Post by Taxigirl on Dec 23, 2003 10:38:23 GMT
Christmas is coming and everybody is hoping to receive a few seasonal gifts.
All 20 Premiership managers would like to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window.
Whether or not they can depends on the financial situation at their club.
Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri has Roman Abramovich's millions at his disposal, Leeds boss Eddie Gray is working on a shoestring.
Arsenal
A striker tops Arsene Wenger's list of priorities - but cash is the problem.
For a club of Arsenal's stature transfer money is scarce at the moment with most of the cash invested in the move to Ashburton Grove.
With Dennis Bergkamp in the twilight of his career, Sylvain Wiltord likely to leave in the summer and Francis Jeffers on a season-long loan at Everton, Thierry Henry needs a partner.
Arsenal youngster Jeremie Aliadiere has impressed in the Carling Cup, but West Ham's Jermain Defoe seems like a good bet.
Aston Villa
Don't expect too many spectacular comings and goings at Villa Park.
Not so long ago a new striker might have topped David O'Leary's shopping list but Juan Pablo Angel finally seems to have found his feet in the Premiership.
Villa's squad could probably benefit from strengthening in most areas but a creative midfielder would make a real difference and the club have been linked with Muzzy Izzet.
The problem is he won't come cheap and chairman Doug Ellis is unlikely to sanction any serious spending.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Birmingham
Birmingham have been linked with Celtic strike duo John Hartson and Henrik Larsson.
Hartson is probably the most realistic target, with speculation refusing to go away, and the Wales striker could well end up at St Andrews.
Mikael Forssell remains another top target, but he is on a season-long deal from Chelsea and no deal will happen until the summer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blackburn
Blackburn are in talks with an Italian club that will see £10m flop Corrado Grabbi leave Ewood Park.
Midfielder Alan Mahon has also stated that he wanted to make his loan move at Division One Ipswich permanent.
Manager Graeme Souness strengthened his defence with Lorenzo Amoruso and midfield in the summer by signing Brett Emerton and Barry Ferguson.
With Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke not getting any younger a new forward will figure in Souness' thinking. A replacement for Damien Duff is also on Souness' wish-
list
Bolton
Bolton are enjoying a fine season but chairman Phil Gartside has already hinted there will be little transfer activity at the club in January.
"We can't afford to spend any money we haven't got," said Gartside.
Sam Allardyce will hope to fill the hole left by Jay- Jay Okocha, who will miss all of January and some of February on African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlton
Charlton's impressive pre-Christmas run to seventh place in the Premiership has raised hopes at The Valley of a possible place in Europe.
But Addicks boss Alan Curbishley knows he needs to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window if - as in previous seasons - the club is not to fall away in the later stages of the season.
Defence will be a priority with injuries to Richard Rufus, Gary Rowett, Hermann Hreidarsson and Mark Fish.
The club have been linked with Ajax defender Petri Pasanen and could be forced recall the on-loan Paul Konchesky from THFC.
Curbishley may also invest in a striker following the sale of Mathias Svensson.
Regular Premiership goals and consistent injury-free runs in the side seem hard to come by for Kevin Lisbie, Jason Euell, Carlton Cole and Paolo di Canio.
A player such as Preston's Ricardo Fuller could be a useful addition.
Chelsea
Anybody's guess - certainly cash has not been an issue since Roman Abramovich bought the club.
Jermain Defoe's name has cropped up and Juventus playmaker Pavel Nedved has been another player repeatedly linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
If you believe what you read the Blues also have their sights set on Wayne Rooney - though Everton boss David Moyes would not be smiling if his board sanctioned a transfer for the hottest young property in the Premiership.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everton
Unlike Chelsea, cash is tight at Goodison Park.
Joseph Yobo is away on African Nations Cup duty, but manager David Moyes has hinted that David Unsworth will plug the gap in the centre of defence.
A creative midfielder remains top of the list but Fulham's Sean Davis, who would have joined in the summer but for an injury, is now happy with the London club.
The Toffees cannot afford Nicky Butt but have been linked with Strasbourg's Christian Basilla.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fulham
Fulham could find themselves scrapping to keep hold of striker Louis Saha after he hinted he wants to move to Manchester United.
Like Birmingham, Fulham have been linked with Celtic striker John Hartson, a former Wales team-mate of Cottagers boss Chris Coleman, but a move seems unlikely.
The club's fans might have to be content with the news that midfielder Sean Davis has withdrawn his transfer request and Fulham are moving back to Craven Cottage.
Leeds
More a case of sell, sell, sell than buy, buy, buy.
Mark Viduka, Paul Robinson, Alan Smith and James Milner - the remaining jewels at Elland Road - have all been linked with moves away from the club.
Chief executive Trevor Birch has insisted the club are not going to sell - but can they afford not to?
Leicester
Manager Micky Adams is uncertain whether money will be made available for him to use in January.
The Foxes have been linked with 20-year-old Finnish midfielder Alexei Yeremenko, Manchester City are also interested. Lincoln's Chris Hall has also been mentioned.
Leicester have been linked with Newcastle defender Nikos Dabizas, who is on the transfer list at St James' Park.
Adams might be most concerned with keeping key midfielder Muzzy Izzet, who has been linked with Villa.
Liverpool
If you believe what you read Liverpool are a club in crisis, with manager Gerard Houllier just a couple of embarrassing results from the sack.
Nonetheless, the Reds were recently linked with highly-rated Nottingham Forest central defender Michael Dawson.
Dutch club PSV Eindhoven have also stated that Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in their Serbia & Montenegro striker Mateja Kezman.
Houllier is probably more interested in getting some of his injured players back. Milan Baros, Harry Kewell, Steve Finnan, Stephane Henchoz and Michael Owen are all out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Man City
Manchester City's form has dipped alarmingly and boss Kevin Keegan may decide to bring in a couple of new faces to freshen up his squad.
Keegan has already hinted at January wheeling and dealing in the goalkeeping department.
Norwich's Robert Green and Leeds' Paul Robinson have both been mentioned.
Striker Darren Huckerby seems set to leave the club, with Norwich and West Brom both interested and Portsmouth also mentioned, while 20-year-old Finnish midfielder Alexei Yeremenko has been linked with a move to the club.
Man Utd
A partner for Ruud van Nistelrooy seems top of Sir Alex Ferguson's wish list.
Fulham striker Louis Saha has said he wants to sign, West Ham's Jermain Defoe is another name in the frame and PSV Eindhoven say United are interested in Mateja Kezman.
With Rio Ferdinand banned and United competing in the FA Cup, Premiership and Champions League, Ferguson may decide to bolster his defence.
Nicolas Burdisso, 22, of Boca Juniors, Bayer Leverkusen's Brazilian defender Lucio, Nottingham Forest's Michael Dawson and Gareth Southgate have all been linked.
As have Juventus' Lilian Thuram, AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta, Valencia's Roberto Ayala, and Inter Milan's Fabio Cannavaro but they are all cup tied and cannot play for United in this season's Champions League.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middlesbrough
Steve McClaren said he would love to sign Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt - but does not believe United will let him go.
Either way a holding midfielder figures large on McClaren's list of priorities.
Middlesbrough may have a mean defence but they are desperately short of goals and need a goalscorer.
McClaren has Michael Ricketts, Massimo Macarone, Szilard Nemeth and Malcolm Christie at his disposal but none have made the starting berth their own.
All 20 Premiership managers would like to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window.
Whether or not they can depends on the financial situation at their club.
Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri has Roman Abramovich's millions at his disposal, Leeds boss Eddie Gray is working on a shoestring.
Arsenal
A striker tops Arsene Wenger's list of priorities - but cash is the problem.
For a club of Arsenal's stature transfer money is scarce at the moment with most of the cash invested in the move to Ashburton Grove.
With Dennis Bergkamp in the twilight of his career, Sylvain Wiltord likely to leave in the summer and Francis Jeffers on a season-long loan at Everton, Thierry Henry needs a partner.
Arsenal youngster Jeremie Aliadiere has impressed in the Carling Cup, but West Ham's Jermain Defoe seems like a good bet.
Aston Villa
Don't expect too many spectacular comings and goings at Villa Park.
Not so long ago a new striker might have topped David O'Leary's shopping list but Juan Pablo Angel finally seems to have found his feet in the Premiership.
Villa's squad could probably benefit from strengthening in most areas but a creative midfielder would make a real difference and the club have been linked with Muzzy Izzet.
The problem is he won't come cheap and chairman Doug Ellis is unlikely to sanction any serious spending.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Birmingham
Birmingham have been linked with Celtic strike duo John Hartson and Henrik Larsson.
Hartson is probably the most realistic target, with speculation refusing to go away, and the Wales striker could well end up at St Andrews.
Mikael Forssell remains another top target, but he is on a season-long deal from Chelsea and no deal will happen until the summer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blackburn
Blackburn are in talks with an Italian club that will see £10m flop Corrado Grabbi leave Ewood Park.
Midfielder Alan Mahon has also stated that he wanted to make his loan move at Division One Ipswich permanent.
Manager Graeme Souness strengthened his defence with Lorenzo Amoruso and midfield in the summer by signing Brett Emerton and Barry Ferguson.
With Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke not getting any younger a new forward will figure in Souness' thinking. A replacement for Damien Duff is also on Souness' wish-
list
Bolton
Bolton are enjoying a fine season but chairman Phil Gartside has already hinted there will be little transfer activity at the club in January.
"We can't afford to spend any money we haven't got," said Gartside.
Sam Allardyce will hope to fill the hole left by Jay- Jay Okocha, who will miss all of January and some of February on African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlton
Charlton's impressive pre-Christmas run to seventh place in the Premiership has raised hopes at The Valley of a possible place in Europe.
But Addicks boss Alan Curbishley knows he needs to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window if - as in previous seasons - the club is not to fall away in the later stages of the season.
Defence will be a priority with injuries to Richard Rufus, Gary Rowett, Hermann Hreidarsson and Mark Fish.
The club have been linked with Ajax defender Petri Pasanen and could be forced recall the on-loan Paul Konchesky from THFC.
Curbishley may also invest in a striker following the sale of Mathias Svensson.
Regular Premiership goals and consistent injury-free runs in the side seem hard to come by for Kevin Lisbie, Jason Euell, Carlton Cole and Paolo di Canio.
A player such as Preston's Ricardo Fuller could be a useful addition.
Chelsea
Anybody's guess - certainly cash has not been an issue since Roman Abramovich bought the club.
Jermain Defoe's name has cropped up and Juventus playmaker Pavel Nedved has been another player repeatedly linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
If you believe what you read the Blues also have their sights set on Wayne Rooney - though Everton boss David Moyes would not be smiling if his board sanctioned a transfer for the hottest young property in the Premiership.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everton
Unlike Chelsea, cash is tight at Goodison Park.
Joseph Yobo is away on African Nations Cup duty, but manager David Moyes has hinted that David Unsworth will plug the gap in the centre of defence.
A creative midfielder remains top of the list but Fulham's Sean Davis, who would have joined in the summer but for an injury, is now happy with the London club.
The Toffees cannot afford Nicky Butt but have been linked with Strasbourg's Christian Basilla.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fulham
Fulham could find themselves scrapping to keep hold of striker Louis Saha after he hinted he wants to move to Manchester United.
Like Birmingham, Fulham have been linked with Celtic striker John Hartson, a former Wales team-mate of Cottagers boss Chris Coleman, but a move seems unlikely.
The club's fans might have to be content with the news that midfielder Sean Davis has withdrawn his transfer request and Fulham are moving back to Craven Cottage.
Leeds
More a case of sell, sell, sell than buy, buy, buy.
Mark Viduka, Paul Robinson, Alan Smith and James Milner - the remaining jewels at Elland Road - have all been linked with moves away from the club.
Chief executive Trevor Birch has insisted the club are not going to sell - but can they afford not to?
Leicester
Manager Micky Adams is uncertain whether money will be made available for him to use in January.
The Foxes have been linked with 20-year-old Finnish midfielder Alexei Yeremenko, Manchester City are also interested. Lincoln's Chris Hall has also been mentioned.
Leicester have been linked with Newcastle defender Nikos Dabizas, who is on the transfer list at St James' Park.
Adams might be most concerned with keeping key midfielder Muzzy Izzet, who has been linked with Villa.
Liverpool
If you believe what you read Liverpool are a club in crisis, with manager Gerard Houllier just a couple of embarrassing results from the sack.
Nonetheless, the Reds were recently linked with highly-rated Nottingham Forest central defender Michael Dawson.
Dutch club PSV Eindhoven have also stated that Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in their Serbia & Montenegro striker Mateja Kezman.
Houllier is probably more interested in getting some of his injured players back. Milan Baros, Harry Kewell, Steve Finnan, Stephane Henchoz and Michael Owen are all out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Man City
Manchester City's form has dipped alarmingly and boss Kevin Keegan may decide to bring in a couple of new faces to freshen up his squad.
Keegan has already hinted at January wheeling and dealing in the goalkeeping department.
Norwich's Robert Green and Leeds' Paul Robinson have both been mentioned.
Striker Darren Huckerby seems set to leave the club, with Norwich and West Brom both interested and Portsmouth also mentioned, while 20-year-old Finnish midfielder Alexei Yeremenko has been linked with a move to the club.
Man Utd
A partner for Ruud van Nistelrooy seems top of Sir Alex Ferguson's wish list.
Fulham striker Louis Saha has said he wants to sign, West Ham's Jermain Defoe is another name in the frame and PSV Eindhoven say United are interested in Mateja Kezman.
With Rio Ferdinand banned and United competing in the FA Cup, Premiership and Champions League, Ferguson may decide to bolster his defence.
Nicolas Burdisso, 22, of Boca Juniors, Bayer Leverkusen's Brazilian defender Lucio, Nottingham Forest's Michael Dawson and Gareth Southgate have all been linked.
As have Juventus' Lilian Thuram, AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta, Valencia's Roberto Ayala, and Inter Milan's Fabio Cannavaro but they are all cup tied and cannot play for United in this season's Champions League.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middlesbrough
Steve McClaren said he would love to sign Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt - but does not believe United will let him go.
Either way a holding midfielder figures large on McClaren's list of priorities.
Middlesbrough may have a mean defence but they are desperately short of goals and need a goalscorer.
McClaren has Michael Ricketts, Massimo Macarone, Szilard Nemeth and Malcolm Christie at his disposal but none have made the starting berth their own.
