Football Transfers

So it's the silly season again, and ther'll be plenty of activity this summer. Man Utd didn't do much business last year, but think they need to up their game this time around if they are to compete with City. Liverpool will see in's and out's, same with Chelsea and if Modric leaves Spurs and they can't afford Adebayor and Defoe is whinging, then they will need to do business too.

Newcastle got some great bargains last summer because they have a scout who's renowned to be the best in the business. He found a few gems that went under the radar, but will Pardew be able to hold onto them? Wenger has got to do something especially if Van Persie doesn't sign, or will he stay with his kids like the Ox.

papers are full of specualation, but any good information that looks likely to happen?

I think Man Utd need to spend big time. They need quality in the midfield and probably another striker otherwise it will be no trophies for Fergie.
City only need a bit of tweaking to their current squad which is very strong, if they sign Hazzard I dont think they really need to bring anyone else in.
Arsenal need to keep RVP, not sure if they need to much else depending on whether Ramsey has a better year and Wilshire coems back as good as he was.
Be interesting to see if MON goes down the loans route or whether we are in the market to buy big. I see big Emile has just come onto the market......

As Diggers said, Arsenal need to keep RVP - or if he goes replace him with a BIG name - and I mean bigger than Podolsky(sp?)

Certainly Ramsey needs a better year than last year and Wilshere needs to get fit and back to form quickly or they'll need cover for those two also

Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a big factor - continue the way he's going and they don't need much more in midfield. If he doesn't come on as hoped for though, then maybe someone to make him battle too. Sagna's fitness for next season will also need looking at.

BTW I think Arteta who came in last year could have a big season ahead

I think that every club in the premiership should have Heskey for one season. Sunderland should be next and Arsenal next season when he reaches full maturity He's got a great goalscoring record ....... sorry he's a gifted skilfull player ........ Good luck Diggers and I know MON is a big fan of his as he's had him twice now.

So will Drogba go to that Russian side who are paying over £300k per week, or take some Arab or Chinese cash. Or would Mark Hughes offer him those 2 years so he can stay where he is in London?

Will Tevez and Balotelli still be in the city ranks or will Dzeko fall on his sword. Will City splash the cash again?

I'd be amazed if both Tevez and Balotelli weren't gonners, especially Balotelli.
I'm pretty convinced Dzeko would score hatfuls for City if they gave him a proper run. I'd take him at Villa to replace big Emile. I heard Heskey is leaving on a £8m part ex deal. That's £12m cash plus Heskey....... (the old ones are the best!)

Completely agree re United. They could do with a forward and desperately need a couple of centre mids.

I think in no way can Arsenal go on without strengthening. I doubt they will keep RVP. Podolski is a good signing and Wilshire obviously has quality and i actually really like Ramsey but they need a robust defensive centre mid to go with those guys. They wouldn't do too badly picking up Hargreaves on a free in my view. Clearly he won't be fit much but they need someone like him. And a left back, a centre back and a couple of wingers! Lots to be done there!!

I think Balotelli will stay as he is Mancins pet project, Tevez will go as will Dzeko. I rate Dzeko but he needs wing service from crosses and City just dont really play that way, which is why Johnson never gets a game. I think they will also see Dzeko as an easier sell, done OK and can see a few clubs wanting to pick him up.
Heskey does get some stick doesnt he, I guess he must have been doing something right all these years......quite what Im not sure tough.

By the way arent you due to be a Dad about now MPB ?

Heskey must have been doing something good ..... Diggers its a well known fact that he was in every England squad as he made everyone look fast, fit and skilfull. This is where capello got it wrong in South Africa. Enjoy him up there, and believe they do shirts in that size still

Agreed regarding Dzeko, if you're not going to go with wingers (Milner/Johnstone) you need to get rid and reckon we'll see Adam Johnstone at either Liverpool (To show the other muppett how to play) Man Utd as they sell Nani and cash in, because he flatters to decieve.

Fair point re City and their lack of wingers, still Dzeko has managed 14 league goals in 28 games this season. That must be up there with the best goals per game ratios in the league and a lot of those will have been off the bench. His minutes between goals stat must be pretty impressive.
Adam Johnson has only had 2 assists this year so he must be able to score from other areas aside from out and out wingers' crosses. I think he's probably worth another year. Doesn't mean Mancini will though and you're right, they'll probably sell.

Well remembered Digs. I became a dad on the 7th. Hence today being my first post on here for some 3 weeks - back to work!!

I've just look this up as i was interested.
In the league, Dzeko this season has started 16 games and appeared from the bench in 14 more and has scored 14 goals. I've not added up all the minutes but most of his sub appearances are around the 70 min mark and most starts he comes off after 70ish mins, so i would guess total time on the pitch of around 1,400 mins.
That's a goal (roughly) every 100 minutes. All very approximate i know but probably not a million miles off and I think you'd struggle to find many, if any, in the PL who can better that

MPB, congrats mate, hope it's going well.
Didn't Dzeko get 4 in one game...and doesn't Defoe have a similar ratio?
But I agree he's a top player and should suit the premiership, basically a good Carroll.

Cheers matey, so far so almost good ha ha!

Defoe, not a bad shout. 11 starts, 14 sub appearances, 11 goals so yes a very similar record. Can't be many though?

Diggers I like the 'good Carroll' analogy

MPB congratulations mate, and it seems you are turning into stato too. Maybe you're not getting enough sleep

Cheers, Doc, and no not enough sleep! For 'enough' read 'any' !?!

MPB, might make you feel better...or worse...but my new one is 12 weeks now and sleeping through from 8 - 6 so you can get lucky. I just hope it lasts.

That is at least a ray of hope Digs, however another 10 weeks feels like a long long way away!!
For a week she slept almost completely but now has decided 11pm to 3am should be her awake (and screaming) time. I've spoken to her about it but she's not budging

Time to consider stopping the pocket money I think MPB!

I feel your pain fella, it does get easier pretty quick though. Have to say we go down the controlled crying route, worked for us but none of the little bleeders are the same.

If it is of any help MPB, in 18 years time you will still be awake at 3am worrying and waiting for her to get home...

Ha ha, thanks fellas - all very comforting!

Congratulations MPB, and best wishes to Mrs MPB and the new arrival.

Thank you Mary
If you ever fancy any babysitting.......

It has just been announced on Sky TV, that the next person who turns down the Liverpool Managers job, will have all their benefits stopped