c1982

Definitely seems like a stop gap - as said above, it may mean Virginia can go out on loan - hopefully come back ready to be back-up/ one of 3 next season with more opportunities with us being in Europe (?). Pretty sure Lössl with be out of contract next summer and who knows with Pickford? What I do expect is a new first team keeper will be top of the list next summer. It sounds like Romero/Gazziniga could have been available to buy but the fact we only want a loan deal suggests there’s maybe a bigger picture/plan.

If we did move Walcott AND Bernard on (disregarding Bolasie and Sandro as not being registered even if they stay) then it is my understanding that we could still sign King or other players from the football league until 15th October (5pm)... is that right?

Not saying this will happen but Palace’s main target is Benharama (sp?) from Brentford and they’ve got plenty of time to get that done.

Cazoo did

I’d 8-2 (hate to)...

8-2 for the obvious jokes please

£10m... can he play defensive mid though

I expect he’ll be replaced... King? Milik? Maybe even Zaha at the right price/deal structure?

This usually means it’s a goer...

Why? There will still be a significant fee involved and the player still needs to complete a medical.

Supposedly tested positive for COVID-19. Obviously hope him and anyone around is alright but in footballing terms it could change some of our transfer plans over the next 2 days. It seemed his return to Juve was likely.

He’s part of Rio Ferdinand’s agency so you’d think so.

He had a good game today to be fair.

I had Coleman down for it initially then Doucouré started bossing things and then Mina snatched it with that incredible clearance off the line then last ditch tackle. Hopefully him and James can come up with a good excuse to skip the international duty.

If United have any sense, they wouldn’t sell us Romero. Pickford is clearly our weak link - thankfully he’s not cost us so far but he can’t keep performing like today - very poor.

Today’s Something Special for anyone with children of a certain age... Series 12, episode 24.

Even Mr Tumble’s onboard...

King played a lot more games in midfield - even for England on occasions. There’s 2 examples now too Rice and Marquois (PSG) - Rice being touted as a £50m centre back for Chelsea and Marquois keeping our very own Gana out of the PSG team. I don’t disagree that it’s rare but not every player/system is the same. If Carlo likes him, however he’s going to be used, it’s okay by me.

Congratulations (on becoming a dad not the shirt!) Long may Bella’s winning streak continue!

Well he did for West Ham and Man U - can only remember him as CB for Leeds. Ferdinand was a top player - of course he could play there. Ledley King played there more regularly - another top class centre back.

Many said it about Rio Ferdinand though - didn’t see too many weaknesses there. Maybe he’s just a very good player who is comfortable in more than one position. I’ll trust Carlo’s judgement on this. ...also, pretty sure van Dijk played a lot of his early football as a centre mid.

I don’t think Villa will have to worry too much about relegation this season - they’ve made some very good signings this summer. May need a bit of luck with injuries but I see them as comfortably mid-table.