Here's an real old rumour resurfacing, on TOTT tonight:

IVAN DE LA PENA SENDS CALL TO BOBBY
26-year old Ivan de la Pena hopes that Bobby Robson hears his cry for help, as the Spaniard is cast out of the Lazio side and wonders about his future. He wants a move to England, and his agent says Glenn Hoddle has been tracking him, but the player fancies re-uniting with Bobby Robson.

Pena's agent, Manuel Ferrer says: "Ivan is looking to England and he says he would love to play in the Premiership. There are several clubs looking at him including Spurs and Fulham, but there is a possibility he could play with Mr Robson again in the future.

"Bobby Robson had a great influence on his career. Ivan played for him at Barcelona and he would like to join with him again."

Canny player, good passer of the ball, but not exactly a ball-winner.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

Answers

Well, what can I say? I remember Ian Del Piero when he played with me at Barcelino. I was a great flatulence in Ian's career and I would like a reunion situation with Del if he could join me again. In fact its an either or situation. In or out, up or down, shake it all about. Piero is a fantastic player. I'm hoping he will play with me again.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

I think I read somewhere that he was available on a free in January - not sure if that meant he could leave for free in Jan or could sign an agreement in Jan to go at the end of the season. Either way a decent cut price deal and he is certainly a talented player. You don't get to pay for Barca and Lazio without being quality. I haven't seen him play in a long time - since his Barcelona days - but I recalled him being pretty strong and a passionate if not an out and out ball winner.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

He'd certainly be a good addition to the team, still only 26.

Wages may pose a problem, I remember last time we were linked with him he wanted about £40k a week which we weren't prepared to pay.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

Weren't we linked with him in KK days?

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

De La Pena agreed to come here under Ruud Gullit but wanted £80k a week. That's a rare bit of inside knowledge from moi.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

And Barca have put the striker Dani up for sale. Wasn't he also a previous target of ours (allegedly)

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001