I think we should just gloss over that reply

Goal scorers are always at a premium when it comes to fees. The reality is Blackburn have several clubs (Us, Southampton and Norwich) all vying to buy him so they are in a sellers market for him. The reality is one of those three will meet their asking price of 20mill so why wouldn't they get as much as they can for him?

The general gist of reports is that Southampton's primary target is Abraham but don't want to pay the 40mill asking price. Will depend on how much they can negotiate that down and Armstrong is their backup plan.

Reports are that Armstrong has a preference to come to us but obviously if Southampton offer much better personal terms than we do he could be persuaded.

Ideally we need to wrap up signing Armstrong before Southampton's pursuit of Abrahams hits a dead end.

Quite probably so -
I think i read somewhere that Chelski are now considering £35m as a selling price for Tammy Abraham (presumably because no one came rushing in for him at £40m) also over recent years Southampton have been quite prudent with their money so if they can save £15m layout by getting Armstrong they would no doubt be attracted to that proposition- I wonder if theres a deal there for Southampton to leverage Abraham at a better price / something closer to the Armstrong price ?

Oi! You pinched my theme!!

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)

I know this is not going to be popular but I think people overestimate PV's say in signings. Yes he will be consulted but in reality it is Dougie and Parish who hold the real power in signings. That said they will be very aware of Tekkers strengths and weakness's and given the commitment they have made financially in buying in players to alter the style of football we play I can't see them sticking with just Tekkers up front who would not suit this style of play at all.