Racism in Football.

Simply put Racism in any form is unacceptable. Why then does it have such a prominent role in football?



In the last decade racism has declined rapidly in the world of football which is in no small part due to extensive "kick it out" schemes, but also perhaps due to the influx of foreign players from all over the globe, such as Africa, South America and Europe. This influx has led to a strange phenomenon in the English Premier Division; it is unusual to see a team full of English talent, nevertheless the increase in foreign players has undoubtedly led to a race tolerant environment.

However recently there have been a series of high profile race rows involving some of the biggest names in the Premiership, most notably the England Captain John Terry. The fearless leader of men has found himself in the middle of the media storm due to some comments he was alleged to have made towards QPR's Anton Ferdinand during a heated London derby game on the 23rd October. Terry, whether guilty or not, has a responsibility, more-so than other players, to be a role model for all the children and young players learning their trade in the game. Terry's influence was highlighted when Chelsea travelled to Genk in the Champions league. Their supporters sang "We know what you are, we know what you are, Anton Ferdinand we know what you are."



More worryingly today Luis Suarez was charged with racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra. Evra claimed the Uruguayan called him a N****r up to 15 times in the North West derby on the 15th October. The Liverpool forward arrived at Anfield in January with a reputation as one of Europe's best frontmen having hit 49 goals in 48 games in the Dutch Eredivisie, however with his undoubted quality comes an abundance of baggage. He unquestionably attempts to con referees and get opposition players booked. He represents everything that is wrong with the modern game, however if he found guilty he represents everything that is wrong with the modern man.



With the introduction of social media into all of our lives it is inevitable that some of football's superstars will take to the Internet to share their views on all sorts of hugely important topics such as, but not exclusively, what they like to eat at Nandos. With the unsurprising exception of one Joseph Barton, footballers tend to keep a relatively low profile on the social media sites and occasionally they come across as almost sensible. Look no further than Rio Ferdinand who, since joining Twitter, has presented himself with class and has seemed nothing more than a good father and dedicated professional.

Why then have sites like Twitter, Facebook and various others become an excuse for narrow-minded, neanderthals to abuse black professional footballers. Most recently Newcastle's Sammy Ameobi and Sunderland's Fraizer Campbell have both been subjected to abuse over Twitter.

The racist problem doesn't end between players and fans however as today FIFA president Sepp Blatter did little to enhance his position as football's biggest buffoon when he suggested that players who serve racist abuse at the hands of another player during a game should merely accept it as part of the game and shake hands once the final whistle goes. As long as the most powerful men in football hold this nonchalant and cavalier attitude towards discrimination the situation will not improve. Changes must be made and enforced from top to bottom so we can once and for all "Show racism the red card."



Paul Seed

CHELSEA 0-3 SUNDERLAND

The day after England witnessed one of the most one sided Heavyweight boxing bouts in recent times, the country saw a one sided hammering at Stamford Bridge. However it was not the way we all expected it to go, as it was the Champions, Chelsea who were on the receiving end of their biggest home defeat in the Barclays Premier League in 8 years.

The first 15 minutes were, on the whole, Chelsea's best spell of game, and they almost made their pressure pay when Nicolas Anelka raced onto John Obi Mikel's chipped ball over the top only to be denied by Scotland's Craig Gordon, who timed his challenge perfectly. Yuri Zhirkov almost broke the deadlock single handedly when he danced through a number of challenges only to see his low drive drift past Gordon's left hand post. It was a great opportunity squandered and it proved to be a turning point in the game as Sunderland grabbed control of the game. The hard working Mackem midfield stifled Chelsea's highly paid superstars with constant pressure and slick passing and moving.

This expert ball retention led to the first opening of the game for the Black Cats as some neat passing between Zenden and captain Lee Cattermole, led to Nedum Onuoha crossing for Manchester United loanee Danny Welbeck who saw his bullet header brilliantly tipped away by the outstretched arm of Petr Cech. Some fine interchange in midfield sent Sunderland's record signing Asamoah Gyan away, and he clipped a great ball in behind stand in centre back Paulo Ferriera to send Welbeck one-on-one. The Manchester United striker was once again denied by the big Czech international as he tipped the ball away from danger.

Sunderland were pressing hard and it seemed a matter of when, and not if the goal was going to come. Welbeck turned provider this time as his deflected pass sent Gyan through on goal. The Ballon d'Or nominee took his shot early, which caused Cech to parry the ball into the path of Kieran Richardson who also saw his shot saved by Cech. The ball found it's way to right back Nedum Onuoha, and what was to come next was brilliant and bizarre in equilibrium. The big defender skipped past a challenge of Mikel before jinking his way through Ferriera and Ivanovic and slipping the ball into the back of the Chelsea net on the stroke of half time. It meant Nedum Onuoha had become the first man to score at Stamford Bridge in the League this season. The goal was a stunning individual effort that, as Sky Sports' Paul Merson said, Lionel Messi would have been proud of.



After the second 45 minutes began, an inevitable onslaught came with it. However it wasn't Chelsea who were threatening to score at the Shed End; it was their Northern opponents. The second goal was just as impressive as the first, for completely different reasons. Bramble fed the ball down the line for Welbeck who played a give and go with the veteran Dutchman, Bolo Zenden, before slipping the ball inside for Jordan Henderson whose delicious first time pass played Gyan in. Henderson's first time ball showed great craft and vision, which is perhaps one of the reasons why England manager Fabio Cappello chose to call the 20 year old up to his full England squad. The World Cup star took one touch before sliding the ball past a hapless Petr Cech, to send around 750 Sunderland fans into delirium.



However the goal was marred by some atrocious dancing from Bolo Zenden who performed what can only be described as a "Dad dance." Darren Bent, who missed the game through injury, managed to tweet amongst the Sunderland euphoria "Yes AG, but bolo looking stiff trying to dance"

Chelsea offered very little throughout the second half and were restricted to set pieces and long range efforts that never threatened Craig Gordon's clean sheet. It was Sunderland's fifth clean sheet in their last seven games which is a testament to Steve Bruce who has certainly made the Wearsiders hard to beat.

The Blues' in the crowd let Carlo Ancelotti know how they felt when he chose to withdraw Flaurent Malouda and replace him with Salomon Kalou. A chorus of boos rang around Stamford Bridge and it was what Chelsea's spineless performance deserved.

The Champions' humiliation was completed in the 86th minute when Ashley Cole, who spent the evening shadowed by Keiran Richardson, crossed expertly for Danny Welbeck to open his Sunderland account. It was a goal that will have pleased Sir Alex Ferguson for a variety of reasons. Not only did his young prospect grab his first goal for his temporary club, but it secured a result that meant the gap at the top of the league was reduced to three points.



It is ludicrous to think that this is the same Sunderland side that were demolished in the North-East derby two weeks ago. The Wearside faithful demanded a reaction after their humiliating 5-1 defeat, and a reaction is what they have seen. A 2-0 home win against Stoke followed by a hard earned point at White Hart Lane were what the Black Cats wanted to see, but even the most optimistic Sunderland fan could not have imagined a result like this at the home of the Champions.

As for Chelsea; they will be hoping for a reaction of their own as their strong grip on the Premiership has slipped. For them, the International break will be a hindrance as they lose out on a week of training with their first team players. However with players like Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, and John Terry all still to return the Blues will be undoubtedly strengthened.

The League is still incredibly tight and their are many twist and turns still to come.

Paul Seed

Liverpool. Force or Farce?

Liverpool Football Club. Where do we start? With the infamous resignation of former manager Rafa Benitez? With the absolute farce going on at boardroom level? Or maybe the Scousers' shockingly poor start to the season.

After the end of Benitez's far from harmonious spell at the club, which lasted six years, there was a new wave of optimism around Anfield with the American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, reportedly ready to sell the club whilst Roy Hodgson arrived in the dug-out fresh from completing an astonishing turn around at Fulham, having led the London Club from the relegation places in the Barclays Premier League to a Europa League final in Hamburg last May.



Hodgson's gentlemanly approach and illustrious CV meant he was the perfect man to turn the Reds fortunes around as, after all Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League last term, and Hodgson's exploits in the Europa League speak for themselves.

Unfortunately for Liverpool their 2010/2011 campaign has gotten off to an atrocious start culminating in a home defeat at the hands of Premiership new boys; Blackpool. The sale of midfield anchorman Javier Mascherano to Barcelona and the poor form of Fernando Torres has heaped yet more pressure on Captain Steven Gerrard, who has struggled to find his sparkling best this season. The Reds have only managed one win so far this season whilst scraping draws with Arsenal and Sunderland at home.



Liverpool's poor league form, resulting in the Anfield club languishing in the relegation zone, incorporated with an embarrassing home defeat to Northampton Town in the Carling Cup has raised old questions over the way the club is run as Liverpool fans desperately seek for excuses over the team's poor performances.



The Kopites have once again began protesting before and after home games, in a desperate attempt to dislodge the American Owners who they feel have ruined the club. In May the club released a statement that said Liverpool was in £350 million of debt, which sparked outrage amongst the fans. Outrage which was exacerbated when the American pair refused to listen to offers to sell the club from Boston Red Sox owner John W Henry. The Owner's refusal to tolerate any offers prompted Liverpool's Chairman Martin Broughton and the club's creditors, The Royal Bank of Scotland,to take the incident to the High Courts. After it looked as if the sale of the club may go ahead, it became apparent that Tom Hicks had received a temporary restraining order from a Texas court to block the sale of the club.



However following the a return to the high courts an injunction was granted and the attempts of Liverpool's co-owners to halt the sale of the club were blocked. So perhaps the sale of the club will go through. If the wait between the sale and takeover of the club is too long, the Reds will run a serious risk of entering administration which brings with it a nine point penalty, which would result in Liverpool sitting at rock bottom of the table. Up next is a fierce Merseyside derby against Everton, who go into the game after breaking Birmingham's hugely impressive unbeaten home run with a 2-0 win. The toffees are perhaps slight favourites given the numerous and well documented off the pitch headaches that the Liverpool players have had to contend with, not to mention Dirk Kuyt has sustained an ankle injury which will keep him out of action for weeks to come.



For Liverpool the derby is bigger than ever, a win could completely transform their fortunes and have them looking up the table rather than down. If the Merseysiders are to make a push for Europe this season, they will have to get some points on the board immediately, otherwise they could run the risk of finishing the season in mid-table mediocrity or perhaps even worse, Liverpool loving Sky presenters cover your ears, in a relegation battle. The clock is ticking.

Transfer Window 2010

Another transfer window has slammed shut, and despite Sky Sports's Jim White's desperate attempts to make mundane last minute deals sound interesting, it was, by Premier League standards, a quiet summer shopping season.

As predicted it was the World's richest club, Manchester City, who wrote the biggest headlines again by pulling over several major transfers, including World Cup winner David Silva from Valencia for a fee believed to be in the region of £25 million and Yaya Toure from Barcelona. However which club pulled off the best deals and which players will take the Premiership by storm?.

Mario Balotelli



Let's start with one of the obvious transfers: Balotelli. The Italian made the move to the Premiership after long and drawn out negotiations for an undisclosed fee which is reportedly in excess of 25 million Euros. After many high profile bust ups with former manager Jose Mourinho Inter decided to let the talented youngster leave. The 20 year old scored 20 goals in just under 60 appearances for the Italian Champions and his direct and powerful style should suit the Premiership. One question remains however, and that is of course the young man's fiery temper. Mourinho said " The guy has incredible qualities, but does not know how to use his brain" Balotelli's talent in undoubted but whether Roberto Mancini can control him remains to be seen.

Rafael Van Der Vaart



A player who has been linked with a move to the Premiership for years has finally arrived with Champions League new boys Tottenham Hotspur. The deal for the playmaker wasn't actually completed until after the window shut due to technical difficulties but following an investigation by the FA the transfer was allowed to happen. The World Cup finalist spent 5 years at Ajax scoring over 50 goals for the Dutch giants, before moving to Bundesliga side Hamburg. After an impressive first season he was named first team captain before a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. He found himself in and out of the team at Real Madrid and at the start of last year he wasn't given a squad number by Manuel Pelligrini. However an injury to Kaka gave the Dutchman his chance and over the course of the season he scored 7 goals in 30 games. His move to Spurs, for a fee of £8 million, was surprising given the reported interest from Bayern Munich, however the Dutchman has all the qualities to impress in the Premiership. Harry Redknapp faces only one problem: where will he fit in a team already crammed full of midfield flair?

Alexander Hleb



Birmingham City pulled off a major surprise when bringing in the former Arsenal man Hleb on a season long loan. Hleb was not in Barcelona's plans and spent last season on loan at Stuttgart, and despite interest from other European clubs, Alex Mcleish swooped on deadline day to bring the Belarus captain to St Andrews. He was an important part of Arsenal's team and is a confident and skilful runner with the ball. He can be deployed on either wing or behind a front man which was in the forefront of Mcleish's mind when trying to find someone to supply the giant Serbian Nikola Zigic.

Asamoah Gyan



Sunderland were the big spenders on deadline day with Steve Bruce spending "in excess of £13 million" to make Asamoah Gyan Sunderland's record transfer. The Ghanaian starred during the World Cup scoring 3 goals, whilst also missing a crucial last minute penalty in the quarter final against Urugauy after Luis Suarez's infamous handball. The former Rennes front man is quick, powerful and, despite being only 5 feet 11 inches tall, deceptively strong in the air meaning he is an ideal replacement for Kenwyne Jones, who left for Stoke earlier in the window. Despite his physical style, which should suit the Premiership, the striker has never been a prolific scorer and has seemingly been brought in to take some of the pressure off talisman Darren Bent.

Hatem Ben Arfa



Newcastle United finally secured the season long loan signing of Hatem Ben Arfa after weeks of negotiations with Marseille. The French trequartista actually flew into Newcastle without the knowledge of the French Champions to try and push through a deal. It took a while but he is now a Newcastle player and he is an excellent acquisition to a forward line consisting of Andy Carroll who has hit the ground running. The Frenchman is capable of playing on either wing and behind a striker which will be invaluable for the Magpies as the season progresses.

Elsewhere in the transfer window Stoke City secured a high profile trio of Kenwyne Jones, Eider Gudjohnson and Jermaine Pennant which should be helpful as the potters attempt to break the top 10.

Bolton Wanderers snatched Martin Petrov on a free transfer, beating off numerous possible suitors for the Bulgarian.

Arsenal added to their front line with the signing of Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux, giving them a more physical option, which will come in handy as Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie have been sidelined through injury.

Chelsea splashed out £17 million on Brazilian Midfielder Ramires from Benfica whilst Liverpool, in addition to signing England international Joe Cole on a free transfer, signed Portugal International Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky.

Fulham snapped up Mexico's attacking left back Carlos Solcido and Wigan signed Argentinian Mauro Boselli from Estudiantes and loaned Tom Cleverley from Manchester United. Wolves had a busy window bringing in Steven Fletcher and Steven Hunt whilst also securing Jelle Van Damme from Anderlecht.

Blackburn signed Benjani on a free and Mame Biram Diouf on loan from Manchester United but more importantly they tied down promising Centre back Phil Jones on a new five year deal. Blackpool had a frustrating window but a few days before the season kicked off they managed to get new faces in through the front door at Bloomfield Road, with Marlon Harewood, Luke Varney and Craig Cathcart all signing before the window slammed shut.

Whilst their wasn't as much cash flying about this summer, there was no shortage of deals being done and I'm sure the fans can't wait to see their new signings in action.

Paul Seed

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Well once again the Barclays Premier League is well underway and football fans who have been desperate to put England's shambolic World Cup campaign behind them, couldn't be happier.

The opening round of games saw a major shock as Premiership new-comers Blackpool, fresh from their classic play off victory over Cardiff City, travelled to the DW stadium to take on Wigan Athletic. Nobody predicted what would happen in the first 45 minutes as the Seasiders raced into an incredible 3-0 lead with debutant Marlon Harewood netting twice, albeit with the help of Chris Kirkland. The second half saw Blackpool go further in front with Kirkland again at fault as Alex Baptiste's mis-hit cross was parried into the back of the net by the former England international.



However fellow new comers Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion didn't have as much luck as they were thoroughly dismantled by title favourites Manchester United and Chelsea. However The Magpies didn't have to wait long for their first win back in the big time as Premier League football returned to St James Park. What happened in the following 90 minutes was a shock to everyone as Aston Villa, still reeling from the sudden resignation of Martin O'Neil, were destroyed by Newcastle and Andy Carroll. The big target man grabbed a hat-trick which sparked appeals for him to be fast tracked to the full England squad.



Once again during the summer break Manchester City were the big spenders but questions were raised as to whether Roberto Mancini could get the Citizens to gel, but live on Sky's Monday Night Football they took on Roy Hodgson's Liverpool side. The game took place live on Sky's Monday Night Football show which has made a return to our televisions with a brand new studio, unfortunately Andy Gray and Richard Keys have also made a return and seem to have taken the opportunity to show off their new gadgets rather than analyse the game. Manchester City produced a polished and highly impressive performance to which Adam Johnson was central as the England winger proved why he should have been on the plane to South Africa. The Sky Blues won the game 3-0 against a lacklustre Liverpool side, who seemed to be missing Javier Mascherano as the Argentina skipper's move to Barcelona moved closer.



However, City's inconsistency was shown as they travelled to the Stadium Of Light to take on a Sunderland side still waiting for their first league win of the season. Striker Carlos Tevez passed up a golden opportunity which ultimately The Black Cats punished as Darren Bent scored a 94th minute penalty leaving City fans frustrated and Sunderland fans delirious.



The season has started with a bang and whilst the typically mundane International Break has momentarily halted the early season excitement, the season is well under way and I for one can't wait for the remainder of the Barclays Premier League season.

Paul Seed

Green Blunder Blows it for England

England has been coasting with 5 minutes to go to the interval in their first World Cup finals game under Fabio Capello. But then an all too familiar situation struck as another goalkeeping howler cost England the victory against the United States of America.

It all started so well for England as some neat passing led to Emile Heskey playing the ball into space for Captain Steven Gerrard, who led by example all night, allowing him to sweep the ball past Everton's Tim Howard after just 3 minutes. It was a goal that will have delighted the England fans, or at least those fans who were privileged enough to see Gerrard's fourth minute strike as ITV HD cut to adverts only for the picture to return with the three lions celebrating the goal.

The rest of the half was fairly straight forward without any clear cut chances for either side, although former Hull man Jozy Altidore could have done better after a delicious ball was whipped in by Landon Donovan. That was until the 40th minute when a speculative Clint Dempsey effort from 25 yards seemingly proved no threat as every English fan expected usually solid West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green to save it comfortably. However time stood still as Green fumbled the shot and juggled it into his own net.

The anguish on Green's face was clear through the ITV replays which highlighted just how poor the error was. It was quite an achievement for Green to out do the errors made by David Seaman, Paul Robinson and Scott Carson, but he has managed it prompting huge question marks over whether Capello will continue to use Green as his number one, with David James and an eager Joe Hart waiting in the wings.

Despite Green's error England still had a whole half of football to bail the West Ham stopper out, but it was the Americans who came closest to adding another goal as Jozy Altidore's shot forced Green into actually making a save, as he pushed the ball onto his cross bar. The closest England came to winning the game fell to a man who most England fans would have prayed didn't have a one on one situation; Emile Heskey. It was one of the few occasions in the second half where the Americans were truly carved open by England as Heskey raced through with only Howard to beat. However the Aston Villa man, who scored just 3 goals last season, placed his shot straight at the Everton goalkeeper and in truth, Heskey never looked confident leading up to the chance.

England however, with the exception of Steven Gerrard and too an extent Emile Heskey, were largely poor as they chose to play more directly using Heskey as an outlet rather than trying to work the ball through midfield. Wide players failed to impose themselves on the game as Tottenham's Aaron Lennon seemed reluctant to take on his man, whilst Shaun Wright- Phillips frequently tried to go past his man to no avail due to his one dimensional style, prompting question marks over Capello's decision to introduce Wright Phillips in favour of Joe Cole when James Milner was withdrawn in the first half as the Villa midfielder had been attempting to play despite illness.

If England are to have a chance of the World Cup, which at this point seems highly unlikely, they are going to have to improve greatly to compete, as their performance in Rustenburg tonight will certainly not cause the Brazilians or the Spanish any sleepless nights.

Premier League Summer Wish List

Whilst the World is gearing up to the World Cup in South Africa which kicks off in just ten days, Premier League managers will be preparing to meet their respective Chairmen to plead for a transfer kitty to bring in players of their choice. But what in particular do each club need?

Arsenal

Another striker was a necessity as Nicklas Bendtner failed to adequately fill in whilst Robin Van Persie was injured for a large proportion of the season. However Arsene Wenger realised this as he swooped early to secure free scoring Morrocan Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer from Bordeaux. However captain Cesc Fabregas is being relentlessly pursued by Spanish champions Barcelona as they look to add to their already irresistible midfield. This means that a large gap will need to be filled, and one possible candidate is Yoann Gourcuff who is tipped to star in the World Cup with France. He could follow Chamakh in making the trip to North London. Whilst Joe Cole could make the short trip across London to sign for the Gunners.



Aston Villa

Aston Villa are desperate for Champions League football but under current manager Marton O'Neill they have tailed away at the back end of the last 2 seasons and finished in 6th place. Villa's main object over the transfer window will be to secure the futures of O'Neill and England international James Milner. If Milner does leave Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun could be a replacement. However another striker who could score 20 goals a season wouldn't go amiss and Robbie Keane is one who has been earmarked by the Villa management.




Birmingham City

Birmingham will be looking to cement their place as a mid-table side next season following on from their tremendous 9th place finish last time out. They have already brought in giant Serbian striker Nikola Zigic who signed last month, and Alex Mcleish will be hoping that he can forge a partnership with last season's top scorer Cameron Jerome. With the large transfer kitty that Alex Mcleish is reported to have, expect a lot of ins and outs at St Andrews. What the Blues really need is a quality wide man to supply Zigic and Jerome. Bids have already been rejected for Charles N'Zogbia whilst Peter Whittingham is also an option.




Blackburn Rovers

Sam Allardyce is desperate to help Blackburn push up the table and challenge the top 10 and to do so he wants to bring in a top quality striker to fire them there. David Dunn finished top scorer last season with 10 goals, but Allardyce wants to secure a frontman to take the pressure off the midfielder. Blackburn have been linked with optimistic moves for Real Madrid legend Raúl however a more realistic target may be Steven Fletcher or Frederic Piquionne.



Blackpool

Following Blackpool's remarkable promotion which earned them a reported £90 million and Ian Holloway is desperate to add some defensive and midfield quality to help the seasiders in their bid to avoid relegation. Gavin McCann has been targeted by Holloway whilst Paul Scharner remains an option having signalled his intent to leave Wigan and DJ Campbell is hoping to make the permanent move from Leicester to Blackpool. Kirk Broadfoot could make the move from Scottish Champions Rangers whilst Steven Caldwell could also be in line to make the move.



Bolton Wanderers

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has made Jack Wilshere his main transfer target this summer with Coyle determined to capture the Arsenal player on a year long loan deal, having impressed since joining the club in January for a spell on loan. Johan Elmander again failed to impress last season, so Coyle could move to bring in another striker to partner Kevin Davies, with Steven Fletcher an option. However Bolton's main objective this summer will be to keep hold of Gary Cahill who has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool.



Chelsea

Following Chelsea's title win, Carlo Ancelotti is determined to spend money in order to mount a real challenge for next season's Champions League. With Joe Cole looking likely to leave on a free, a new winger who is capable of playing off the front two is a main target for the Blues. Athletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero seemingly fits the bill and has recently spoken of his admiration for the Premier League champions. A big money move may be on the cards.




Everton

Having secured former Leeds man Jermaine Beckford on a free transfer, Everton manager David Moyes has to once again work with a limited budget however he is hoping to bring in another midfield player, with Inter's Sulley Muntari a possible option. However Yakubu is apparently ready to leave the club so a new striker would be a neccesity. Standard Liege striker Dieumerci Mbokani could be the man to replace the Yak especially when considering he is good friends with Marouane Fellaini.



Fulham

Roy Hodgson has worked wonders at Craven Cottage since taking over and has identified a number of positions which he hopes to strengthen. John Carew has been earmarked as a possible option up front, Steve Sidwell could also join, whilst another Aston Villa player, Curtis Davies has been linked with a move to the heart of Fulham's defence.



Liverpool

It promises to be an interesting summer for the Anfield club, as manager Rafa Benitez has been handed what seems to be a small transfer fund. His main objective will be keeping talismanic players Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, who have been linked with monumental moves. Whilst Javier Mascherano could also be on his way out, with Barcelona possible takers for the Argentina captain. Joe Cole could be an option on a free transfer whilst Steven Ireland has reportedly been targeted, suggesting Benitez wants to add creativity to his midfield.




Manchester City

The world's richest club will once again delve into the transfer market to bring in some big players in order to secure Champions League football next season. A striker is the top priority for Roberto Mancini, who was unimpressed by Emmanuel Adebayor last campaign, and has therefore identified Wolfsburg frontman Edin Dzeko as a possible replacement. Fernando Torres and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are also possible targets. The Sky Blues are also trying to secure Real Madrid pair Fernando Gago, which could signal the end of Steven Ireland's stay at Eastlands, and Gonzalo Higúain. Jerome Boateng has also been in talks with City and is reported to be ready to sign.




Manchester United

Alex Ferguson, who has already secured Chris Smalling and Mexican Javier Hernandez, has hinted at only one major signing. The Red Devils are determined to win back the Premier League title and one major signing may be enough to do that. Fergie seems to want strikers to help Wayne Rooney lead their charge in next season's campaign. Long term target Karim Benzema and lethal Ajax frontman Luis Suarez have both been linked with moves to Old Trafford but it seems that Fergie wants to bring in a winger. Ángel Di María seems to be a primary target as he is seen as the man to take the left wing mantle from Ryan Giggs, and he is widely expected to be a leading light at the World Cup.



Newcastle United

Newcastle return to the Premier League next season and are determined to stay there which will mean new signings are needed, however bizarrely the club came out and stated that there are no plans afoot to spend any money on new players. What happens remains to be seen, but the toon continue to be linked with a host of names including Jimmy Bullard and Jamie O'Hara, but what they need the most is a reliable front man who knows how to find the net. Kris Boyd certainly fits that bill, having scored 164 times in the SPL.



Stoke City

Stoke finished in an impressive 12th place last year and Tony Pulis wants to bring in the players to finish in the top 10, Mark Noble and Joe Ledley are supposed to be targets, and if a top ten finish is going to be achieved the potters need a quality centre forward to get them there. Stoke's current strike force managed just 15 goals between them last campaign and Carlton Cole is one who could make the switch to the Brittania stadium.



Sunderland

Steve Bruce has already moved quickly to sign Paraguayan central midfielder Cristian Riveros but it's defensively that the Black Cats need new blood. John Mensah and Alan Hutton are heading back to Lyon and Tottenham after successful loan spells. And while Bruce is trying to sort permanent deals for both, fees are proving a problem forcing Bruce to use his extensive South American scouting network. Estudiantes right back Marcos Angeleri appears to be close to signing, but a creative midfielder is a necessity and Stephen Ireland is the man Bruce wants to fit that bill.




Tottenham Hotspur

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their first season in the Champions League next season Harry Redknapp is looking to bring in new faces to improve the squad. Most importantly they have secured the future of Luka Modric by persuading the Croat to sign a new contract. But Spurs still want extra midfielders, with Joe Cole and Steven Pienaar possible options. However Spurs really need a top quality striker who is proven at the top level and Luis Fabiano is the man Redknapp wants. The Brazilian is expected to star at the world cup so any transfer would need a large fee.



West Bromwich Albion

West Brom have already fought off interest for midfield key man Graham Dorrans and they will be hoping they can add quality to their defence if they are to survive in the Premier League next campaign. Sunderland's Phil Bardsley has been linked and he would add much needed steel to the West Brom back line.



West Ham United

It will be an entertaining summer at Upton Park this year as the new owners have reportedley placed everyone apart from Scott Parker on the transfer list. However you can't say the new owners are not ambitious as they have publicly stated their intent to make moves for David Beckham and Thierry Henry. However more realistic targets would be Kevin Prince Boateng and Yakubu. Meanwhile the Hammers intend to add much needed guile to the midfield, with the acquisition of Jamie O'Hara who stood out in a struggling Portsmouth side last season.



Wigan Athletic

Wigan's main problem last season was a lack of consistency which resulted in a disappointing Premier League finish. The Latics also struggled to get goals which explains why Roberto Martinez is attempting to bring in a new striker in the shape of Argentine Mauro Boselli.



Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves will be hoping manager Mick McCarthy can bring in some quality signings to help the Wolves push on to mid table after a relatively simple first season back in the Premiership. McCarthy has already secured Belgian international Jelle Van Damme to help sure up the defence and he will now turn his attention to finding a suitable partner for Kevin Doyle. Robbie Keane and Scunthorpe's Gary Hooper have been linked, but it appears as if Burnley's Stephen Fletcher is the principal target and a move to Molineux could be on the cards.



As usual it will be an extremely interesting transfer window in England's top league, but expect one or two surprises before the window slams shut on August 31st.

Paul Seed.