SuperSAINT

Not sure there's been any credible links so far? Liverpool apparently want far too much money for him anyway.

Liverpool not interested in Grealish. A slightly arrogant piece by the Liverpool Echo. Source: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-no-interest-jack-grealish-14880918

Source: http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/16341755.southampton-close-to-vestergaard-signing/

I suppose that's why having a free stadium helps.

Forren was excellent Agree with your points. If his positioning is really good, his lack of pace will be less of a concern.

Plus Balotelli's wages off their wage bill too

I like both the 2 variations of 5-3-2 you mentioned. I like the idea of 1 striker with 2 'inside forwards' either side (imagine Elyounoussi left & Shaqiri right) with Berty & Cedric providing the crosses. & we certainly have the numbers up top to play with 2 strikers.

Probably a right-back.

Good points. Similar to mine (but far better articulated than mine!) If Vestergaard really is dominant in the air, hopefully he'll improve others around him. (Think Lovren partnered with VvD). IIRC, Hoedt had really poor aerial stats one season, then really good ones another year, so maybe he takes time to adjust. Certainly agree on the extra attacking winger front. We struggled up top last season & that was before we'd sold Tadic & Boufal. Maybe we think we've got enough within the ranks (Redmond / Sims etc) but that's a big ask, IMO. The striker scenario is going to be interesting to watch. Paco Alacer & Andrea Petagna are wildly different players so it'll give us some insight into how Hughes wants us to set up.

Hopefully we should get a full transfer for Boufal if Nice want him. We might even get some of our Vestergaard cash back in a roundabout way if Mönchengladbach sign Plea.

I suppose it is unusual for 2 left-footers. But large amounts of back 3's have 2 right-footers & even 3 right-footers & no-one raises an eye-brow.

Yeah, exactly. They said at the time, in true West Ham fashion, that he would spend more than any other manager in their history. They'll get it right eventually. Pellegrini, on paper, is probably the best manager they've ever had in terms of honours. Wouldn't suprise me if they come close to signing a new XI.

Cautiously optimistic. You never know what you're going to get with new players, but I like the theory of what we've done. - Armstrong Attacking central midfielder. Can bang them from distance with either foot. Goal threat from midfield has been seriously lacking. - Elyounoussi Goalscoring & assists from the left wing. Big ask to replace Tadic though. He might need to bulk up a little bit too. - Vestergaard 6'5", aerial beast. Good positioning & comfortable on the ball. Remaining positions to strengthen dependant on who (if any) from the squad can step up from the fringes. - GK (Gunn would be an unusual one as £15m for a young No.2 who needs to play football would be slightly odd.) - Right-back cover (Hughes might find somebody within the squad) - Speedster Winger (Really think we need to find a Mane-esque player. The Promes idea was decent, but not sure we'd spend £30m+) - Striker (Interesting one as you'd imagine we still need a target-man type)

A few more bits from this morning. ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------

Anderson - Wilshere - Yarmolenko is nice change up of their attack. I guess they needed too as well, because: 1) Lanzini is out for a huge chunk of next season. 2) West Ham tradition of selling all of last seasons signings. Doesn't look like they are stopping there either. Bids in for centre-backs & centre-midfielders too.

From SSN: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11700/11430820/southampton-agree-jannik-vestergaard-deal-with-borussia-monchengladbach

West Ham daily update (as of 08:01).

If a medical is imminent, then won't be long before the trusted local peeps on twitter confirm it.

Sheffield United: Blades boss confirms bids have been lodged for his leading transfer targets as key figure returns to Bramall Lane: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/sheffield-united-blades-boss-confirms-bids-have-been-lodged-for-his-leading-transfer-targets-as-key-figure-returns-to-bramall-lane-1-9240594

True. Although we seemingly were open with the Telegraph enough to say that we'd let Cedric or Bertrand go if: 1) They wanted to move & 2) We get a high enough offer.

Nice! Would be good to get this one done. I'd agree with that. But you just know we will leave one position glaringly weak.

https://readsouthampton.com/2018/07/08/southampton-reportedly-closing-in-on-deal-for-jannik-vestergaard/

"......when Gabbiadini got told of our interest in 5'11" Marlon Santos to solve our aerial weakness at the back."

Lets hope so. Will mean people might try and buy him.

Source: http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2018/bordeaux-failed-with-a-loan-bid-for-guido-carrillo/