No to that spurs fella...not interested in the slightest.

Whilst i of course dont want ash to leave, If he does, i am happy with Berty as his replacement. He is in the England set up, is getting more experiance all the time and has learnt his trade from the best

For once i agree with DKW

Me too. If as it seems, Cole doesn't get the deal he wants then its time for Bertrand to step up. I think he's ready. I would also bring PVA back, he's been getting decent reviews this season so why go out & spend big. I would much rather put than money toward Falcao or a world class DM.

Not at all, he's stringed great performances together. Last season being the main one. He does make the wrong choices at times, not really denying that, but nowhere near as bad and frequently as you and others making out.

Of course Bertrand gets games but my point was he still wouldn't be first choice if Cole leaves. If Cole was to leave, a replacement would be brought in. I can't see us not signing a new LB if Cole leaves, we would have Ryan, PVA and Cesar (plays both sides) as our LB's. Don't get me wrong, I would be happy with that (Not so much with PVA though but I'm willing to give him a chance) but I doubt the club will be.

You keep saying he won't be first choice like its a fact, when the evidence is to the contrary. Rdm has shown he has complete faith in Bertrand and I would be surprised if he wasn't given a chance to make the left back position his own.

Me too. If as it seems, Cole doesn't get the deal he wants then its time for Bertrand to step up. I think he's ready. I would also bring PVA back, he's been getting decent reviews this season so why go out & spend big. I would much rather put than money toward Falcao or a world class DM.

He's definitely performing well over in Holland from what I've read. Is he good enough to be a squad player for a team like us? It'd certainly be nice, although I guess only time will tell. Don't forget we were also linked to that 17-year old Luke Shaw this summer, who I think plays for Southampton. Not someone that will come in and start right away when Ash leaves, but could be a good prospect to take a fly on while we let Bertrand make his stake to the starting spot.

If we're going to buy a fullback from within the Prem to replace Ash, it'd have to be Baines. Far better footballer than Johnson, no question about it. I'd rather just go with Bertrand, though. He's earned it.

If we're going to buy a fullback from within the Prem to replace Ash, it'd have to be Baines. Far better footballer than Johnson, no question about it. I'd rather just go with Bertrand, though. He's earned it.

Agreed completely. There is no comparing the two. Baines is a standout in an overachieving Everton back line, and leads them along with Jagielka. Johnson is nowhere near as important to Liverpool, a backline that has more talent overall.

But if Ashley is going to leave, I say we go with Berty. England international, academy product, and he's already shown he likes the big stage. He's not at the level of Ash of course but who is?

Agreed completely. There is no comparing the two. Baines is a standout in an overachieving Everton back line, and leads them along with Jagielka. Johnson is nowhere near as important to Liverpool, a backline that has more talent overall.

But if Ashley is going to leave, I say we go with Berty. England international, academy product, and he's already shown he likes the big stage. He's not at the level of Ash of course but who is?

Indeed. The way that Baines and Pienaar combine to overwhelm defenses down the flank is just beautiful to watch. He's probably the best crosser of the ball in the Prem and can take penalties as well. Johnson is clearly inferior to Baines on both sides of the ball and it's positively absurd to suggest otherwise.

Regarding Bertrand, so many Chelsea fans crow about how we've done a sh*t job of developing talent internally and yet here we have a genuine success story in Bertrand. Young, homegrown, inexpensive and quality. He's not Ash, but that's alright because he's still pretty damned good and he should only get better.

Edited October 15, 201213 yr by That Boy Brandinho

Agreed completely. There is no comparing the two. Baines is a standout in an overachieving Everton back line, and leads them along with Jagielka. Johnson is nowhere near as important to Liverpool, a backline that has more talent overall.

But if Ashley is going to leave, I say we go with Berty. England international, academy product, and he's already shown he likes the big stage. He's not at the level of Ash of course but who is?

What the hell? He's been their best player and is generally their most important defender.

Anyway, we all agree it should be Ryan but from reports it looks like we are looking at Baines. Baines is hardly going to come to sit on the bench now is he?

What the hell? He's been their best player and is generally their most important defender.

Anyway, we all agree it should be Ryan but from reports it looks like we are looking at Baines. Baines is hardly going to come to sit on the bench now is he?

Your incredulous reaction to his comment is puzzling, as you just might be the only person in the world who thinks so highly of Glen Johnson. His own mum realizes that Agger and Skrtel are better defenders. Jose Enrique is utter rubbish, so Johnson's definitely their best fullback, but that's damning him with faint praise.

Prior to the start of the season, Baines was rumored to be on the move to Man U for £15m. With his form this year, I'd imagine that price is a conservative estimate. He's got another two years left on his contract after this and it'll take him through age 30, so Everton don't have much incentive to sell him at a cut rate. We'd likely be paying £20m or more for a fullback who'll soon turn 28 whilst we have a perfectly capable replacement for Ash, aged 23. As good as Baines is, this simply doesn't make any sense, which makes me question the validity of any rumors linking him to us. Seems more likely that the same writers pushing the "Baines is more deserving of his spot on the national team than Cole" line find the notion of Chelsea dumping Ash for Baines to fit conveniently into their narrative.

I live on Merseyside now and every Liverpool fan I speak to says Johnsons been sh*t for the last 18 months. hope he doesn't come here that would be a massive step in the wrong direction.

Baines would be a better signing although we have 2 promising left backs at the club so maybe pva can come in and be Bertrands competition.

But if Ashley is going to leave, I say we go with Berty. England international, academy product, and he's already shown he likes the big stage. He's not at the level of Ash of course but who is?

I agree, give him a chance.

Only left back in Cole's league is Lahm & he would cost a fortune (likewise Baines).

Villa on a cheap transfer anyone ?(seems to have fallen out with

I'd Love it as a short term fix if Sturridge goes, provided we don't overpay neither in fee or wages.

Would be a great option but i dont think he would be cheap and i think he would demand top wages.

I could see him joining one of the Milan teams or PSG maybe.

Yeah, he might be a tad expensive. How about Di Natale instead?

Yeah, he might be a tad expensive. How about Di Natale instead?

he's 34 (i think), & is he available on a free?

Yeah, and I'm not sure Udinese would be willing to let him go. He does have an incredible amount of pace for someone his age, I've noticed.

Miccoli is just as good, wouldn't have said no to him on a free.

According to the Fun, West Ham want Thibaut Courtois, yeah like we're gonna sell him, idiots.

According to the Fun, West Ham want Thibaut Courtois, yeah like we're gonna sell him, idiots.

Saw that, surely if he's linked to West Ham it'd be a loan deal, also seen reports saying he'll be loaned out to a British club next season. Surely not we'd sell him unless he was part of a Falcao deal.

If we do loan him to an English club I would rather it be to someone like Fulham. Schwarzer is ancient so they may be looking for a keeper next season.

Saw that, surely if he's linked to West Ham it'd be a loan deal, also seen reports saying he'll be loaned out to a British club next season. Surely not we'd sell him unless he was part of a Falcao deal.

Loan deal I'd be happy with

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8219869/Corinthians-say-they-will-not-sell-reported-Chelsea-target-Paulinho-in-January

Interesting didnt even know we were looking at him, but they could be just trying to get the price up contract cause or not. Didn't the same happen with Oscar too, he's not for sake n then we got him? We do need another DM January's gonna be tough with Mikel at ACON.

Edited November 2, 201213 yr by Bobbywoodhogan

Anyone know anything about this Paulinho? I think we're gonna need another DM in Januay with JOM at the ACON.

Anyone know anything about this Paulinho? I think we're gonna need another DM in Januay with JOM at the ACON.

just about to sign a new contract with his club (agent used us to get him a good deal no doubt). Suppose to be decent, but i'm only going on what i've read.

No quotes, but yes please (yes I know there is prob a thread for this lad): http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/chelsea-s-oscar-encouraging-brazil-team-mate-to-come-and-join-him

Anyone seen Bony play? http://www.clubcall.com/chelsea/bony-linked-with-blues-1497404.html?