Personally ... i think all bets are off and it's end of. Possibly, it is a pure ploy (ie we let you keep Bates for free and you get Lita back in a straight swap for Marvin)
Bates is a crucial part of our team.. a very talented centre half. But he's in the last year of his contract and on Premier League wages. If he were to go, it would free up room for 2/3 new signings and I have every faith Mogga would bring in the right men. His only two signings this season just came off the bench last match and scored to help us beat Birmingham 3-1. So I suppose we'll just see what happens.. I don't think I'd be too bothered either way atm.
Think you've answered your own question there. We've never really gone in for bidding low in order to bargain upwards, our initial bids tend to be pretty close to what we end up paying if the deals come off, which is how it should be I think, none of this haggling nonsense. We offered, Boro said no, we said is it close to the right amount, boro said no again so we moved on and started looking elsewhere.
Looks like he's all yours boys. Good luck for the rest of the season. I am glad all this transfer window speculation is over........ but it has been emotional nattering with you. Hope you get a few more peeps on the board but you're always welcome on the Jack board for a natter! PS Magdooer....... shall be back to talk more Marvin come the next transfer window!