TK-421

But, Townsend aside (as we don't truly know who/why the plug was pulled on that one), should the club pay over the odds for players, just because the manager says he wants/needs players in? I'm sure Rafa would understand this - that while promotion is still far from certain, there are some players and fees the club cant realistically justify paying. Or the flip side being, we sign (more) average squad filler, just so we can say the manager wanted them, so we got them?? January is a crazy window to be buying players, as selling clubs know the buyers tend to be desperate, so the prices are artificially inflated.

Surely that depends on if it results in 2m being knocked off the asking price in the summer? That seems to have been (one of the) issue(s) though... It was reportedly £2m now as a loan fee, then the £13m release clause in the summer. Don't think Ashley would ever be happy spending more on a player we sold just a year earlier. Also, if Palace were now agreeing to an initial loan, their terms may have been an obligation to buy in the summer regardless of promotion. Guess we'll never know the ins and outs of the deal being thrashed out. But, we need to win the next 2 games at home, and then take it from there - hopefully keep that gap to 3rd place for the rest of the season.

Downey on SSN saying its off, but we may revisit the deal in the summer.

Whats Yakubu up to these days?

Means nowt really. Carroll fee was agreed at about 5.30pm, and he still had time to travel to Liverpool and undergo a medical. Pretty certain Townsend could easily be withdrawn from their squad and a medical happen if a deal can be sorted right up to the teams being submitted to the ref.

He's all over the radio about north-east football. BBC correspondent IIRC. Nah. Ex-Metro, now TalkShite. Sure he used to work at NUFC too, in the 1990s (keegan 2nd era). Guessing he still thinks he's ITK, but really, knaas nowt!

That was when he was with us. It was yesterday, Ryder/The Chronic saying his current deal has a £13m release clause as well... "Sources in the south suggest that Townsend has a minimum fee release clause of £13million in his current deal - just like the one that allowed him to leave Newcastle last summer." http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/what-holding-up-deal-andros-12528362

It'll probably happen sometime tomorrow, as it means they get an unwanted players off their books, and potentially another defender in on loan, if the Mbemba swap is true. But slightly disappointing that it appears its him or nothing.

SSN now mentioning the Townsend for Mbemba swap till the summer as an option we are looking at.

SSN saying he's taking a £25k/week pay cut to join Marseille, and will now earn £100k/week. God knows how he'll manage, poor fella.

What a slice by Bent??!!

Surprised they didn't get an extra one for a 'frivlous' appeal. It was quite clear what he did, so they really didn't have too many grounds to appeal it. So, looks like 'Dolly Parton' might be getting a game sooner than he thought!!

just heard same on 5live Aye, confirmed by their Chief Exec... "If a player openly states he does not want to play for our club, it is clear that we have a decision to make. In this instance and in regard to this particular player, we have done what we feel is right for Sunderland, which will always be our priority." Almost hope it falls thorugh now... image if they were stuck with him till the summer??!!

Meh, its just Fat Sam posturing. He clearly doesn't rate/want Townsend, but is probably hoping to draw out some more interest for a cash sale. However, if we are the only club interested (and Townsend does want to come back), I'd guess our loan with option could still happen, but it'll go down to the wire. Just hope that we are still trying to pursue other deals incase this doesn't happen.

I hope so. It was injuries that scuppered Brighton near the back end of last season, which saw them slip into the play-offs.But last season there were 3 of them pushing on closely (with Boro and Burnley). So far this season, I don't think they've had too many key/longterm injuries - but surely they cant go a full season with their near first choice 11 playing every match??

He's utter crap Hehe, he could be joining the right club then.

SSN: Sunderland making a move for Bordeaux left back Deigo Contento. He a German of Italian descent, apparently. Looks like PvA is away then.

Eh? Cant say I've ever seen that... sure he aint got us mixed up with RTG?? (now waits for first reply to say **** off! )

Defensive midfielder isn't he? Know nowt about him, but meant more than Sam was clearly getting players he wants into the squad (and money already available to him), so may need to let those go that he doesn't want, i.e. Andros.

Palace close to agreeing a deal for midfielder Luka Milivojevic from Olympiakos for £10m. Hopefully another that makes Townsend surplus to their requirement?

It'll be 11pm Tuesday night, I think. Unless you're Spurs, then its sometime the following day, if you're struggling to get a deal owa the line!

Creased at that photo

Suppose it looks only to be a loan, but how many players are we allowed to loan in per season? With Atsu already, and Barrow, would we still be able to loan Townsend if a deal became possible? Maybe a Townsend deal is being shelved till the summer?

Montero until the end of the season would be an excellent bit of business. Plays on the left as well. Still in talks for Townsend according to the same guy, and are prepared to wait until the summer to sign him permanently. Interesting... and his value may drop by then, if he spends the next few months on Palaces bench. Think a lot will be smoke and mirrors to try and get Palace to agree to the loan now.