Shroppie

The plot thickens. Could be a long day. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Could still be negotiating tactics. We can hope, but Saints would rather see him walk than be blackmailed. There is still the possibility that he will refuse to extend and commit further, but reject Everton too, keeping options open for next year. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Don't think that will happen. If we were determined to keep him for the year at all costs there would have been a firmer rebuttal of Everton's interest. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

I would spend the whole weekend reading the Everton forum. Conversely, if he doesn't, I'm going nowhere near the arrogant gloating ****s. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

True. Even Sky can't find a "source" to confirm anything. They quote the claim that Ron is on his way for talks, but that's now been dismissed by both clubs as rubbish. The story is that Everton have made such a massive offer he'll obviously take it. So if they say it will be a done deal, it effectively is. So there. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

I don't disagree. I think it's commitment they want and to avoid the uncertainty they would have as his contract ended Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

This. As I posted above, at excessive length, Ron's dilemma is, IMO, that he wants to be at Barcelona or similar in a year or two and has to weigh up the potential risks and benefits to his reputation of staying at Saints against the opportunities and risks in a new, very challenging job. Plus of course, the money. Everton haven't got him yet, but if he wants to go he will. Saints will maximise the compensation, shake his hand and move on. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Yes, but we still know his days are numbered. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Having just ploughed through the night's posts, my take on it now is this. 1. Everton have not met Ron or agent but have widely advertised that they're offering the £7m and £100+ for transfers. 2. They then assert that this will clearly be enough to get their man. This is interpreted, first on Twitter, then by their ITKs, then the media as it being a done deal. But they still haven't spoken to Ron or got permission from Saints to do so. So, contrary to ludicrous statements on the Everton forum, it's not a done deal - yet. 3. Meanwhile, Ron is contemplating Saints' contract extension offer. Good, but nowhere near £7m, and probably vagueness over transfer money. He's still not sure about the club's ambition. He also wants to be free next year if Barcelona, Arsenal and possibly others come calling. 4. Saints' position is probably that he extends or goes. They don't want him running down his contract, and there will be, as always, other fish in the sea. They, correctly, won't match silly money. 5. Ron is therefore weighing a better setup, Europa League, mainly established team, chance of CL at Saints against way more money, no EL, massive rebuilding job (which if successful would really make his name),potentially (perhaps) bigger things eventually at at Everton. My guess is that, although the money will be a big attraction, the key factor in Ron's mind will be where he can most enhance his reputation to encourage the really big move. If he takes on Everton and turns them round (and he'd have all the cash he needs to do that) the sky will be the limit. There's plenty of room for improvement there, but a problem could be lack of patience for instant big success, and failure could dent his CV. Perversely, the potential for improvement at Saints is less. We're already EL and can't improve by many league places next season. If he stays, he has to at least get EL again and preferably CL to cement his reputation. A season where the EL pressure sees a drop in league form would hurt his chances. I think there's still a chance he'll stay, but it's now slim. If he does go, we move on, without blaming the club. We employ ambitious managers. They will always put their career prospects first, it happens. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

The report says they'll meet over the weekend if Saints agree Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

That would test anyone's loyalty. But note the report still only says this will be offered and they're confident it will do the job. In fact they seem confident that money can get whatever and whoever they want. We'll see. If he goes, it's a backward step for him in every way except money. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Yep. Strange. They normally suspend in an instant if there's a sniff of firm news. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

There's an assumption on the Everton forum that they've got him, but nothing convincing. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

That really is one of the most stupid posts ever. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Good analysis. Roy just can't beat to leave certain players out. The best player for each position, even if the best players in the squad have to be left out. I'm old enough to remember England winning in 66 with Alf Ramsey having the courage not to play Jimmy Greaves, easily our best striker, because Peters and Hurst were a better combination. And there were no subs then! Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

1.5/10. Must try harder Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Seeing Vardy and Kane sitting together now redefines p!ssed-off-fullness Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Hodgson would have put him on the wing. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Out shape is so bad and players so out of position it looks like Portugal have the extra man Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

But even bigger from Everton Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Don't think that always applies. SAF and Wenger for example. But perhaps true where managers have ambition yo rise higher. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

If he is going, it can only be that the unsaid part of his "I will see out my contract" promise was "but I won't stay any longer". Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

When I last checked, we finished 6th and in the Europa League. That makes us, yes, currently better tan them. And I would venture a bet thst we'll finish above them next year too. And we've been relegated from the top flight once in 30 years. Big yoyo-ing. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

I would be reassured except for your username. Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

No. So many are repeating one unsubstantiated tweet, backed up with old quotes. Liverpool Echo say it's wide of the mark Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk