Summer Transfers..........

It would appear the Summer transfer season has reached a slight impasse after an initial speedy plethora of business. ManYoo in particular raced out of the blocks with Dalglish and Comoli's Liverpool trying to hang on to their coat tails. Whilst there would appear to be some loot ready to be thrown around several clubs seem to be in the same position of wishing to move on ill judged previous buys to free up the wage bill ahead of the fair play regulations and to appease owners fed up with huge and unnecessary wage bills.

ManYoo as mentioned have been the most active with Ashley Young, David De Gea and Phil Jones all arriving for large sums of money. A mooted move for Samir Nasri looks less likely now however although the jungle drums are alive with talk of the impending arrival of Wesley Sneijder. Should they they capture the Dutchman to replace Scholes then we should expect a stronger ManYoo next season as the Ginger for all his class has been past his best for a couple of seasons now.

As a point of note, we at this blog would reinforce our previous statement about Scholes replacing Ferguson long term. In nearly twenty years he has barely said a word to the press yet in the past few weeks we have seen interviews giving scathing comments about everything from Arsenal's pretty football to his ex England teammates, any reason for the sudden need to raise his press profile ahead of taking a 'coaching role'? Watch this space.

Chelsea it seems have learned from their earlier mistakes (something Citeh are now trying to do also) and are trying to focus on one or two key signings only rather than the scatter gun accumulation policy of yesteryear. Luca Modric would prove a fine acquisition with a proven Premiership pedigree. It is understandable that Spurs do not wish to sell and it may be that Chelsea will have to go North of 30M to secure his services. Bearing in mind the numbers paid this year for Torres, Bent, Carroll etc then Spurs have every right to expect this for their prize asset. Chelsea especially with the loss of Essien need to add more than just Modric however should they wish to challenge for the title again.

City are at a minor crossroads. The impending sale of Tevez will probably do them little harm as they will receive a hefty transfer sum, free up his ludicrous wages and remove an unhappy (but outstanding) player. They have the means and clout to replace him with Sergio Aguero a mooted target. There is still a suspicion they need a touch more class in central midfield and Cesc Fabregas would spring to mind but they are close to the finished article. They have a modicum of continuity from sticking with Mancini and the bigger problem is the disposal of unwanted players on enormous wages and compartmentalising those unhappy players that will inevitably remain. More quality and less quantity is required.

Liverpool have endured a frustrating Summer as a second season outside of the Champions League brings home the difficulty of attracting the very top players even with their famous name. Jordan Henderson looks a risky bet at best and it is hard to see Stewart Downing setting the world on fire although service for Andy Carroll will clearly be looming as large as his frame in Dalglish's mind. It is hard to believe that Charlie Adam will stand out as much for Liverpool or be able to perform at the highest level due to his lack of mobility but his dead ball expertise and crossing again will have been paramount in the decision to take him to Anfield with a view to servicing the Geordie Number 9.

Wenger and Arsenal look to be in torment. Their captain is present at the Emirates but his head and heart are in the Camp Nou, it is an unhappy situation which can only be resolved by his sale as should Fabregas stay for another season, frustration and resentment are bound to set in. Samir Nasri looks possibly set for a move to Manchester City as is the want of most disaffected Gunners these days with Gael Clichy having already walked the well trodden path this Summer. Arshavin may also be on his way with Galatasary mentioned as a possible home with only the arrival of the mostly unproven Gervinho to soften the various blows. Needless to say there is no talk of signing a goalkeeper and the possible sale of the ineffective Nicklas Bendtner should be a welcome move.

Of the rest, Sunderland have been the most busy with several acquisitions including the possibly shrewd dual signings of Brown and O'Shea. Offloading Henderson for a hugely inflated fee may well benefit the Wearsiders especially if the large investment in the teenager Connor Wickham bears fruit. Stoke City have taken a risk on Jonathan Woodgate but the arrival of Carlton Cole should ensure goals and presence up front.

Newcastle United have lost their captain Kevin Nolan and replaced him with a French speaking trio, Norwich City have signed various unheralded players and other clubs such as Fulham, West Brom and Everton appear to be focusing on moving on squad players first before trying to bring in new talent.

It may take one or two big moves to trigger the merry-go-round in earnest but with the clock now ticking, the need to bring in players will become more pressing and for those clubs such as Spurs or Arsenal who face losing their biggest names, it may be prudent to let them go sooner rather than later to give themselves adequate time to find replacements - No Nonsense.