austsaint

It is a good read. My only question is why has a similar thing not happening at clubs like Everton with Stones, Barkley, Coleman etc

Well let's hope it's in-the-know journalism - Dutch centric it might be, but they all sound like quality replacements. If Koeman was not the new manager I would be worried about a form of asset stripping going on but the hopeful thing to believe is that RK is happy to take the big money and build his own side of happy campers.

Yes, but when you reflect on what the Club has done in the last five years; factor in the Cortese mantra and latterly the Pochettino effect, the unraveling of the best VI was always going to happen. It's quite possible that Koeman has worked out who is/was nailed on to the Cortese/MP "vision" and decided the way ahead is a clean out of those who want out and a quality core of players to replace them free of the previous buzz. And then there's the massive fees and wages being dangled by the big end of town. Like many, I'm holding fire on the Board and KL until closer to kick off/end of transfer window.

Been a while since Mr Pelle signed. What about Connie Booth from Fawlty Towers?

Apart from Shaw, I think Chambers is the best youngster the Club has brought through for ages (though Reed's time is coming) - however, Clyne is a high quality specialist right back who has to get the nod, and I hope RK resists the temptation to play him at LB too often. Where that leaves CC I'm not too sure but I hope he gets plenty of minutes on the pitch as well.

I'm in the minority group believing that JWP would be nothing like a good enough replacement for Morgan. If/when Morgan goes, and if he isn't replaced by a new arrival, then the consolation for me is that Harrison Reed is very likely to step up to the level needed.

My only reservation with Vlaar replacing Lovren - now that Lovren's exit looks done and dusted - is he 5 - 6 years older. In the WC games I saw he was colossal; also showed a great eye for a pass out of defence, and seemed to be left footed but comfortable with his right.

Out here in Oz, Liverpool are currently "on the Telly" v PNE in a pre-season game; was it shown on Sky over there? Ricky L. is playing (well), no sign of Lallana yet.

Osvaldo...cited

Forren...unsighted

Jhon Viafara...dyslexic

For the little you can take from five minutes of highlights in a pre-season opener against weak opposition, the following things stood out. Reed looked composed and busy in centrefield; I'd be surprised if he doesn't make an impression this year. Mayuka looked good; great touch; smart lay offs and real pace. Targett certainly has a genuine left foot and showed deft touch

Small point - Boruc is 33, isn't he? No need to age him prematurely.

more importantly - is Shaw going to be replaced by a specialist LB? Or are we going to d ick around by using Clyne out of position (to our detriment) or hope that Targett is a) ready or b) good enough.

What about Vlaar being unveiled. Return of the two Ronnies.

Yet Shaw is a rare, exceptional talent with the physical development to match his skill, which means we not only got away without an experienced LB but had a special player right from the off. Hard to see that happening with Targett, Gallagher, Reed and even JWP. Too much reliance on the kids could be a strategy to regret.

PS. I'm sure the other Ron will have noticed.

If he does go are we any chance of recruiting Ron Vlaar? Hasn't he had a brilliant WC.

And a very promising CB in Stones. Seemingly if Stones and Barkley were with us Liverpool or Man U would be trying to lure them away. Everton's stability is hard not to be envious of.

I hope MS stays, but if he doesn't, his apparent willingness to talk things over with RK shows a bit of class and respect - something a couple of others failed to demonstrate.

Yep, one of your best offerings, Wes. What a deeply disappointing character Lallana has shown himself to be. I don't begrudge him the glittering prizes of a fat wedge and a trophy Club, but the way he has gone about getting there labels him as blunt, insincere, selfish and egotistical. My only consolation is the near certainty that he has probably already played his best patch of Football and will see even more bench time from here on in.

Looks like there's a bit of work for the Club dietician judged by the pics of Sammy and Ronald.

Feeling a bit indifferent to Lallana's move. The way he has (apparently) gone about getting what he wanted makes it a rather hollow announcement. I will be surprised if he justifies the price tag in the seasons ahead - in time, last season might be judged as his peak.

My guess is Baz Sanchez

Agree with this. Of the players who have left and those who may move soon, Lallana is the one I think we will miss least. Played out of his skin for most of last season under MP and I suspect that will be the best spell he will ever muster. Throw in the way he has gone about things since seasons end and the sale price and departure seems about right.