Mazzy

Obviously Tielemans over Shelvey is a no brainer. However I don't see us getting another CM in this summer, happy to be proved wrong but it just wouldn't make much sense unless it was a promising youngster. We need a top quality (proven to some extent) RW and some sort of back up to Wilson, be that a free transfer or another youngster. Next summer is the time to go big on a new TOP TOP quality CM once Shelvey is gone and TOP TOP level striker to replace/compliment Wilson.

I do wonder whether we'd still be getting dragged up in this whole mess if Ashworrh wasn't here now. I imagine he's told them where to go.

I'm assuming not as I've not seen anything either but both are being reported as "as good as done".

These kind of signings are going under the radar because of the Botman stuff but it's just as good to see it. We may well be able to have a decent season at u23 level now.

New training gear looks decent!

Weve been linked with Diaby on a few occasions from a few different sources but which other clubs have also? Haven't seen anything naming any other clubs with interest. That always seems odd when a player has done so well, usually there 3/4 chasing them.

I wouldn't say I'd be happy about starting our season with the current midfielders, however we have more pressing concerns in terms of positions that need filling. You can't sign an entire new defence, midfield and attack in one transfer window. We've got our new defence, now we need attacking reinforcements more than anything else. Next summer will then be the time to look at getting another top quality CM to go alongside Bruno. For now, a combination of Joelintion/Willock/Shelvey/Longstaff will do the job just as they did in the last 6 months.

Paqueta is no doubt a huge talent but we have a problem now that has been created in part by the Joelinton renaissance. The problem being he's taken up that kind of spot Paqueta would've fitted into and therefore other areas of the pitch require immediate reinforcements far more than the midfield, RW and ST being 2 of them. I'd rather spend the £60/70M Paqueta would take on a talented RW as I'd not be particularly keen on Almiron or Fraser starting the season there for us.

Spurs doing some good stuff annoyingly. Wouldn't be surprised to see them take 3rd spot this season.

That's too much for him. £60M isn't something I'd be happy for us to pay. Raphina and Richarlison as part of an attacking line would be incrediblely easy to wind up.

That's some fantastic positive thinking. Keep it up.

It's a shame that this kit is being overshadowed by the Saudi connection because its actually a beauty. Most definitely tempted to get it.

Got to be going for more than 80k right. Smash out a 90,001 seater stadium and be done with it. Build it and they will come.

Big media reveal incoming I would imagine. Interviews and videos galore no doubt.

I like this idea we have of buying the best upcoming 18/19/20yr olds from around Europe. Will reap the rewards of these sort of signings in 2/3yrs time. Especially while our academy gets its act together and we start producing these ourselves.

McTominay wouldn't be an awful signing. Especially as we do lack depth in the middle (defensively) now with Hayden gone and Hendrick on his way. As long as the price isn't ridiculous, I'd have him.

Any players in our current team that Botman would know or have played with? We don't have any Dutch players obviously so perhaps we need to get him a Dutch friend in next as priority?

Fairly poor stats in terms of goals and assists but seems to be a regular so must have something about him.

Following Botman there for the photoshoot perhaps? Can't be long now until its announced.

No photos through the gate yet? What the fuck are the stalkers outside playing at?! This is what I live for.

That's certainly one way to look at it and that could easily be the case. However he is only young and these people are employed to look after his best interests may very well be screwing him over as much as they are trying to screw us over. We don't really know what's gone behind the scenes barring some rumours about his agents demands. I'm sure Ashworth and his team will know best when it comes down to it and if that means Ekitike ends up playing for us then that's fine by me.

Richarlison off to Chelsea by the sounds of it, was never sure about him and his attitude. I'd certainly have Raphina here though, I don't like his over the top play acting and all that stuff (similar to Richarlison) but I actually think he has more footballing ability.

Ziyech would be a decent signing I think. He no doubt wants Champions League football and Chelsea would put a stupid price on him for another Prem team. But for a player who can play out wide or as a #10 he would improve us in both those areas.

What number do we reckon he will be having? Considering it's a new season and a the first new one under Howe perhaps MOST numbers are up for grabs? #5 , #4 or #6 are traditional but realisticly could be anything.