Abacus

They play Stoke today. Having previously said they wouldn't want any ex Newcastle players, it'd be funny if Dwight Gayle gets off the mark with a cheeky hat-trick.

"We had a process in the second half of last year..." Bit of a pointed comment about the first half of that year, before that Bournemouth fella came in.

Agreed. How often do you hear Club X has bid £7m for Billy Footballer! They are now just awaiting a decision from Club Y, and all parties shall be happy to leak any details to the press, in the hope that all this can be played out in the media, whilst Club Y decide. Some time later; Club Y have decided to ACCEPT the offer unreservedly and with no additional demands! It's as simple as that!

I was thinking similar earlier. As a young developing player, having had a carousel of different managers with different styles in different teams already, must be night and day compared to having someone settled and methodical to coach you, in a team playing with clear instructions. And also a squad with a feel-good factor, compared being in a side heading for relegation last season and likely still reeling from it now. Hopefully we get him, and then it'll be exciting to see if he works out or not. Even if not, then he'll have been given the best possible chance at least, you'd think.

A bit of an odd time to seek minority investment for Man Utd from a pure investment point of view, given their stocks have been dropping. Also, that the club now need to spend a fortune to keep up with the very top. So maybe it's just a distraction technique by their owners, given all the unrest right now since they have lost two whole games and Ronoldmando is in a sulk. I'd be very surprised if PIF were to have any interest in being a minority shareholder, unless it's mainly a way to encourage someone like them, Dr Evil or maybe Qatar to get a toe in the door. So, come on Big Mike, it's time to cash in the wallpaper and make that dream Ashley / Glazer combo come true instead.

I find it very funny that Rabiot looks like collapsing over his wage demands. And that they have been set by his agent, who is also his mam. If you dared to drop him, I imagine she'd give you a clip round the ear at the players' parents evening as well.

Yep, Besiktas being reported in the Times. He's barely played, and Lampard suggesting he doesn't train hard enough. They'll probably have to sub some of his wages too. So glad we kept away from him - if that's right, it's really the type of player you want to avoid.

I'll put my hand up and say I mentioned him in the same sentence as Ekitike. But I meant more in the type of player were going for - young, seemingly the right physical attributes, potential to develop, rather than whether they were comparable at all as players. As for whether they're any good (either of them), couldn't tell you. And I've no idea how I'd compare the two given their different experiences to date if I had to either. I do think it's interesting Watford want more than £20m for him anyway. Maybe they really do desperately need a 20 year old to lead the line in the Championship, or they see something in him. Or possibly they're trying it on of course.

Don't know much about Pedro or whether I'd want him or not. I saw him on Friday night on TV, Watford v Burnley. Can't say I particularly noticed him, to be honest. But then again I wasn't especially looking and it's only one game. I guess that's the thing about a player so young - they're always a risk no matter how well scouted they are. Still, we do at least seem ready to bid for young, raw strikers like Ekitike or this guy. And, if the rumours have anything to them, at least having had a look at the likes of Isak and Sesko. One, some or maybe none of those players might turn out to be the next big thing, so it's always going to be a gamble but probably one worth taking, for us. In which case, maybe we're looking to get a slightly more established player for elsewhere on the pitch. Would have guessed right wing initially. But you do wonder if this Shelvey injury really has caused them to rethink where that is best, given that Howe clearly does rate him.

Hahaha, what a big fat hopeless gonk.

From the outside, watching the club spend millions, have their pick of managers, have wall to wall media coverage and still have fans crying about not being in the Champions League means that sympathy is always likely to be in short supply. However, we've been through it here where the club's owners are so toxic and not only fail to understand football (talk of brands, and value, and commercial exploitation instead of bloody FOOTBALL), but to brag about their money earning, that I can't help but have a bit of empathy. It has amazed me for years that the solution has always been a new manager, or getting in 'young hungry players'. But it seems a rotten culture and the fish rots from the head down as they say. It has always felt like deckchair rearrangement. Some Man U fans being entitled, annoying and in pure disbelief that they aren't winning everything means that for an outsider it's delicious to watch. But that said, for the actual football fans amongst your lot, I do wish the Glazers and their like to be gone from football altogether. Nothing worse than having your sport stolen from you by vultures, really no-one deserves that.

I was hoping to watch Lorient vs Lyon on BT, in order to professionally scout a little known player called Paqueta. Match postponed, though, due to an 'unplayable pitch'. Sounds fishy to me. I can only conclude that we have bids in for all of the players from both teams. You heard it here first, Fabrizio.

Hahaha

Is Targett not an outfield player? One of the two first teamers we've actually bought. You seem angry about things you've invented in your own head. Anyway, I'm not sure there's anything of substance or interest worth debating, so let's leave it there.

And despite actually signing Targett and Pope, who are both over 25.

It's an OK game. They're both decent Championship sides, but there's no-one I'd want to sign from either. (I've been mainly watching this to see if we should try and get Sarr, but nah, not for me.)

Absolutely bliddy love this fella. Great attitude and think he has been a steal. It's interesting that both him and Wilson have been talking about wanting to play for England as well. I'm guessing Howe has them all dreaming a bit. And why the hell not? That's what football is supposed to be about, for players as much as for fans.

Premature appreciation is a growing problem, I hear. I find it best to count backwards from 40m or to imagine Michael Owen signing.

I hear they are chanting "Is this a library?". In their case, I expect they're genuinely asking.

It'll be wedding season, marra.

Well, that's just decided it. I'm watching whichever of the two that Paul Chuckle is competing in.

Turns out they play tonight - Sheffield Wednesday, it's on Sky. But Celebrity MasterChef is also on, so I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Which bunch of competing amateurs who are probably unable to boil an egg should I watch?

West Brom have been much the better team, in fairness. Watford look really poor, though. Getting beaten all over the park.

Hahaha goooooaaalll

Ooof, should be well ahead. I think it's all set for Brucey to bemoan his bad luck if they lose now. On another day...with a bit more quality...see positive signs...have to score at this level...