Bobby's apparently after Victor Baia, who doesn't appear to be in Barca's plans and is available on a free (won't they all be soon?). Wouldn't have thought a keeper would be a huge priority, but he has been a captain so it would make sense from the perspective of someone controlling our currently rudderless defence.

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2000

Answers

Agree with the lack of a leader at the back Dan but even if Baia can speak fluent English (which I doubt), could Dabs or Goma understand him anyway? My gut feeling is he's too flash for the Toon (that hairband). He'd demand a huge wage to come to the North-East and would soon get the crowd against him if his performances don't match his arrogant 'I'm a stylish keeper' demeanour.

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2000

Today's Sunday Sun - I know, not highly authoritive - reckons BR is considering selling Shay Given to Celtic for #2 million and bringing Baia in on a FT. Baia is quoted as saying "I am aware of Bobby's interest, and I believe we could work together again".
The Toon could lose Given on a Bosman next Summer when his contract expires - they haven't yet been able to agree the terms of a new one.
Baia is 31 yrs-old, and is earning #30k per week at Barcelona. He is also wanted by Porto and Napoli.
The S/Sun also reckon BR will attempt to push through a #4 million deal for Jason Euell this week, and says they were represented at Holland's game with Ireland last night watching Dutchmen Wilfred Bouma (left winger), Jan Vennegoor (striker) and Giovanni Van Bronckhurst (LB or LM/F).

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2000

I would be a bit worried if we paid much for anyone in the current environment.

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2000

Agree with Dougal.

Watching Wilfred Bouma ;-) Either you put that in to wind me up or they really are and I'm extatic. That kid can really play.

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2000

Three names in the frame up here for Celtic in order, (1) Shay Given (2) Roy Carroll (3) Tommy Sorensen

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2000

Who are the other two?

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2000

The last thing we need now is for a new keeper to come in and develop a new understanding with the defence. IMHO. Keep Shay Given, give him a decent contract and a pay rise, if only for the amount of work he has had to do recently!

"I've been in negotiations with Newcastle about a new contract but nothing has been sorted out," Given told The Daily Record. "If Celtic came in for me I would definitely consider moving back."

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2000

Hmmm. Mixed emotions about this one. I said in the summer that we should sell Given and buy a good young keeper and keep Karelse for back up. As I think Harper is the better keeper. But signing Baia and selling Given would be a mistake as Harper will not hang around and play second fiddle. It would say to him that he's not part of the plans and then b*gger off as well, leaving us with a Spanish Goalkeeper (or Portugese). Which does not give me any confidence.

Keep Given, who's been outstanding I hear this season, and certainly don't sell him for 2 mill,, if Talibi's worth 4.5 (which he quite obviously wasn't) then Given's worth a lot more.

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2000

Tre, Top of my heed, Carrol plays for Wigan and Northern Ireland Heart of my bottom Sorensen plays for the Moggies (Sunderland)

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2000

Chronicle say no chance. Given isn't for sale and we've never been in touch with Baia. We've been linked just because Bobby used to be his managed. - Phew!

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2000

Someone asked....who are: (1) Shay Givengoes without explanation.....our brilliant shot stopper (2) Roy Carroll the stereotypical clown....or is that Carrolli (3) Tommy Sorensen definitely a clown.....the Makem clown!

-- Anonymous, September 04, 2000

Save of the match last night from Shay, parrying Chippo's 20 yard volley when other keepers would have stood and watch it fly in i.e. Seaman. Made Hedman look very ordinary at the other end, even the kicks from the back passes.

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2000