Yelloow Since 72

€10m would be around £8.5m, with another £.85m in add ons. If Aarons is leaving though....

Even if Spurs have decided to keep Skipp, like WSM and TY, I can't see how we could give him enough game time unless Aarons is leaving.

Given the recent change in the Skipp situation, I can't see why we would be interested in Williams, especially when there's no indication of Aarons leaving. Bethnal's recycled rumour is a far more likely explanation.

I think we're more in agreement than disagreement, TGS, and it was me who was slow to realise that. DF clearly thought Skipp was the best option at DM last season, in spite of his limited contribution to our attacking play and it's hard for us to judge because of Sørensen's limited game time in that position. Sadly, the covid problems have extended that. If DF's experiments with 3 at the back continue, however, Sørensen's strengths in supporting the attack could increase in importance as there would be one less attacking player up front and telling passes from midfield could carry more weight. Something to watch for certainly.

Yes, that was the interview, but he follows "break the lines" with "and win the duels". His thinking is essentially defensive, which is why he could succeed at LB having never played there before. He also showed the ability to lay on a long pass to Pukki putting him through for a goal. Lines can be broken in more than one way and he'd have his own way to play in the number 6 role. As you say, he (and Rupp) might contribute more to link up passing than Skipp does and there's also the possibility of PLM bringing other attributes to the position, should DF play him there again. Just one of the possible tweaks we may see next season.

Bailey says a lot of things; some turn out to be true and others turn out to be mere supposition. He did give an interesting insight into why we signed Gilmour and why Tuchel and Chelsea we're happy for him to come to us. Chelsea play a double 6 midfield and that's what DF is aiming for again this season. That's hardly surprising as that's what Skipp and McLean were playing last season, Skipp being the number 6 and McLean the number 8 playing as a number 6 (the role Gilmour is aiming for at Chelsea). Skipp's role is to anchor the midfield and screen the defence, supported by McLean when the ball is lost. When we gain possession again, McLean's responsibility is getting it forward to the attacking players, supported by Skipp. Sørensen is suited to the number 6 role, while Gilmour is suited to the number 8 playing as a number 6 role which McLean has been playing. Rupp can also play in that role and in a pinch, in the number 6 or DM role as well. It's interesting that DF chose to experiment with PLM playing in that deeper role against Huddersfield, with some success. Clearly DF is aiming at some tactical tweaks next season while still progressing his possession oriented expansive strategy.

Agree with this. When he was signed Sørensen described himself as a number 6 DM, although he can also play as a CB - no mention of playing as a CM.

No, what I see is a Leeds fan writing a blog about why his team should sign Skipp on loan. The headline says it all: Leeds have got to be on red alert as Tottenham make reported u-turn on midfielder

Leeds trying to make a case for Skipp to come to them on loan:https://tbrfootball.com/leeds-have-...-make-reported-u-turn-on-midfielder-tbr-view/Nice try.

Looks like it's black and blue instead:

EDP update on Skipp:https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwi...rs-loan-possibility-remains-for-skipp-8197460

Surely Spurs' primary concern would be playing time if Skipp goes out on loan again so our chances should be good on that basis.

I agree with the latter, especially as Tzolis wouldn't require a squad place because of his age. He must be a bit special given that he has 8 caps for Greece at the age of 19. Even €10m would only be £8.5m, which is about what we paid out for Rashica before add ons.

More like 'Zoleese', rhyming with Greece.

This^

Transfermarkt is now showing a 90% chance of us signing Tzolis. They value him at £10.8m, so even £10m would look to be a very good deal for such a young, promising player.

I don't think we'll see what Rashica is really about until we play a counter-attacking style against PL opponents. The pre-season games, even Newcastle, won't really give us that. He needs to use his pace and trickery to beat defenders and get in behind, whereas Lees-Melou is well suited to playing against sides like Huddersfield. That said, he still put in an amazing shift for this early in pre-season.

"Big Daddy say bull, I say bull." Tennessee Williams, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

I suspect that Christie could be Plan B if we move away from Billing, but they do offer different alternatives.

Christie is quite a versatile player, which could suit our mobile use of attacking players. Here are his appearances last season:

I also rate Todd's attacking skills very highly but he lacks the defensive contribution that Emi has, and that is a big weakness in the PL. If we're going to play 3 at the back or a 3 man midfield that would be less of a problem but it still concerns me. I'm hoping that Lees-Melou brings more steel to our midfield.

Re the CB situation we have 4 CBs and Sørensen who can also play there. Much will depend on how DF intends to play. If it's 2 at the back and 3 in midfield then that should be enough. If it's 3 at the back, that doesn't necessarily require 3 CBs as Sørensen has shown in pre-season games. Yes the PL will be a far stiffer challenge but we have also been playing without both Gibson and Hanley. Huddersfield will provide a further test, but might it be a better idea to pay around £5m for a player like Yokuslu who can play at both DM and CB and has PL experience as well with West Brom last season. That would also solve the DM problem and allow money for a quality attacking player.

On Yokuslu, West Brom, Leeds and Palace are said to be interested in a loan deal but Celta Vigo want a permanent deal. It could be an opportunity for SW to pip them with a £5m offer. https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-brom-transfer-rumours/west-brom-baggies-suffer-potential-okay-yokuslu-blow/

Not sure about the source as there's no sign of it on NewsNow this morning but I saw it on the Not606 board where it said that he could be available for around £5m. Yokuslu was at West Brom on loan for the second half of last season so has some PL experience.

New DM rumour: Okay Yokuslu is a DM who could also play at CM or CB (he's 6'3") and at 27 should be at his peak.https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/okay-yokuslu/profil/spieler/137616Like Sørensen, he would be able to play in a midfield 3 or a back 3 and even shift back and forth tactically. One to watch.