I agree with Filippo in that there is no point in filling a position where we need a top class player with an average person.
I don't rate Montolivo or Aquilani much from a consistency/fitness perspective. Montolivo was supposed to take Pirlo's position in the NT...and f@ck if that's happened.
Once again we would be making an acquisition for depth when what we need is quality.
If Montolivo comes in...we have Montolivo, Aquilani, Urby, Nocerino for 2 positions (assuming that DM and CAM are reserved by other players). On paper this is fine...but here's the deal...
Our midfield options: Robinho, Boateng, Montolivo,Aquilani, Nocerino, Urby
Bayern: Schweinsteiger, Gustavo, Kroos, Tymoschuk, Robben, Ribery
Madrid: Diarra, Khedira, Ozil, Ronaldo, Kaka etc.
Barca: ....

Notice the huge gulf in quality. We could buy all these players and still not be close to cream of Europe.
Should we get Montolivo? From an economic perspective it makes great sense. From a quality perspective-No. It's just applying a coat of paint, when what we need is a new building.