Summer Transfer Thread

When will the Ryan Kent rumours start?

Aaronson due to sign in next few days now we've stayed up....

It is on LeedsNewsNow site but is also by a respected journalist. Great news if true and can't believe we'd actually sign a player EARLY in the window!!

Yes! It’s downright fantastic. After the results on Thursday, things did not really look good. This is huge. Almost the same feeling as when we went up, two years ago 🙏

Hopefully we’ll keep Phillips and Meslier. Raphinha could be lost, though for a lot of money. If this money is used on Aronsson (or possibly a better no. 10) and a proper left back (Taylor would be good enough for me), then I’d like to see all the following given plenty of game time next season: Cresswell, Drameh, Bogusz, Summerville, Gelhardt, Bate and Greenwood. Heard that James is wanted in Italy: let him go! If Rodrigo is homesick, I’d get as much money for him as possible with a smile on my face. Probably feel the same way about Firpo and Llorente… However, I think that Koch has potential. Cooper and Harrison should also be close to our starting-11, while Ayling, Klich and maybe even Dallas could find themselves to be squad players. Interesting summer ahead! MOT

A no from me - not on the way he left us - he can enjoy his time in Championship with Bumley

- Klaesson was playing first team football when we signed him.

- Hjelde has just finished playing 15 straight games as a first teamer out on loan in the Scottish top flight before returning to Celtics then signing for us.

- Summerville had a successful loan prior to signing for us.

- McCarron, Allen, McKinstry and Gelthart had all first team football game time before signed them.

If you think about the above and then put yourself in there shoes sitting in the u23's and something not even getting game time there because are/were told to train with first team which conflicts with a u23's game. Would you be happy?

@Richard Jackson Alying performances have that bad this season. Dremah played a couple of games as a sub and a start and preformed better. So yes he should have been given a chance above Ayling. Has Hjelde, Gelthart, Greenwood, Summerville, McKinstry and Cresswell let us down when they play? No, so why not allow a chance to play as good knows it is no worse then what we have been made to watch at times. All at the same time no but if the first team player is not performing the he can get the fu8k back to the bench and his spot can go to someone else and why not someone young who be bought or developed.

No it didn't Soopa, and we simply can't expect any help from others.

Very much fear to get relegated, it would be disastrious for so many reasons.

Facts are that Leeds is certainly one of the very fews clubs that actually gives youth a chance → Geldhardt, Sommerville, Greenwood, Bate, Hjelde, Cresswell, Drameh, Shackleton.

In total 7 or 8 youngsters have played for the first team + Kenneh & Gray have also made the bench.

What other club in the Premiership can match those numbers.

Granted that some got their chance, because of the number of injuries we got and having such a small first team squad.

On Gotts & Stevens.

What Premiership or Championship club are Gotts & Stevens now playing for?

If Bogusz's agent struggled or was lucky to find him a club, what does that say about the agent or the player?

There is nothing wrong with playing a few, is they're good enough.

Throwing them in, all at the same time is a different matter.

Having them out there, when they're not quite ready isn't gonna help them or the their careers. We shouldn't forget how difficult it is for a young player to play in an already struggling side. Much easier to accommodate players in a team that has no relegation worries.

100% guy.

Its a massive step the Premier League and even within the PL there are different levels. People will argue if indeed the PL is the best league in the world, but nobody would argue it isn't in the top 3 so by default the players in that league have a quality that's far better than average in 90% of the top leagues in Europe.

I do also agree (regardless where we are playing football next season) we need new signings, strength and depth in the squad, otherwise 22/23 we will be looking over our shoulders for much of the year instead of looking up and breaking new ground.

Thing is, a lot if not everything will depend on the league we'll be in.

If we manage to survive, it's pretty obvious that if we don't want go through another struggle, the need for quality reinforcements is staring us in the face.

With all respect, what makes people believe players that like McCalmont & Bogusz are ready and have the ability to play at the very top level.

McCalmont is currently playing at league one club Morecambe (19th in league 1), and he's not even getting in their team every time.

Think about it, he's at Morecambe after being at Oldham the season before.

Not one single Championship side came in for him.

Boguez had a very good start (goals & assists) to the season with Ibiza (second division, mid table position), then faded and got this serious (acl damage).

Remains to be seen how and if he fully recovers.

Drameh has done very well at Cardiff, but that's in the Championship in a struggling team with far less expectations and demands than at LUFC & most Premiership sides.

There have been plenty of players standing out at Championship level, but who then turned out to be pretty average/poor in the Premiership.

There's no shame in that, but not every player is made to play at the toplevel, even if they've got a link with LUFC.

The same applies for the U-23's, there are talented lads in there.

Some will make in the Premiership, others will have decent/good careers at a different level. However, not all of them will make the cut.

Now, if the worse happens, there will be a far more serious overtun of players (numbers out) and more youth will get their chance.

The other point to note is that James does put the effort in. Costa didn't look as if he was trying. I do understand the temptation to try and play Raphinha, Harrison and James together in the same team, but I think Raphinha would be the best of the three playing in a central position, he certainly can score goals. As to an extent does Harrison! I don't ever see Costa playing for us again. I expect him.to be shipped out on loan again, but it won't be to a club of Valencia's stature. Blackburn do seem very excited to have Poveda back, I will be interested to see what he does in pre season.

In general Shacks has done well when turning out for the first team (mostly at the back or as a wingback. Have to say I don't see him as a center mid.

To further his career he certainly needs far more time on the pitch.

A spell at a good Championship side would be ideal.

On Rodrigo, admittedly his goalratio per minute looks rather good, but this doesn't tell the whole story. MB subbed him a lot (at ht or the hour mark) because his contribution had amounted to nada.

Again, lately he's been far more present & effective.

On Costa & James, I would be fairly happy if their crossing ability would mean finding their intended man 5 times out of 10.

In terms of pace & acceleration Costa is effectively yards behind James (I would even go as far and say that McCarron is quicker than Costa).

James is a winger by trade, made to play as a striker.

The free role doesn't suit either player, because as you say, they've both got a lack of football knows/intelligence.

Both are indeed lightweight, but I've never seen Costa putting his opponent under pressure, close people down & track back, let alone putting in a tackle.

Both players are brushed aside with ease (pity because we've got simply too many lightweights in our team), but again there is no comparision between the two. If you only look at Costa from the right angle, he's already on his way down. OK I'm exagerrating somewhat, but you know what I mean.

But truth be said, I do agree that both so far, have not warranted their transferfees. Have always felt we needed reinforcements in other areas, not another winger when we already had Rapha, Harrison & plenty of back-up.

Bull, sorry mate. But in truth I was just trying to be sarcastic...

Kun just needs someone to give him a chance and believe in him.... and Jesse Marsch could be that guy...👍

I'm really hoping JM sees something he likes in Kun and Poveda... because they really do have the potential to become great players 👍

Fortunately, De Bock's contract expires in the summer. Kiko is likely to be paid off for the one year remaining on his and we will try to sell Costa for anything we can get.

The rest are likely to go out on loan again or be sold unless JM sees something in them in preseason.

We don't need any more players as we've got quality in abundance.

And don't forget we've got the likes of Kiko, De Bock, McCalmont, Costa, Kun, Poveda, Davis all coming back to us.

So even if Raphina & Philips were to leave, we've still got plenty of cover.

We should/could perhaps consider giving Bouy another crack at it, the lad was never really given (a fair) chance. European football here we come.

Divock Origi is a decent shout and at 11million would certainly improve our squad, still young at 27 and we could at least offer him more game time than where he currently is. But why would anyone deliberately leave this current liverpool team?

Midfield i think we could do alot worse than James Ward Prowse at Southampton, 27 years old, PL experience, less than 30million, wouldnt want "massive" wages i would have thought, decent player and an excellent dead-ball specialist, ticks alot of boxes in my book

Dan James best position is winger.... well i am not sure about this as everything demonstrated to date at Leeds thus far has shown he has next to no game I.Q. it is purely his speed that he depends on. Side note, he is not the fastest in the club as McCarron claims that.

If i was buying a Striker and it would be Liverpool's Divock Origi or Luka Jovic real Madrid (heard he is unsettled)

If i was buying a midfielder it would be Morgan Gibbs-White from Sheffield united or Florian Neuhaus from Borussia Monchengladbach.

Im in the same boat with that thinking Smurf

Hopefully we bring back Dremah from his loan as it will be like a new signing.

Hopefully Boguez recovers from his injury and get a shot at the midfield position. Even McCalmont needs a chance.

For me signing a Attacking Midfielder of serious experience would be a good start. Swift from reading is a solid pro and might be suited to us but otherwise i not sure.

Dan James situation should ever happen again. To much money wasted here.

It's a bit No from the North of Ireland re Normman.

Any striker we buy needs to be better than Gelhardt and Greenwood. JM really rates Greenwood and has as good as said he's going to play him, and fandom totally loves Joffy - the New Rooney, so unless it's someone of the calibre of Marcus Rashford or equivalent, I see no need to chase wanderlust forwards.

Get me an attacking midfielder and I'll be happy.

I've contacted the mods who see your over zealous replys as inadequate and unappropriate for this forum.

Expect something in your inbox from the powers that be.... although I've heard you're partial to that

On one of the crap Leeds News Now sites we're linked to Normman of Norwich.... he's a player I've loved, albeit sporadically, and we'd get him at a VERY reasonable price when Norwich are relegated as he's only on loan.

I'm sure he came on very early against us in the away game and was excellent which drew my attention to him.... maybe wrong and it could have been another game.

It'd mean slowing the progress of Bate etc and maybe even having to sell Forshaw.... I'd still prefer Koopermeiners though at 15m but Normman would be a cheap proven option as cover/competition.

I saw a post saying spurs looking at Harrison

It's as if I already knew we'd get the USA in the world cup...

We could have the top USA players warming up for that tournament at Elland Road....

Tin hat time again....

If Rapha goes, which we obviously don't want but is inevitable, should we get Trincau from Wolves, who is on loan from Barca, as part of the deal?

He was outstanding against us when he came on a few weeks ago but is apparently inconsistent.... I personally don't know enough about him.

If we get 50m for Raph, pay 20m for Trincau, 30m for Aaronson and Summerville turns into a wifebeater we'll have 3 players in exchange for Raphinha.... that's without spending any other dosh on different positions.

Add 30m for Ivan Toney, get Drameh back, pay 15m for one of these LBs that are potentially brilliant, 15m for some French African CB that nobody has heard of and we've only spent circa 60m....and that's without getting rid of the deadwood.

I agree that some of the valuations are a bit skewed. I would expect £40m would seal a transfer deal. But none of us really know what’s happening behind the scenes.

Maybe a reality check folks?

There's a difference between what we think a player is worth now or in the future vs what somebody will pay. This isn't a computer game and the payer can refuse to go to a specific club even if we do get a super bid.

"Technically" we can ask for what we want because we have his registration, but there's no guarantee we wont see Rapha's form drop off if we refuse him a dream move. He could sulk until he's available on a free (like Bale) and although we'd hope not, he has been indifferent in the last 3 months compared to last year (maybe since he got his Brazil cap).

What did we promise Rapha when we signed him? Not the black and white of a contract but the personal relationship? We don't know what personal assurances Deco and Rapha got in order to get him to us in the first place.

Players and Agents are not robots - there are lots of them out there and they talk to each other.

Playing hardball on one player's future has knock on effects on the club's business reputation - it becomes much harder to be taken seriously when we look for the next signing. Part of our business model (clearly spelt out recently) is to bring on younger talent and sell one or two a year if we want to build up a war chest. Once you mess one guy about then others take notice.

There is a food chain whether we like it or not. We trumped Rennes and took him for a bargain fee of £17M, now a Euro giant will take him from us.

Conclusion: Rapha wants to go - he deserves to go to a top club - so we have to play ball with him and behave in good faith. That may mean we don't get the dream transfer fee.

In the future we all hope Leeds will be much closer to the top of the food chain, but it'll take time, patience and a great deal of money - at least we have come along in leaps and bounds since 2018.

Real Madrid apparently want Kieran Tierney for circa 50m....surely a matchwinner like Raphinha should cost 10/20m more!?

If we could get Aaronson for less than 30m and he keeps improving then it could be a great deal....especially if we start giving Summerville game time and his potential turns positive for us.

It'd be a win/win situation....

Id like to do that too stuoldroyd but unfortunately that aint how things work.

I personally wouldnt like to sell rapha to any other english PL team as we know he would probably score a bloody hattrick against us, but i agree we cant be seen to steam-rolled by a bigger Club.

Its bloody laughable tho that a Club like Barcelona, one of the so called European Super League Clubs, cant afford the 50m minimium price tag, i wonder were they going to travel to the ESL games by dinghy????

Like most people,I'm already resigned to the fact that Raph is leaving.... but for once we need to stop rolling over for other clubs,agents and players who want to leave for a big pay day... and demand that we get a good price 👍👍

I would not accept anything less than £40m for Raph and if Barca want him that bad but can't afford it then we take control of the situation and use it to our advantage,and tell them to stuff Aston Villa give us Coutinho + cash.... a defender + cash is no good to us we need to replace him with a like for like player.... And if they don't like that idea we say 'walk on' and sell him to Liverpool or who ever else is willing to pay big bucks 👍

I agree Soopa, there is far too much noise around this for it not to be taken seriously. I would be amazed if the deal is priced at £29million, whilst we may not acheive the buyout clause payment of £60million, I would hope therefore that it's somewhere north of £40million. Barca will also keen on sweetening the deal by offloading a centre half to us. I'm pretty sure that we have that area well covered, so not sure that will fly.

I just hope that Rapha is back to his best for the remaining 8 games and gets us over the line. I think he owes us that much!.

Sorry Smurf - I know you won't believe anything on "clickbait" sites, but more and more updates today - including the top line on the BBC gossip column - Victor Orta has now met with Deco - Leeds accept he won't sign a deal with us and he's leaving - allegedly Leeds have now agreed a fee with Barca.

No smoke without fire - I know the same happened when Bielsa left. This is for real folks - even if the destination changes late on Rapha is going.

Interesting post Smurf.

IMO we definitely need a decent LB, an attacking midfielder and ideally someone like Toney - with Bamford missing so much of the season, for whatever reason no one has stepped up to adequately replace him.

Three genuine quality signings and progression of U23 players should give us a strong team/squad. (assuming we don't lose Phillips or Raphinha, who would need replacing).

Smurf, very good analysis imo. I like the idea of Drameh at left back - problem (maybe) solved! On Bogusz, since the Australian tour at least, I saw signs that he could be a real star as our box-to-box midfielder as replacement for Klich (who rates Bogusz), and we should want him back, by now. Aronsson as a high-pressing and goal-scoring midfielder could be a really good and needed acquisition. Thinking of all our other talented wingers, we might be better off, all in all, by selling Raphinha to finance Aronsson, and then using whatever‘s left over to keep Phillips.

Not sure about Firpo. For some players, it's not until the second season that they shine. Think Chris Wood, Kemar Roofe, Matheuz, Klich etc. Personally, I'm a great believer in second chances and would be willing to give Firpo the benefit of the doubt for a second year. Seeing as we have put in place another coaching team that specialises in improving players, I'm reluctant to write off players before the seasons end.

Strikers are expensive and goalscoring strikers are prohibitively expensive. There's little point buying somebody who is second tier when we already have Bamford and our current manager seems to trust Rodrigo. Orta has made the right call to invest in youth and any new forward would block the development for Gelhardt & Greenwood, not to mention Mateo Joseph Fernandez and Max Dean. And Kun is still in our books, I always thought he had what it takes to play the role of a deep playmaking forward - and that's well worth considering looking at in pre season. I'd definitely like to see both G men given the chance to live up to their potential over the remaining games of this season. I wouldn't buy a striker.

If we retain Raphinha, we don't need any new wingers, especially as Summerville needs game time and is too good a talent to let go. Raphinha, James and Harrison can also play the role of second striker when required.

We definitely don't need CBs, in fact we probably need to offload one. And if I were to pick one - Koch is the one who imho hasn't anywhere near justified his transfer fee. He's also one we could get some return on our outlay. Llorente hasn't looked good recently, but he plays well alongside the more authoritative Cooper. And we really need to give Cresswell game time.

We don't need a right back, no matter what Phil Hay says. Ayling is both a leader and still bombs down the flank. And in Drameh, we have a class act who will definitely play for England. And he can play LB too!

I certainly wouldn't disturb the keeper position either. In Meslier and Klaesson, we have two awesome prospects who should be competing with one another for years to come. And in Marcus Abad, we have a great goalkeeping coach. Orta has got this one bang on right. And Christy and Ombang don't look bad either.

That leaves midfield. We all want to keep Phillips and Forshaw has been a revelation since his return from injury - who wouldn't begrudge him an extension. Shackleton is too good to be overlooked and offers more cover at RB. I would be very interested in welcoming Bogusz back in place of Klich. We do though need that creative attacking midfielder, which increasingly looks like being Aaranson.

The biggest issue this season is not just the injuries, but it's been injuries to all the leadership players. Cooper's influence is immeasurable, he leads the team, he makes us tick. Phillips is the engine of the midfield and Bamford is the ultimate team player.

So, in summary, I wouldn't be unhappy with a squad next year that looks something like this. There's a few old heads, some players at the top of their game, and plenty of youth. If we invest the transfer kitty in improved contracts for our most 'in demand' players, I 'd say they would be happy to stay. I'd back this squad to get better and better.

Meslier/Klaesson

Ayling/Drameh

Llorente/Cresswell

Cooper/StruiJk/Hjelde

Firpo [or new LB, Sergio Gomes from Anderlecht anybody?]/Dallas

Phillips/Forshaw/Bate

Aaranson/Shackleton/Bogusz

Raphinha/Summerville

Rodrigo/Greenwood

Bamford/Gephardt

James/Harrison

I know I'm probably alone in this kind of thinking, but we will never compete with richer clubs in the transfer market. In the long run, we are better off being smart - bringing in coaches who can improve players, sticking with VO's plan to identify, develop and nurture the best young players available. That's the Anderlecht way, that's the Dutch way. And you know what, I don't mind doing things differently to other premiership clubs!

true Danish and i would argue we need a striker also.

This season was always going to be hard on Bamford to replicate never mind surpass his first season in the PL. Sadly injury has set him back, and who knows maybe he will never get back 100% the way he was, please God that wont happen, but unfortunately that's exactly what does happen to so many injured players.

A genuine goalscorer that can rattle in 15-20 goals a season is it in itself almost secures mid-table status, add goals then from midfield and CB's headers from set pieces now you are looking at inside top 10.

For me the difference between Clubs surviving and thriving is the quality up top.

The difference between teams challenging for titles isn't in attack but at the back and the number of clean sheets a team keeps by and large

Our situation is the same as a little less than a year ago: we still need a proper left back and a creative midfielder (no. 10).

Still think with the WC only 7 months away now "if" Leeds hold onto Rapha during the summer his value will increase "if" he plays well and will most definitely rise in value should he help Brazil win the Jules Rimet.

Missing our last game against Wolves last Friday night was a pity because he certainly played well against Norwich so maybe JM has buttered him up a bit and the recent change in manager will be a positive in Rapha's mindset.

First and foremost need Rapha firing on all cylinders for the last 8 games and "if" he wants to go he will need to show others that he is player that can improve any Club so for now if JM can focus his mind for the last 2 months of the season he can tell Rapha to go out on the pitch and show everyone watching that you are no ordinary footballer, no better way in my experience to help any young player to deliver. Actions speak louder than words and Rapha's actions on the pitch will show his proper value more so than his agent sitting in some boardroom dishing out stats, and talking a good show.

LUFC priority is survival and Rapha is one of key players that we need to perform for us right now. He performs well our results / points should improve and his performances can be properly assessed by other Clubs.

But i think at minimum we need at least 2/3 new signings in the summer to help the Club to climb up the PL ladder and if Rapha goes make that 4 new players that will be needed in the Summer.

I can't see any club paying over £40m for Raphinha. Not Liverpool, not Barcelona, not PSG. Too many of you are buying into the BS on the clickbait sites. His agent is no doubt trying to get a better deal, fair enough, but that doesn't make him a £60m player. Transfermarket.co values him at £36m and that's probably about right. In fact given the current state of 'big finance', clubs are going to have to live within their means, so I expect to see a lot less multi million pound transfers. Anyway, I've seen as many stories suggesting he's poised to extend his existing contract and that's what we should be wanting out club to do.

We aren't going to be all that active in the transfer market. The club has recruited a manager renowned for developing youth players. The manager has recruited as an assistant, somebody who made his name managing Swansea's u23 side, and has also promoted the Leeds u23 manager as assistant. Add in VO's masterplan and it's clear to see the strategy will be to promote the youngsters. Don't be surprised if Aaranson is the sole big name signing.

I think one of the clubs chasing Rapha will stump up the £60million valuation by Leeds, so he will be off in the summer, sad to see him go but life goes on. News feed suggests that we may be going back in for Ryan Kent at Rangers who has a release clause of £20million, presumably to cover Rapha's departure. Kalvin may stick around for another year, however if we are going for a rebuild, then the combined transfer fees for both of these would give a decent war chest for JM to use.

We have to keep young Meslier. He will only get better and we need a confident keeper between the sticks.

I definately would not sell Strujik, yes he does have the odd moment, but he will develop into a very good player. I agree that Klich will go in the summer, but would hang onto Forshaw for perhaps another year. Don't know about Koch or Llorente, maybe they will flourish under a new playing system with JM.

Given all the noise, it seems pretty nailed on that Aarondson will be here. oIf he is as good as the papers say then he should fit in.

Rodrigo - Well this chaps continues to be an enigma. Everytime I completely slag him off, he comes back with half a decent performance. Again, will this be a player who will perform better in a different system? Maybe hand onto until January and see what happens.

I don't think we need wholesale changes, just a bit more luck with injuries!

I wouldnt sell Pascal TC10 decent player but just needs a more reliable CB beside him as id say playing with llorente is a bloody nightmare.

priorities for me is

Striker & Playmaker without these we will never break into the top 6 hence never see European football baring an FA Cup win.

I agree we need to strengthen midfield but we must still remember that we have only come out of the championship after a massive spell away from the top table so bridging the gap between lower half of the PL and mid-table could be a 3-5 year term alone, possibly another 2-3 years to be really pressing the top 6, with another 2-3 years solid investment the holy grail of a CL spot. Sadly tho a Newcastle situation, after being taken over by a gazzillionaire, could add another couple of years onto that, simply down to MONEY, not ability or player development, they will buy success on a scale nobody will ever have seen in World Football of that i'm certain.

Effectively now Manure, City, Chelski, Liverpool & now Newcastle (5 teams) fighting it out for 4 coveted CL places, something has to give and the only solution these owners will understand will be pump more money into their squads making it even harder for Clubs like leeds to break through.

Its a long road but most fans are reasonable and as long as the players give 100% for the jersey that's all we ask. We've gotten that for the last 4 years under Marcelo's guidance and it does look like the players have taken to Jesse so i'm hopeful we can progress steadily however number one priority for this season and next will be to maintain PL football at ER

I doubt KP would leave for the Spammers or Villa. Leeds are as big if not bigger.

They are not Champions League clubs that will challenge every year for a trophy.

Rafa, IMO will leave. Just hope Real come with the right bid. Barca are having a laugh at £29million. Rafa even said he left Rennes as they told him they would not sell him for less than £50million but accepted just £17million from us, which upset him.

Deco just wants a bigger cut of the pie.

Sorry, I would tell him he can leave if a club offers £70=£75 million for him. He will still get £200k per week there, it is just his agent that has to accept less.

Kinda agree there stuoldroyd KP's contract dosent expire until June 2024 so its not too much of a gamble to wait until Jan/Feb 23 to offer him a new contract or to revalue Kalvin.

Rapha is also contracted until June 2024 (i think) but it did look he was disinterested towards the end of MB's reign in charge, maybe now with Jesse at the helm he might wipe the slate clean and reignite his playing performances, but "if" his head is turned by Barca, PSG, Liverpool, Man City, etc, then a Club like Leeds wont really have any hold on him, unlike Philips as he sees himself as a Leeds United lad.

I think we need to pin down Adam Forshaw tho, his current deal is up June 2023 so maybe offer him another one year extension (the guy will be 31 later in the year afterall) any longer could prove to be wasteful.

I'd be inclined to wait until after the world cup to sort Phillips out with a new contract if was happy to wait... because if he has a great world cup we could easily put an £80m price tag on him... probably more 👍

1st reports say Rapha has turned down the new contract, which is hardly surprising, assuming of course any of this is correct. Yes, I agree it was ourselves who opened Rapha to the outside world and we should be duly compensated for our efforts, so the logical solution will be to reach some sort of compromise on release price, but I don't think we should be looking anywhere South of £50million and we should stick to our guns.

Be interesting to hear what type of figure has been put into Kalvin's contract, I would presume this would be somewhere between £50-£55 million.

Bang on Mouse, and Leipzig can feck off too!

If Barca want him that badly but don't want to pay over 30 million,I'd try tempting them with a player plus cash deal like Depay or Ferran Torres + £30m 👍

I'm not so sure that I agree on the £70million value as a release clause. To my mind, the value should be somewhere around £50million. That gives us near enough 3 times the amount we paid out. Yes he is a valuable asset, but there is no point putting in a figure that results in a contract not being signed and we leave ourselves wide open.