His history under Gussie maybe gives this a tinge of realism?

I'd rather sign someone who won't be away half the season too, cracking good player though he is. Is Horwill in contract past the end of this season? It really hurts us when we lose too many during internatinal windows. Although I think that Robshaw may well be around more going forward, if he does go to RWC next year I can't see him doing much beyond it.

So who are currently Quins 2 marquee players???

I think someone like Lood de Jager is a better option and will be available more throughout the season.

Given how he's building the side, I can't see that Itoje works for us -- as others say, he's guaranteed not to be around and we need second rows already let alone needing one to cover him once he's here.

In the Guardian article McCall is quoted as saying "It would be an unbelievable shame if we had to lose players we had grown ourselves." A shame indeed. Like an unbelievable shame for Wasps losing Daly, who has been in their Academy since leaving Whitgift School. There are no doubt others...

Just exactly how can Sarries afford Daly with the squad they already have and the salary cap? They must have to lose a key player surely.

This is quite common knowledge.

It's Brown, Care, Marler, Robshaw.

Really QQ ? , my understanding was that you only had 2 players whose salary didn't count towards the salary cap which was designed to enable teh signing of world class talent - however English qualified players have salary 'subsidy' to the tune of 600k across the board so unless the English guys earns tons more than non English it makes no sense to use them - my  guess would be Saili and Horwill - but it will be the accountants that decide , and its a moving feast.