Summer transfer rumours, speculation and out-and-out b*ll*cks.

[Dante Lavelli]

Another plus regarding Foster is that he has retired from international football (even if temporary), hopefully this would decrease the chance of him getting tapped up.

[Toronto Villa]

I don't disagree with what you're saying Kev, but if we spend £10m on Foster, not many goalkeepers go for more than that. He's not likely to become a world beater so it's not likely we could make another £5m if we sold him. That said, I agree with you that Foster has more long term benefits. Given has proved himself at the top level and when he played for Newcastle he always had to be on his toes. I have no doubts about his ability. I prefer Foster, but I don't think it would be the end of the world with Given, and he'll do a sound job, even if it is for 4-5 years.

[Toronto Villa]

Another plus regarding Foster is that he has retired from international football (even if temporary), hopefully this would decrease the chance of him getting tapped up.

Any player can get tapped up at any time. He doesn't have to be an international though I grant you we've had some very suspicious things happen to our boys. I dread it every time we get a call up for a new player.

[KevinGage]

Based purely on his ability, I wouldn't be disappointed with Given at all. Certainly compared to someone like Robert Green who we were heavily linked with a while back.

He'd also be an upgrade on Friedel - the 2010/11 version of the old baldy barsteward anyway.

[KevinGage]

Still, being bald is probably better than sporting this hair-don't in all honesty:

[The Left Side]

Are we close to a deal being done for Given or is it still papertalk?

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Paper talk no official links as previously suggested by the general. Until a deal is done .....

[Dante Lavelli]

Another plus regarding Foster is that he has retired from international football (even if temporary), hopefully this would decrease the chance of him getting tapped up.

That is of course true but I think a player is less likely to leave if he is not already friends with Rio, Wazza and all the others.

I have read from a few unreliable sources that Foster had a £9m release clause. I know it's only a difference of £1m but £9m sounds way cheaper (and less pressure for the player) than £10m.

Who knows with Yeungs career move, He could get even cheaper yet.

Any player can get tapped up at any time. He doesn't have to be an international though I grant you we've had some very suspicious things happen to our boys. I dread it every time we get a call up for a new player.

[ozzjim]

We need to start signing some people soon. We also need IMO to make the call on Downing by pre season start. If going, sell now, if staying release a statement and be done with it.

I would like to see N'Zogbia and a keeper through the door by that time too, maybe more. Anyone know how long Faulkner is away for??

[jonzy85]

We need to start signing some people soon. We also need IMO to make the call on Downing by pre season start. If going, sell now, if staying release a statement and be done with it.

I dont see the panic. It's still June, Big Eck hasn't been there a wet week yet. Players, agents etc. are on holidays. Some of the best and most important signings are made in the last week in August.

Please tell me arent going down the same path as previous summers of evreyone panicking that we will sign nobody.

[willywombat]

We need to start signing some people soon. We also need IMO to make the call on Downing by pre season start. If going, sell now, if staying release a statement and be done with it.

I dont see the panic. It's still June, Big Eck hasn't been there a wet week yet. Players, agents etc. are on holidays. Some of the best and most important signings are made in the last week in August.

Please tell me arent going down the same path as previous summers of evreyone panicking that we will sign nobody.

It's a hangover from the MO'N years I think

[Toronto Villa]

We need to start signing some people soon. We also need IMO to make the call on Downing by pre season start. If going, sell now, if staying release a statement and be done with it.

I would like to see N'Zogbia and a keeper through the door by that time too, maybe more. Anyone know how long Faulkner is away for??

I think a lot will happen as soon as the players come back Ozz. AM wants to see what he's got after he's talked to the players, especially the likes of Ireland, Warnock, Dunne etc. Players will make it clear if they want out and I don't think AM will stop them if their not going to give their all. If Downing comes and says he wants to go to Liverpool, as shit as it will be the club will give him and his agent an ultimatum to get the deal done, or he'll have to stay. I dont' think it will stop the club getting replacements like N'Zogbia and other new players in.

I don't think for a second McLeish is like MON, and he'll be dipping straight into the transfer market as soon as he has a better idea of the cards he's got in his hand.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

I cannot believe Faulkner has been allowed to have a holiday at such a crucial time ? This period completely shapes our whole season. This is like santa having December off .........

[Toronto Villa]

I cannot believe Faulkner has been allowed to have a holiday at such a crucial time ? This period completely shapes our whole season. This is like santa having December off .........

apparently it's his honeymoon. It's not the end of the world and my guess is his phone is secretly on.

[Mazrim]

Santa is a bit more visible than Faulkner.