Tbh, in the way Vieira wants to play, the end-of-season Clyne probably suits us better than AWB would. It's more a question of whether we can get a full season of Clyne in that form (you have to assume not). But maybe it gives us time to look longer at Ferguson or to buy potential.

If you want to live in a world full of kindness, respect and love, try to show these qualities.

I agree with the above. I accept that central midfield is a priority for us this summer as CB was for us last summer but fear, that once again we will sacrifice getting a RB to get this summers priorities.

Unfortunately I think we are letting our hearts rule our heads when it comes to our pursuit of AWB. He had a good season with us but, as others have said, we were a different team then and needed different styles of play than we do now. AWB has declined over the last few years which would mean he is an expensive risky option that would not suit our style anymore. There are other cheaper options out there (Sambia). I'd like us to get one of those so we do fill a hole in the team/squad at low coast and release more funds for CM.

I just don't see this happening in a month of Sundays. You buy players from a big club only if you are a bigger club, or the player is on the way down.

Utd wont want to admit defeat and send him back to us, like they did with Zaha. If they offered him on loan I'm sure there would be a lot of prem interest.

He's young and the entire team underperformed, not just him. If they can get the team working together there is no reason he cant be an important part of it.

Like it or not, he's now a £50m player, I'd much rather us continue with our current recruitment strategy, and look at players on the up.

Disagree.

Midfield is one priority but defence is just as pressing. We really got away with it last season with 6 first team defenders (or 7 if you include Kelly). That is minimal cover and Ward, Clyne and Tomkins are all in the red zone for staying fit for a complete season and Kouyate is very makeshift. Just one long term injury and we are close to being screwed.

The other point is greater depth at the back allows us vary formation and be more flexible in approach. This is partly a nod to PV's experiment with 3 at the back but also a recognition that 5 subs could be a game changer in how subs are used. Wide defenders are very often the key figures in a flexible formation as it really helps to have players who can slot it as a trad full back and also players who can fulfil the wing back role.

Do the new personnel need to be an upgrade? No. They need to be able to offer something different and/or allow flexibility in the squad. Even before the 5 subs rule PL football is increasingly a squad game and it will only become more so.

Two names I'd mention here are Ole Aina and Dujon Sterling. Both come with Chelsea stamp of approval and could/should be affordable. Neither may make an immediate impact on the first team but they offer variety and the possibility of improvement by growth under training in our system. Aina looks the more ready perhaps and I believe he could cover left and right.

His two League Cup appearances don't really put him in the same bracket.

My view is that the Ward / Clyne combo can do a job for Palace for one more season if necessary.

However, if the right player, at the right price came along then I can see us signing that player.

But I don't think it's AWB. Unless Utd subsidise his wages, that would be an immediate stumbling block to a loan deal. And just assuming that they were willing to take a 50% hit on a permanent deal, I don't see Palace paying £20m+ for a right back.

Old, Ungifted and White