John P

Do we reckon that might mean today?

For the money it would cost to get Chalobah, it would probably be worth sticking with Hayden and hoping he fulfils his potential. Spend the £25m elsewhere.

The pathetic replies to this news on Facebook and some on here show exactly why a flag supporting this is a good idea.

I know it's not an inspiring appointment but, after getting turned down by McInnes, Grayson is about as good an appointment as they could get. I know a Preston fan at work who really rates him. In his 1st season with Preston they avoided relegation from League One, next season they were promoted from League One and then they have had two 11th place finishes in the Championship. That is a pretty good job. He also has promotions with Blackpool, Leeds and Huddersfield on his CV, so he is clearly a good manager. They've hired a manager who at the very least seems capable of making them into a solid unit, and if they can sign a goalscorer they'll probably have a good season with him, as much as that pains me to say it.

To be fair, Grayson has done a very good job with Preston. Not exactly an inspiring choice but I think he's a decent manager.

Seems like a good move for him. I imagine if he's going to succeed anywhere it will be in a slower, more technical league. Seems like a decent lad so hope he does well.

I'm with Ronaldo on this one, I don't think he's better than Gayle and don't think he'd have been first choice, so let's just move on to someone else.

Think we were linked with him 2 years ago weren't we?

What an odd thing to say.

23 goals in 63 games for Brentford in the Championship from attacking midfield which I guess is decent. Seems to be linked with Everton and West Ham too.

I remember that too. Never seen him play though.

We're signing Chiellini now instead

Was apparently a very common system until the 4-4-2 days arrived. Without the ball I guess they just drop into a 4-1-4-1, with the ball though things could get interesting.

If Barkley isn't happy at a club that just finished 7th, I'd say there's zero chance of him wanting to come here.

I wonder how long Shola would have lasted if Rafa was in charge years ago? He'd probably have surpassed Shearer's record by now. Yeah, who am I kidding, he'd have just completed an SAS assault course with England.

I wonder how long Shola would have lasted if Rafa was in charge years ago?

'Bring Back the Noise' - but use a picture of an empty stadium in a pre-season friendly.

If that is indeed true that his wife is expecting this week, it is absolutely heartbreaking.

I'd have thought that Demba would still be in contact with Cheick or his family, or at least be able to get hold of them.

yes. Jesus, this is fucking awful.

f***. Is he a genuine BBC journo?

Express has put something online but just says 'according to reports in China.' Nothing official.

Hopefully this is all bollocks as there doesn't seem to be any official word yet.

Would be very surprised as Rafa loves 4-2-3-1 so much.

Caulkin mentioned Lejeune in his most recent article (Eibar defender / midfielder), so might be him instead of Reina?