Errr...Lenihan to the NY Red Bulls? https://twitter.com/SportsPeteO/status/1488922146428628999?t=UkOR2XdP9Kd_ZfFYshsB3Q&s=19

Yes, but I'm talking about the news he was actually signing. Even this time last week, Hedges was only known as a pre-contract for the summer.

To be fair, I'd say it's obvious that something good has happened behind the scenes simply for the fact that the longest period between a legit transfer break (verifiable source) and the signing being announced by the club this window was 36hrs or so, which implies that leaks from the club have all but stopped until a player has at least verbally agreed to come.

It's the Blackburn way: 'If it's not raining today, it will rain tomorrow.' Glad I'm a darrener.

Oh boy, now you've done it...

Probably because when I say the names, I get told I should file it under bullshit despite it coming from scouts at the club's concerned as recently as this evening over the phone. Ergo, I'll not bother and just hope like the rest of us in future.

'They' being me. I didn't file either under 'bullshit' because it came from Liverpool's end rather than Rovers. Ditto the Solanke info came from Bournemouth's end. Both from resident scouts.

Hmmm. I can see why people don't bother giving bits they hear now.

I suspect it was money specifically sanctioned for a specific player, rather than 'budget'.

I'll open up here: I can categorically state a bid DID go in for Solanke and was at least until 3 hrs ago under consideration. That was from the mouth of a Bournemouth scout over the phone into my actual ear. I had remained hopeful (and still do to an extent, but ever more doubtful) because of Bournemouth hoovering up 5-6 players while we seemingly clear the decks of 4 of ours. The other rumour was Harvey Elliott on loan - which I doubted but hey-ho could've happened. As I said in the original post, both doubtful but definitely WERE on the cards and definitely would've been statements. AS it happens, I remain pretty happy with the window all things considered.

Rich also took forever to tell us about Zeefuik and Giles, and even denied our interest in Markanday at one point. Ignore him. If darrenrover has heard what I've heard, he's right. They'd be legit statements in this league BUT I hasten to add that I don't think either is actually likely to happen personally.

I can confirm we received a bigger bid from New York Rovers than from roversfans.com but turned both down.

I feel like we'll hold back and announce all at once, whether that's just Giles or a couple of others.

It's not like I'm advocating a crap defender like Maguire 😉

Oh I rate him, I was thinking 'loan for loan'.

I'd happily take Van Hecke out to accommodate Jones, personally. I don't actually believe he'll come, mind. Regardless, I believe we need at least one more defender. We're only a couple of cards away from suspensions for some. Add injuries to that and we're buggered.

Ayala.

Definitely. We only have 4 first teamers for 3 spots, and we shoved one of them up front last game.

Phil Jones' move to Bordeaux is off. Come home for 6 months, Phil!

Cautiously optimistic about Hedges tbh. Solid winger, and seems be good at taking set pieces (something we miss quite badly at the moment).

It shows people for the arseholes that they are. It's public domain, after all.

Strictly with hope: With rumours abound that a Bournemouth player might be coming this way, what possibility that Bournemouth are (as Rovers' position was re: Rothwell) getting replacements in before allowing them to leave? Lowe? Stanislas? Solanke? All of whom could fit Mowbray's wish for versatile forwards.

I think Weghorst is genuinely an exceptional signing for you lot.

I'd still tend to believe that version of events. Even Sharpe acknowledged that Bournemouth passed on Rothwell in favour of Moore, which doesn't suggest their bid was rejected.

I'm expecting: Ryan Giles on loan. I'm hoping for: Harvey Elliott on loan Any of Luke Freeman/Jonathan Swift/Ovie Ejaria on permanent.