Rich

Tickled by the use of "pen" there

I'm also a bit concerned now (and hoping for significant news on at least one deal today), but just a quick input to say that we are starting a week later than we did last season date-wise. I know it only removes Gamez and Hayden being imminent from the equation and means that we're still two players behind instead of three, but still. Areet, Colin. Clutchy clutchy

I'm also a bit concerned now (and hoping for significant news on at least one deal today), but just a quick input to say that we are starting a week later than we did last season date-wise. I know it only removes Gamez and Hayden being imminent from the equation and means that we're still two players behind instead of three, but still.

Dosnt bode too well with that list Ha! You're not wrong, though I think last season was a bit of a case of needs must. He seemed determined to have two senior players for every position. Sels was a poor buy intended for the first team, though. No hiding from that. Hopefully Lejeune and whoever else comes in prove to be a significant step up on those three.

Do people not think a lot of the ones recently are a bit too obvious in nature? I find it hard to believe Rafa is whacking in enquiries for anyone and everyone. He'll have a very clear plan. Bound to be a few from the likes of Belgium, Italy and Spain most of us have never really heard of or paid attention to. Lejeune, Lazaar, Gamez, Sels, etc.

Big Moke (Williamson) signs for Oxford United.

Could we add where the first news of interest breaks on here? Established that The Northern Echo broke the Lejeune story thanks to Paul Fraser on Twitter. http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/15321438.Newcastle__Arsenal_and_Spurs__39____8_7m_target_interests_Rafa_Benitez/?ref=twtrec

Would love to know who recommended this fella for signing.

Not enough to be totally honest, typically just when AZ were playing one of the big teams (and getting smashed). Couldn't really judge him on that and generally the Eredivisie isn't much of a goalkeeper friendly league!

Was thinking that this summer it might be an idea to see which sources are actually reliable on our transfer business. Was this the first break of the Lejeune deal? I couldn't find any articles before it.

Although if Gouffran signs on then both him and Aarons will take squad places. Really don't understand offering him that new deal, unless Aarons is off on loan. Not sure I'd be happy with Rolando being one of the 25.

Think I'd agree with this. Elliot's distribution and communication is better, but he's definitely not as agile. Krul is still probably our best bet overall but his distribution is questionable and he's always getting crocked. If we can get a decent bit of cash for Darlow, someone who is arguably our third best option in goal and lost his place at the end of last season, then we should probably take it. We'll not get that money for Elliot and probably not for Krul given his contract situation, which makes it the logical choice. Even if we don't sign another we've got Woodman, who could be loaned with a recall option.

Do people rate Darlow higher than Elliot and Krul?

Everyone seems to be assuming Giroud is their number one target.

Think we're knee deep in "need another signing" territory again now, let's hope Monday brings good news again. Ideally someone in a position we need to address, like attacking/central midfield or left wing.

Cover for RB too as he's played there a fair bit for city recently 4 matches in an injury crisis wasn't it? Got roasted at Stamford Bridge, although he was up against some fairly good opponents.

Another right winger? Would be surprised at that.

Douglas and Ryder said we weren't interested for the fee Benfica want. Just caught up on this, cheers. It does seem to be persisting, mind. Just as a matter of interest how did you watch the games or the bits where he was involved in games? Presume you didn't watch full matches I used Wyscout.

Douglas and Ryder said we weren't interested for the fee Benfica want. Just caught up on this, cheers. It does seem to be persisting, mind.

What's he like? I'm WiFi-less atm Keep in mind that these are largely just first impressions, but rather than just watching highlight reels I was looking at a selection of every involvement he's had in certain games against certain opponents (Benfica v Porto, Benfica v Sporting, Greece v Belgium, Benfica v smaller teams). The things that stood out as being really positive were his positional awareness and speed at covering for full-backs (particularly his right-back as he often plays on the right side of the two in a 4-2-3-1), his ability to win the ball on the run when it seems like his opponent has gone past him and his calmness when receiving possession under pressure in his own half. He's constantly looking to provide his defenders with an out ball from what I can see, and contrary to what Jotenko said I'm not seeing a player who takes an age to make a decision. Most sequences see him finding space, receiving the ball and either playing a first time pass backwards/sideways or turning when there's less risk and looking to play forward. The major negatives I can see are his aerial ability for a player of his size (around 6'2"), although he gets up well for aerial challenges he's often not getting much direction on his headers (which is a massively underrated way of retaining or gaining possession) and his speed across the ground, though you wouldn't necessarily expect a defensive midfielder of his stature to be fast. He's not slow, though, certainly looks more mobile than Shelvey and Colback if not quite as quick as Hayden. In addition to this he appears to be a yellow card fiend and can be a bit rash when committing to a challenge, but that sort of comes with the territory. Just generally looks a classy operator and while £17.5m is obviously a hell of a lot of money for someone who has never been completely established as a first choice in Benfica's team, the route he's taken to the top (coming from lower leagues like many of the players Rafa has signed since coming) and the way he takes responsibility on the pitch makes it look like there's a lot to be positive about. Even at 28 now he looks like a player who could go on well into his 30's.

Just sat watching Samaris clips for half an hour. I like it, I like it a lot. One of the deals that hasn't been denied anywhere, right?

256 season tickets left in the Gallowgate and Milburn combined, although some more could pop up in the corner after people have shifted.

Is he the least Man Utd striker to ever be signed by Man Utd, or am I forgetting someone?

Exactly what I'm saying, I agree on bit about he obviously has quality to score at the rate he has mind. I'm just not seeing the must buy or regret it level of player it feels like everyone else is seeing. People just nervous that we've got 3-4 glaring holes in the squad and no word on players to fill them, it's fairly understandable. I'd hope for another significant breakthrough by early next week to calm things again and keep the momentum going.