I'm really cynical about this.

I suspect this is a move by the club to attempt to save face, as they strongly suspect they are about to lose him to Liverpool or Spurs.

I look at it as a statement to other clubs and our current squad, we are keeping all the best players, unless you want to offer ridiculous money!

Have you seen our 2 new signings play? Thought not so how you can say they are an improvement is beyond me.

For you Butty101

"two new signings look like being improvements on the players they have replaced" how how you worked that one out?

@Slynch I could find you a video montage of Austin Delago, should we sign him as we'll?

Is he a better runner than that Austin Allegro my father had?

And what if he doesn't sign we'll be in another negative situation,i would of preferred it kept quiet but hey,can they sell him even though he's injured? how many years does he have on his contract? hope Jay & Cork sign new deals,laughapool are going for Bony i thought, may be just testing the waters shame Lalana all on his own in scouseland coyr.

Jack Cork's contract should be the priority. Why the delay?

I suspect if indeed there has been an offer of a new contract then its Jay's agent who has fed this one to the press to see what offers come in. If nothing better comes along then he can sign the new deal...but hey, look, nows the best time to try to buy him Liverpool or spurs before he signs the new deal and his price rockets! Is probably his agents thinking.

With Cork...well, if anything can be implied from the friendly just played (and it maybe that nothing can) then it looks like RK intends to play with only one holding MF player. If Schneiderlin stays (which I still don't think he will) then we have him, wanyama and cork all competing for one place. That potentially blocks progress from the academy and means at least two quality players are left twiddling their thumbs every week. I can't see that being allowed to happen. With spider's future uncertain and wanyama away, I don't think RK has had time yet to assess which two he wants to keep for that position. If spider leaves I suspect cork will be,offered a new deal. If he stays then it could be a straight fight between wanyama and cork to see who offers the best competition for spiders place. Hence the delay.

as for fonte...i suspect given he is in his 30's and if a suitable replacement exists in the group already or can be brought in who is younger then I think the club might listen to offers.

Interesting to see sharp playing as one of the CAM roles. New direction for him do you think?

finally, RK says an LB and a couple of wingers are currently the main targets. Make of that what you will.

This contract is as irrelevant as Lallana's last year. I wouldn’t be overly worried if he doesn’t sign it and if he does it will just mean we can demand more money for him. Another similar season and he will be gone, even if he had signed a 10 year contract.

A stronger position than 2 years ago undoubtedly, but as it stands considerably weaker than last season. Two unproven replacements in, 3 England internationals out and the loss of one of the leagues brighest young managers. That said I hope Tadic can perform in England and that Pelle and Koeman prove that they are not just European journeymen who have enjoyed short spells of success. Some of our fans call this negative, but I would rather call it realism, which is better than being blindly positive about our situation. Let’s hope it does all come together and we can enjoy another exciting season.