As we know with Meyer and others, 'free' doesn't mean free. There will be a significant signing on fee (some of) which presumably will be paid as part of his wages so that he becomes yet another player om an inflated salary and who at the age of 27 won't have too many years in him. I do wonder whether he is simply after a final lucrative pay deal which once he gets he'll be happy to bench warm.

I thought the idea was a move to younger players who are hungry to show what they can do (and possibly move on to bigger things in a few years - but at least we'd get some money for them when they go).

As for Gallagher, I don't see us buying him. Much more likely to loan him (if Chelsea ever forgive us for not playing Bats) with possibly an option to buy. Can't see him staying at Baggies - he'll want PL minutes. RLC may well make his move to Fulham permanent if they manage to stay up (and I think they will).

I suspect it will be the Turkish guy if he wants to come. As for Downes, he's been on the bench at Ipswich in recent games which doesn't bode well.

Downes had an injury earlier in the season and recently picked up a red card. Have close friends who are Ipswich s/t holders, he is highly rated there

I saw an interview with him on Sky today.

I didnt realise he was a scouser. If he comes from the red half, then going to play Gerrard at Rangers would surely be his preference.

He also mentioned playing CL football, which also indicates Rangers, because he isn't going to get into top 4 side in the PL.

Bullet dodged in my opinion.

Looks no better than what we have - which isn't a glowing recommendation.

hardworking but no great skill. Not a regular for Sheff Utd this season and definitely no better than we have.

However, being Palace i can see us signing him.

On very low wages at Sheff Utd so even a decent increase will probably still make him one of our lower earners.