Hughesy

Luc Castaignos to Frankfurt for €2.5 million. Weren't we linked to him at some point?

The difference in the quality of article between Lee Ryder and Mark Douglas is embarrassing. Genuinely don't know how Ryder has a job.

Really not sure about Austin to be honest, especially for £15 million. But if it's him or no-one, I'd get him in now.

There's plenty, we just won't pay the money for them. Not wishing to put you on the spot - but can you give some examples? I've been trying to think about who I would want us to buy because none of the proposed names really fill me with much confidence.

Didn't mean de Jong - meant van ginkel.

Did he fully recover from his knee injury?

All the players we seem to be linked to seem just so unremarkable. We really seem to be targeting a lower level of player than any other summer I've seen for us.

Michael jongsma (Dutch journalist) has tweeted that a Dutch newspaper is reporting that us and Sunderland are after wijlandum (sp). For 20 million euros. Ha ha.

Are there many quality strikers available in Europe? Not suggesting Dost is the answer, but I haven't seen many good strikers linked this summer.

I'd be fascinated to know whether they had discussions with other candidates for the job other than McClaren or whether they only ever intended to appoint McClaren from the moment Pardew left.

Have we been linked to any strikers other than Austin, Dost, Berahino and Juanmi (now not an option I see)?

Not really blown away by links to Bas Dost or Austin. Neither seem particularly rounded strikers and I think that's what we need.

Hellenic Premier Division is officially harder than the Premier League. Fact.

Michiel Jongsma ‏@JongsmaJongsma 52s52 seconds ago Algemeen Dagblad report that Bas Dost has had talks with Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren over a transfer, other PL clubs interested.

Not sure Richards is necessarily the answer (mainly due to his wages and injury issues) but I think people are severely underrating his ability. He did play 29 league games when City won the league in 11/12.

Does anyone know what happened to the supposed successor to Wenger, Dragan Stojkovic?

There's absolutely no way that Colback is a better midfielder than Tiote.

This basically.

Don't see a problem with giving him another contract on what will be pretty low wages.

Absolutely gutting that a team like West Ham are at least being linked to good, proper managers and actually showing some ambition. They have a go at getting Klopp and are linked to Emery and Bielsa... while we look at Carver and McClaren. Absolute joke.

Would have loved Bielsa.

I don't understand how anyone could actually have watched Ben Arfa play and not think we would have been better off this season with him around.

Always disliked Marcotti up until that.. new found respect.

Ok.. just confused about how someone on the phone could think you were Ryan Taylor. Just trying to piece together the waiter's train of thought there.

They get treated like Roman Gods in there, man. I phoned up once and was mistaken for Ryan Taylor by the waiter/maître d on the other end. The bloke practically offered a blowjob with my table. Ridiculous. Do you sound like Ryan Taylor or is your name Ryan Taylor?