...it might have been an underwhelming last day but that shouldn't detract from some excellent looking business. Saying that, the only true benchmark will be what we achieve on the pitch;
- big money acquisitions of Sigurdsson, Keane, Pickford and Klaassen already look decent signings and arguably an improvement on what we had in those positions.
- the lower end purchases of Rooney, Sandro, Vlasic and Martina look decent value.
- let's not forget high profile and costly signings for the U23 group, particularly Gibson from Newcastle and Josh Bowler from QPR. I'm not sure if the Adeniran transfer from Fulham is confirmed but he's worth a look at on YouTube.
- the major disappointment is failure to bring in a striker (and defender). My own view is that we had reached the bottom of our spend envelope. There was no more money left in the transfer pot and there was a dependency on Barkley (and Niasse) leaving. Reports of a last minute bid of £35m for Benfica striker Raul Jimenez came as it appeared Barkley had gone for the same monies.
- I think Barkley is waiting on a move to Spurs. Levy is a shrewd operator, Barkley won't be available until December so wait and get a bargain in January. It's a dangerous game for Barkley if we decide to keep him or Spurs have a change of mind. I also wonder if the new contract offer will be withdrawn given the players we have brought in.
- surprised Callum Connolly was sent on loan to Ipswich given the publicised requirement for a back up to Leighton Baines. Only noticed Liam Walsh to Birmingham on loan this morning, I think Harry will like him.
