The VdV transfer consideration has to include whether he will bring as much - or more - to the table as Hamsik might next season. Both are fine players and would make a very good acquisition.
So, as things stand as we head towards the wintter break, after the Lazio and Siena matches, I think we can all agree the following:-
1 Giovinco and Marchisio should be brought back straight away.
2 We need one main back 4 player of true international class, be it Ivanovic or someone of equal stature in January, not next summer.
3 We need a new forward midfielder in by next summer to replace Pavel Nedved.
Either Van der Vaart, Hamsik or someone else as good or better.
4. Next summer, we will need to have come to a verdict as to whether we believe Palladino is going to be a consistent performer for us in the 2008/2009 season. We will have the rest of this season to come to a proper judgement. I assume that we would wish to consolidate our attacking options with one further proven striker of international class, preferably an Italian and also someone under 25 years of age.
Say Quagliarella or someone as good or better to partner 3zegol.
Remember, as we expect a top 4 finish and qualify for a Champions League place, a strengthened squad, notably deeper than at present is required. Failure to get that finish is unthinkable in financial terms and, especially, for our ability to land the best players.