January a good time to go in for VdV? Is he even worth it?

[Dark Savante]

His antics and form at Ajax has been atrocious and for the player who was touted to go to Barca for big money only half a year ago he's in serious decline. This means we could get him for a really, really good price in January and he can play in a number of positions.

I bet he wouldn't dare act the ass at Man Utd either! Point would probably be: is he worth the time and effort? He was touted as a huge prospect 4 years ago and he seemed to be living up to his billing when Chivu was there but now? :(

It would be excellent to have him as cover for the left and Scholes I think and if we could tap into that potential we could turn this kid into something really special...

What do you guys think? I'm sure we could get him for around £6-8million probably 10 at the most. Ajax and he are not seeing eye to eye right now and I think both the player and the club would jump at the chance to part company..

It's just a thought...Whaddya reckon?

[Invincible]

I think he's a world class player and players dont suddenly lose class. Something must be going on behind the scenes, and I think we'd be foolish to let this oportunity go buy. 6-10 mil? We'd be drooling a few months ago at that price. He can play playmaker in midfield, out on the left etc. He even finishes good too and takes good set pieces, something we've been missing. Since we can't seem to find any good defensive midfielders, why not get an eventual successor for Scholes?

[johno]

I say no... we cannot buy all the talent out there and right now he is not a priority. Unless... Fergie thinks he can make him into a winger. Because he aint a winger - he plays centrally, but if he would be willing to play LM for us then maybe, but i dont think we would do it.

[Achtung]

Getting a player from Ajax right now is like walking through a minefield. I'm not sure what is going on behind the scenes there, but its bad news. A year ago I would have taken the risk, but it seems like Ajax fans have really soured on him. Reports are that Koeman asked him to play left winger and vdV refused, so Koeman took away his captaincy. Pretty serious if you ask me, but then like I said there may be more to the situation. We've already managed to take Alan Smith out of a detrimental environment and make him shine. If SAF could do the same with van der Vaart it would be great.

[Dark Savante]

I understand all points made for and against. I'm just thinking for the lowly price he could be gotten for and the potential he has... it becomes interesting.

The fact that he is so versatile, is Dutch(very handy for EPL transition) and has a good technical base as opposed to alot of our dead wood at the club - I'm sure some will be sold this Jan or Summer -just seems pretty interesting.

Ajax can't demand a high fee for a player not living up to his billing by any means. And he is causing all kinds of trouble there and has just lost the captaincy - it's a mess - ideal for a purchasing club.

I really think he'd tow the line at Man U where he is nothing special and couldn't dare act the prima donna. For less than 8mill I say yes.

[50 Euro]

If he can be had at that price it certainly merits an inquiry, but at this point his teammate Sneijder might be a better fit. Any attitude concerns regarding VdV aren't terribly worrying to me; as others have already pointed out Utd's track record is good with players with such a reputation. And as always when discussing January transfers, the cup-tied issue has to be mentioned (though that personally wouldn't discourage me). Nonetheless, I think we might actually stand pat during the upcoming transfer window...

[nicephoras]

While his potential is nice, do you have the luxury of letting him play into a new position and to recover his form? I know Chelsea wouldn't.

[haven]

1. In a perfect world: the answer's an easy yes. VdV is a terrific central midfielder. He's not really suited to left wing. It was absurd to ask him to play it, given that he's...ermm...Ajax's most talented central midfielder.

2. Even though Koeman was an idiot for asking him to play left wing, VdV still should have done it. Even if your coach is asking something stupid, you still do it.

3. Given the current lack of funds, we need to spend them elsewhere. I'd love to have VdV. I really, really like his game. But we have a world class attacking central midfielder right now...who should be good for another 2-3 years. We lack a single world class midfielder who can play a more withdrawn position (Scholes is wasted when Fergie asks him to play a Veron role, and he can't play a Keane role). Spend that money on DM or left wing.

4. Hate saying the above. Really, really think he'll shine somewhere.

[hawk_claw]

I would pick Solari for the left midfield....werent thr rumors about him comin to manU?

[triplelake]

I would pick Solari for the left midfield....werent thr rumors about him comin to manU?

Giggs is still doing an awesome job for us on the field. David Gill has already said we won't buy anyone in Jan anyway.

[Robert25]

I see VdV as a Kieron Dyer kind of dilemma. Do you get the brilliant player capable of such dynamic action on pitch? Or do you get the troubled player focusing less on play and more on off the field pursuits?

I'd love to see him at OT. I have been an admirer for sometime. He used to be a real force. But should he take priority over a De Rossi, Downing, etc...Not sure. Only if he could be gotten at a great deal. I'd like to see him here though, at his age he has time to sort his troubles out and grow into thatt player we used to see.

[hawk_claw]

Giggs is still doing an awesome job for us on the field. David Gill has already said we won't buy anyone in Jan anyway.

i agree Giggs is the man....but when he leaves..............who replaces him?

[Tom Halsey]

Yeah, I say take the risk.