Polarboy

According to Romano Chelsea have hijacked Man City's bid for Cucurella. Cucurella is a left back of course, but a defensive minded one, so I could easily see him playing on the left of back three given Tuchel favours playing with a three and then wingbacks. So if Chelsea smash 50m on Cucurella I can't see them going after Fofana as well.

Is that a strawberry cornett or mint?

When managers start talking about fees not covering one of their players legs, it does largely seem to be code for we'll sell but not for the price they're currently offering. If Rogers wanted to he could have said definitively Maddison's not for sale, and he'll be playing for us in this upcoming season. That's my interpretation at least, but only time will tell obviously.

Rogers asked about Maddison after their final preseason game: “He’s still very much a player here,” Rodgers said after the 1-0 win over Sevilla in City’s final pre-season friendly. “Naturally the players are sought after because they are talents. “You see his performance, you see how happy he is and he’s not a player we want to sell. It’s not for me to put valuations on the players, it’s not my side, but that might just cover three-quarters of his left leg, that price. He’s a top player.” Trying to up his price, or actually means it when he says they don't want to sell?

Maybe you're already aware, but that twitter feed is a windup. Leicester did see Ricardo and Barnes go off injured, but Maddison wasn't as far as I'm aware. No mention of it on Sky at least, and if he had of went off on a stretcher they would have.

This is a photo from that guys twitter

If it means I can have sex with Alexandra Daddario I will take your slings and arrows.

Jacque Talbot had this to say on Maddison: “Maddison was leaked by the Midlands side cos LCFC wanted their fans to know they’re digging their heels in. Newcastle didn’t want it out there. So I guess think on that. Could back in again. I think two more, names that will improve the side as well.” Reading between the lines it could be a case of Leicester being more than willing to sell Maddison in order to raise funds, but at the same time wanting to appease the fans before letting him go, by making it look as if they fought hard to keep him. This stuff about trying to tie him to a new deal could be PR as well.

He's supposedly on his way to Nice.

Pole position for Werner if Chelsea let him go on loan, but it's looking tough for Maddison unless we raid the kids piggy bank. I'd be happy enough with Cornet and Werner on loan if Maddison is out of reach. There's likely going to be a very tense game of chicken played by the club in order to get the optimal players and price for said players.

Supposedly West Ham are as close or closer to signing Cornet than us, so if we are in for him we might miss out on that one.

It would be crazy if we were actually after all three, but perhaps we are.

Newcastle in talks with Chelsea over Timo Werner loan and have edge over RB Leipzig - Mirror Online Werner on loan and either Cornet or Maddison would be very decent. Obviously Maddison is the better player between him and Cornet, or has at least proven himself more at the PL level, but I wouldn't be heartbroken if we got Cornet given he's a very useful player. Of course Werner would need to stop fluffing so many chances, but again a loan would be a low risk way to get him. It will be very interesting to see how we line up if we get two of these three players.

Cover for both positions with ASM maybe switching to the right would be my guess. I can't see anyone paying the 40m that we're looking for, for ASM. Again assuming these reports are true, but they seem pretty solid given how many journalists have picked up on it. Then again Everton are said to have agreed personal terms with him, but you'd assume we could sell a more attractive future to him than Everton currently could if we do trigger his release clause. Having checked Cornet has played right wing in his time as well, so him and ASM could maybe switch pretty interchangeably.

Afo, fo, fo fo 😂😂

This a bit of a departure from us supposedly wanting to structure a deal. This could move pretty quick hopefully, assuming reports are correct.

Imagine being corrected by Pearson on video, forever memorialised in digital.

And so Munoz's journey begins 😂 Pretty ropey in the second half, but a wins a win, and again what's most important is getting minutes into the lads. Decent preseason, now we just need a big signing between now and Forest to really get the blood pumping.

We've tired which is understandable. I think I'm correct in saying that Athletic have made more subs than us as well. It's all good work to get into the legs of the lads.

Great goal from ASM, from a great ball over the top by Big Joe.

I'm running out of superlatives for Bruno. Barely an inch of space, quick feet gets himself away from the opposition player, and plays perfect pass into the box for Willock to run onto.

Lovenkrands? I was wondering who it was, his accent's hilarious, but for whatever reason Scandinavians are like a sponge for accents. Bit of a cult favourite for me. Maybe not even cult given he was 1 in 3 for goals, but perhaps not a name that's often mentioned.

Yeah Botman is looking to be quality, his passing, confidence on the ball, and reading of the game are top level. I thought maybe given his age he'd take a while to settle, and he may still do for PL level, but early signs are very good. Bruno looking a class above as per, and ASM is looking livelier and fitter than I've seen for a while.

Bruno is back on. Hearts in mouths time, but seems like it was a fairly minor knock.