I think it's more a case of several things mentioned in page 5 of the signing players for the sake of it' thread. Have a read.

The main thing we've done in this window is court a player, player appears interested but agent wants more wages (maybe Jenkinson). We walk away and talk to another of our dozen possibles and wait and have one call back when he and agent realise we're the best and the best offer they're going to get. Or we could offer them all the £10k more per week. Same applies to clubs wanting £X mil more.

I'm glad we are going here there and everywhere so there are options rather than none in August during the month stall on Benteke apart from 3 outfield players of the 7 needed plus Mandanda.

Edited by Rudi Hedman (27 Jan 2017 9.32am)

COYP

Whoa that price has shot up !!!! Sky sources understand Crystal Palace have agreed a £14m fee with Sunderland for Patrick van Aanholt.

The Dutch international has handed in a transfer request to Sunderland and will now have a medical in London.

Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain has told us: “If a player openly states he does not want to play for our club, then it is clear that we have a decision to make. In this instance and in regard to this particular player, we have done what we feel is right for Sunderland, which will always be our priority."

[Link] bit more on the recent news

Dont let Cabaye go

[Link]

£14m is ridiculous but if thats what it takes!

Are we paying over the odds ?

People I talked to last night mentioned a fee of £1.5 Mill but not that much in it I suppose.

Let's go down to the Championship where we will start winning once again, will walk away from 'Selhurst Park' smiling once again and where we won't need to pay these ridiculous prices !!!!!!!!