Chez

doesn't excite me either, however Reid did grab the eye a little during his time at Fulham in the Prem. I'd like us to sign Carvalho, but is a below average Prem player better than a guy that looked good in the championship?

That would be great, if true. Would provide a decent downpayment on Simon Banza.

good little footballer. Impressed me a lot, especially in the Cov FA cup games. Not certain he will shine in the Prem, but hope he gets a stab at it.

True, but availability is the most important ability. I'll pass on the offer to watch more Onuachu.

I'm not sure he is either, but realistically who is coming to us? If we can get better, I'm all for that.

Bellingham is part of the problem. He just floats around like he does at Madrid. He's a brilliant player, but he needs the right system if he is going to do that.

we've made subs, but we still look pretty shite.

he was absolutely woeful at Brum - that was the problem at Brum.

Watkins has started brightly. Good to have some pace up there.

not enough players willing to run without the ball at their feet. Need a few more 'workers' to balance the superstars. This pitch is horrific. Some of the England players seem to have lost a little confidence because of it.

I've got to say that Shankland feels like our kind of signing. Kind of the level of money we can afford. He can finish given time, but is he sharp enough to do it in the Prem. I think Mitov is going to Aberdeen. I'm with you on Netherlands. Classie was not good enough, but if you know your stuff you can get a Tadic or a Pelle.

Possibly. I was really hoping he'd force his way in last season. We spent a few bob on him, so I am hoping he might be the next big thing. Still plenty of time, but in terms of where he is at, if he couldn't get in ahead of Bree played out of position, that's not a great sign that he can play in the Prem next season. Like you say, a good summer and preseason and maybe he solves our problem. I have my doubts.

he of more tricks than Paul Daniels? I bet his youtube video is a good watch. My only concern is he's a little bit lightweight, no unlike like Edozie.

He was the guy we should have spent money on last summer, but it would have been tough to prize him away and Manning was free. I feel its a position we really must sort out. We can't have KWP moving across there next season. Manning, Perraud, Larios...are just not going to cut it.

Is the Echo all seeing? Genuine question. They do seem to have decent inside knowledge, but wasn't sure if a few signings happened without them knowing diddly.

They got quite a bit out of Antonio, but failed miserably with others such as Scammacca. Made me wonder where we "get the best out of" our own strikers. He's our Prem striker signings dating back to 2012. We certainly got a lot out of Rodriguez and Ings. Less sure about the rest. That's not to say they all (Carillo apart) didn't have their moments, but could we have got more out of them? Pelle was great, but there were periods where he seemed to lose all confidence. Rodriguez Osvaldo Pelle Austin Gabbiadini Carillo Ings Adams Broja Armstrong Mara Onuachu

Good post. Some very astute signings. Clyne especially, who had the pace, technical ability and experience to make the jump seamlessly So, we need to look for a highly regarded, but unproven young championship attacker. Someone like Clarke perhaps? I think we `stole' Davis as Rangers were fucked financially, so maybe one of the FFP sides could be exploited this time around. Then a very talented young defender from the Championship (that everyone could see would be able to make the step up). Would Gray from Leeds fit that criteria or maybe Greaves from Hull? An international from an unfashionable country, but playing in Europe. I will need help here. And finally, some South American flair.

It will be tough, every single game will be extremely hard. If we have a season like Sheff United, it will be shit, but I don't think people have made their mind up yet as to how we will go. I may have missed posts implying a lack of ambition. The window has only just opened, so it's impossible to know how much we will spend and ergo how "ambitious" the owner is (you don't need to spend gazillions to be ambitious). We have a limited budget, but we will spend every penny of it. Not concerned about the owner taking funds out and he seemed to be happy to spend to try to avoid relegation last time. How we spend it is what matters to me. I think most posters are pretty content and relatively positive right now. There seems to be some reality as to how hard it is to add Prem quality on a budget these days, but also optimism that we bring in some quality (even if its on a relative shoestring), if not in every position. Not getting a new keeper may dampen things. I think with Burnley coming unstuck, there is some nervousness that we can play the same way at the higher level, but it's certainly intriguing With only three senior players out of contract (and possibly leaving) and the previously loaned out players looking most likely to depart, it doesn't feel like we are dismantling the side, so cohesion won't be a problem, especially if Downes is acquired.

You are right to lack confidence. Its bloody hard for promoted teams, especially those that haven't got a core of genuinely Prem quality players (and a huge amount of momentum), to stay up. We can do though. Just need to get the signings right, address some of our failings fro last season and then give it a bloody good go.

I'm with you in that I think Sulemana still offers great potential, but equally, it's worth noting that at 20 years old, Mane was scoring 19 in 29 games and then at 21, he scored 23 in 50 games for Red Bull Salzberg. At 22 got 10 in 30 for us. Let's hope Sulemana, now 22 himself, can match that.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement. I have to say that his youtube video leaves me very unenthused.

The COVID loan is still outstanding and has accrued interest. We also owed money on various transfers. Not sure the loan is crippling the club's finances, but obviously it needs to be paid down and that takes funds away from our transfer/overall budget.

In the Championship, boy did our squad look strong. But in the Prem, we look incredibly lightweight. Struggle is right. I was really looking forward to this summer transfer window, but the current links to players and noises about financial constraints are taking the shine off it a little. I hope we can make at least a couple of exciting signings.

I thought the figure mentioned for Carleta-Car was €3.5m, and Perraud €3m, so that's less straight away. We ain't getting £10m for Onuachu. I reckon €8m tops, but more likely another loan. £10m for Mara? Not sure who is paying that. A french club might want him, but not the clubs that have that kind of money. Aribo seems fair enough. Bree also. I get the feeling the club just won't let Sulemana, ABK and Alcaraz go cheaply, but perhaps they will be more tempted this summer than last. Not sure buyers are going to be more tempted to spend this summer though.

they know we want him, so won't let him go for buttons, but realistically, is there another buyer? If not, that should prevent it getting out of hand. I'd be making a well publicised bid for Sara at Norwich to ensure West Ham know we are not tied to him.