Saint Charlie

What do you think about the Fonte situation?

If its negative rubbish to say Hull are building a tidy little team then you have me bang to rights. Apologies if I offended you.

Give it a rest pal. I just said Hull are doing ok. Nobody wants to read all this drivel.

Would rather lose him for free next summer than for 4m now, look at the state of our CB situation as it is!

Only proper link to Rojo was on the notoriously **** goal.com so wouldnt take much notice of that unless its reported anywhere else.

That was a few days ago. Seeing as you asked: Begovic Shawcross Curtis Davies Colocinni Janmaat Tiote Huddlestone De Jong Sissoko Cabella Shane Long Theres 11 players who would all be firmly in and around our starting lineup.

Certainly something funny with the Fonte situation. Still no first teamers to commit themselves since Cortese left. (Note this is a fact rather than any kind of dig).

I didnt compare Hull to Saints. Just said they are building a decent side. Which they are.

Snodgrass and Ince are fairly solid, certainly better than Isgrove and McQueen. Would hope Tadic is better than both but he is our only wide option that is. They also did some decent business last January but because they couldnt play in the Cup run Jelavic and Long didnt really get going. Think they have built well since they came up, and Bruce is a solid Manager.

Left back Robertson who we were linked with is signing for Hull for £2.3m. They are really putting a decent squad together. Top 10 if they cope with Europe League, but thats a big ask.

Agree. A few other teams have only signed two players like us but they havent lost three (soon to be four) quality ones, with their top scorer out injured long term. Right now its hard to see more than one signing being brought in by the Brighton game then we only have one friendly. We need another 4 or 5 players from here, and thats with Schneiderlin staying. Hopefully it ramps up soon. There must also be the same feeling within the squad, certainly the senior players will realise right now the squad isn't good or strong enough.

Not at the moment. Rojo was from Goal.com which is a worse source than Alex Crook. Ings is mostly hype on here. Redmond maybe but nothing concrete.

Bournemouth will be a tough test and certainly the most accurate sign of where we are so far this pre season.

Virgil van Dijk lined up for a move to Sunderland apparently.

Wonder how Pelle got wind of our interest? Via his club? Doubt it.

Anyone abusing his brother on social media is far more of a moron than Lovren himself.

I think Clyne tends to do more in the final third myself, and gets to the by line more. Also better defensively one vs one but also more prone to an error at the back post than Chambers, who is also a better passer and better in the air. Chambers could end up a very tidy centre back eventually. Kind of good player that almost could play anywhere. If one of them doesnt get much game time I would imagine a host of teams will come in with offers in January.

He is a Man Utd fan.

Both quality players who are up with the best in our squad - unfortunately competing for the same slot. I thought we may try to find a place in the team for both, with Chambers being moved inside to CB at least for a friendly. But that hasnt happened as yet. To be honest he would probably only work there in a back 3 or 5. He could also cover in midfield if needed but its our strongest area so he wouldnt be a first pick in that area. Clyne, IMO, can cover at LB but isnt two footed enough to be nearly as good as he is at right back where he is excellent. I would hope we bring in a LB to compete with Targett. Its a tough situation. Chambers will attract big interest next summer and Clyne has two years left on his contract. If either feels they arent playing enough then they would be very frustrated as are easily good enough to play for a Spurs, Everton quality side. Question is threefold: 1. Can we keep both happy and wanting to stay? 2. Could we fit both into the lineup on a regular basis and how? 3. If its a straight fight between them at right back then who wins, for you?

No way Arsenal would sell him for a couple of million, he is a great prospect. They will loan him out.

Gnabry plays in a problem position where we have nobody as good as him. Gnabry or Isgrove? Hmmm.

We majorly need a wideman. Even more so if our attacking game is to be centred on supplying Pelle.

Gnabry on loan would be good.

Four...should be 6. Need one a week till window ends on average.

Damage must already be done in that regard you would suspect. Not that we ever will, but it would be very interesting to hear an honest account of what the players have made of it all.