Rousseau

What's the cost?

He is experienced in terms of the longevity of his career, but in terms of match experience it's not as great as it should've been. A decent season for us in the SPL several years ago, then wasting in the Liverpool reserves for several seasons, followed by a couple of season's at Hearts (one of which was in the CH). I think we expect more because he's been around since he was 16. Fair enough. I'd like to see him stick around. I think he's a good defender, albeit guilty of being complacent.

I agree, but I don't think that's a reason to bin him at the age of 26.

He's 26. Do you expect a finely polished defender at that age? I don't think a defender reaches their peak until closer to 30. A lot of his problems have been his due to his partners, and the sheer number of them, IMO.

It appears I'm in the minority with regards to Wilson. I can't believe YOU'RE ALL WRONG?!

I think Wilson should be playing for Scotland; which is an indictment of the dearth of CB talent in Scotland, rather than me saying he's a top, international class player -- whatever that is nowadays?

The fact his contract is ending may indeed by the incentive that has fuelled his good performances of late. It shows that he can reach that level. Moreover, defenders mature later anyway; he's still only 26! I would prefer Wilson with one of Alves or Martin as the first-choice pairing; the solid defender, alongside Wilson's play-making abilities. I think Martin will be the third-choice: Alves is too good to leave out, and Wilson is good, but has that experience of knowing what it means to play for Rangers.

I think it's a silly move all-round. We'd be losing a decent defender that's coming into his prime -- one can only hope! -- and one who has been doing well this season. He could get into the Scotland squad, which would vanish if he left for the MLS. I agree with Ian, though: I don't believe it.

He is most definitely now our t*t! The arrogance is brilliant, but he needs to do it on the pitch.

The purpose of the 'B' teams in the Spanish professional leagues is to bring through young players; in that regard it is most definitely successful. I appreciate the reservations, but I think anything to help bring through young players is beneficial.

I understand, and in that regard Arsenal got a good deal. I still think Man Utd got the better deal.

Aubameyang is an exceptional player -- when he can be arsed playing; he didn't bother turning up for some of Dortmund's games! Not sure of the benefits of ridding themselves of a "problem player" in Sanchez to get this guy! Kidding... sort of! Exceptional player, and he'll score goals. What's the price being touted? £50-60M? That's not bad in this market for a good goalscorer.

In terms of position, nothing changes. We can exclude that. Yes, get rid of a potential problem player now. You can say the same about Mkhi, although not to the same extent perhaps. In this regard, Arsenal are probably better off. Financially, Arsenal free up a lot of wages -- I suspect -- but they also get an inferior player. Each side is taking on the other's financial obligations, but Man Utd are getting a far better player. Utd are also getting a player worth over £63M (based on City's bid less than 6 months ago) for someone that is worth £31M (Transfermrkt), which you can take or leave because of the source, but I think it's fair valuation. (You can argue his REAL value is less because of the length of his contract, but Utd were willing to spend £25M, and City were willing to spend £20M right now. Not far off Mkhitaryan's highest value.) I can only conclude that Utd get the better deal financially -- the only down side is they're taking on more wages, but it's worth it because of the player. Man Utd got the better end of the deal... IMO.

We mustn't overlook Allen in that, though.

Surely we're not interested in O'neill? That would be a bad appointment IMO.

It works in Spain. And, I think, Spain are doing better than Scotland?

So it's a straight swap? Man Utd have got the better end of that deal.

500k seems like a decent price.

I'll wait until he runs onto the pitch before believing these 'improvements'; there have been many false dawns. He would be a very good addition: he's the defensive type that we need, but can also pass.

Sorry, Mr Frankie, sir... I've have now corrected that most egregious oversight.

I've now read it. Rick outlines the situation well. Does seem a little strange. Ferguson's was a personal 'ban', but The BBC never stopped sending reporters. Our situation seems without precedent indeed.

Busted! I skipped some of it... The shame.

How long was Sir Alex's boycott of the BBC?

Anyone leaving a National job, especially one's own nation, would need a substantial step up; this is barely a side-step.