just seen this on betfair

HOL - Christian benteke ( papertalk ) pages market

230/240

interviewer " iggy , do you think you influenced anybody?"
iggy pop " I think I wiped out the 60`S "

I think 250 pages is too much for a striker. I know Sky deals have ramped it up, but I remember when we could sign a good forward for 10 pages. No doubt his agent will want 25 pages just for contract negotiations.

As much as we probably think we all know what's going on because we have seen the Daily Mirror, do any of us know that:

a) Our 'acceptable bid' for Benteke happened weeks ago?
b) Everton only put in a bid for Bolasie 3/4 days ago?

Also, even if that was the case, if we under-bid for Benteke in the hope to get a deal that suited us, but Everton came in straight away with a sufficient bid for Bolasie, that would explain why that deal was happening quicker. It wouldn't necessarily be dilly-dallying over terms to blame for the difference.

Well anyway, if by Saturday we have sold Bolasie and purchased Benteke I'll feel pretty positive (as stated, I wasn't wishing for the departure of Bolasie, but I could handle it).

I pray this doesn't drag on too much longer. I have been at work 2 hrs now and must have refreshed twitter and HOL 200 times already!

This club of mine constantly tests my loyalty but I as do many other fans never falter or crumble My loyalty to the Palace will never waver My unadulterated passion for a club I’ve grown up supporting wont die, and my desire to keep coming back and take the blows won’t succumb to negativity

As long as Palace score more goals as whole. Christian Benteke to get at least 8 goals.

Another Damien Diagonal - Total Football

What's clear about it? No two deals are the same, that much is clear.
We haven't met the dippers valuation and there are clubs all over Europe who'd take CB at the right money - The selling club wield all the power. Key point being that no-one fancies him at £32m!

With YB, the player's off the field movements, suggest he wants the move (recently signed with Margaret Byrne - remember her?). Why change your agent unless you're looking for a move?
Equally, when a team offers £18m and then comes back quickly with an offered improved by over a third, when they're bidding against themselves - You get it done quickly!

I think you'll find once the window shuts, we'll reflect that SP has played a blinder. Perhaps you should reserve judgement and see where we end up.
Alternatively, you could always offer your services, I'm sure they'd be happy to hear from you...