ErwinK1961

Agree with the majority of that, though it cheeses me off that he can put performances like that in when he's got a point to prove at a new club, yet for about 6 months of last season he t*ssed it off for us.

Would take Zaza and Stanciu. Not sure on Haller to be honest, or Ghezzal for that matter. Wouldn't say no to Boufal, but the fact he's currently injured and going to be away at AFCON makes me lean towards Stanciu. Obviously I'm an expert on all of them, despite never having heard of the majority until being linked...

Seeing as we are run with business in mind, it's not likely we're going to break FFP rules and take the £millions fine.

Sunderland feels like a big match already for the season - 3 points would be extremely welcome. In fact, big fortnight really with the transfer window. if this is what were left with come 1st September then it really is a long season ahead.

Careful, carry this on and it might become a transfer thread again!

Vidic still kicking around somewhere?

Wasn't aware the window had shut yet?

But would be wasted in our current formation, as would any target man type striker.

West Brom pulled out of that week or so ago I thought? Think they're trying for Slimani or Benteke - won't see Berahino leave until replacement in. Though I'm sure he'll (finally) go to Stoke.

Of course not, probably too busy asking him about Pogba's latest haircut.

Apologies, maybe I should have put "the majority of pre-season he was available for." For someone who had a chance to play against Utd according to the manager, to then not train all week is a bit concerning. Just hope it's not linked to the knee surgeries he had last year. Alternatively, I could be looking into it far too much and he'll be back against Sunderland! Just keen to see him back in this formation, to see if it improves us going forward.

Hmm, seems to have had this little injury for the majority of pre-season too.

Has anything been said about what Bertrand's injury actually is? All seems very quiet, no mention of timescales or what he's done. (Not actually listened to the interview, so apologies if Puel has mentioned anything)

Interesting.... who will cave first? The clubs stance is understandable I guess, as we don't want to be paying c. £70k a week to a 35 year old whose best days will no doubt be behind him at that age.

Still think he'll sign it CL?

FFS.

Adam Blackmore ‏@bigadamsport 1h1 hour ago Speculation about Jose Fonte is unsettling #saintsfc fans but I believe the club have no intention of letting him go anywhere #fontestaying Nothing new really.

So as it stands, Palace have a NET spend as well?

You must have got the wrong thread. This is the meltdown volume 65 thread.

So going on your above comment and also the echo article, is the sticking point that he wants an extra year but we are only offering him a pay rise but not an extra year?

Thought he signed a new 3 year deal?

Wouldn't surprise me, the system we're playing doesn't suit him at all. Whether or not it's the right system in general is another matter.

Shock.

Really hope we're not spending a record fee on Mertens. Doesn't seem to fit our age profile and not been that impressed when I've seen him play.