MarkD

Told a name Id not come across before for right back and (drum roll) he has a release clause. Arnau Martinez of Girona. might just be a name to monitor or assess

Just posting to say nothing leaking currently. Lots of “assessing” and “evaluating “, but no names or positions being mentioned. A lot of the work/lists for the summer were for the previous regime which make one think the change had not been either planned or expected. A bit of catch up being played ominously.

We have asked PSG about Zaire-Emery. Nothing further than an enquiry. We’ve also asked Atletico Madrid about Pablo Barios. Just more names currently but of if I hear more I’ll post.

I like the cut of his jib. Best Basque manager in the league

At least we can rule out Diomande’s dad from that clue.

If we are talking PSG (and this is solely me without any insight), I’d be all over Zaire-Emery for midfield. Obviously not happening but a man can dream

I haven’t. Just get bit and pieces. There is a feeling that last summer’s spend was meant to mean a lower and targeted spend this summer but it is now accepted that plan doesn’t hold up with the disruption and the change of coach. As an aside, Hughes and Edwards roles have been under heavy scrutiny with Edwards being under more pressure. The bosses like him but he’s not immune.

I don’t know for how long Iraola has been the target so can’t comment on “manager buying his ex players” debate but Scott has been looked at by us since last Summer and more recently scouted intensely along with the others I mentioned.

Three midfield names i understand we’ve been looking at strongly - not sure how the manager change impacts this. Nothing unreported elsewhere I’m afraid. Sangare - Lens; Stiller - Stuttgart and Scott - Bournemouth. (Next week, we’ll try a new letter ). Re: Wharton - club like him, data stacks up but given a new manager will impose a more intense system (press and be press resistant as a midfielder), this is currently being reviewed. Nothing on wingers or strikers. We are looking for a new right back however and if approached on Frimpong we will look to move on at the right price.

What is the “Bajcetic” of which you make mention?

Chelsea?

Gordon’s agent has approached us and we are his preferred destination BUT : - Newcastle not keen on doing business with us - Bayern have bid already and as such there is a base number that Newcastle feel they can get and which we feel is too high if we really want him it will be drawn out and complex

I hate him. He’s killing a major part of my life with utterly stupefying football and nonsense sound bites. He has no connection to the city or the club or does he appear to care. I never want us to lose but I can’t have him here any longer.

He had a long meeting with Hughes early this week and supposedly was happy. Been told a full review is being held next week and he is involved as a reviewer. The feeling is “one bad season” but little consideration to football standards, fan dissatisfaction applied as yet as they feel it can be resolved. One key point, repeated from an earlier review in Jan/Feb: revenue impact is a major factor for any change.This hasn’t happened yet but the lack of demand for hospitality for Spurs/Chelsea and Sunday has been noted.

If you ignore their four, we did really well against a team in a European final. Like PSG. Have I told you how good we were in consecutive losses to them. Wow! Wait till Johnny H hears about that!!!