WakefieldVillan

This is the exact conversation I had with two Leeds supporting mates yesterday, whom both thought the fee being banded about was on the high side for someone that has had one good season (albeit a very good one), they feel he his integral to their team and are worried that even with the money they would receive it wouldn't necessarily be used to strengthen their squad. It does feel a lot like the Grealish scenario where they want one more season to help them gain promotion. My first reaction when I saw the 25 million figure was it was way too high, it probably is, but I suppose that's football today. I'd probably be worth 100k* myself. *10p

I've mentioned a few times on here that I'm a big, big fan of Philips and think he would fit in perfectly with our team but... I think 25 million is a LOT of money and although I get why Leeds would want that (we as a club know that more than most), we should look elsewhere for sure!

Exciting signing and totally out of the blue (which makes you think all the names we are linked with won't come to fruition)! As others have mentioned, the comparisons to Benteke stand out a mile, albeit from limited viewings. Like the fact that he's young, tall, looks to have a physical presence and one that's been courted by some decent clubs by all accounts bodes well. I do think that we as fans do get more excited by fancy foreign names but I can understand why. Really hope this ones a success

I agree to an extent, but players are generally going to be purchased on the back off having a good season(s) rather than a poor one. Kodjia has suffered two bad ankle injuries whilst at Villa and that definitely (for me) impacted his performances from his first season here, but injuries can and will happen. Hogan, I agree, this has been a signing that's completely failed and hopefully we have learned from that. Swings and roundabouts I suppose. I just think with this one, a young strong defensive quick midfielder is crucial to us next season.

I think every signing comes with an element of risk though. Worst case scenario (barring a Luc Nilis type injury, God forbid) is we buy him say for arguments sake £15M, he doesn't perform and we sell him at a bit of a loss - Providing he isn't on ridiculous wages, which I doubt he would be, then I don't think it will hurt us too much.

If McGinn had played for Leeds last season and played as well as he did for us, would you not sign him based on him having one good season in the championship? He was class last season and is capable of the step up IMO, he has scope for improvement too.

If McGinn had played for Leeds last season and played as well as he did for us, would you not sign him based on him having one good season in the championship? He was class last season and is capable of the step up IMO, he has scope for improvement too.

If McGinn had played for Leeds last season and played as well as he did for us, would you not sign him based on him having one good season in the championship? He was class last season and is capable of the step up IMO, he has scope for improvement too.

Already sh*tting myself ha

Really, really hope we get Phillips, would be a cracking signing - he's youthful, energetic, tenacious, potential to improve, strong in the tackle, can play centre half or centre mid and can play a bit on the ball

I think it's fair to say Butland would make us stronger in the goalkeeping department therefore I would be pleased if we did get him, but not for 20 million.

I think you're being a tad harsh to be honest. There were times last season that he didn't influence games like he should, but I feel that he is a good player, a confidence player, even in is quieter periods his stats were decent and I thought he finished the season very well for us, arguably changed the game in the semi final home leg and played a key part at Wembley. He has got ability no doubt, just needs to keep the aggression to his game which he showed post the controversial Leeds goal really.

2 year deal spot on for me. Fact of the matter is, if he is playing that well then there is an outstanding chance that we as a club are competing nicely too, IE clear from relegation which is essentially more money in the bank the season after. That aside I'm sure we can offer an extension should we wish.

I really hope that if we start our season campaign with a few losses and the players / coaching staff are struggling, that we can all just remember this thread and appreciate where we were as a club and support the team to the max. It has been a remarkable turnaround to be playing Premier League football next season with the predicament that we were in last summer, fair play to our new owners and everyone else involved.

Currently half way through season 4 of 6 of The Soprano's and really enjoying it, Pine Barrens been my favourite episode so far, can't wait to see how it all pans out (no spoilers please)! Watched a couple of episodes of The Wire but didn't get into it, do I need to go back to that? Judging by comments on here, I think I do. I would say my all time favourites are Breaking Bad, The Soprano's, Prison Break (first two seasons) & Sons of Anarchy - hard to call which one I like most though. I have the last season of GOT to still watch too, but heard the ending isn't great?!(Again, no spoilers) - Add to that Peaky Blinders & Handmaid's Tale are also ones I've enjoyed so far.

I must say I was pretty underwhelmed (and shocked) when I heard about Jota as a potential signing but having time to think about it I think he could be a decent signing for us. I remember thinking back to when the Birmingham signed him and thought it was a great signing for them and although perhaps his form hasn't been quite as good there I think that is more a reflection on the blues than it is on him. His he better than Adomah? For me yes. His better than Green? Currently yes. Will he improve our squad? Yes. I would however like to think that we have other (better) players lined up for Jota to compete for a place with.

Thanks guys appreciated. My preference would be Holte End but will decide once I know more details.

I am interested in getting two season tickets next season, first ones ever (glory supporter ) ! Not done any proper research but can anyone tell me what sort of price I can expect (roughly) and does it vary much from stand to stand? Also when do they usually go on sale? Thanks in advance.

I confess I have seen literally nothing of Guilbert but I am hoping that he has come here to be first choice and is a big improvement on what we already have (Elmohamady & Bree). Elmo had a decent finish to the season after a rough patch in December (particularly the home games against Stoke and Leeds that stand out as poor performances) - OK has an experienced squad member but not a regular starter hopefully.

Reece James from Chelsea is a class act, would love a loan deal (with a view to permanent), can't see it happening though.

Gutted to see Big Jed go, but I think it is probably for the best now given he will be 35 next season. Isn't the most gifted footballer (understatement) but what he lacked footballing wise, he more than made up with his aerial dominance, strength and passion. Chuffed to bits that he is leaving on a high and wish him all the best in the future whatever that may entail.

Ultimately I can see Kalinic being our first choice keeper next season , I feel he has more of a presence than Jed and is more capable overall. That said, Steer has had a really good run, produced a wonderful save in the semi final 1st leg from Rodriguez and topped it all off with the penalty heroics, he also made everything look pretty comfortable in the closing minutes at Wembley. Both keepers will feel that they can be no 1 which can only be a good thing and under the coaching of Neil Cutler I actually think we are fine going into the new season, albeit in the Premier League. Bunn nowhere to be seen to which can only be a good thing!

I agree, I have said in previous posts that we shouldn't just be looking solely in the championship, I just want players that fit in and improve our squad, regardless of the league they play in or their nationality.

Just to clarify I am not on some sort of commission with the football league for suggesting a whole host of Championship players that we should sign Far from it. The names I have mentioned are just ones that I think can definitely make the step up, are young, ambitious and could grow with what we have already got. Players that we can improve and will not lose money on or players that are coming for one last pay check. First things first, our concentration, for me, should be to try tie up the deals for El Ghazi, Mings, Hause and Tuanzebe, with the latter being probably the hardest acquisition. It is vital that we keep the strong nucleus of our team to keep the dressing room spirit that we have from the season gone. We then need to add to it with real quality and replace the weak links within our squad. I don't for one minute think that we will get (or go for) every decent championship player, but I see no harm in one or two if they are of real quality, hungry for success and are capable of the step up and are the right character to have within the dressing room. I realise that the market abroad is a lot more cost effective and I am sure we are searching wide and far for some hidden gems to find are own Bernado Silva or Riyad Mahrez and I would be concerned if our scouting network wasn't. I feel any signing made can come with a degree of uncertainty, we've had terrible signings going down the foreign route with the likes of Tonev, Helenius ETC but also wasted huge amounts on the likes of McCormack and Gestede from Championship teams. All that said, watching the video of Smith and Purslow makes me feel confident that we are in the right hands and it is going to be an exciting summer ahead.

How do you expect it to look or want it to look (realistically)?