Our old pals at The Mirror this morning suggested that the 'Safs to Baggies…' story wasn't quite as done and dusted as everyone might have assumed.
According to them, there was a three-way tussle for his services going on with both Southampton and Charlton now locked in battle for his services.
All of which comes as news to one or two people behind the scenes who have yet to hear a peep out of either club.
No surprise there, to be honest.
Saints are still waiting for Mr Microsoft to loom large over the horizon and while they might have just pocketed a few more quid off Sunderland as skipper – and Supporters' Player of the Season – Chris Baird hot-foots it off to the Stadium Of Light, money might be a little too tight to mention still down at St Mary's.
As for the Pardew link, the Addicks have already released Safs' Moroccan team-mate Talal El Karkouri this summer and with the African Nations looming large over the horizon in the New Year, old Pards may think twice.
Nah. If old Ferrret didn't know better, that might be something of a fishing exercise to see who may still be out there with a bigger and better deal up their sleeve; one last trawl by Safs' man to see who else might pop out of the woodwork at the eleventh hour.
And one other thing. I wouldn't start banking on ?1.5 million coming back Granty's way – if any deal does go through.
And old Mogger is still in the driving seat – he's got the cash now Koumas and Kamara have gone; he's got the will; he likes Safs-type players. Reminds him of Jim Magilton.
That's who he's talking about when he witters on about artists and warriors.
“The warrior is just as important as the artist. Teams are made up of soldiers and artists. You have to get that balance right. I love technical, talented footballers but I also have to try and build a team that wins week in, week out,” said teh Baggies' chief this week. And we all know who has in mind for his artist.
But not at ?1.5 million. Think about it, people. Safs is 30; out of contract next summer. West Brom's need is not that great that they will spash that level of cash on a player they could always get for next to nothing come January.
And nor do Norwich have such a position of strength to say: 'Nah, we want ?1.5 mill or he's going nowhere….' He's walking out of the door for nothing next summer and with Brellier in and looking a nigh-on certain starter next to Dickson, you'll end up with Safs' cluttering up the dressing room – particularly if Fozzy is back in the building this summer meaning business.
And that African Nations jaunt will loom large over everyone's thoughts – certainly in this neck of the woods.
It'll still probably happen; but nowhere near ?1.5 million. Just expect one or two more twists in this tale.
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