Why get a bunch of rejects from a team SPLASHING THE CASH on world class players?
Because:
a) we are not able to 'splash the cash on world class players'
b) Johnson & Ireland may want to leave because of the arrival of these 'world class players' and we should at least consider them if the policy is buying British
c) Gerrards not getting younger and we have no potential replacements on hand for when he's injured or off-form.