The Prophet

Douglas' piece this morning that we intend to play him in a double pivot with Bruno to help link defence to attack.

Due to the lack of outgoings, I agree it'll only be one major signing. At the same time though, I can't believe anyone still takes what Howe tells reporters too seriously.

Depends how it goes on the books. Forest allegedly insisted on him being part of the deal, which means they're almost certainly going to use it as an accountancy trick Hard to take the value of any of these "swaps" at face value, when their sole purpose was a means to comply with PSR.

He can be loaned abroad this window I think.

Hardest draw we could of got, but one we should be looking to win. Expecting something relatively strong such as: Pope, Trippier, Krafth, Kelly, Hall, Tonali, Bruno, Willock, Miggy, Isak, Barnes. We have a decent recent record at the City ground so perhaps that's making me feel optimistic, but I fancy us to edge this 1-2.

If I didn't know about the injury to Riad, I'd say it doesn't make a lot of difference.

Ah nice, what were they like on the inside? Was Mitchell impressive?

Arsenal and Merino has very publicly been going on for weeks.

Is happy clapper the opposite of s bed wetter? As every, best to assess the window when it closes.

I'm less confident now Riad is knackered

Yikes, Riad has just gone off injured for Palace.

Yeah. As I said when he started the previous two games, it makes virtually no difference. Until we agree a fee, he's a Crystal Palace player.

I went with Trafford, Guehi and Madueke. Not a chance the latter happens now, but I think we'll get the other two and miss out on a right winger. I'm a bit shocked we haven't been able to shift anyone at all yet.

It's more that we're incredibly risk adverse. Due to PSR we obviously feel that we have to get every transfer as close as you can to a guaranteed success.

Mokbel, the Parish mouthpiece, said this would be resolved in the next 48 hours yesterday evening. At least we should be put out of misery tomorrow, either way.

Until we agree a fee, he's still their player. They won't give a shit if he's cup tied, wouldn't even be surprised if they've done it just to be cunts.

It's a standard negotiating time frame for such a large deal, but it's very unusual for it to be so public. That's what has made it feel like a drag.

Only amongst the lobotomised.

Signed one at the start of the window didn't they?

I guess it depends what position Gordon was bought for, if any at all.

...but he does need to be in the role long enough to assess and then influence the transfer strategy.

He's been in the job five minutes. He'll be on watching breif for the time being.

Again, until we agree a fee, Palace will continue to play him. They're under no pressure to sell.

In terms of evolution, I'd like to see us keep the ball a bit more away from home. Fingers crossed, with Guehi and Tonali coming in, we'll be a bit better at this.

So he's there tonight, but not expected to be involved?