SuperSAINT

As a general rule, look for kids playing above their age groups. He was playing for the 18’s at 15 before he had a scholarship. Then banged 3 at U23 level. Then made the first team bench. Very good.

This is very true, but on the plus side, we've done well to hold onto others. Brexit has played a part in making elite, young, domestic talents an even more precious commodity than they already were. I think there's no doubt that 14/15 year olds are now being picked off by larger sides now (even less compo is due then). It's more expensive, but I quite like our policy of getting them in once they've seen they can't play, post-academy. (assuming they are brave enough to jump).

#ColwillWatch

Just dawned on me this would mean no Delap loan from City 👀

He’s certainly taken on a lot of work. The Athletic article on Broja had some good detail in regards meetings that have happened (& another planned) between Borja’s reps and Chelsea in regards to his future. Also said Colwill is in the same boat. You'd imagine Chelsea are waiting to start making signings before shipping players out. Remains to be seen what the new owners plan is regarding their academy lads - play them? Or sell to fund big signings?

Wouldn’t we technically need a left back too? Maatsen at Chelsea springs to mind.

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuck

cc: @Over land and sea

Delap loan & Adamu seem realistic.

I think Broja would start at Everton / Newcastle / West Ham

Off to Brentford for (up to) £19m (!) Hickey seemed like a saints signing in a different multiverse.

David Ornstein & Bild

Think we need to see what happens with Chelsea recruitment before players like Hudson-Odoi (maybe Vale) might become available. (Less so with Vale, as he's got 1 year contract & I assume Chelsea will be on full-scale charm offensive). Chelsea loaning out Hudson-Odoi with subsidised wages late-on in the window wouldn't surprise me, but you would have thought Leicester/Newcastle/Everton etc would be all over that.

My 1 question about Kalajdzic to people who have seen him more than me is whether we would go for someone who's not really quick?

With that in mind…. http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-thinking-move-southampton-defender-manager-wants-will-depend-player/