Chelsea Rumours Archive December 21 2015

 

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21 Dec 2015 05:31:45
So now Chelsea have an interim manager in place, will they look to buy anyone in January?

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{Ed002's Note - Some of this will change by January and the summer and there are major dependencies on (a) players leaving, and (b) how much money the club can raised through sales. However, there is known to be (or have recently been) some level of interest in the following players fairly recently:

Goal Keeper:

Possible but I suspect the summer may see something happen: Maccabi Tel Aviv's Pedrag Rajkovic is continuing to be watched by Chelsea after his performances in the Champions League. If Begovic were to leave for first team football Chelsea will move quickly.

Possible: Chelsea has been keeping watch over Troyes' goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni - and they may well move regardless of whether Begovic goes or stays.


Right Back:

Unlikely in January: Chelsea and Inter Milan have a declared interest in Benfica's Nelson Semedo who has also been watched by scouts from Manchester City. Benfica wil not be keen to sell.}

Centre Back:

Unlikely and not ready: River Plate's Balanta is of serious interest to Udinese, Roma, Valencia, Juventus, Olympiacos, Real Madrid, Galatrasaray and AC Milan. Manchester United, Napoli and Caniggia for Liverpool had shown interest when he was younger but that interest has gone. Valencia agreed a move last summer but it fell through. Arsenal and Chelsea have watched the player on a number of occasions as well. Guardiola was a fan when at Barcelona. His agent says he has been approached by Aston Villa and Leicester City about the availability of the player. He would need a lot of work before being ready to play at the highest level in Europe, although Udinese, Olympiacos, Roma and Valencia were actively seeking an agreement for this summer, but nothing came of it.

First choice and clear target but remains very unlikely: PSG had no intention of selling Marquinhos and have agreed a new contract with him regardless of interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Interest of Manchester United has gone.

Very unlikely: Chelsea and Bayern Munich have sustained interest in Varane.

Possible: New York RBs Matt Miazga has attracted scouts from a number of sides, including Chelsea, Swansea City, RB Leipzig and Stoke, but nobody has made an approach to the MLS about him.}

Slim chance and pricey – I still think Manchester United could look to him: Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all took a look at Stones in the summer of 2014 but none made an offer. Chelsea did make an attempt to sign him in the summer of 2015 but then moved on to another target. I very much suspect Manchester United who showed interest some time back will look again to Stones, but right now I think they are looking elsewhere as well. Arsenal and Barcelona will be interested if he becomes available.

Unlikely but will be moving in the coming months: N'koulou was looked at by a number of sides including Arsenal, Lyon, Norwich, West Ham and Napoli with a view to a summer move. Marseille did expect interest from Lyon to lead to an offer but they may well be hedging their bets to pick him up when his contract runs out in the summer. Two clubs have held discussions with Marseille that could lead to an offer being made in January to take the player. Roma are very keen on adding another centre back in January, and Chelsea who have been having on-going discussions over another matter. Lazio, Norwich and Arsenal have watched the player again this season.

Very unlikely: Rugani is wanted by Genoa and Napoli but his agent wants a move to England due to the attraction of the money. Juventus may let him move on as they try to raise funds but would much prefer to loan him out and keep him on the books. Arsenal sent a certain Frenchman to take a look at Rugani. He has been recommended to both Manchester United and Chelsea.

Left Back:


Defensive Midfield:

Not out of the question: Inter's Marcelo Brozovic has been made available to raise funds with the club offering him to Spurs, Arsenal (who previously tried to sign him from Dinamo Zagreb) and Chelsea. Villarael and Barcelona have been watching him as well. Inter are looking to replace him with Grujic.}

Very unlikely in January: Bologna's Amadou Diawara will not be moving to Chelsea in January but Chelsea do, like Juventus and Manchester City, maintain an interest in the player. Spurs, Marseille, PSG and Fiorentina have also had the player watched this season.

I rather suspect a push at some point – but not January: Chelsea has again returned to watch Leander Dendoncker of Anderlecht.

Won’t happen but a throwaway bid may still be made: Porto's Ruben Neves will likely be subject to a January offer from Chelsea as interest grows from Manchester City, PSG and Real Madrid, with Real Madrid also likely to make a January offer. Porto has no interest in selling in Jnuary. Liverpool had scouts at a Porto match (against Maccabi Tel Aviv) - I don't know who they were looking at as several Porto players are attracting attention (Martins Indi, Brahimi and Neves). Asenal were present at the same match and against Dinamo Kyev, and may well be interested in Neves - however, the asking price might well scare them off.

Midfield:

Won’t happen: Barcelona need to raise some funds through sales as they are still looking to strengthen in several areas and will also be bringing players through that have been getting experience in the B team. Like Deulofeu who moved to Everton, Roberto has been of interest to English sides including Spurs and, in particular, Chelsea. There is also sustained interest from Inter Milan but his price would likely deter them. Chelsea have recently discussed the player with Barcelona again.

Very unlikely as he wants guaranteed playing time: Cesena's Stefano Sensi has been watched by Sassuolo, AC Milan, Southampton, Juventus and Atalanta on more than one occasion this season. Enquiries about his availability have also been made by Fiorentina, Torino, Roma, Napoli and Chelsea - all of which have had the player scouted as well. Milan has spoken to his club about a January move with a view to him staying with Cesena for the rest of the season. Hoever, there is a significant spanner in the works as Genoa claim that they have an option to buy the player. Right now the matter remains up in the air because of this. But this kid is attracting a lot of attention.

Very unlikely as Chelsea cannot offer first team football for some time: Red Star Belgrade's Marko Grujic's move to either Chelsea or Inter was scheduled to happen in January, but it is now unlikely he will move before the summer and Chelsea's interest has been drifting. There is also interest from LIverpool (who have spoken with the player), Napoli, Hamburg,Wolfsburg, PSG, Manchester United, Everton, Stuttgart, Manchester City and Roma but Liverpool, Inter and Chelsea have already held discussions with Red Star and have made offers that were not deemed acceptable. The club and the player will look to hold out until the summer for his preferred move to Italy if necessary - but I understand he is coming around to the idea of a move to England. The finances for Inter might still be problematic for them in the short term. Chelsea would be willing to leave him in Belgrade if they could do a deal but would still expect at least a year on loan before integrating him in to the squad - not being able to offer such an opportunity will likely rule them out.}

Won’t happen: Brussels based "intermediary" Klay Ekeocha has been very keen to say that he is in discussions with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Benfica, Porto and West Ham about teenager midfield player Kelechi Nwakali, whose brother is on the books of Manchester City. He will also regale whoever will listen with colourful stories about vast sums of money being offered to him by agents wishing to represent his "client", who, incidently, has been of enquiries from Olympiakos and Udinese. Ekeocha claims to be an agent but is actually from the less-well regulated end of the game - an "intermediary". He is no more than a man who will make repeated phone calls and try and talk to clubs about players who he has no legally-binding contract with.

Won’t happen: Juventus, Arsenal and Chelsea enquired about Rabiot in 2013 and PSG were not keen to sell. Chelsea, Roma and Arsenal enquired in the summer of 2014 but all would see him as one for the future - and neither would commit to the guarantee of first team football that was being requested by the player. Roma tried for a deal in January 2015 but to no avail. For more than a year Rabiot has been bleating about not being in the first team at PSG and a move to any of the interested sides would not have resolve that in the short term. However, Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle and Manchester City had him watched over during last season on a regular basis, and Spurs were keen on taking him on a loan to buy deal. Although previously backing away due to the request for a guarantee of playing time, talks did again happen with Juventus in July 2015. Roma, Spurs and Arsenal may rekindle their interest if PSG were to look to let him go in January. I am pretty sure if that is the case then Wenger will want to talk to the player (and his mother) to ensure that his head is in the right place. His preference for Roma is getting weaker as they think more seriously about a move. Chelsea simply saw him as too much grief in the end.

Very unlikely in January and I am doubtful if it will happen at all – but there may be a bid: Tielemans has attracted long-term interest from Chelsea with Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Juventus, Napoli, Barcelona and Marseille all showing an interest in the past 9 months. Plenty of other sides will have had him scouted. Chelsea have actively been speaking with his club since January 2014 but would even now need to send him on loan for, I imagine, at least a year or more. Atletico spoke with Anderlecht this summer and the player liked the idea of a move to Madrid but nothing could be resolved for a move at the time. The problem with a move to England is that he is certainly not ready to step right in to the first team at many of the more senior clubs. If he accepts that and a loan, then a move is possible. Whilst Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea may well all look to offers in January, a move before next summer is unlikely. I also understand that Piero Ausilio attended the Spurs vs Anderlecht game to watch two players - Tielemans being one.

Very unlikely: Whilst PSG need to sell to raise funds, the player is keen to stay in Paris but his agent has made it clear that he will listen to offers from England. Right now there aren't any although Manchester City and Chelsea could look to the player again. Interest from Arsenal would only return if they could not bring in others. Interest from elsewhere has moved on. A move this January is looking unlikely right now.

Attacking Midfield/Winger:

I very much expect this will happen in January: Shakhtar's Alex Teixeira has accepted an offer to join Chelsea in January, but the move remains subject to the clubs agreeing a fee and terms - but they have been negotiating. Juventus and and PSG have a declared interest and Spurs have watched him recently.

Unlikely but there is sustained interest: Chelsea and Manchester United have watched Bernardo Silva of Monaco on several occasions this season, including during internationals. He is an unusual player in that he is naturally left footed but is most effective on the right wing. He has also played as cover in defence and was previously seen by Fiorentina as an option to replace the similar Juan Cuadrado. Juventus and Manchester City have also watched him this season and he may be a player they look again to in the future.}

Unlikely, particularly because of price, but there is sustained interest: Benfica's Goncalo Guedes is a player Chelsea has watched on a number of occasions this season and have declared an interest in. They will perhaps look to an offer next summer. Arsenal have had the player watched as have Bayern Munich. Regardless, the asking price is likely to be an issue for all of these clubs.

I am going to say he is a possible but with the Portuguese contingent moving on the interest may slip away: Pacos Ferreira's Diogo Jota only recently signed a new long-term contract but Lyon, Chelsea, Montpellier and Celta Vigo have all declared an interest with his club, having first been alerted by his performances with his national U19 performances.

Won’t happen as I think a deal is nearing completion elsewhere: Partizan Belgrade's Andrija Zivkovic has been of sustained interest to Atletico Madrid and Chelsea with Valencia, Spurs, Benfica and Cagliari all watching the player. Chelsea were looking to sign Zivkovic in the summer and send him on loan, but it is Atletico who will probably complete a January deal.

Worth looking out for if Alex Teixeira falls through as I think the club will turn to him: Milan have enquired about the availability of Palermo's Franco Vazquez and were told that he would be allowed to leave in the summer if an offer of more than €30M were made. That would be enough to scare off Inter. Chelsea and Spurs have scouted the player this season.

Very unlikely in January: Griezmann is still very much of interest with a third party working on Chelsea's behalf to see if something can be done - January remains very, very, unlikely.

Won’t happen: Eintracht Frankfurt's Marc Stendera has been recommended to Chelsea by a former player as one who will likely play a major part of the next generation of German players. Bayer Leverkusen had an enquiry about him rebuffed but that may not deter Dortmund in the summer.

Won’t happen: Dynamo Kyiv managed to persuade Yarmolenko not to move this past summer and managed to get him to sign a new contract. There has been interest over the past year from Roma, Spurs, Stoke, Fiorentina, Everton, Inter and Dortmund. Bayer Leverkusen, Valencia, Napoli and Manchester City all dropped their interest and PSG, who were considering Yarmolenko as a possible option to replace Lavezzi this past summer, seem to have done the same - at least for now but there is a reasonable chance Lavezzi could move in January. Yarmolenko has expressed a desire to move to Barcelona or Chelsea - and there has been more than one approach made directly to the Chelsea to gauge their interest. Right now it looks like Barcelona are considering their options for a January bid, but much will depend for them on an entirely separate matter. Whilst an approach was made to the agent of Yarmolenko by Arsenal in the summer, nothing could be done. He spent the summer screwing everyone around and there is still a lingering view he could do the same in January. I don't know if anything can be done or if Arsenal or Barcelona will push, but Piero Ausilio was at a recent game to look again at him - so Inter might still be in the mix.

Very, very unlikely: Ajax will look to keep Anwar El Ghazi from interested parties for perhaps one or two years. Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United, Atletico and Chelsea have all declared an interest. The player has said he wants to play for Real Madrid. Chelsea were to put an offer on the table in the summer and would have been willing to leave him with Ajax for up to two years. However a third party advisor to Chelsea blocked any move at that time citing the player as still being inconsistent and wanting longer to consider whether or not Chelsea should progress a move for the player who he thinks could "disappear" very easily at a higher level, and particularly in England - this was the same person who said Depay was not ready this summer. Arsenal have now had him watched in a match against Vitesse Arnhem - whether that will manifest itself as interest or not is unclear right now.}

Very, very unlikely in January but don’t lose sight of this kid: Renne's Ousmane Dembele is seen as one for the future and has attracted the attention of Marseille, Arsenal, Chelsea, Lille and Manchester City.

Unless Ancelotti has some weird plan I can’t see any chance of a move: Real Madrid made Isco available summer 2014 - although priced at a level where all but a handful of teams could afford him. They also offered him to Chelsea in part exchange for a player but Chelsea were not interested. There was interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the past, but right now I am not aware of any interest that remains from Bayern, although Manchester City are still lurking in the shadows. Arsenal made an enquiry regarding Isco's availability in the summer but their first choice was someone else and then no longer a priority. In addition to Chelsea he has also been offered to PSG and Juventus - and Juventus put a significant offer on the table in the summer but it was not accepted. Not out of the question that Arsenal could look again - and I expect that Manchester City will enquire further. Right now there is no interested from Chelsea.

Won’t happen: Chelsea stepped back from any deal for Reus in December 2014 after several discussions resulted in a significant issue becoming clear - if that goes away then it is possible something could still be done, but I very, very much doubt it.

Forward:

Pretty certain this will happen at some point: Similar to the Manea deal I told you of last year, Chelsea will contract Orji Okonkwo after performances during the Under 17 World Cup. However, I very much suspect it will be several years before he would be ready for the first team squad.

Very unlikely: Inter's Mauro Icardi has been subject to sustained interest from Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, with both Arsenal and West Ham watching the player late last season. He was very much Chelsea's first choice striking addition for the summer of 2015 but he eventually signed a new deal with Inter - a contract that is in his favour unlike the one he had previously. It seems unlikley, regardless of a number of difficulties there are with the player, that they would look to sell in January unless they were to recieve a very, very good offer. However to counter that, Inter need to raise money for purchases and are actively looking at players with Piero Ausilio attending two recent games in London and holding discussions with Chelsea over another player. Add to that Icardi's form has not been great just recently.


Very unlikely: There is seemingly no remaining interest in Aubameyang from Juventus, Real Madrid, Spurs, Roma or either of the Milanese clubs. Whilst Dortmund are happy to see the back of him, it will only be at a high price - and I think that may well block a move in January as it did in the summer. The player has made it clear that he would like to move to Italy. However, that has not deterred Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and Valencia who have had him watched again this season so an offer in January is possible. However, I suspect the asking price would make a move to Valencia unlikely. I cannot imagine a move to Barcelona being viable until one of their first choice forwards moves on. Arsenal or Chelsea might be best placed if they have the stomach for the expenditure - but it would be a very major change to the Arsenal approach to buying players. Dortmund will keep him rather than let hm leave cheaply. Plenty of baggage with him as well.

Possible but money would be a problem: Arsenal have a sustained interest in Marseille's Michy Batshuayi - but Marseille may price him out of a move in January. Atletico, Newcastle, Spurs, Manchester United, Valencia, PSG and Chelsea have had the player watched this season and Marseille has spoken to Valencia and Chelsea about the player. Interest of Porto, Milan, Monaco and Benfica has seemingly moved on for now. Interest of Lyon has gone due to the price. Atletico may be hedging their bets over a move by Griezmann.}

Won’t happen: Palermo, Chelsea, Inter, Arsenal, Valencia, Stoke, Roma and Villarreal are all known to be interested in Boca's Jonathan Calleri. Spurs have also had the player watched. Chelsea and Inter have discussed a possible move with Boca who will look for a premium for a winter sale - and that puts Inter on a difficult footing and they will look for an initial loan or assistance from a third party. Chelsea would be looking to send him straight out on loan and that probably won't suit the player. Nothing has been finalised at this time but he will get advice which won’t help matters - he will move to Inter or stay at Boca until at least the summer.

Unlikely: Guy Hillion is still looking at Lacazette but after summer discussions a move seems difficult to say the least - I would not expect it to happen in January and I suspect after that Chelsea will move on.

Very unlikely: PSG were willing to sell Cavani this past summer and he was offered to a number of sides who had previously shown an interest. Whether or not they would be open to a January sale with the potential problem it would cause to their Champions League squad is not known to meAtletico Madrid were planning sales to fund a bid for Cavani but nothing came of it in the summer - but it could still happen. Right now, Manchester City would not be in a position to move for Cavani without sales. Manchester United may well be interested but the price and the wages would make a decision very difficult. Chelsea has no immediate interest in the player as they have other targets - again, price and wages may deter them. Juventus were certainly interested but financially they would need to be creative and are also looking elsewhere. He was part of the package offered by PSG for Pogba, as was Verratti - but Juventus are looking to a deal they can control. I would not be surprised to see Real Madrid try and get involved again.

Very unlikely: Tascila is not seen as ready but maybe an option in the summer but Benfica want to move him on in January as he is out of favour - I very much doubt it will be to Chelsea.

Don’t rule it out but unlikely: Santos' Gabriel Barbosa is of interest to Fiorentina, Galatasaray, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. However, although much is expected of him he is only 18 and whilst there is an agreement between Santos and Barcelona that may be exercised in 2016, I suspect that he won't move there at that time. Chelsea have tried and continue to try to strike a deal - but it may be a while away. His agent mentioned that Fenerbahce had made an offer but I suspect that is incorrect and it was Galatasaray. I rather doubt Gabriel will end up in Manchester, unless it is in the away dressing room. Chelsea and Fiorentina have held recent discussions and PSG are looking to an offer.

He is a child and interest will likely drift over time – not one for now: Vitesse Arnheim have been trying to scare off interest from a number of English sides who have been watching young striker Thomas Buitink. Manchester City have joined Manchester United, PSV, Newcastle and Arsenal in having had the player scouted regularly this season. Chelsea, who have strong links to Vitesse, have spoken to the club about the player.

Unlikely: Jese Rodriguez is again going to seek assurances about playing time that I am sure Real Madrid will not agree to and the expectation is that they will draw a line across and cash in on him. On the basis of this he has also said he may be forced to leave the club. Completely recovered from his crutiate injury Lazio, Inter, Milan and Bayer Leverkusen made clear their interest in signing the player in the summer, whilst Aston Villa, Napoli, Malaga, West Ham United and Everton had all shown an interest in taking him on loan. Real Madrid are moving in to a potentially difficult period regarding transfers (with a possible ban looming) and they will be happy to raise funds and it is possible it may return. Napoli are again looking for a deal - Arsenal or Chelsea may be an option for Jese Rodriguez.

Unlikely but don’t rule him out: Lokomotiv Moscow were willing to sell Oumar Niasse in the Summer as he had failed to settle with Galatasaray interested in taking him back to Turkey - but a deal could not be done at the right price. A good start to this season has attracted the attention of Chelsea and Lille.

Doesn’t work for me at all so I will say no chance: Mainz, PSV, Hannover, Bruge and Rapid Wien had shown interest in Sion’s Moussa Konate over the summer with most stepping back because of the asking price and Rapid Wien opting for Tomi Correa. Everton, Chelsea and Arsenal have been represented at games this season and may follow up on their interest but both will be aware that it would be a big step up for the player who has struggled when chances came in Russia and Italy.

Dragged on too long, very, very unlikely: Lacazette remains of interest to Chelsea and Inter (who would struggle to fund a move) whilst Juventus and Spurs have also recently had him watched. As ever, the price might be an issue.

Not going to happen: As I have explained before, Barcelona wish to start to rebuild their side around Neymar and need to raise cash to do that. There are a three issues that could adversely influence what will happen with that plan going forward - and that could see him sold. If circumstances are such that he is to be available at some point, then the known interest of Chelsea, PSG and Manchester United will no doubt be tested. It would not be out of the question for Manchester City to also think about putting a package together.

Chelsea will continue to work towards finding a couple of additions for January – else it depends on departures.}

21 Dec 2015 10:52:36
January going to be a boring month
With all the unlikelies but hey ho we have big Guus in to save the day.

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21 Dec 2015 06:03:23
Legend!
Much appreciated ed002.

Hope u have a good Christmas!

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21 Dec 2015 06:35:42
Thanks for the update ed002. Just wondering who you were talking about here:
Very unlikely: Whilst PSG need to sell to raise funds, the player is keen to stay in Paris but his agent has made it clear that he will listen to offers from England. Right now there aren't any although Manchester City and Chelsea could look to the player again. Interest from Arsenal would only return if they could not bring in others. Interest from elsewhere has moved on. A move this January is looking unlikely right now.
Thanks.

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{Ed002's Note - Matuidi, sorry.}

21 Dec 2015 07:46:42
Your knowledge is infallible, Ed002. Thank you very much for that! :-)

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21 Dec 2015 08:03:42
great response - much appreciated.

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21 Dec 2015 08:24:33
there are no real full back options mentioned here, is this as ake is seen in high regard or do Chelsea value there options highly within the current squad?

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{Ed002's Note - Not a priority right now.}

21 Dec 2015 08:37:54
Wow, Thanks Ed 002, interesting stuff, and as per your opening statement, things can change, but your observations and insight are much appreciated.
You do know your're going to get a whole lot of pointless posts from people who didn't read yours properly eh?
Again, thanks for the insight, many on here don't appreciate the fact that you actually are in the know, but, many of us do too so a big thanks to you :-)

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21 Dec 2015 08:38:04
Very interesting read. Thanks for putting that together ed2, the detail you go in to is very much appreciated.

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21 Dec 2015 09:15:07
A terrific read as ever Ed002, awesome to hear the Texeira news, would it be possible in the next couple of weeks to do something similar regarding potential outgoings?
Thanks again and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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{Ed002's Note - Sure but remind me.}

21 Dec 2015 09:20:07
Thanks a lot Ed, beautiful read. Really appreciated.

Good to see we are still really interested in Griezman, although unlikely in January I think we have a chance in the summer. Batshuayi is another one that brought a smile to my face, Texeira would definitely bring something new. Jese Rodriguez would be a great addition as well, think we should really push for him he could well ll be a world beater.

On the off side, was really hoping we will push for Stones and Névés this winter but that seems unlikely.

Thanks again Ed002. Cheers.

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21 Dec 2015 10:05:43
Not much to add to that ed thanks for info.

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21 Dec 2015 11:09:59
Take a bow son! Appreciate it Ed2! And the rest of te editors on here.

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21 Dec 2015 11:55:40
Thanks Ed.

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21 Dec 2015 18:45:43
Thanks ed.

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21 Dec 2015 19:57:33
Amazing Ed002.you da man!

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21 Dec 2015 21:57:10
Guys, we forgot to thank Ed001, he helped us to ask the question.

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21 Dec 2015 22:02:40
Awesome info, thank you so much for this. I take it that we've moved on from Pogba? Also merry Christmas.

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{Ed002's Note - Pogba, as it stands right now, is not a viable option.}

22 Dec 2015 00:37:49
Wow such interesting info, thanks Ed!

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22 dec 2015 11:37:33
awesome.

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23 Dec 2015 12:08:49
Thank you very much for taking the time to share that Ed.

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