STM

I actually think we will spend a bit of money. Enough to keep Rafa anyway. By the end of the window we will have sold a few to "balance the books," mind. If Charnley has already started making moves for players and shown Rafa his financial plan, that might be enough for Rafa to sign up. Ultimately, Rafa will walk if hes lied to, and the club know that.

One of those rare games at St James where I think the fans will get right behind the team regardless of the score. Everyone understands that we are playing an exceptional side, so we can just enjoy watching a cracking game of football.

Get in. Knew he would stay.

Lampard

1-0 tha toon, howay the lads.

He's not going to get much better. He will be an asset to a championship club and we should probably cash in at the first opportunity, provided we can find a replacement.

Really? Thought it was quite funny myself. No one was being abusive, just a bit of fun, no harm done really. It's HTT's new alter-ego. Ignore him.

If past play offs are anything to go by, Sunderland won't go up. Not only are they not the in form side going into it but they are also unlikely to finish 3rd. I suspect they will go up automatically next year.

He's a pure conman, it's almost admirable. He's going to really struggle to find a premiership club willing to have him. I can't see many Championship clubs taking him either. Perhaps a QPR, after all, they did hire McClaren.

That will never happen. I don't see how it work either, the club simply won't put something like that in. I can see the club lowering his release fee, should he decided to leave.

His words were suggestive of progress, to me. Nothing agreed but sounded slightly more when than if.

Where did you see it?

I'd love to see the equivalent image of Newcastle's back 4 (10) against them.

Really, he couldn't hit a barn door? He has a bit of pace but really does anything with it.

Noticed this on Twitter, why are people making out that Perez and Almiron play in different positions? They play in different styles obviously, Perez doesn't have the pace to get in behind like Miggy but he's a better poacher. Ultimately, Muto should be fine coming in but I just think Atsu is next in line. God knows why, he's offered nowt recently.

It will be ironic when Rafa leaves and they throw 70m at some knobhead manager and give the old, "see what Rafa could have had, he abandoned you really."

Why does he have to be like someone?

Should have got Zidane while they had the chance. He would have been perfect. How are Man Utd going to hire their beloved OGS?

Yeah alright.

Brexit means brexit.

He's a good player and 15m is standard fair for an English player in the premiership. Where as 15m for Rafa could go a long way.

Is he related to Vernon Anita?

Can't see him in the Championship. If other clubs scouting is up to scratch, he could play for any number of southern based clubs. Palace, Brighton, Southampton, Norwich maybe. I don't know where his family are and how far he can travel. 15m is a fair price and a big wedge for Rafa.

Would much prefer to see a bit of Muto.

Got the job done. Showed good character last 15.