Viana

See, but Barton played against them. I find it a bit odd a player that never actually played in a Tyne-Wear derby has an issue with us. Tbf, I don't rule out he's just said it for a laugh knowing Bristol City or Preston fans wouldn't care as much.

At the risk of sounding like a cult member, I think we've done it by being patient and persistent. The briefings from the club this summer have centre around being creative within FFP limitations while also being patient. We could have gone and paid £30m for Kieran Tierney in the first week of the summer and have a brand new left back. Instead, Dan Ashworth and the higher ups built out a strategy that prioritized certain positions and then tried to tick off the other requirements thereafter. Sandro Tonali was clearly the top of that tree. After that, it would appear that we've waited for the dust to settle before moving. James Maddison going to Spurs gave Leicester a fat cash injection and likely lowered the fee they'd accept for Harvey Barnes - a player they knew wanted out. If we'd steamed in first they may be seeking that 40-50m they were demanding of Maddison the year before. On the other hand, we went in early for Tino Livramento, and clearly didn't want to exceed that £30/35m mark we set ourselves. It would have been easy to throw an extra £10-15m on top in bonuses just to get the deal done at their requested £50m. That is especially true when you consider Southampton looked like they had deals for Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse sewn up early. Had they gone through they weren't going to need the money, and Livramento wasn't going to force an exit either. Then you come to Lewis Hall. Again, perhaps if FFP wasn't a thing we would have upped our bid until they said yes a bit like what Chelsea did with Caicedo. Instead, we stayed patient and through a slice of good luck we arrived at a point where Chelsea needed the money and the player was eager to leave. We've undoubtedly had our fair share of good luck this summer, I wouldn't want to dismiss that, but the ability to take advantage of that luck is because we came into the summer with such a clear plan of action.

He looks to have a wicked cross on him too. I'm sure Wilson and Isak are looking forward to that.

Malo Gusto should slot in for them while he recovers. I think Chelsea have likely realized they need to slow down a tiny bit.

Feels a tad harsh that. We've added a game-changing midfielder, a goal-scoring winger, and are close to having future-proofed our fullbacks with young English defenders, both of whom are quite versatile. I have to see that as a nine. Case to be made we need to upgrade centre back, but I don't hate the idea of adding Burn to that pool of players while we let the money lazer recharge.

Is that Luke Edwards spouting shite again and then patronizing anyone that highlights it? I also think we need a giant Luke Edwards smoke screen gif.

Apparently Babayaro used to tell anyone that would listen about their days together as a U16 with Nigeria, even though he was 6 year older.

This is what gives me hope while we try to bridge the gap between ourselves and the elite. Ashworth and the rest of the recruitment team clearly have a planned strategy.

As if we're getting Chelsea academy players pushing to join us. Cackling like an idiot at how much the club has turned around.

But if every one of them chips in a fiver we can buy five Lewis Halls.

Do admire the fact having painted over the shirt they then added FTM

They’ve had success signing players from lower down teams, but typically they were a lot younger. If they truly have 100m to burn I’m surprised they’ve not gone for Manu Kone or Ibrahim Sangare.

Fraser is a good player, and he’d probably work well in Howe’s system as it stands. Personally, I never expected him to do that though given how things ended at Bournemouth. Howe can say it’s all in the past, but I don’t think he’d trust someone he feels such a schism with in terms of character and sacrifice.

Chelsea are probably looking at the Livramento fee as a guide post for someone with little Premier League experience but a lot of promises. I think 20m plus bonuses might be the more realistic fee, but I don’t doubt Ashworth and co’s ability to strike a good deal if Chelsea are legitimately willing sellers.

My trip home will just miss this, but wanted to say it’s a very lovely thing you all do to continue Jon’s memory. He was a nice guy, and nice to see he’s not forgotten.

I could murder a sticky toffee pudding.

I believe Lewis Hall is a midfielder that's moved backwards. If he's content being seen exclusively as a defender I'd rather pursue him.

I'm surprised we aren't in for him given talk of a $10m release clause.

Here comes the next £100m player.

Twitter allowed everyone with an email address to present as a tactical expert. It devalued the work of the genuine teachers.

That's why I'm still not convinced by Ten Hag. Some of the signings he pushed for like Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro made sense, but he dropped a huge sum on Antony, and pushed for Eriksen/Mount despite them already having Fernandes. Now they're discussing Sofyan Amrabat meaning one of Bruno/Mount/Garnacho/Antony has to sit out alongside Sancho. Yeah, great if its a 2/3-year-deal. He's got a deal on huge money until 2026.

What a worker. Vince McMahon hire this gentleman, he's writing top tier promos.

Antony for £80m leading the pack for worst deal they've done in a decade.

I also think Casemiro is starting to show his age. Having him as the sole anchor and letting Mount/Fernandes run free would be a hard night's work for a 21-year-old never mind a 31-year-old. Ten Hag talks a good game, but I don't think this lot are any closer to a title challenge. There's still way too many passengers in attack.

One of the more awful performances I've seen from Man Utd. Their central midfield is a saloon door, which is mad considering how much they've spent on Casemiro, Mount, and Fernandes.