Robinho was third choice

[JamesW]

Just heard the Sheikh of Man City saying that they offered Liverpool ?50 million for Torres on Monday, but Liverpool turned it down.

They then tried for Berbatov, but unfortunately when Berbatov found out about their interest he was already with Alex Ferguson, who obviously told him to ignore City's interest.

They then turned to Robinho as third choice.

Some of today's papers are reporting that Phil Scolari is irked by Chelsea's failure to sign Robinho.

Personally I can understand Mr Abramovich saying that he wouldn't pay more than 35 million euros, as that was already a huge amount for the player in question.

[Dace]

apparently bids were going in all over the shop but yes I heard 50 million for torres was turned down - they are going to up it in January to 90 million apparently - its madness.

[Johnnyboy 22]

it is madness especiallly when ur talking money like that, i mean Robinho is a quality player no mistaking that but he certainly aint worth 33 million, Mr Calderon had no option but to accept the bid, either that or Robinho would have been excluded from the Madrid first team, also Robinho said to Calderon either let me go or i will go to Brazil and will not return. The question i ask all chelsea fans now is what will Abramovich do now will he get into a bidding wall with the sheikh for players. Can you honestly see Robinho enjoying the premiership in the month of October with rain pissing down and it blowing a gale no neither can i. United for the title again.

[Andy Mann]

They said that about Ronaldo too don't forget Johnnyboy when he joined the Reds, would he settle with the weather and the culture? He did cos hes a Pro, just as Robinho is..he has a lot to prove to himself, and also to Madrid for letting him go..

Let's see how things go, it will take time for him to settle in (see Ronaldo again) but he is undoubtedly a world class player..We won't win the league, its between Chelsea and United again, but a top 6 finish is a must really with the quality that we have already signed (Kompany, SWP, Jo, Robinho, Zabaleta) and the undoubted quality we will be able to buy in January..

The market value of players in the Premiership has steadily been rising since United bought the likes of Ferdinand and Rooney, it went even higher when Abramovich declared his intentions and now is set to go even higher..I don't think it's really possible for Abramovich to start a bidding war with a group worth in excess of 800 Billion (conservative estimate by the way)..People who know of the men involved in Abu Dhabi United personally say that for them it is all about glory and prestige and that money is no object to attain that..Al Fahids catchphrase on his Hydra Reality Show (think the apprentice) is 'Impress Me!' Expect big things from City over the next 4 years..

[Lucifer Sam]

must admit think the bids they've offered are insane.

[Dave Wells]

Who cares, we don't ! He's at City now and there's more to come. Time for the Blue half of Manc to gloat for once. Oh sorry we also beat the Reds twice last season didn't we !!