The Prophet

Can only think of West Ham and Everton (both at home), where we struggled against a low block last season. Our xG, goals scored, etc were generally fine across the season as a whole.

I agree that we need more ability and composure on the ball. I think Botman and Hall coming back into the team, with Trafford and a RCB coming in should help our control. Fingers crossed we see more of Miley in the midfield too. With that in mind, I don't mind our front three being a bit more direct. Elanga plays more narrow than Murphy, which would allow Tino to overlap more, while his ability to go both ways means he's not as one dimensional either. I think we might be going for something like that early Klopp-Liverpool style. Ironically they bought a lot of PL proven players too.

What I'm saying is that he has back-to-back seasons of 14+ goal contributions at the highest level. That kind of pedigree won't come cheap, we'd have to be prepared to gamble. Even some of the other names mentioned in here Dibling, Semenyo, Akliouche, Gittens, etc. You're looking at circa £45 million+ and some of those names are arguably a poorer fit or are more rough around the edges.

The questions about his price are fair enough, but I doubt you're going to get a winger with that kind of output for much less.

Probably too one footed and a bit slow for what Howe is looking for, but a lovely footballer for sure.

His pace and ability to deliver the ball off both feet gives him an extra dimension to Murphy. We don't need to reinvevt the wheel in the forward line.

Someone's been on FBRef again.

Pretty much exactly where I'm at.

While you've got Paul on the blower, can you ask him who are CB target is?

£60 million.

Aye, but it was always the assumption that CB and RW would be allocated the largest portion of the budget.

Why is it insane though? He's 23 and has 18 goal contributions this season. He's more proven than Gordon who we paid more for.

He's easily a £40 million player in today's market, unfortunately.

Elanga got 17 goal contributions last season. Even on the continent we'd be looking at a decent chunk of change. It does feel like there's a lack of decent options in that area though.

I'd be content with this. Feels like a nice fit.

We were after Delap tbf.

I've not watched a lot of him, but he looked a bit shit in the CL this season.

Semenyo away?

We can worry about that in August.

Ange binned.

It could also just be PR to help him get a move elsewhere.

How does it show that?

Going back to the local journos. Their livelihoods depend on engagement and transfer stories bring more of that than anything else. It's therefore almost a requirement to chuck some names out and sensationalise things as much as possible. It would be refreshing to see some actual journalism now and then though.

There was a footballer named Cal, NO thought he was Eddie's pal, He asked him to stay, Because he thought he would slay, But he broke both legs in a fall. Better?