SNSUN

I think the biggest lack of something we've seen so far, bar very fleeting glimpses, is quality bearing in mind the players we have on offer. We're not defensive per se, we're just too safe. I think I've seen enough effort from England as the tournament has progressed, just not enough quality.

The Wicker Man > Alan Whicker > Born in Egypt > Player born in Egypt > Mohammed El Elneny.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/david-de-gea-sends-three-29422279 Factors you'd have to consider is fitness and wages. Yes, signing De Gea would be an easy decision for a club like Saints as he's very good but his wages will be too high even after a year out the game. Then there are question marks over why he was out for a year and why other clubs didn't go in for one of the best keepers of the last 10 years. Enjoying life too much perhaps? Attitude? I still think he's end up in Saudi.

Complete free agent list. Still lots of quality players available. Maybe signing an experienced CB like Matip or Varane to help the 3 young CBs out (out of our wage range but that sort of idea) would be sensible. It's also gone quiet on those links to Ghoddos and O'Hare unless they were just rumours. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/statistik/vertragslosespieler Any of our forum club contacts heard anything about Matias Soule? I believe we were heavily interested but it depended on whether we went up or not. Which we did. Obviously.

Gareth is OK at selecting them, it's just that he's then far too cautious. It would be like choosing Margot Robbie AND Jennifer Aniston and then not having sex with either for fear of chlamydia.

I think Saints are really interested in O'Riley as a top target as we've been chasing him for a few windows but it seems we're looking at having to pay around £30 million and some huge wages and I reckon the meatball will be too spicy for us, particularly with other Prem clubs circling. Getting Downes should be a priority though.

I have the Dutch in my work sweep and as I'm in charge of my work sweep I'd rather they didn't win it or I'll basically be buying myself a bottle of JD (the prize being a bottle of booze of the winner's choice at my expense). Actually... come on the Netherlands!

I'm not even sure where to start on this one! We just signed what will most likely be our first choice left back, we also have Manning, Larios and Meghoma although it is possible the last two will go out on loan. Our left back business is probably done. Sessegnon is training with Palace so will likely join them. Soares and Cork 😄 I do think we need two strikers or will need two strikers once any players leaving are confirmed, I wouldn't be against Ings on reduced wages. Shankland I don't know much about, 29 come the new season but does score a lot for Hearts. I liked what I saw of Clarke at the start of last season but he'd be costly and he wasnt as effective when he came back from injury. On RTG they think he's great for the Championship but not quite good enough for the Prem which is why clubs are reluctant to pay the money they want for him... and that when they played Prem clubs he was largely ineffective. Of course you dont know someone is good enough for the Prem until yoh try them but it's a lot of money for a risk. I do think we'll get Fraser but I'm kinda hoping he's just a back up to a first choice.

Edwards is a decent bit of business for the future, has been quite sought after by Prem clubs and is very highly rated. Both him and Wood will be “gambles” as the Premier League goes but Edwards in particular is one worth taking. With THB that’s 3 young, English CBs on board this summer. Add Stephens for leadership/experience and the only question mark is over the future of Bednarek - I hope he stays but I can understand the club wanting to cash in if he doesn’t sign a new contract, and if he doesn’t there’s every possibility we could bring in a 4th new CB. A complete rebuild of the CB department is well underway it seems.

https://www.premierleague.com/news/4047111 Adams makes the Premier League's list of best free transfers available

Hypothetically we could see both on the same pitch if we play with 3 CBS, as Taylor can play LCB and Manning as a wing back.

We did loan him out last time we were in the Prem in favour of other CBs so it seems the powers that be didn't think so (although we were a clusterf*ck back then), but after a good season in the Championship and having played in the Euros group games he's possibly a more experienced player this time round and I like him. I said the other day if we were linked with a CB who is at the prime age of their career who has tons of experience and just had a great Championship season, we'd be happy, but with PSR haunting everyone, we also need to remember he only has one year of his contract left - if he's not going to sign a new one we either sell him this summer for funds or lose him next summer on a free.

Or the make up of our Championship team in 2025-6. But yes our first XI is nowhere near strong enough right now but we still have 6 weeks or so to sort it. Wait...6 weeks?

I might be very wrong but I'd be very surprised if a £4 million (Source Swansea forums) CB from the Championship will be starting on Day 1 of the Premier League season (barring injuries to other CBs). To me the Wood deal smells of us signing a back up who may or may not improve, based on his age, speed and height. I still think we'll bring another CB in (or deem Jan as being good enough for a season in the Prem now). Swansea fans seem to think he lacks concentration, positioning and plays it safe and they universally seem to dislike him. Maybe we think he's got the raw materials to be a decent defender and can be coached. As I said, I would be very surprised if he was a starting CB in August.

Feel for Slovenia they gave it their all. Costa on fire

Well that’s surely that…

Slovenia miss, CR7 scores. Of course

Love a classy bird. Those leggings are defying gravity.

Penalties - Ronaldo will score his and go mental!

Ooh Sesko that was the moment!

Would love Slovenia to win this now.

He’s been superb. Him and Mamardashvili must be in the running for GK of the tournament.

He’s doing a Gazza now… 😢

He missed it! He only bloody missed it!

As for centre backs it could be we sell Bednarek for instance (based on his having one year contract left) and bring in a first choice, meaning we have THB and *new* as the two and Wood and Stephens to back them up. Just a musing. As it stands it's probable our CB pairing last season remain first choice. Which would be a mild concern.