How Times Have Changed

There was a time when every player available, even half available for an inflated price compared to their actual ability would be linked with a move to Molineux.

But now times have changed, money is now not so free flowing at the Golden Palace and a new financial reality has brought with it a new set of circumstance.

With the msdia unable to link the club with big spending transfers, the opposite now applies, and interest is now mooted in any player who becomes available on a free, and players it was once unthinkable to see leave for a loss are touted around as potential targets for those newly promoted, or in the same division.

Matt Oakley is the latest to be linked with a move in, and Carl Cort the latest to be linked with a move out. Oakley being out of contract at Saints, and an offer for Cort that would see the club take a loss of well over a million pounds.

At least Palace' bid is founded in fact, if not also tinged with a hint of fantasy on their part.

Having recently cashed in on their prime asset, Andy Johnson and now being richer to the tune of £11 million bidding £750,000 for one of a rivals first choice striker is laughable to say the least, regardless of who he might be.

Unsurprisingly it was rejected without a second thought.

How many thoughts Glenn Hoddle is entertaining regarding Matt Oakley is as yet unknown, but as more players become available on a Bosman transfer, expect their name to be draped in Old Gold and Black before too long

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