STM

No it isn't, nor is any fee going to be 30m straight off the bat. Every club buy potential, some clubs produce potential but that's another story. My point was his goalscoring record is irrelevant because he's 20. All other metrics say he's got massive potential.

I can absolutely see us signing Pulisic, doing a tour of the USA and making a pretty penny in the process. Especially with Darren Eales connections and knowledge.

There was a couple of subtle clues in Eddie's presser today. When asked about whether they would simply be signing players to challenge, rather than to come straight into the side (I.e Joao Pedro), he basically said that if he could he would sign someone who CAN come straight into the side. He also referred to making sure we could afford the player, which to me hinted towards wages rather than fee, which again was a nod to an already established individual. Perhaps I'm just putting two and two together but Pulisic would fit that IMO.

Scholes is still the benchmark for English midfielders. Despite what the PFMs and Pundits would say, he was way above Gerrard and Lampard in all around play.

I keep walking around swearing like Arteta.

I'd give him a new contract before he goes to the world cup. When you talk about wage structures being broken, these are the cases when it's OK to above the threshold. He's proven his worth to everyone at the club. No other player at NUFC could argue that Bruno wasn't worthy of whatever wage we agree with him and I'm sure they would be delighted to keep him at the club. We need to tie him down longer. Give him a bigger wage and plenty of incentives. Give him an extra 20k everytime he plays and we win. No brainer. I'd think about making him captain when Lascelles leaves too. I might be in love.

Long range, I'd fancy Shelvey as much as anyone on the world. Short and medium range passing Bruno is different gravy.

Depending on the structure of your clubs, negotiations will be very different. For example, Chelsea right now under Todd Boeley seem very hands on. That means if they get a bid rejected, they will go straight into another bid to get the deal done quickly, often regardless of cost. Mainly because the guy in charge of the kitty is making the bids. At NUFC right now, we keep hearing about process, so it wouldn't suprise me if Ashworth has to present a plan to the board for each bid, I.e structures, costs, wages etc, before actually sending it to the selling club. It might be tedious and almost overly methodical but it's a sensible and structured way of doing things. It will be different at every club.

Imagine if we had a qualifying game for a European competition. Empty seats everywhere at West Ham.

We are trying to keep as much of a budget back to lay onto a loan deal, probably for a Chelsea player. If we can leave ourselves 8m or whatever to put down on a Pulisic or Gallagher for a loan with an obligation, we are in a great place.

Joao Pedro, you've been living hell to me.

Poor thing, however will you cope.

Like I said before, since when do you hear of "bids" anyway? Normally you hear that they are on their way for a medical, after a bid has been accepted.

We can't be far off. If we are that keen on him, we will bridge the gap. There's a strategy at play here. I don't know what that strategy is, if I'm honest, but there is clearly a plan.

Fucking timing of this.

Personally don't think this gets accepted. Normally you don't even hear about the bid, its just "he's on his way for a medical after a bid was accepted". Let's hope it does get done as it allows us plenty of scope for the last 2 weeks of the window.

JP, a Chelsea Loan and a surprise CM but someone more "Targett, Burn" than "Bruno, Botman", standard.

Won't even start negotiating until its above 100m. Even then, it too late in the window to let him go. The start of next summer, OK, I could see it but not with 2 weeks left of the window.

I feel like we should send the west brom fans some cabbages in solidarity.

Good lad.

Chelsea paid 20m for Chukwemenka (sp) from Villa, he's 18 and barely kicked a ball in the PL.

Rhian Brewster cost 23m for Sheffield Utd, just for a bit of perspective on fees.

Pretty much in the bracket i mentioned, between 30 and 40m.

Not sure mate, I'm not Dan Ashworth.