Looks like Fulham are winning the Mawson race

[Paulclaret]

I think, quite often, we are 'played' by agents. They know we are 'careful' with our money and are not likely to rush into signings. So the agent agrees everything with us and then sounds out other interested clubs trying to get a better deal, knowing they have already arranged something with us if that doesn't work out.

[dsr]

So what? They were players we wanted that we didn’t manage to get over the line. I think the point he was making is why are we not sealing these deals earlier before other clubs jump in at the last minute and seem to seal it in a matter of days.

I suspect that Fulham timed their jump to coincide with when Dawson's agent told them the terms that Burnley had agreed. If we had agreed terms earlier by offering a bigger fee or wage, then Fulham would probably still have gazumped.

[Burnley Ace]

Perhaps he’s gone to Fulham because he will get a starting place and not be 3rd choice as he would be with us.

[Pearcey]

Perhaps he’s gone to Fulham because he will get a starting place and not be 3rd choice as he would be with us.

He’s from London so it’s a no brainer for him. As already posted, I suspect we were used.

[Burnley Ace]

He’s from London so it’s a no brainer for him. As already posted, I suspect we were used.

A rather parochial view! He’s been to Barnsley and Swansea, he’s going to choose the club that betters his career not one that’s close to his mum.

[TheFamilyCat]

I think, quite often, we are 'played' by agents. They know we are 'careful' with our money and are not likely to rush into signings. So the agent agrees everything with us and then sounds out other interested clubs trying to get a better deal, knowing they have already arranged something with us if that doesn't work out.

We should charge a fee for the service.

[Braindead]

So what? They were players we wanted that we didn’t manage to get over the line. I think the point he was making is why are we not sealing these deals earlier before other clubs jump in at the last minute and seem to seal it in a matter of days.

Yeah but that point is also irrelevant if a player's agent is holding off for a better deal to come in, either from a new suitor or their current club.
It's surely impossible to seal a deal for a player who would, for example, prefer to play in London over Burnley as in the Mawson situation.
Or would you rather just throw an extra 20k a week at him?

[Vegas Claret]

What do people want from a transfer window?

To spend £30 million on a winger and goalkeeper for example - and finish 7th?
Or spend £3 million on a winger and goalkeeper (Pope & JBG) - and finish 7th?

We can't finish any higher than we have done, unless teams above us are in a bit of disarray, like Arsenal were last season, or when Leicester won the league.

It's almost as though the value of the player is more important to some and the importance of whether they fit into our team structure is secondary. For example, Lowton is now as important as Trippier was yet isn't as good going forward, but he fits the system perfectly.

Ability aside, that's why Dyche places as much emphasis on player character and whether they are able to follow instructions.

Seriously, do you even read what I post on this board ? I've lost count of the occasions where I've talked about value of players not being representative of the quality of the player but of the league we are trying to sign them from. We don't need to spend 30 million on a player and I've not seen a single person suggest we do so. Somebody on here yesterday said "fix the roof whilst the sun is shining" and it's the perfect phrase.