Summer spending spree: By Jon Carter (Soccernet)
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With Euro 2008 closing in fast, clubs are already busy planning their shopping lists for the new season.
Speculation has been rife since the season ended over who will end up where after the tournament, with some big names possibly moving for big money once everything in Austria & Switzerland is sealed. Here's a breakdown of some of the major transfer talk.
ARSENAL
Outgoing: Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann (Stuttgart) will return to Germany after making his final appearance at the Emirates. Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan) has already agreed to move to Italy, while Alexander Hleb (Inter) is mulling over a transfer after growing tired of London life. Gilberto Silva (Juventus) and English defender Justin Hoyte (Everton) could also move on.
Incoming: Samir Nasri (Marseille) looks set to join in a £12million deal, with talk of the 'next Zidane' ready to sign after the Euros. Kolo's brother Yaya Toure (Barcelona) could also fill the gap in midfield left by Flamini, while David Villa (Valencia) has expressed his interest in working under Arsene Wenger. Alberto Aquilani (AS Roma) and Hatem Ben Arfa (Lyon) have also been linked, alongside Mouhamadou Dabo (St Etienne). 17-year-old starlet Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff) could agree a deal but may choose Man Utd.
ASTON VILLA
Outgoing: The talk of the summer has been around captain Gareth Barry's imminent departure to Liverpool, but that should be about it for Martin O'Neill's men. Striker Luke Moore (West Brom) has already moved for £3.5million, while Olof Mellberg (Juventus) has been out of the door for some time. Shaun Maloney (Celtic) has been linked with a move, but his agent says he's going nowhere.
Incoming: Scott Carson (Liverpool) would cost around £10million, but is surely keen to arrive at the club where he spent all of last season on loan. American Brad Guzan (Chivas) could be an able, and cheaper, replacement. Steven Sidwell (Chelsea) could take a pay cut to play regular football again, while Peter Crouch (Liverpool) may be tagged onto the end of Barry's transfer.
BLACKBURN
Outgoing: Roque Santa Cruz (Man City) could follow Mark Hughes out of the club, while David Bentley (Liverpool) is another looking like he should be playing in Europe. Morten Gamst Pedersen (Tottenham Hotspur) may put his bad form behind him if anyone is willing to take a chance and Jason Roberts (Derby) looks set to drop to the Championship in order to get some regular games.
Incoming: Dependent on who the club bring in as manager, Rovers have been linked with Albert Riera (Espanyol) to freshen up the squad. Michael Kightly (Wolves) would be a good addition if Bentley decides to leave, while Rovers may also consider a bid for Nicky Shorey (Reading) and Jonathan Greening (West Brom).
BOLTON
Outgoing: Ivan Campo, Stelios Giannakopoulos and Andranik Teymourian have all been released and Jussi Jaaskelainen (Newcastle) may follow. El-Hadji Diouf (West Ham) has already claimed that he'll be on his way to a bigger club, while captain Kevin Nolan (Everton) continues to be linked with a move. Tal Ben-Haim (Chelsea) could return to his former employers, after failing to make the grade in West London.
Incoming: With money to spend, Zoltan Gera (WBA) would give Bolton some much needed creativity. Paul Robinson (Spurs) would be a good buy in his bid to get back into the England fold and there could be some lower profiles in the form of Scott Dann (Coventry) or Owain Fon Williams (Crewe). Miguel Veloso (Sporting) has also been ludicrously linked and may turn down Man Utd and Arsenal to go the Reebok, but don't hold your breath.
CHELSEA
Outgoing: Didier Drogba (Inter) is almost sure to follow Jose Mourinho to Italy, although less assured is the future of Frank Lampard (Inter) who may also fancy a trip abroad. A summer clear-out looks set to rid the club of the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips (Man City), Wayne Bridge (Newcastle), Steven Sidwell (Aston Villa), Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan) and Tal Ben-Haim (Bolton).
Incoming: Right-back Bosingwa (Porto) has signed on already and could find himself next to some others stars this summer. Robinho's (Real Madrid) future is unclear, while one of Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan) or David Villa (Valencia) may be bought to fill the gap left by Drogba. £70million is ready to be spent, so expect a number of high-profile new arrivals at Stamford Bridge.
EVERTON
Outgoing: Striker Andrew Johnson (West Ham) has been linked with a move away from the club despite signing a new deal; Lee Carsley (Birmingham) has been allowed to go and Mikel Arteta (Atletico) could also return to Spain after failing to get into the squad for Euro 2008.
Incoming: Steven Pienaar (Dortmund) has signed on the dotted line. Out-of-favour right-back Justin Hoyte (Arsenal) has been a target for a while and should be allowed to move on. Up front, Moyes could go for a double swoop for Jo (CSKA) and Dudu Cearense (CSKA) to liven up their attack, while Michael Bradley (Heerenveen) or Kim Kallstrom (Lyon) could tighten up the midfield.
FULHAM
Outgoing: USA striker Brian McBride (Chicago Fire) has chosen to return to his homeland, Steven Davis (Rangers) made a big impression north of the border and could choose to stay at Ibrox if a deal can be agreed. Carlos Bocanegra has been let go and David Healy (Hull) is another who may decide his future lies elsewhere.
Incoming: Mark Schwarzer (Boro) is the first signing. Roy Hodgson has the chance to make his mark on the squad after keeping them in the top flight. Expect a number of his former players, and ex-Cottager Steve Finnan (Liverpool) to head to the club over the summer. Finland defender Sami Hyypia (Liverpool) could arrive and Daniel Cousin's (Rangers) stalled move could also be resurrected.
HULL CITY
Outgoing: Michael Bridges (Oldham) should be the first out of the door after a loan spell to Sydney FC. With a new striker they can afford to lose him, but the club will be fighting tooth and nail to keep highly rated goalkeeper Boaz Myhill (Aston Villa) who is attracting attention from other Premier League sides.
Incoming: Promotion brings a lot of money, but only expect Hull to sign a few players this summer in their bid to stay up. David Healy (Fulham) and David Nugent (Portsmouth) would provide the goals, alongside Dean Windass of course, and if they can find £5million then Man Utd's Frazier Campbell is theirs for good. Italy's faded star Christian Vieri (Fiorentina) could also give the fans something to cheer about.
LIVERPOOL
Outgoing: Peter Crouch (Portsmouth) may get bored of life in Fernando Torres' shadow and leave, with Scott Carson (Aston Villa) and John Arne-Riise (Newcastle) also tired of playing second-fiddle. The sale of Xabi Alonso (Juventus) could balance the books slightly, while Harry Kewell (New York) and Steve Finnan (Fulham) may also make way for new arrivals.
Incoming: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) is high on Rafa's wanted list but would cost more than the £10million already offered. Swiss defender Philipp Degen (Dortmund) arrives on a free, while one of Florent Malouda (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn), Albert Rieira (Espanyol) or Ricardo Quaresma (Porto) should be recruited to sure up the Reds' attacking options on the wing. Left-back Andrea Dossena (Udinese) could also be another defensive buy.
MAN CITY
Outgoing: The entire squad? Who knows, or could even guess? Dr Thaksin has his plans for the squad, and they may not feature star defender Richard Dunne (Spurs), Michael Johnson (Arsenal) or Steven Ireland (Sunderland). Losing Micah Richards (Chelsea) or Joe Hart (Spurs) could spell the end of City's chances of success, but their replacements could be interesting.
Incoming: Ronaldinho (Barcelona) heads the list and City might move heaven and earth to get him. Jo (CSKA) may be another Brazilian to land in Manchester, while Diego (Werder Bremen) and Edu (Valencia) complete the South American list. Andrey Arshavin (Zenit) would be a good buy, as would Aiden McGeady (Celtic); but City really need more defensive strength and are struggling to attract big-name players in that department.
MAN UTD
Outgoing: Very few departures are needed from a side who won the double in 2007/08, but a side of United's stature will always be linked with moves. Ronaldo (Real Madrid) fills papers, but more likely to leave Old Trafford are Jonny Evans (Sunderland), Louis Saha (West Ham) and Mikael Silvestre (Bordeaux) who didn't get much of a chance last season.
Incoming: The versatile Miguel Veloso (Sporting) continues to be linked, but United really only need a central striker. Any one of Dimitar Berbatov (Spurs), Klass-Jan Huntelaar (Ajax), Karim Benzema (Lyon) or Luis Fabiano (Sevilla) would represent good business for the club, while if they could persuade defender Micah Richards (Man City) to swap blue for red, their chances of another title would increase rapidly. 17-year-old starlet Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff) could agree a deal and is certainly one for the future.
MIDDLESBROUGH
Outgoing: Fabio Rochemback (Sporting Lisbon) will leave, along with Mark Schwarzer (Fulham) and George Boateng (Celtic). Boro will do well to keep hold of Stewart Downing (Liverpool) and should also look to tie David Wheater (Spurs) down to a new long-term deal, to ward off any interest.
Incoming: Having spent £12million on record-signing Alves last year, Boro may reign in the spending this summer. Links with Jimmy Bullard (Fulham), Steven Sidwell (Chelsea) and Marcos Senna (Villarreal) persist while Paul Robinson (Spurs) and Wayne Hennessey (Wolves) could prove the answer to their goalkeeping conundrum.
NEWCASTLE
Outgoing: Emre (Fenerbahce) has agreed a deal to return to Turkey, while Stephen Carr (West Ham) is another to have lost his place and may search elsewhere for regular football. Charles N'Zogbia (Arsenal) has said he wants to leave and could be let go, along with Mark Viduka (Portsmouth) and Alan Smith (Rangers).
Incoming: Turkish playmaker Arda Turan (Galatasary) looks set to join the Keegan revolution for around £4million, although Carlos Cuellar (Rangers) has turned down the chance to play in the Premier League. Swiss starlet Eren Derdiyok (FC Basel) could arrive if he plays well at Euro 2008, but more likely arrivals are in defence: either Michael Dawson (Tottenham) or Richard Dunne (Man City) would do well at St James's.
PORTSMOUTH
Outgoing: Niko Kranjcar (Arsenal) has pedged he'll stay for a little longer, but Sol Campbell (Villarreal) seems keen on a move abroad. More abroad than Portsmouth anyway. David Nugent (Ipswich) has not impressed and should move on, while Pedro Mendes (Aston Villa) might also seek employment elsewhere.
Incoming: Harry is on a high after their FA Cup win and will almost certainly buy British this summer. Five arrivals are expected, in no particular order, he'd love them to be Richard Dunne (Man City), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Ishmael Miller (West Brom) and Jimmy Bullard (Fulham). If that fails, maybe Younes Kaboul (Tottenham) or John Mensah will be recruited instead.
STOKE CITY
Outgoing: Tony Pulis has released the injured Dominic Matteo, goalkeeper Russell Hoult, and reserve duo Marlon Broomes and Robert Garrett. Striker Mamady Sidibe (Cardiff) played a key role in their promotion but could be on his way, although there should be few others leaving the club.
Incoming: Premier League newboys Stoke could sign Carlo Nash (Wigan), Chris Riggott (Middlesbrough) and Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa) who have good experience of the top flight. The likes of Ibrahima Sonko (Reading), Lee McCulloch (Rangers) and David Nugent (Portsmouth) are the types of player Stoke could do with to stay up, but will they be tempted by the prospect of a relegation scrap?
SUNDERLAND
Outgoing: The sale of Michael Chopra (Cardiff City) could bring in some transfer funds, while Roy Keane may also look to get Andy Cole (Burnley) and Dwight Yorke (Sydney) off his wage bill. Liam Miller (Toronto) has failed to impress and may also be on the way, while interest in star striker Kenwyne Jones (Liverpool) has died down.
Incoming: Stephen Hunt (Reading) is first on the list after a £5million bid was tabled last year. More ex-Man Utd or Irish internationals could come in the form of Richard Dunne (Man City), Jonny Evans (Man United) or Stephen Ireland (Man City). Quinton Fortune (Western Province United) may link up again with Keane and the Black Cats have more money in the bank to improve their squad.
TOTTENHAM
Outgoing: Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd) continues to be talked about, but defensive misfit Younes Kaboul (Portsmouth) is surely on his way. Paul Robinson (Bolton) will be replaced, alongside defenders Ricardo Rocha (Benfica) and Lee Young-Pyo (PSV). Michael Dawson (Newcastle) will not be enamoured by Juande Ramos' pursuit of other centre halves and could be another to move on.
Incoming: Ramos will be keen to make his mark and has already bought Croatian star Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb) for £16.5million and youngster John Bostock (Crystal Palace). Others on the Spaniard's list are Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona) and Diego Capel (Sevilla). A likely arrival before Euro 2008 is Mexican youngster Giovani dos Santos (Barcelona) and, depending on their managerial situation, maybe even Richard Dunne (Man City).
WEST BROM
Outgoing: Ishmael Miller (Portsmouth) is attracting attention after some eye-catching displays in the FA Cup, while the veteran, free-scoring, Kevin Phillips (Stoke) may also be jettisoned now that the club are riding high in the top flight. Zoltan Gera (Aston Villa) carries a decent price tag, as does the hirsute Jonathan Greening (Rangers), but both are vital to the Baggies' chances of survival next season and shouldn't be cashed in.
Incoming: £3.5million on Luke Moore (Aston Villa) started the summer off well, and there will be a few more arrivals before the sun sets on the transfer market. Kim Do-Heon (Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma) and Roman Bednar (Hearts) have also signed, and there should be a new goalkeeper arriving to challenge Dean Kiely. Jesper Christiansen (Copenhagen) has been scouted.
WEST HAM
Outgoing: Anton Ferdinand (Spurs) looks to head the queue and has apparently been placed on the transfer list after a number of high profile controversies last season. The Hammers may also let Freddie Ljungberg go after offering him £3million to tear up his contract and will probably be forced to consider any bids upwards of £12million for their star striker Dean Ashton (Man Utd).
Incoming: With Reading's demise, the club are sure to bid for left-back Nicky Shorey. El-Hadji Diouf (Bolton) and Louis Saha (Man Utd) could do a similar job as Craig Bellamy, so the Hammers will probably turn their attentions to pacey winger Giles Barnes (Derby) and Michael Kightly (Wolves). A defender or two might come in handy too, step forward Richard Dunne (Man City) and Steven Taylor (Newcastle).
WIGAN
Outgoing: The Latics are due a reshuffle with Steve Bruce keen to make his mark on the squad. Keeping hold of Antonio Valencia (Liverpool) and Wilson Palacios (Man Utd) will be key, but the club may have a tougher time convincing Paul Scharner (Fulham) to stay. Dave Cotterill (Sheffield United) will, however, be let go.
Incoming: Sokratis Papastathopoulos (AEK) could arrive to bolster the defence, while David Suazo (Inter) may choose the JJB over life on the bench in Milan. Of the lot, Oliver Kapo (Birmingham) and Fabrice Muamba seem to be a priority and they'll have an easier task after the Blues were relegated. Amr Zaki (Al-Zamalek) has already agreed a £4million deal.