TRon

It's more Pedro I'd be concerned about, is he willing to go somewhere he's going to be the #2 striker? He seems to have a bit of an ego so just seems unlikely even if he's getting games.

I like Pedro, just not sure we can have him at the same time as Isak.

I can understand the criticisms, I think he's more about speed than finesse, but if Howe really wants him I would trust his judgement tbh.

Agree 100% on that. I think in our position it's the only way we get our first choices with the cartel clubs hovering, so it makes sense to do the deals if and when you get the chance.

I'm sure he'd like one, but is that his biggest priority? I think if we can still get one after sourcing the CB, RW and ST, then definitely we'll try. Assuming we can get someone high enough on our list.

Said this a couple of days ago. While it would be nice to have an understudy keeper, Pope is still top class. Not really as urgent as a RW or CB, or even a striker IMO.

How many players are actually effective wide and up front? I think lots of players get described with this dual ability but in reality they are usually just good at one or the other.

Step forward Will Osula!

It's just a really lazy story, as someone already said, only chance of this happening would be if Isak was sold, which isn't happening for another season earliest.

There's a reason why we almost signed him before Isak became available. He's a cracking player, I was disappointed to lose out even though we got Isak instead. But I just can't see him coming here with Isak in front of him in the pecking order. Neither can I see us agreeing a fee which would make Brighton happy to sell him. We aren't paying £70m that's for sure.

Of course they do. They got him because we signed Isak instead, now they want to make us pay.

Yep. There's only so many players who can make a difference at that level, that's why the ones at the top will pay stupid wages to get their signatures.

That's life. I guess it reflects on our position in the hierarchy of football more than anything else. I doubt there's much we can do differently other than shop in a different market.

Both. If the kid's wearing Chelsea colours then it's on Big Joe.

Sell.

We did, but I think Chelsea were doing it as well. Feels like we have been invested in Trafford for a lot longer than Chelsea, although I might be wrong. Anyway, what will be will be. If he chooses Chelsea then that's where he should be.

Not really arsed, pretty sure we have done plenty of work already on this deal, if he's moving he's probably coming here.

I don't think Eddie will lower his standards so it will be a case of trying to recruit from a small pool of talent again. Getting smaller every time a cartel club goes for the same players, but a lot will depend on how badly he wants to shop in alternative markets. I think we'll stick to buying only when our first choice targets become available.

Yep. If there were no PSR it would be different, we could match cartel wages and buy our way to the top like they did. But under the current rules we have to be very inventive in the transfer market and be patient.

I'm sure everyone would prefer proven players, but generally they will choose cartel clubs if they are competing for the same players.

He's still here so why not.

Don't think it's the forum wanting to sign them. These are the names that Howe seems to be linked with.

Probably the only recognised striker who might be prepared to play second fiddle to Isak let's not forget.

Can't really argue with this tbh. I quite like Elanga as it happens, he's got pace and an eye for goal. I could definitely see him being a Howe player. My only gripe would be we should be buying him at £15m last season, not for £50m once he's had some marginal success in the Premier.

Not surprised. The small pool of players quickly turns into a dried up puddle within 10 days once cartel clubs step in and then we are left looking around to see if there's owt else.