Johna99

He adores the club and you can see the pride he had playing for us. Just feel the modern game is leaving him behind. Midfielders are more athletic, physical, duel monsters, transitions etc. Harvey was always best as a sub where there was more space. When he has started he has struggled. He would be brilliant in Spain or Germany where he would have more time.

How likely we get him and Guehi do you think? Is it then or nothing?

We have a stronger team than last season. In terms of sales, only Trent and arguably Diaz were first teamers. Kerkez is an upgrade on both Robbo and Tsimi, Wirtz is genuinely world class and you have to argue that Ekitiki is an upgrade on Nunez. Last half of the season Nunez barely played and Jota was carrying an injury. We just now lack depth especially considering some of our rivals have added that depth. My concern is that we have a habit of waiting for our preferred picks to become available so I can see a situation where we wait until Jan onwards for Isaak and Guehi. That would be a huge risk

I wonder with the Isaak situation is that we have been given confidence through what we think is the decision maker but ultimately isn't. Hughes and Edwards are very close friends with Howe and as FNB has said he is fine with selling him. But always felt ultimately the Saudis are not the type of regime that will be forced into doing something irrespective of the damage to their PSR position and reputation with players. I would look at the loan market, maybe Rodrygo? Even Ramos as a backup to Ekitiki. They must have something up their sleeve....

It's picking a team to deal with the first 20mins, quieten the crowd and then take control of the game. Love Wirtz but he is still adapting to the team and we to him. Rotating him out for a more physical player increases our chances. Bring him on when the game is more stretched. We should use the squad to beat win the game. Monday will be more frantic and physical than a derby.

I would overload the midfield as they will come out of the blocks flying and fighting. I would rotate out Wirtz and bring him on in the second half when they are likely to have run themselves into the ground and there will be space to exploit. With all that has happened with Isaak I can see this being one of our toughest games of the season. They will be massively up for it. Hope we have a really strong and experienced ref. Ali, frimpong konate Virg, robbo, grav mac, Szobo Curtis, ekitike Salah.

Read that Sky are introducing a multi view format for Sunday games where you have a main game and some others in the right corners of the screen. Could be to do with that

I wonder if Guehi is seen as a fit Gomez, able to play multiple positions. Reckon he could do a job at full back and defensive midfield. Could be the Endo role late in games forming a three at the back and stepping into midfield to help protect us with those transitions we have had a problem with recently.

Yeah, Nune barely figured in the last 10games, it was clear to all suiters we were actively wanting him to go so the price was always going to reflect that. I do wonder what the backup plan is if we don't agree a price for Isaak. Use the loan market until he or another becomes available? Like a Ramos from PSG. Or do we go for a cheap young backup like Stassin relegated with St Ettiene. Reckon there will be a lot of deals done in the last week. Teams seem to be waiting for prices to drop....

Their recent backlines in their friendlies have lacked height. Feel set pieces could be an opportunity. Though have seen them linked with that same massive CB Leoni we have been linked with

Isn't Dibling considered one of the next big technical players? Went to Chelsea as a kid then went back to Southampton as couldn't settle. Dribbler, can change direction quickly, ride challenges etc. supposedly all the big clubs have him on their wishlist. Not a lot of pace? Not many goals or assists either but I guess the data says he is scalable etc

Read that Southampton wanted £50m plus a sell on and Everton pulled out. Suddenly £30m for Doak looks like a bargain.

If Baleba has any sense he would wait a season. This summer has been a market for forwards. I suspect next year, teams will focus on midfield. He will have more options next year. Can't see Brighton selling for less than they got for Caicedo.

I think Thomas Frank gets a tune out of Spurs, wouldn't be surprised if they shot up to 5th, then there is Villa and Newcastle. Think UTD will be much better this season, though on paper they should be competing with those clubs between 6 and 10. Can see them picking up the league cup

No chance Kane ends up at Newcastle, his wage demands are higher than Isaak. Seems a coincidence that PIF are now bidding for Nunez. What are the odds that they overpay considerably for him leading is to get closer to Newcastle's desired 150m....