I’ve lost count of the number of times Fulham have been linked with Gary O’Neill. I think Rich shared some intelligence that suggested a move for the Middlesbrough midfielder was imminent in the summer, but it seems like the transfer talk has started up again.

Sky Sports names us as one of a clutch of Premier League clubs who would be interested in signing O’Neill in January. He’s been in good form for Boro in the Championship this season and the Riverside club are believed to be holding out for £4m as they worry whether O’Neill will extend his contract, which is up next summer.

He’s undoubtedly a decent player but I’d be very surprised if there’s anything in this for us. For one thing, how close would O’Neill get to the first team? Hodgson spent the summer strengthening our midfield – and if he really wanted O’Neill he probably would have got him then. Instead, he made a big play for Jonathan Greening and brought him the West Brom skipper in on loan initially. Factor in the signings of Duff, Dikgacoi and Riise and there’s very little room for another midfielder.