Side note, despite these other teams in for him, after signing Mata from Valencia they'll probably willing to do a deal with us. Mata will also put in a good word for us.

I think we should sign Alba............but only if Cole goes.

There's been talk of PSG making a bid for Cole and if so Alba and Bertrand can provide cover, and Alba can play on the wing.

I have to say though; I do think that Bertrand has what it takes to make it at Chelsea. He's better than Gibbs who's starting at Arsenal for example.

I do think that Bertrand has what it takes to make it at Chelsea.

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Me too . I´m convinced that Bertrand is good enough and I wouldn´t mind seeing Bertrand play a significantly bigger part next season.

Also, Lucas Moura's agent...
'I have to say that Inter, Chelsea and Manchester United have already been in contact with me about him,' Ribeiro told Globo Esporte.
'He has the perfect profile to play in Europe - he's a good player, very rapid and he knows how to shoot.'

This is even more exciting. It's great to see that the club know what sort of youngish talent we have to bring in. I'm optimistic.

Lucas Moura

Alba

Malouda

If we got Alba I'd play him LM

Alba should be a left back. Bertrand his understudy.

Del Horno

Bertrand/Cole rotating at LB and Alba at wing

There are better LW choices than Alba out there though. I'd be happy for Alba to deputise on the wing due to injuries but to sign as a winger seems a tad foolish to me when you consider:
Hazard
Willian
Lucas M
Munian

Hazard, Lucas or Muniain would be much better than Alba as a new winger/forward but I would say Alba and Willian are about the same. Alba might be cheaper though and more versatile

I don't like that he says 'and possibly AC Milan' have been in contact.
He's his agent, he should know these things. There shouldn't be 'possibly's about it.
Sounds to me like he's making things up to get his client a bigger deal.

How much dosh will it take to prise Lucas from liverpools dirty hands?

I'd love to see him at LB for us with Hazard, Lucas or Muniain ahead of him but that would be such a kick in the teeth to Bertrand.

I'm not bothered about Cole, he can leave to Paris if he wants. He's done his time and I'll wish him well but Bertrand can be a fine replacement.

I would also probably sell Cole but PVA is having another average loan spell and while I'm a fan of ADC, being second choice LB would be to much to fast for a player with 0 first team appearances, so ideally Bertrand would be main LB next season and Cole can be used as competition, and as a squad player for the final year of his contract. And hopefully by then PVA has learned to defend and ADC has had a decent loan spell somewhere

Do you really see Cole playing second fiddle?

I don't think his ego would allow it.

That's true I would hope he would realise he is turning 33 that season and with his knees needs to rest more anyway

Alba is LB not LM/LW . Sell Cole and bring him in.

Alba can play LM

Do you really see Cole playing second fiddle?

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No I'd see him being sold. Finally.

Alba can play both LM and LB. The obvious position would be LB.

Yep

Alba can play LM
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Yes but it would be a waste of his talent.