ErwinK1961

That is a very interesting question... you could arguably say that it is. Our midfield heartbeat along with one of the best CB's I've seen us have will be very difficult to replace. We need to spend big on these two positions if they go/ Can't see how can possibly better last season to be honest in the league, I think our European commitments (if we make it!) will hinder our league form. Winning a cup would be magic! Going to be a very interesting transfer window for us once MS & NC leave, will define our season.

Not asking for them to force talent through the academy, I'm just saying that filling the squad with these type of signings is only going to block any potential progression.

This. Surely if we're looking to progress youth through then we should be avoiding signings like this.

Wonder if it could be Freddie Woodman? I'm sure we were linked with him at the end of last season.

@JWTelegraph: Southampton sign Maarten Stekelenburg and, perhaps more important, Callum Slatery signs first pro deal. Arsenal and MU were both keen...

I'd rather have Tom Heaton or Orjan Nyland. There is no guarantee that Forster will be back, and if he does who knows whether he will be at the same standard. Buying/loaning a stop gap shouldn't be our focus IMO.

Not exactly hard to be an upgrade on them though is it. Think we could do better than someone who has hardly played for a year and a half.

Meh

I reckon if it comes down to a straight choice between us and Spurs, then we have every chance of getting this done. Of course Spurs are a bigger club, but by all accounts he seemed to love his time hear and sounded settled and has said he'd like to stay. Up to us to make sure we offer the money Atletico want.

I thought that was a no go due to wages? Maybe they've lowered their demands

You think that's bad, wait until you see the price of tickets for the Palace home game. Scandal!

Ah fair enough, hadn't seen that. I guess I just would have expected a link to a bid of some sort like we have seen for Gueye and the Polish lad whose name I can't spell. Though as mentioned above, maybe these are the 'decoy' names whilst we're working behind the scenes on Clasie.

Has there actually been any proper solid link to Clasie, other than Koeman saying he's a player that he likes? Just seems to be a lot of assumption that he would be replacing Morgan, without anything substantial behind it.

When we got promoted from the Championship, I thought Hooiveld had the better season and would find the step up easier than Jose.... Shows what I know about football.

I'm sure we have alternatives lined up in case Toby doesn't sign. It would be foolish to wait until his future is decided before we do anything, especially as that could rumble on for a while.

Haha quality! Come along, Cedric...

Ah balls. Forgot he was playing there last night. Sorry!

Indeed. Intrigued about this Italy talk above though...

Can we assume this is our Portuguese friend?

Hope this isn't the striking options done, still think we need an alternative Pelle option. J-rod has never totally convinced me playing centrally, and that was under Poch when we played a slightly different style. Now there is more of an emphasis on the front man holding the ball up and winning balls in the air, which isn't Jay's strength. Maybe we'll see a different style?

Sounds like a decent player with a lot of potential. Surely we'll still be in the market for an out and out striker?