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Looked for a thread couldn't see one and since we've already had one bid turned down and are more than likely in with another, this deserves a thread. It seems plain that the market we knew has well and truly evapourated. There are a number of reasons why I can see Liverpool paying the 35m and to be honest I'm actually welcome to it. People will say Drogba is worth it for what he's done, I'd rather we signed Carroll for what he COULD do. 1. Pure target man to play next to Suarez. 2. Goalscorer. Alright he's not been here long but you don't score the goals he has if you're a flash in the pan. 3. English/British. There is a reason why it's worth paying the extra for certain English players, not the gulf in class but the fact they're more likely to adapt. He is raw but the lad's a specimen and his acceleration is superb for a lad his size. Have you seen that goal against Chelsea from a pass back? He starts off about 2 yards behind the player and in a 6 yard space ends up getting the ball comfortably before Cech. All in all I'd rather be moaning about overpaying for a gifted young player with potetial to grow physically and mentally than settling for a a foreign player who would be less likely to adapt, doesn't fit our most obvious of needs and is less proven where it matters most to us, the prem. You name me some big target men in the world that turn heads and could command anything like that fee and most if not all will come with more risk than Andy Caroll. The market has changed but the abililties that we require haven't so we either put up or shut up and I'm glad to see Kenny and FSG are going for the previous not the latter. So overall I'm nailing my colours to the mast, I think Kenny has identified his "Aldo" and I hope he gets him.

Brazil star Ronaldinho doubtful for World Cup squad Brazilian Ronaldinho has played 87 times for his country Ronaldinho could miss the World Cup after being omitted from Brazil's final warm-up friendly ahead of the summer tournament in South Africa. He will not face Ireland at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in London on 2 March. The AC Milan star, 29, has not played for Brazil since the start of 2009, but his improved recent form has encouraged supporters to call for his return. But coach Dunga has resisted pressure from the fans and local media in Brazil to recall the ex-Barcelona forward. The 1994 World Cup winning captain has kept faith with Michel Bastos (Lyon), Juan and Doni (both Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo) and Gilberto (Cruzeiro). Former Manchester City forward Robinho, who is now on-loan at Santos, has been included in the squad as has Liverpool midfielder Lucas. But there is no place for Manchester United midfielder Anderson. Ronaldinho won the World Cup in 2002 and famously knocked out England at that tournament after lobbing keeper David Seaman with a second-half free-kick. Brazil legend Pele was another who called for Ronaldinho to return to the fold. Ronaldinho has appeared 87 times for his country, scoring 32 times. He was also twice named World player of the year in 2004 and 2005 and has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or (european player of the year) once. Brazil squad to face Ireland: Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma). Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Juan (Roma), Lucio (Inter Milan), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan). Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Lucas (Liverpool), Kaka (Real Madrid), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo). Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Adriano (Flamengo), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Seville).