Ac Milan are all over Tomori. Six months ago I'd have said to go for Christiensen, who was frozen out at the time but Tuchel has been playing him more, so no chance there.

The two domestic loans will be from big clubs who have too many players, like Chelsea, but they aren't free at all. Loan fees are now quite exorbitant, and even without wages it's a lot of money sometimes.

The foreign loan will usually be with an option or requirement to buy, as they see Premier league clubs as a cash cow, and why would an average French or German club want to loan us one of their players unless there was a transfer fee in it for them?

We certainly will need to fully use the loan system in any event. No way can Palace afford the five new first team players we need in one go, and that's without factoring in how short and frantic a summer window this one will be due to the euros.

I'm hoping we may have a different one, and that one recommended Mateta

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

You would have thought that loan players are very important to us and every club who signs them every season.

Why do they take on more importance next season?

All I think that most supporters want is a united agreement between the clubs hierarchy as to which loan signings are targeted and ultimately signed.

So that they end up being fully utilised throughout the season and money is not wasted!

Hate to think what Michy Batshuayi has actually cost per minute of game time this season or per goal!

Because we are going to lose 5/6/7 players whose contracts are up and although it isn't cheap to loan, its a lot cheaper than buying, and we haven't the money

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

For me those two are classic examples of players who would be new, young, but not better than what we have already.

Replacing the old guard will be difficult enough, but improving on them is even harder.

Tuchel was apparently saying nice things about him in the press today, but his career appears to be going nowhere doesn't it? Less than three years ago he was playing for England in the world cup, but since then he's just gone down and down.

Shame, as he's such a talent. Not sure if it's physical (he's had lots of injuries), tactical (although you'd think he'd suit the football Fulham play), or mental. Whatever it is, I note that he's on Benteke / Zaha wages at Chelsea and has three years left on his contract, so a very expensive option if we wanted to sign him permanently, and probably not cheap even to loan.