glad to 'miss out'

Totally. Time to lock this

Glad this scumbag isn't joining us.

Put 2 past Seville earlier. Decent goals... Still an horrible c**t though.

Put 2 past Seville earlier. Decent goals... Still an horrible c**t though.

even my mum hates him !

Shouldn't this thread be locked since he is staying put at AM...?

Shouldn't this thread be locked since he is staying put at AM...?

Wouldn't have to worry about that if people stopped posting in the thread when notheing has or will happen.

Seen reports that we will make another bid for this guy in January

Seen reports that we will make another bid for this guy in January

...when Suarez goes 

i miss the transfer window already, looking at rediculous rumours hoping one may be true... roll on january 1st (where we'll still be top of the league)

Seen reports that we will make another bid for this guy in January

there's no chance at all, the press have nothing to do in international week so have started already on the next window.

there's no chance at all, the press have nothing to do in international week so have started already on the next window.

Think it isn't just the media who are like that this week, also football club supporters.

I don't think this was ever more than posturing on our part - perhaps designed to show Luis we were serious re strengthening.

I don't think this was ever more than posturing on our part - perhaps designed to show Luis we were serious re strengthening.

Yeah it was one of the stranger stories of an eventful summer for us!

I don't think this was ever more than posturing on our part - perhaps designed to show Luis we were serious re strengthening.

If I recall, Costa's agent stated he used us as a stalking horse, to get a better contract.

If I recall, Costa's agent stated he used us as a stalking horse, to get a better contract.

Also echo said we lodged an official bid.. they are to be believed