Transfer window masterstroke

Clubs are starting to circle waiting to pounce before the window shuts, but they are circling Real Madrid.

The Goon Squad are said to be interested in two, but who would be interested in the Goons, nobody has so far.

It would seem this transfer window has been waiting for the sale of Gareth Bale to ignite other transfers. The hierarchy at Tottenham have played a very good game by making them all wait.

Given that Bale has already said goodbye to some of the staff there can only be a few chimpanzees left who believe Bale is staying but making everyone wait so they have little time to conclude their business when he does eventually go is a masterstroke. The latest ruse of a 'mystery bid' is all designed to keep everyone waiting while we complete further purchases. The deal would have been announced earlier had Willian signed but now everyone will have to wait a bit longer which is probably frustrating them.

Real Madrid have to make their preparations for his arrival, they have a podium built to present him as is the way in Madrid which many claim was erected for Raul's testimonial last Thursday, begging the question why hasn't it been taken down then? Diving off at a tangent, who is disappointed with the £86 million fee?

With 60/70% of purchases already made we are ahead of the game, there are two (Lamela, Chiriches) but more probably three, maybe even four still to join our squad transformation. This window certainly hasn't been a cosmetic exercise has it.

Of course arrivals mean players have to go, there are only 25 squad places available and 8 of those have to be homegrown. Several players have therefore been told to find new clubs, Huddlestone has reluctantly already gone and the same for Parker, neither wanted to leave but were left with no doubt they would see very little game time.

Adebayor is another told to find another club, he has offers from both home and abroad in addition to the pie in the sky Besiktas talk. Benoit Assou-Ekotto is in the same boat, whilst Livermore was sent on loan to get some game time, Caulker went because he wants to play every week and wouldn't at Spurs. Dempsey was given the opportunity to return home so we didn't stand in his way.

As has been expected for a while Fabio Coentrao declined to join us so Danny Rose has been filling in. There are stories now of us looking to being in an experienced loanee at left-back, a week is a long time in a transfer window so we'll wait and see.

A possible movement that has gone quiet is the departure of Heurelho Gomes, given game time in Hong Kong he looks set to stay as the number three keeper on £50,000 a week, which would surely end any World Cup hopes.

The Lane is certainly gaining a South American feel with Paulinho, Sandro and Gomes, Lamela likely to arrive, a failed attempt at Willian and now we are said to be talking to an agent of other Argentinian players, a creative attacking midfielder is still on the agenda.

Plenty of time left in the transfer window for some twists and turns yet.

Previous articles (open in a new window):
Quotes from Roberto Soldado and Jan Vertonghen posted last night - Soldado and Vertonghen
The Monday morning Transfer Options Round Up article.