1. Ashley Young to Manchester United
Unlikely to impact significantly on Fergie’s stated goal of ‘closing the gap’ to Barcelona, Young should however fit seamlessly into the Scots attack. Has certainly spent enough time at Villa and has showed impressive character amid frustrating times at Villa Park. Will offer greater consistency and end-product than the erratic Nani, who may well find his days at Old Trafford are numbered.
2. Dimitar Berbatov out of Manchester United.
Has never truly won the hearts of the Stretford End and his recent omission from the squad for the Champions League final was the nadir of his United career. Goal-scoring exploits against the leagues’ lower lights have not been enough to hide his shortcomings. Signed for his panache and ability to produce the unexpected, his erstwhile self confidence has proved all too brittle when tested on the biggest stage. Expect a move to Italy or France.
3. Charlie Adam to Liverpool
Liverpool fans have been pining for a playmaker since the departure of Xabi Alonso, and while Adam can hardly be bracketed in the same class, his displays this season at Blackpool have certainly warranted a move to a higher stage. Will benefit from playing in a side that has more of the ball, and is sure to be a key component in Dalglish’s rekindling of Liverpool’s “pass and move” tradition.
4. Chris Samba to Arsenal
A simple one this! He’s big, he’s tough and he may just galvanise a squad that at times appears frightened of defending. Would appear to be a no brainer for Wenger, but how many times has that been said in the past few summers?
5. Niclas Bentdner to Bolton
Might not be to the Dane’s liking, but a move to the Reebok might just see Bendtner find his level. Blessed with bags of unwarranted self confidence, Bentdner might just find he enjoys being the big fish in a small pond. Coyle managed to find Johan Elmander’s best form in the same role, and one could envisage Bentdner doing something similar. His ego makes this unlikey, but it could prove a beneficial move for a ll concerned.
6. Alberto Aquilani to Arsenal
Never likely to happen, yet strangely compelling when thought about in detail.Firstly, Aquilani does not appear to be drumming up the kind of interest or price tag that Liverpool had anticipated. Second, it seems inevitable that Arsenal will lose either one or both of Cesc Fabregas and/or Samir Nasir this summer. In that instance, Wenger could do worse than to lure the skilful Italian to North London. Aquilani was hardly a success at Anfiled, yet there were a number of mitigating factors that precluded him from being so. A season in Italy has seen him rediscover his range and confidence, and the Italian would surely reap the benefits of Wenger’s footballing philosophy.
7. John O’ Shea, Darren Gibson and Wes Brown to Sunderland
What better way to cement mid-table mediocrity?
8. Kevin Nolan to Everton
With talks at Newcastle at an impasse, a return to Merseyside for the Scouse born skipper may well prove tempting. Would provide the type of energy that Moyes likes in midfield and certainly has plenty still to offer based on last year’s evidence. Boyhood allegiance to Liverpool may prove a stumbling block.
9. Robbie Keane to Fulham
With the return of Martin Jol to Fulham, Keane may yet be provided with one more chance at a major premier league pay day. It is a chance he hardly deserves. Keane has scarcely been prolific since he last played under Jol, and like Berbatov, his best days appear well behind him. Were it not for the shambolic nature of West Ham’s entire season, he may well have been held responsible for their relegation (that shocking miss). Still, Keane is a confidence player, and Jol may well feel the Republic’s record goal-scorer is worth a punt.
10. Someone genuinely noteworthy to Manchester City
Should enjoy elevated spending power in light of Champions League qualification. City had hitherto been forced to recruit from ‘the second tier’ of world class talent. Expect that to change along with the footballing landscape!
