04 Jun 2014 14:26:28
Degsy and paddock, I think Martinez is going for players like Maloney just to beef up the squad with Europe on the horizon, and I can see him also bringing in two or 3. other squad players, I think bobby is keeping his jackpot for the hopes of Lukaku signing after the World Cup long shot I know but I don't think he wants to spend the 20 mill or so on another striker just yet incase he has a chance of Lukaku, but that is just my opinion as to why he is holding back the big bucks for now.Greg okeefe said a couple of weeks back he has the bulk of the Fellaine money left to add to what is a handsome transfer kitty this summer.

1.) 04 Jun 2014
You may be right Steph, over ghe money anyway but either way, Maloney is NOT good enough even as a squad player for us he is also 31 and is never fit it would be a disgraceful signing IMO and would send out a massive negative message to the way we're moving forward. A 31 year old championship crock? Nobody can make that transfer look positive to me. That is if of course we are in for him. The thought of it makes me feel sick

2.) 04 Jun 2014
Well Chelsea are signing Costa, so am guessing that pushes Lukaku's nose out again? Ok Eto has gone too, but I would suspect Costa is 1st choice ahead of Lukaku. I guess Lukaku needs to decide if he is going to be a second choice striker in a Champions League team or 1st choice striker with an up and coming club like ours. If we sign Lukaku and it looks like Barry is signing too, then I foresee no problems unless injuries take their toll. Maloney is at best a squad player. He is certainly not better than players we already have in that position. He is also knocking on when we should be looking at 20 to 23 year olds. It could yet turn out ok. If Lukaku does not want us, then Bony would be a good alternative or Batshui or however you spell it. Although he is more of a risk. It is fingers crossed time. If Lukaku keeps performing for Belgium, then the Milans, Madrids etc will be taking a look and then we have no chance.

3.) 04 Jun 2014
I hope it's just lazy journalism linking Martinez with his former players

4.) 04 Jun 2014
Shaun Maloney would be a useful addition, yes very much a squad player but he offers an extra dimension to things including set pieces! Unless he is purchased for silly money with silly wages I do not see the problem in this transfer.

5.) 04 Jun 2014
Toffee Jack, how can you see any justification in signing a player would would struggle to get a game in a newly promoted side. Even as back up or a squad player he is not good enough, he's 31 and a journeyman at best. Scenario. 15 minutes to go and we're 1-0 down and our main striker is having an off day and you look at the bench and Maloney is the option. Would you be happy with that because I certainly wouldn't. He's another one who will keep the physios in a job and at :1 isn't going to get any fitter. It's just so wrong in so many ways especially for a side that's planning on mounting a serious assault on the top 4 next season. Maloney? Just talking about it is infuriating me