I would entertain that the notion that those ITK have signed the 'Official Secrets Act' (!) and don't wish to betray any confidences, accordingly do not disclose any information to the great and good.

Not even flashing the smallest disclosures akin to a Parisien belle displaying glimpses of her inner thigh.

ok

Do you honestly think Parish ran a company that made millions by bullying 63-year-old men into taking jobs they didn't want? I've read some ridiculous things in my time, but leaping to that conclusion is insanely stupid.

It seems far more likely if you follow the various bits we do know that Favre was interested in and poised to take the job. The work permit was applied for so personal terms must have been agreed. With that in mind, most likely there was an issue around finance not related to Favre's pay, in short the transfer budget. Likely Favre demanded more flexibility to build a team, Parish wouldn't budge, and it all fell apart.

Applying common sense without in any way actually being in the know, most likely Parish went away like any good businessman, spoke to the Americans, and reviewed the alternative candidates to Favre. Realising that none of them appealed (and if any did, they were most likely to have the same reservations as Favre) and also knowing the contract situation with the players, most likely they contacted Favre again yesterday or today because they finally saw they had no other viable options and realising this, they must have done so prepared to budge on the demands Favre made.

In short, if both parties are indeed talking now it suggests to me that whatever the obstacle(s) Favre raised last week are now being addressed and if Favre picked up the phone, he clearly retains at least some interest in coming to Palace. I don't know if they'll reach an agreement or not today but I'd expect a definitive answer either way within 24 hours or so because there's nothing left to discuss after last week. Either we'll resolve Favre's issues or we won't. Since Parish knows what Favre wanted, there seems to me little point in calling him again if he's not now prepared to give it to him. Watch this space, but for me Favre now must be odds-on to arrive at Selhurst.

Talks progressed well - will see what tomorrow brings.