Midland will no doubt give his own answer. But from the rumours I've seen, I believe both Newcastle and Everton are interested in Tarkowski and he would likely get more game time with either of those two than with us (injuries aside). The other issue with Tarkowski could be wages.

As for our back up for Andersen and Guehi, we don't yet know what will happen with Kouyate but he is a CB cover option if he stays. Also, I can see Ward being asked to focus more on the CB cover role, especially if Clyne stays and makes the RB position his own.

As for Ferguson - who knows?!!

Finally, it will be interesting to see if Jake O'Brien gets a decent run out in pre-season, with a view to being CB cover or whether he'll get another loan out. The young Irish lad had a good spell at Swindon.

Who are the other clubs that you think would come in for him that would have less competition for starting spots, other than the 3 promoted clubs that are likely to be in a relegation fight?

I'd also hope that any player would have the mentality that they have the ability to displace the current players at the club, rather than have a guarantee they would start.

I think we offer the least competition for regular playing time for a club in that 8th-17th area of the league, with only Anderson & Guehi as first choice and then an ageing and injury prone Tomkins as back up.

I'm not suggesting the club are in for him, however, I think both the player and club could do a lot worse and it would make sense to bring in a player of his experience and ability on a free for a couple of years whilst we focus on the more immediate requirements of the squad.

I've always thought if Zaha goes, Cornet wouldn't be a bad replacement.