KopTalk.com Forums Football Liverpool FC Forum Downing for 16mil or we turn to Mata

Hi guys, so there is as always a lot of speculation concerning possible transfers. I have been reading a lot on the net and in local media here and from what I have read from various sources i am coming to the conclusion that Downing will be signed before the tour of Asia for a fee not exceeding 16.5 million. If Aston Villa decide to try and stick to their valuation of 20 million, we will give up on Downing and turn our interest into a more serious formal approach for Juan Mata. However, if this turns out to be the case I expect the signing only to go through after the tour of Asia or towards the latter stages of the tour. What are you thoughts? Do you think that we should pay up 16 mil or so for Downing or would you rather add5-10 million and get Mata? Do you think Mata is worth that more than Downing?

Yes, without a doubt. Even at £20m he would be a better bet than Downing - not that I am running Downing down, he's a fair player. But he's 26 and Mata is 20.

There has been a report that we are interested in a French player called Bastos, a wing man who, I understand, could play LB. He's about the same age as Downing and probably cheaper.

I've heard reports linking us with Santi Cazorla, unlikely but I think he would be a better option than Downing, Cheaper, can play on either flank. Mata should be a priority though.

$15 mill is steep for Downing but width and pace is a desperate need for our team so we need to spend the money. Mata, cazorla and Bastos are all better players but I would take any one of the 4 of them!!!!

We're not that desperate, season doesn't start for another month, we can wait out for better players I reckon.

I now Bastos but I doubt we are interested. He is 28 and would probably cost around 20 even though they are reporting 13mil. I am not a huge fan of Cazorla, but that is judging from what I have seen of him, which is only a couple of games, so I dunno about that one. I would love for us to get Mata but I think LFC see Downing as a priority. I think that will be done before the Asia tour starts. As I said, if Villa don't accept our final offer, which I am sure will be made, we will concentrate on Juan Mata I think and make him a priority.

I would prefer Mata, but at this stage i'd actually be quite disappointed if we don't get Downing. I fully expect us to sign him though, and i reckon the club have it under control. If Villa are interested in either Cole or Ngog as *rumoured* then that would give us more bargaining pull.

Might we just get both?? Or is that being a bit greedy? It's possible enough, right?? We do need 2 wingers after all.

Babel is already out, Jova will most likely leave, as may Cole. That's potentially 3 of our wingers gone without a replacement. Downing would make up 1, surely we'd need another.

lol!

juan mata is the number one target and by far the better player imo

if we miss out on mata then we'll turn to downing not the other way around

if we wern't holding for mata then downing would have been wrapped up by now

mata played in the u21's so thats delayed talks. plus i don't think we could sign foreign player til the 1st of july

I seriously think we will sign Downing and either one or both of Juan Mata and Santi Carzola. We have made 2 bids for Downing so far and that could mean Downing is another of our priority target whether we like it or not. And I think the deal will be done before the team leaves for the Far East this Sunday. If we do not get Downing , I would be a little disappointed as we have been linked for him for quite some time now. LW is a problem position that needs immediate reinforcements. RW is not so crucial as I would expect Glen Johnson to play there if Dirk Kuyt is out or is needed in the striker's position.


Just My Thoughts
YNWA...

personally i think we're aiming to get both, but to get downing for 16 million will take a lot of very good negotiating and downing putting in a transfer request, so i wouldn't expect too much movement with downing for a couple of weeks. with mata i think we should just go in with a 22million take it or leave it offer ASAP, if they say no then move on to griezmann. and if villa aren't budging in a couple of weeks make a move for nzogbia or milner