S-Clarke

tbf they wouldn't have gone all the way down the line without investigating the work permit, and if there would be any real issues.

He has already signed, pending the work permit being approved/accepted. Once that's done, all becomes official.

True, that's already happened. He's gone. (David Burke iirc)

He's been converted by the development coaching team into a more attacking left sided player, who can also operate 'in the hole'. They thought he'd suit that role because technically he's very good, and has a good cross and shot on him.....he is a little lightweight, but so was bale in his early days with us. He was terrific in the carling cup games I saw earlier in the season tbh, some great ability on the ball shown in those games. He only made his first league app. on Monday, and it's not easy coming into a team 2-0 down and 10 men. He could do with a loan IMO - but we can't risk that until we have more backup.

De Ridder was injured, which showed up our lack of options even more tbh. Don't think it was anything serious.

Some awesome goals in there, what a great year. Got to be the Boro one for me, although there was so pretty **** defending from boro and that have hearted attempt by Bates to stop it was a shocker.

He's inconsistent, but on his day and when he's on his game he's up there with the best players at this level. From when I've watched him he's always had alot of pace, as well as being quite a presence in terms of physique (height etc). Maybe a change of scenery is what he needs. I wouldn't pass this guy up if we have a chance to get him.

Totally agree with that. But it's good that we've got him training with us already, even before the work permit - so at least we have a bit of time there. I don't think this will be our only attacking addition either, just a hunch.

Great technique with the finish though tbf.

He's got quite a following over there. In terms of popularity and the external revenue this could bring, it's probably our highest profile signing for years. Let's hope he's the real deal on the pitch though, and after reading the comments of people who watch him I feel quite positive.

He's getting there, but I think his injury totally knocked him out of his grove. That combined with teams learning how to contain him. Once he gets his confidence back, which you can't imagine isn't sky high at the mo, he'll start taking one touch again...rather than trying to over complicate things in dangerous positions. He does seem to play much better with Harding in the team though, even against Brighton, for the time Harding was on the pitch, Lallana probably had his best 30 odd mins for a while.

Can play left, right or AMC. typical goal scoring/attacking midfielder. Would add good variation to our midfield in an attacking sense.

Well I think most of us will be reassured with the fact that we are seemingly looking for a goal scoring midfielder.....

It's weird, cause I don't think he's ever been that sort of player. Quite clearly the management there have asked them to act like babies and roll around at every opportunity, as they feel this is the way they can get the advantage. Says alot that they try and do ths rather than play football the right way. Quite clearly they don't have confidence in that they can win without getting an advantage first.

Cardiff don't have a big squad this season though tbf, they lost a huge amount of players in the summer - but replaced a few with quality, but the depth they had isn't the same. So will be interesting to see how they cope.

He'd be excellent, can also play out wide right and has a bit of pace - so perfect really. He has a bit of an attitude problem though, but clearly has talent.

Kind of agree with Adrian, I don't think short-term players is what we're after. He'd be terrific at this level, no doubts about that, but he'd go in the end - we won't be able to keep him for ever, just 3 months.....when possibly you'd be better placed putting the loan fee and the 3 months wages towards a long-term option. Because those 3 months will not come cheap.

You wait till you see our plans. We have a theme park, a petting zoo and a marina all in development in the surrounding area, ready for 2050.

As the cups derailed our season with Pardew, it could also do the same for Cardiff. No matter what anyone says, the extra games and the intensity that requires takes something away from the league matches. Always has been the case.

Have you ever watched us play and the influence he brings to the team? It doesn't sound like it to be honest. It's these sort of posts that do my nut in. ''Get rid of Bale and get the money, he's over rated and cannot defend and is too inconsistent'' ''Cash in on Jones, he's crap, not good enough''. Exactly. People don't realise what we have until it's gone. Don't be so naive.

Wenger does not want to loan him out, there have been plenty of interest from premiership teams. He wants him in and around Arsenal so he can blend him into their team and give him opportunities if and when they come about. It was the same with Theo, it's how Wenger likes to d things.

Is it really that important? No, didn't think so.

Probably not to be honest, if this guy signs and gets approval I'd be surprised if he's not thrown straight into action. As you said, we don't really have the luxury anymore if we're serious about getting out of this league.

£1.5m - £2m for him or £500k for Lee, a Japan international who looks to have so much more about him (ok, granted....it's on youtube) The prices in this country are obscene though, which is why I always felt we'd look abroad. You get much more value for your money, and there are real gems out there if your scouting is good enough to find them (which I believe ours is these days)

Yep he does, but the prob is he's not fit. We need similar quality players in the squad so we don't fall away performance wise when 1 player gets injured.