Coffee_Johnny

I wouldn’t be surprised if our ‘new style’ of negotiation was to leave our ‘best and final’ offer with them (with whoever) rather than withdraw anything. Leaving things open/not chucking the dummy is a potentially more successful strategy. If there’s a late change of heart then great. If such a change comes too late and we’ve moved on then tough shit.

A bit of Werner hope? ‘RB Leipzig director Christopher Vivell has revealed that there is nothing approaching a done deal regarding Chelsea star and Newcastle United target Timo Werner. After two seasons with Chelsea that have not kept up with the high standards he set at RB Leipzig, Werner is now again of interest to the German club. However, they face competition in the form of Newcastle, as well as Juventus, in obtaining his signature. Vivell admitted that the prospect of Werner returning is enticing to RB Leipzig and revealed that contacts between the German club and Werner started as soon as he left for Chelsea. However, the sporting director confirmed that they are not close to sealing a deal for Werner and will not announce anything unless there is something firm. Speaking to Sky Deutschland, Vivell said: “Of course we find him exciting, he’s incredibly fast and a Germany international. “We have been in exchange [contact] with him since his transfer. “But we are not close to a deal and will only announce something when it makes sense.” RB Leipzig attacker Yussuf Poulsen has also made no secret of wanting Werner back at the club, but the coach of the German club, Domenico Tedesco, has refrained from commenting on the speculation.’ https://insidefutbol.com/2022/08/03/rb-leipzig-director-insists-no-agreement-on-newcastle-united-target-timo-werner/571332/

Do you think something has gone awry at the last moment? Or just someone has jumped the gun reporting a done deal?

Loving the exasperated re-brand!

Disappointed rather than surprised. Guess they hoped (hope?)Maddison would be signed, albeit not in time to play.

Crystal Palace 0 Arsenal 2 Fulham 1 Liverpool 2 Bournemouth 1 Aston Villa 1 Leeds 1 Wolves 1 Newcastle 2 Notts Forest 0 Spurs 3 Southampton 0 Everton 0 Chelsea 2 Leicester 2 Brentford 2 Man United 2 Brighton 0 West Ham 1 Man City 2 ?

Yep, totally get it. I disappeared with Rafa, but came back ?

I really enjoyed it. Nice to see you back.

I found a way of including both.

Fishing in the right pool then. Just need better bait.

Would make them even stronger I think.

Struggling to decide whether to go with three forwards (Alvarez being one of them) or adding an extra midfielder, Neto, who is more likely to play. Assuming if no forwards on bench, who do play, then if Alvarez doesn’t appear it’s tough luck/ an alternate position/player isn’t included in the scoring?

Good to see you! Did you. It used to organise this/something similar?

Not reached Manchester press yet.

New (to me) name. Giacomo Raspadori. Who we’ve supposedly ‘bid £21m for’ though I doubt it. He’s reportedly now put in a transfer request. 22 years old, 5’ 8” forward; partnered Hammers-bound Scamacca last season for Sassuolo. 18 in 75 for Sassuolo (10 goals and 6 assists last season). 3 in 13 for Italy. https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/03/report-after-bids-from-west-ham-newcastle-33m-target-has-now-handed-in-a-transfer-request/

He’s been quite busy, out and about around a fair few local retail outlets. Likes stotties, Milky Ways, people’s fathas () and unprovoked rudeness (allegedly).

More attack minded Rafa.

Totally agree, wouldn’t be wise to expect to carry on where we left off. In fact, I do wonder whether there has ever been such a season of two halves: 10 points after 19 games (10 at home); form, which if continued, would have meant 20 points, relegation in 20th place, bottom by 2 points; 39 points from 19 games (9 at home); form which, if continued across a whole season, would have meant 78 points and a third place finish (4 points above Chelsea, who finished 3rd and an incredible 20 points above Man Utd who finished 6th. But I am not saying that only Liverpool and Man City will do better than us. I am saying that taking into account everything, it doesn’t seem ridiculous to aspire to a finish between 5-8th place.

Given: we banged out a ridiculously good 19 games, which gave us the third highest points accrued in that half season; we have improved the squad; Howe and team know the team better and have had a preseason; the established system and style of play preseason; and my belief that we will add at least two forward players this month. Even taking into account other teams improvement, I think 5-8th is achievable.

Think it is just worry based rather than boring. I get the anxiety. Can’t recall the last player I would have been so upset to lose; particularly if it was through lack of ambition.

And another one down…

Another one bites the dust.

Hear there are potentially some Schmeichel sized shoes available for him to slip into.

This is how delusions start…