Zero

One of the problem during Pardew era was that even though players transfer fees are cheap, the agent fees and the wages aren't. On the other hand we only targeted "bargaining deals" rather than "promising youngsters" which was fucking wrong both on and off the pitch. So we weren't rlly goin the Spurs route. We should be signing lots of players like Murphy which is talented, raw, come at a low wages, and with a lot to prove on the pitch.

I am more optimistic that he will stay now if the fat cunt finally give him the TV money to spend at end of season. The reason is mainly because the players we bought and we currently have are better than expected, and we don't need a lot of investment to take it to next level. In another words, Rafa work have been fucking magnificent and he is reaping rewards for himself, so why should he leaving at this moment?

Looks like he's been playing pretty well to me From the little I've seen of both, he's a better centre-forward like and has huge potential. The Chelsea fella that is. Potential wise yes, but as a short term option Joselu is much better. His positioning and holding up plays are more "polished". Abraham has potential to be as good as Michy Batshuayi but he won't join us permanently so who cares?

He would be ours, no doubt about that. Dortmund may try their best to pursuade him not to sign with us but I can't see Merino goin back as he rlly hate his time there.

Shaqiri strike is just average, blob got beaten because he is a blob. That said, that header save is brilliant so basically even out. He deserves to start until his next error that cost our match. Won't be long though.

Our new Solano?

We gotta win this. Very important match imo as it will set the tone for the remaining season. We could be safe from relegation by Feb and target top half finish whilst Brighton in deep trouble till the end.

He may not be a reliable defender but he is an outstanding captain.

Strange to say but I am glad we get Joselu rather than Abraham. He is too raw.

Oh my fucking god, captain

It does seems like poor execution from Atsu to me.

Hayden has to start this. We need his coverage for dealing with Shaqiri.

Wait, from what I read before the original offer is 1m for 17th and additional 1m for each place above. The players aren't happy for this and ask for similar offer with our rivals. Later Captain called the fat c*** and the offer becomes 4m for 17th and additional 1m for each place above, and an additional 20m for FA cup. So basically the player is asking for more survival bonus (3m). The bonus for each place above is the same. Whether this is similar to our rivals is unknown, but I won't be surprised if our rivals still have better deals.

It has to be said Hayden and Merino protected the space in the middle brilliantly and rarely got Lascelles exposed in open plays. He is still the Lascelles we know, but Rafa tried his best to train up the whole defense so each players are covering each other. Rafa deserves most of the credit.

The problem for the Aurier deal is more about Trippier. Too good to be benched, and Aurier isn't that much an upgrade over Trippier. However if Spurs choose to start Trippier, then why spend that much on a back up RB? They should buy someone to replace Sissoko.

As a side note, my Leeds mate is praising Anita's performance as a left back, and wonder why we let him go.

Glad we are proven wrong. This signing together with Merino saved our season, probably.

I don't think it is pathetic to be honest. Just like Spurs, who sold Carrick, Berbatov, Modric and Bale before forming a team that is fucking solid from top to bottom. That's the route, you gotta develop and sell a player with world class quality and in exchange got a few promising crops back and repeat the process, until you accumulated enough talents to formally give it a go. I am not against the idea of keeping Merino and continue to find more of them under Rafa reign, but I also not against the idea to sell him for an astronomical number and invest in 4-5 top class youngsters. And yes, Merino has the quality to be world class. He is our Kante.

His job is probably the hardest on the pitch. You got to accept his number of failures because he is the one who try to create in the most crowded position.

He rightly should play only two more seasons for us if he continues giants progress like this. All top teams need a player like him badly, including Barcelona. Flawless holding midfielder who can shine in both attack and defense. I never thought we could get a player more talented than Ben Arfa, but seems we get one now, at least on par with.

That's the Clucas who cost them 16.5M.

He needs to improve asap or we should move on next season and get a better replacement. This season is very crucial to his career.

Well done captain.

I think we are playing poorly.

Just curious, is 1m for 17th and additional 1m per place above good or bad offer compare with other clubs? I ain't sure but say we finish 15th, that's 3m share among our first team players, on top from their basic wages and all other kinds of bonus. No wonder footballers earn that lot nowadays.