Ivan Katalinic's 'tache

All quiet on the Vassell front still (regardless of who might want him).

You want rumours irrespective of accuracy then Football Rumours is the place! Here's what's on there today.

I reckon we've had a look and he's done pretty well. AP said he was planning to speak to him and we've probably asked him about whether he fancies a move here and given him the choice: will you drop your wage demands for a chance of 1st team football. If he's gone back to Preston, I'd guess not...

Interesting and concerning in equal measure, especially with Rickie not playing either and Forest "rumoured" to be interested in him. Think Tyson is definitely off the menu, with Blackpool interested, but the Dexter rumour might have legs.

Conclusive proof players do post on this forum. Welcome Anthony!

Nothing really in Pardew's comments on OS about bringing in new players. Anyone else starting to think that the reason there's no real speculation about us being interested in players is because we aren't after anyone and we're planning to go with what we've got? If it is that, I wonder if it's Pardew being happy with what he's got or NC's reluctance to give any more money to spend, to a manager who could be under pressure in a few weeks, if we don't get off to a good start?

Don't worry, we've got that Rickie-like replacement in reserve, which AP identified at the start of pre-season. Oh...

You're joking?? And I thought the idea was to try to have a settled pre-season! I know you can't predict who might get injuries but you do know it's a possibility so if you also have lack of cover in key positions, you could be said to be in a little bit of bother before a ball's been kicked in anger...

Would be great, if true! Although shouldn't we broaden our horizons and try to scout players beyond the City Ground?

Carter's not in the squad listed for the game vs Reading tomorrow, on the OS. I guess that means either negotiations are under way and we've seen enough to want to sign him or we've seen enough not to want to!

It's Friday and Vassell said he hoped to officially be free to sign for someone else from today. I guess his plans will become clear soon, if so! Come on Pards - get it sorted IF we are interested!

Was kind of hoping one of the deals AP was talking about would be done prior to the Reading game, to add a bit of interest and so they'd have the opportunity to play with the first team before the League season kicks off, next week. I guess that's not likely, now, although there are 10 more hours to go before it's 11.30pm...

So we get to beat one more team on the way to retaining our trophy then? Fine by me.

Tall, back-up striker for Lambo?

Danns, I'd guess...

Even less chance than Darius Vassell, surely?

Beaten to it due to craply performing broadband...

Javier de Pedro?

Q1 - what's his name? Q2 - who does he play for now?

Just had a look on a Forest forum and he's started the game for them against Lyon. I think we can put to bed the rumour that he's already signed now! Question is, are we still trying to sign him?

Forest have assigned him shirt no. 11 in their squad numbers, released today. Tends to suggest he hasn't signed yet...

Maybe AP can't be certain when a deal for Vassell could go through because Vassell himself was saying that he was hoping to have secured free agency status by tomorrow? Probably putting 2 and 2 together and making 5 but it seems to fit...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/8862696.stm Swansea are apparently looking at trying to sign Brian Stock, according to the Beeb, although they may not be able to afford him.

So has Tyson actually signed or is it dependent on other Forest targets signing first, hence AP's comments that he's hopeful of having some things done before the Plymouth game but happy to start with the squad as is, if not?

Just been snooping around a Forest forum to see if there was any news on Tyson and someone had posted that they were being linked with an ex-England international who'd had a less than successful spell abroad. Sound familiar...? Maybe we're backed off a deal for Vassell in return for them letting us have Tyson. Pure speculation on my part but stranger things have happened!