Mags to move for Momo?

Pardew looking to strengthen side after Young Toon defeat in France.

West Ham United's Senegalese anchor man, Mohammed Diame has done well for the Hammers since his free transfer from Wigan at the end of last season. And such performances have not gone unnoticed, the defensive midfielder being in superb form so far this season, noticeably in the shock 3-1 victory over Chelsea.

We've Got Perchinio

Irreplaceable Versatility

Newcastle United's James Perch, 26, joined the Premier League side in July 2010 from Notts Forest for a fee believed to be around £1m. In his first season on Tyneside, Perch established a new Premier League record by receiving five yellow cards in his first five league games. On his return from suspension, he scored a late own goal which lead to a home defeat against Stoke City. He continued his disappointing form, and was eventually dropped, making a total of 13 league appearances in his first season at Newcastle. 

World Cup 2014 - Already decided?

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Brazil are a country that are more than familiar on the global football stage. For decades they have been among the elite of International teams, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Brazil. The team representing Brazil in the 1970 world cup in Mexico have long been thought of as the greatest international team of all time. After Spain's three successive major international tournament victories, this title may be shadowed by some doubt. This does not, however, dismiss the fact that Brazil have long been producers of some of the greatest talent to grace the world of football. If asked to name the best footballer in the world currently, most would refer to the Argentine Lionel Messi, or the Portuguese Christiano Ronaldo. If asked to name the greatest footballer of all time, many would say the Brazilian Pelé, present in the aforementioned 1970 squad. 

Since then, Brazil have produced many world class talents, the likes of Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho and Kaká incredibly familiar names to many football fans. But it does not even remotely stop there. Brazil first hosted the World Cup way back in 1950, and will host the next competition in 2014. Considered the greatest tournament on the planet, and the best way for football players to represent their nationality, the World Cup has been coveted by all those who have entered it since it's inception. Brazil have won the most world cups in history, lifting the trophy no less than five times. They could quite possibly make it six in just a few years time. 

Ginger Geordie in Europe

Campbell makes Toon bow

Newcastle United’s first appearance in a European competition in six years allowed manager Alan Pardew to field a second string team, offering the chance for several fringe players to try and prove their worth in the black and white. New signing Vurnon Anita made his first start, after appearing as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspurs at the weekend. As well as Anita, fellow new signings Gael Bigirimana and Romain Amalfitano made their debuts in Greece. The most notable debut however, is that of Adam Campbell. The seventeen year old became the youngest Newcastle player to appear in a European competition, beating the record held by former number 9 Andy Carroll by 64 days.

Vurnon Anita - The next Seedorf?

Over the course of the summer transfer window, Newcastle United have signed three players – Curtis Good, Gael Bigirimana, and Romain Amalfitano. Amalfitano being the most likely to break into the first team over the season, the three signings are seen more as to increase the quality of depth in the Newcastle squad, as opposed to strengthening the starting eleven itself.

The weakest link in the actual starting eleven is arguably the right back position. Newcastle’s Danny Simpson, now in the last year of his contract, was statistically the best right back in the premier league, yet many fans agree that he isn’t good enough to start for a team that will potentially try to crack the top four next season. And with the former Manchester United defender seemingly unwilling to extend his contract, the club have been searching for an alternative. Notable, Yohan Cabaye’s friend and former Lille team mate, Mattieu Debuchy.  The Debuchy deal has been drawn out across the summer, and appears to be dead after considerable to and fro with the powers that be at the French club, with the President refusing any sale of the want away right back.

Whilst the Frenchman has issued a come and get me plea, and seems desperate to leave the club, that he has served admirably for two decades with a move to Tyneside, it is still up in the air whether a move will transpire. However, to the delight of Newcastle fans, this doesn’t mean that there will be no incoming players this window. Recent reports have confirmed a deal between Newcastle and Ajax for versatile Dutch utility man, Vurnon Anita. Anita is a player that many English fans probably knew little of before being linked to a move to the North East.

However, the player is a well known face in Holland, having made his debut for the Dutch giants in March 2006, at the tender age of 16. In fact, the only player to make his Ajax debut at a younger age was Clarence Seedorf – a name that many will surely be familiar with. And Anita is already being compared to the Dutch legend. While he started out his career as a left back, Anita has since moved to playing as a defensive midfielder. Being only 5’6, his size would make him suit the fullback role, and not quite similar to Newcastle’s own midfield destroyer, Cheick Tiote.

So what can Anita bring to Newcastle, and why have the club decided to bring him in – despite the need for another striker and centre back being more urgent? Clearly, his versatility is a key attribute, with players like James Perch, Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez playing in multiple roles last season indicating Pardew’s appreciation of a utility man. The fact he can play at left back would certainly help for cover over the course of the season, yet it will likely be as a defensive midfielder that he has been targeted for.

In the later part of last season, when Newcastle found a scintillating run of form, they were mostly playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. With Gutierrez partnering Tiote to hold the midfield, allowing Cabaye to roam forward and adding to the attack – his two goals and one assist against Stoke demonstrating that. Personally, I feel that this is the formation most suited to the players at Newcastle’s disposal, and bringing in Anita would only strengthen that. Anita holding the midfield along with Tiote, allowing Gutierrez to move back to the left wing – with Marveaux providing competition. The only real downside to playing this formation is playing a lone striker – meaning that Ba and Cisse would have to be rotated. Clearly this would limit the potency of the Senegalese pair, and may lead to unhappiness of whoever gets benched – so it may be more a formation used in luxury, with Pardew mostly going with a combination of the tried and tested 4-4-2.

The joy of Anita being a utility player means that it gives extra options for the squad and formations, which would make the side all the more difficult to defend against – with Pardew being able to switch around formations on the fly during a match, without having to make any substitutions. Needless to say, many will be hoping that young Anita will prove to be as successful as other signings over the last year.

Bloated and inflated: Premier symptoms

The bid

£22 million, or thereabouts; that is how much Manchester City have apparently decided Daniel Agger is worth, at least on the first try. Reports of the bid have recently surfaced after previous incidents of speculation, although who isn't linked with Manchester City?

Whether the bid is real, or even their interest it would be difficult to believe that the Manchester club are not going to re-enforce what is already an impressive - and cup winning - team. After all, their local rivals and teams most people pick for title contenders in the Premier League have all been recruiting since the transfer window opened - from Chelsea's injection of creative, speedy talent to Arsenal preparing themselves should their top talent leave for once and finally even the least impressive team of the lot (in the league at least), Liverpool, have not only acquired a highly promising manager but have made transfers to pique the interest of most fans of the game.

In the face of such competition it would be illogical for a club to not look to improve their squad, especially given the few - yet crucial -  holes that were revealed last season:

1. Centre Back - From an experienced and suspect medicine to a youngster greener than a well-kept football pitch it became obvious around the point of the hectic Christmas schedule that Roberto Mancini was not so spoilt for choice in the middle of his defence as he was out wide. There has been speculation of a loan move for Stefan Savic whilst Kolo Toure appears to be less out of favour than ever. If both were to leave the club during this transfer window in one form or another then that would leave their Italian manager with only two recognised central defenders to pick from as he attempts to win as many trophies as he can out of the four (plus Community Shield) on offer.
2. Centre Forward - Not that it needs to be said to those not having lived under a rock for the past year or so but once again Roberto Mancini found himself lacking in options where he ought to have been spoilt for choice. From Super Mario's off-field shenanigans to a certain Argentinians union-esque behaviour and the maligned hot and cold specialist from Bosnia it really was a season where the Italian manager had the well-behaved Argentinian star forward to thank for digging his team out of a hole on more than one occasion.
3. Defensive Midfield - Well what do you know, the younger Toure is not merely a big destructive power! As the less informed fans of the Premier League became preoccupied with the "revelation" that was Yaya Toure it soon became apparent that the imposing Ivorian would become something of a solitary figure when it came to the centre of his side's midfield. Nigel "WAX ON" de Jong went from star pupil to untrusted rogue, whilst the obvious limitations of the often under-rated yet always trusted Gareth Barry came to the fore against players of a clever nature. Thus it was that David Pizarro joined on a loan deal in January to add some much needed calm and at times clever passing to a midfield that had at times struggled to hold back the barrage of the high intensity league they called home. To cap it all off there are two words to explain this flaw in the Premier League winners: Owen Hargeaves.

So it is from these three issues, which can potentially run along the spine of Manchester City's line up at any given moment that it would not be illogical to assume that strengthening will occur and there is no doubt that a central defender fits the profile of what is needed at the Etihad Stadium. Of course, purchasing the right personnel is often seen as a crucial part of a manager's capabilities and so the question becomes:

Why Daniel Agger?

The Player

Of prime age (27 years old), sure footed, well rounded, versatile both positionally and tactically, captain of his national team and repeatedly linked with the top club in the world over his career and with the capacity to play anywhere on the position.

Oh, he is a centre back by trade.

Surely a bid of £22 million would be considered just about right, if not a little shrewd considering that the player in question - the aforementioned Mr. Agger - has yet to showcase the full array of his talents at the very top of the game and so is only likely to cost even more during the next few transfer windows?

Sadly for the Danish international, who is on the verge of a half century of caps, his time at Liverpool has seen him break down in front of the fiercely faithful fans on more occasions than is befitting a player of his undoubted quality. Although it is a worrying trend it can also not be forgotten that his current club do not have the best record of keeping the best physical care of their star players (names such as Fowler, Owen, Murphy, Gerrard and Torres come to mind) and he is still yet to reach the age where, by convention, a football player peaks in terms of time played on the pitch and the quality they show on it.

Then there is the predicament of the club itself. Liverpool has been nothing if not bountiful for journalists of the game over the past few years, lurching from mediocrity to crisis and back to mediocrity again, unceremoniously dumping arguably the most beloved of their many legends in the process. A lack of serious league-winning credentials since the heady days of when a certain blond-haired striker displayed a penchant for scoring in the vast majority of matches he played in, as well as a less than stable connection with Europe's premier competition have left players of great potential such as Agger in the presence of lesser competition more often than not. This is hardly the breeding ground for certified world class talent and yet with his fitness troubling in it could also be seen as a blessing in disguise; it could well be that he has worked past his injuries just in time to join a genuine top level team which has both a burning ambition to the best and an insurmountable level of finance burning a hole in their pockets to achieve their aims.

More money, less problems

So it is that yet again a player who would presumably be perfectly happy where he is plying his trade may be looking at the choice of upgrading to not only real success but a significant boost to his financial future once his body decides that enough is enough; that Daniel Agger's body seems likely to say that sooner than most may very well be on the Danish captain's mind this summer.



'via Blog this'

Stuttering Defeat

Olympic exit for Team GB

It's been a good day  for the host nation with the latest batch of Olympic events. The mens rowing team of Reed, Triggs-Hodge, James and Gregory won the gold that put Great Britain into third place on the overall medals league table. Elsewhere, poster girl Jessica Ennis won the Heptathlon gold, and mixed tennis doubles partners Andy Murray, and 18-year old Laura Roberts beat the German pair and advance to the final, guaranteeing at least a silver - to couple with Murray's guaranteed silver in the single's tournament.

With the Olympics in full swing, and with Great Britain performing well, it would remain to be seen if the country's Olympic footballing talent would follow in the footsteps of those in other events. Team GB Women's team had already been knocked out on Friday by Canada, but the efforts of Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and the rest of Hope Powell's squad helped to put Women's football on the English map, and give much needed exposure to a much neglected side of the beautiful game. Team GB Men's also made it through to the quarter finals, after a surprising victory over Uruguay put them top of the group - and lead them into a clash against South Korea. 

It wouldn't be going too far to say that  Team GB did well to earn a draw in normal time about the South Koreans - with Aaron Ramsey's first penalty (the second, a few minutes later, being saved) equalising Sunderland striker Ji Dong-Won's earlier opener. Neither team managed to break the deadlock, and it head into extra time - and then, the dreaded lottery of the penalty shootout. The first four penalties from both sides in the shootout went in without issue, and it began to look like sudden death would have to separate the two sides. And up step's Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge. The young striker was disappointed not to be selected in the England squad for Euro 2012, and later fought for fitness following a diagnosis of Viral Meningitis. The striker, 22, was often played on the wing for his club - although he believes he is better suited to a more central role.

And this game, so fiercely locked, offered him the chance to try and push his country into contention for a medal. Sturridge had already scored in the 3-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates, and also in the 1-0 victory over Uruguay that put them top of the group. But neither strike would prove to be as important as the fifth penalty against South Korea. However, for reasons known only to him, Sturridge decided to stutter his penalty - pausing his run slightly before taking his kick. The technique was likely intended to trick the opposition goalkeeper into diving early, thus making the eventual kick all the easier. However, it only resulted in the South Korean goalkeeper being able to more accurately guess the direction of the spot kick, and pull off an easy save. The final opposition penalty went in - despite the best efforts of young Goalkeeper Jack Butland - and Great Britain were knocked out of the tournament.

Sturridge, who stormed off the pitch quickly after his over-exuberance cost his side the match and a place in the semi-finals against Brazil, has been linked with a move away from Chelsea - with London rivals Tottenham the most likely destination. With the signings of Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar, as well as  potential new signings including Andre Schurrle and Hulk -  Sturridge will face fierce competition at his club, even if he resigns to play on the wing. The Birmingham man may well move away from Chelsea this summer, in search of a team where he can lead the line, and prove to many that he has a talent in that central role to match his attitude.

Stylian Petrov in remission

Brilliant news!

Hopefully Stan will continue to recover. It is heartening to see some positive, life-affirming news coming out of football, especially on the back of this recent occurrence:

Football can be full of too much negativity at times and it becomes easy to forget that the industry has something in common with most under industries: people are people, regardless of how they are involved, what or who they know, how much they get paid and so on.

Hopefully both Petrov and Muamba can continue to recover from the terrible luck they have had as people and we can all remember to not get too caught up in the negativity.

Well done Stylian, and good luck.

Vive la revolution

Crossing the Channel

Three years ago, Newcastle United were gearing up to play in the second tier of English football, after an own goal by Damien Duff at Villa Park led them to suffer relegation from the top flight. But the end of the 2011/12 season saw them finish in fifth place, after a close run fight for a Champions League place, which also guarantees Europa League football for the next season. It will be the first time the North East club will be playing in a European competition since 2006, and it has been seen as a fantastic season for a side that, in August of last year, some tipped to be flirting with relegation. Which wasn't an entirely unrealistic prediction, considering Captain Kevin Nolan had been sold to West Ham, as well as the release of Joey Barton and Jose Enriqué's switch to Liverpool - leaving the Tynesider's without three of their key players. Not to mention the record breaking sale of Geordie born Andy Carroll to Liverpool in the season's winter transfer window.


.But Newcastle didn't flirt with relegation. They weren't even lost in mid table mediocrity. Some of the Toon faithful were even mildly disappointed at so narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification. Manager Alan Pardew had already been rewarded with his success by being named Premier League and LMA manager of the year, becoming the first Englishman to win both in the same season. There is no doubt that the Newcastle Supremo deserved the prestigious awards, with the signings and tactics he made leading Newcastle to a truly memorable season.

With the loss of key players, Pardew had to replace them to strengthen the squad he inherited from now Norwich Manager Chris Hughton. And that he did. Following West Ham's relegation, the striker they obtained only earlier that season was released, due to a clause in his contract, and Demba Ba arrived at Newcastle on a free. Adding to that, in came midfielder Yohan Cabaye - who had captained Lille to a league and cup double in France. Winger Sylvain Marveaux added to the French contingent, and with Ben Arfa returning from injury - the Newcastle side began to shape up.

With an unbeaten start stretching to eleven, until they met eventual champions Manchester City at the Etihad, Newcastle had an almost unbelievable start to the season. The media and fans alike expected the Magpie's bubble to eventually burst, and despite a slight bump towards the end of 2011, it didn't come. With the addition of another French speaker, Ba's Senegalese strike partner, Papiss Cisse. Scoring on his debut from the bench against Aston Villa, Cisse scored 13 in 14 games, including a sensational strike against Chelsea. Cisse helped Newcastle to challenge for the Champions League places, and their eventual fifth place finish - proving to be a very shrewd signing for Pardew, likely based on the apparent boundless knowledge of Chief Scout Graham Carr.



With a new season on the horizon, it remains to be seen if Newcastle can hold on to their stars, with midfield destroyer Cheick Tiote being continuously chased by Chelsea, and Cabaye's name being linked with Manchester United and Spanish Giants Barcelona. As well as holding on to their key players, Newcastle will also be looking to improve their squad, notably the depth of quality. With European qualification comes the possibility of competing on four fronts, which would stretch the already paper thin squad. The Toon have already brought in two players this window, Burundi born Coventry midfielder Gael Bigirimana, and French midfielder Romain Amalfitano. These are unlikely to be the only additions, with several adventures into the transfer market already coming up short, with interest in FC Twente pair Luuk De Jong and Douglas going cold.

It would come as no surprise that after their successful season, Newcastle would again choose to dip into the French market. One of Newcastle's main transfer targets is Yohan Cabaye's close friend and former team mate, French fullback Mathieu Debuchy. The attacking right back, 27, has been on Newcastle's radar for some time - and after impressing for his country in the Euro's, other clubs have been interested, notably Chelsea and Inter Milan. But Newcastle look to beat off any interest, with the right back apparently keen on a move to the north east of England. Debuchy's arrival would certainly spell the end of Danny Simpson's career at Newcastle, with the former Manchester United trainee entering the final year of his contract, and yet to agree on an extension. Replacing Simpson wouldn't be the only key area of the squad needing to be reinforced. With the sale of Leon Best to Blackburn, and the release of Peter Lovenkrands - who has since signed for Championship side Birmingham, now managed by former Newcastle favourite Lee Clarke, the club will now be on the lookout for another striker to bolster their ranks. With their Senegalese hitman potentially out for several weeks in the new year, representing their country in the African Cup of Nations, Newcastle will be left with brothers Shola and Sammy Ameobi as the only out and out strikers. 

The last few weeks have linked Andy Carroll for a return to the Toon, but this has hit several bumps. Notably new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers taking a u-turn and denying any interest in letting Carroll go out on loan, as well as the original Newcastle offer being rejected. With bringing the Geordie target man looking unlikely, and the deal for De Jong falling flat, Newcastle will be looking at other targets. Continuing in the French tradition, a player linked to the black and whites is Marseilles striker Loic Remy. The 25 year old is considered a bright talent in Europe, and currently valued at around £15m - however with his club apparently in financial difficulties, and with Remy entering the last year of his contract, Newcastle will be hopefully of negotiating a cheaper price for the in-demand striker. And with interest from both Tottenham and Arsenal, the frugal northerners will face stiff competition if they want to land the six foot Frenchman.

At times last season, Newcastle struggled due to lack of cover in the centre of defence. The defeat away to Norwich being a prime example, with all three senior centre backs being injured - forcing the club to play diminutive fullbacks James Perch and Danny Simpson to fill the void. In January, Newcastle pursued and eventually failed to sign former Watford Captain Adrian Mariappa, who has since signed for Reading. Towards the end of the 2011/12 season, and the first few weeks of the transfer window, Newcastle were heavily linked with FC Twente defender Douglas. After several weeks of to and fro with the Dutch club, as well as somewhat confusing comments from the player himself in the press, Newcastle have apparently cooled their interest in the Brazilian born centre back.

Recently, Newcastle have been linked with Paris St. Germain's Mamadou Sakho, who has been tipped as a future captain for France. The young centre back has had a poor season, with manager Carlo Ancelotti removing him from the starting line up - Sakho has recently stated that if the club sign another central defender, he would seriously consider moving away. And with AC Milan defender Thiago Silva making the switch, it's looking likely that Sakho will leave the French Capital. With Newcastle recently being linked to Welsh centre back Ashley Williams, it remains to be seen if they will make a move for the left footed defender remains to be seen. Depending on how Newcastle operate in the transfer market could have a huge effect on how they perform next season, but regardless of that - after such a successful season, other clubs will be more prepared for the Geordie Giants this time around.

No money please, we're British.

£51.5 million

Yes please. I'll take the best box in the stadium whilst you're at it.

Who would say no to that? Not many people if we're being honest and so it was that Silvio Berlusconi said please and thank you to Paris Saint-Germain when they put forward what was either a singular or two connected deals depending on whatever publication takes your fancy. Bye bye, Thiago Silva - bye bye, Zlatan.

Truthfully it could be well argued that these sales are part of an overdue overhaul at the San Siro (the well-respected Gabriele Marcotti has certainly put that point forward) but for the most part, especially in Italy the overwhelming opinion of this blockbuster transaction is seen as Milan bowing to the power and might of the nouveau riche. It is seen as a sign that Italy are the latest to fall victim to the money-centric animal that football has become - arguably the loss of a Champions League spot to Germany holds more weight for that argument, but that involves coefficients so we won't go there - and whilst the sensible thing to do would be to look at how Italy are particularly well equipped to compete even without money the fact is that it is impossible to get away from the events of the past week: the same "type" of money that has fuelled the latest powerhouse in the EPL, as well as an intriguing project or two in the Primera Liga has reached into the heart of Italy's most respected club and ripped out what most people agree were their sole-surviving world class talents.

So what does this mean? Does money rule all indefinitely? Does Michele Platini's trumpeted Financial Fair Play policy mean absolutely nothing?

These are questions better answered by more knowledgeable people or at the very least on the back of some in-depth research into the specifics and details of not only FFP itself but how it intends to restrict mega money, which in turn will need a look at the factual details of finances at the top level of the game.

As things stand to the average fan it doesn't look as if there are many surprises to come in terms of money not having the power it appears to. For fans like myself we can only hope that Monsieur Platini and his friends have got such surprises up their sleeves.

Money makes the world go round

Penny for your thoughts?

It's no secret that sports stars are on wage packets that makes the run of the mill labourer green with envy. Argentine maestro Lionel Messi, arguably the most talented player in the world, allegedly rakes in over £8m per annum in salary alone. Advertisements and endorsements would no doubt further bulk out the Barcelona star's wallet by no small amount. Other top players, such as Real Madrid's flamboyant winger Christiano Ronaldo, or former England Captain David Beckham are also lucky enough to bring home inordinate sums of money after a hard day's kicking a ball around. And the inflated wages are by no means limited to the worlds upper echelon's of footballing talent- with Blackburn Rover's former player Christopher Samba reportedly on a weekly wage of around £100,000 at new club Anzhi Makhachkala. Despite the high wages, the Congolese central defender claims the move to Russia was not financially motivated. As it is, the 28 year old stated that his reasons for moving were to link up with respected manager Guus Hiddink, and to further his career - a career he felt had stalled at struggling Blackburn.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in the news almost incessantly over the last few days, with Paris Saint Germain keen to add another to their marquee acquirements. Former Napoli winger Ezequiel Lavezzi and Zlatan's old AC Milan colleague Thiago Silva already making the move to Ligue 1. Reports coming out on Tuesday indicate that the big Swede has agreed personal terms with the French giants. Personal terms that would quite possibly make the 30 year old forward the highest paid player in football. It has been suggested that, with an annual salary of almost £12m a year, Ibrahimovic will be earning almost £25.5k in just one day - which is more than his average countryman would make in an entire year.

The UEFA Financial Fair Play rules are due to come into effect some, but some clubs do not seem overly worried by the restrictions that will come into place. Both Chelsea and PSG have been spending money like it's going out of fashion. Whether or not teh new rules will put a curb to the spending or not remains to be seem, but for now players like Zlatan can enjoy their football, content in the fact that their bank balance could fund a small country.

The inflated wages and transfer fees on offer from some of the world's richest clubs seen these days are becoming more and more common. It is a stark contrast to Cyprus' first division side APOEL FC. The diminutive club represent their country in the Champions League, Europe's most elite competition. APOEL had their most successful run in Europe last season, progressing as far of the quarter finals - topping their group and knocking out Olympique Lyonnais, becoming the first Cypriot club to ever make it that far in the prestigious competition. They were eventually knocked out at the quarter finals by an aggregate score of 8-2 in favour of Real Madrid. Even though their fairytale was at an end, it was no small feat by the club - whom most fans of European football may not have even heard of before hand. APOEL may not have any Messi's or Ronaldo's in their ranks, but they shown to the European community that sometimes it's not the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog.

APOEL's impressive journey did well to illustrate that money is not everything in the world of football. While the more successful clubs do tend to be the one's with the money, with mega-rich Manchester City winning teh English Premier League for the first time in the club's history being just one example. The Cypriot's proved that this isn't always teh case, top earning talents don't always equate to victory. In fact, the club's entire yearly budget - not just for player wages and transfers, but for pitch maintenance, medical fees and any other expenses - tallied up to around £10m. For an average person, that's an awful lot of money, yet still less than some of footballer's highest earners. Kudos to APOEL on a job werll done, achieving so much on so little, proving that it's not always just about the money.

Title push for Chelsea?

Russian spending strengthens blues

After a disappointing first season in England for former Porto manager Andre Villas Boas, the Portuguese was removed from his position as Chelsea manager and replaced by assistant, and former player, Roberto Di Matteo. The caretaker manager guided his team to a sixth FA cup win, and finally wining the coveted UEFA Champions League. However, despite the cup double - Chelsea, a perennial title challenger, struggled in the league and only managing a disappointing sixth place finish. They qualified for next seasons Champions League by virtue of being the defending champions, at the cost of London rival's Tottenham, who will be forced to compete in next seasons Europa League instead.

Switzerland born Italian Di Matteo has a herculean task ahead of him to defend the two cups his team holds, and improve in the Premier League itself. The London outfit have a talented squad, including Euro 2012 winners Fernando Torres and Juan Mata, the Czech Republics world glass Goalkeeping star Petr Cech, and arguably one of the best left back in the world in Ashley Cole. However, if they want to get back on track and compete with oil-rich Manchester City and experienced Manchester United - owner Roman Abromavich clearly believes that what they have simply isn't enough.

Chelsea have already spent big, bringing in Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard for 32m - but this appears to be just the start for Di Matteo's side, with the Italian, newly installed as Chelsea's permanent manager, having his eye on some of world football's most expensive talents. Rumours linking Chelsea to marquee moves for Europa League cup holder's Athletico Madrid's Falcao - as well as Porto's colossal forward Hulk have been going on for some time. Chelsea's pursuit of Hulk has somewhat cooled, with Porto reportedly wanting a fee in the region of £40m, a cost the Di Matteo clearly does not agree with. As for Radamel Falcao, there is still possibility of Chelsea signing one of the hottest strikers in Europe - especially since Athletico are reportedly suffering financially - and Falcao may need to be sold on to fund moves to elsewhere strengthen the overall squad. Chelsea may find stiff competition fom rivals Tottenham Hotspurs, however - with the lilywhite's new manager Villas Boas keen to link up with the young Columbian forward he managed while in charge at Porto.

While Spur's may very well manage to take the striker from the nose of the Champions League winners, Chelsea may be comforted by the fact they appear to be set to do the very same thing to their close rivals. Internacional's Brazilian midfielder Oscar has been the subject of interest€25 million (£19.6m) from both London clubs, but more recent reports have him more likely to more to Chelsea, in a deal worth upwards of £23m. Chelsea have allegedly already had a £19.6m offer for the player rejected, with the club wanting more money from the big spending Londoners. With the creative talents of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Frank Lampard, as well as youngster Gael Kakuta and new 8m signing Marko Marin already present at the club - it remains to be seen if Chelsea are willing to spend big to bring another Brazilian to aid in their title challenge.

He's coming home, he's coming home, Andy's coming home.

Former club in for £35m Striker

Reports coming out over the last few days have indicated that new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will consider allowing Liverpool's most expensive signing, Striker Andy Carroll, 23, out on loan. The Gateshead born English international has had a difficult 18 months on Merseyside, scoring just 11 goals in 56 appearances. However, towards the end of the 2011/12 season - the big target man seemed to discover some of that spark that prompted former manager Kenny Dalglish to shell out a record breaking sum on the Geordie Hitman. Goals against Chelsea in both the league and FA Cup final, as well as the winner against City rivals Everton in the semi's have prompted interest from several clubs in Carroll. 

One of the more interesting potential suitors is possibly Seria A giants AC Milan. With their own Ibrahimovic with one foot out of the door, they may see the young Englishman as an eventual long term replacement for the six foot five Swede. As well as the links to Italy, there have been several interested parties a little closer to home. West Ham, Aston Villa and Fulham have all expressed interest in taking the unsettled striker on loan - maybe with the option to purchase. West Ham themselves are apparently interested in offering around the 15m mark at the end of any loan deal, provided they maintain Premier League status. And Carroll, while not suiting Brendan Rodgers passing philosophy, could fit in well with West Ham Manager Sam Allardyce's longball approach. As well as this, linking up with former Newcastle colleague and close friend Kevin Nolan could be a further incentive for Carroll.

Although linking up with his former Captain may well not be enough. It was revealed on Sunday that former club Newcastle United had made an official bid to Liverpool to take their former number nine on loan - with a view to buy. The bid was denied by Liverpool, who likely do not want to farm out an asset to a team that finished above them last campaign, and will perhaps be a main competitor in the coming season. It's entirely possible that Newcastle Manager Alan Pardew will make an improved bid that may well be accepted. After selling Leon Best to Blackburn, and releasing Peter Lovenkrands, Newcastle will be on the lookout for talent to add to the fire power of Senegalese Strike partnership Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse. And with a deal for FC Twente's Luuk De Jong looking unlikely, a move for the boyhood Newcastle fan could seem very attractive to the Magpies.

Summer Spending

Europe's Juggernauts splash the cash

The transfer window is open and already the financial powerhouses of Europe have begun flexing their muscles. Backed by the fire power of Roman Abromavich, Chelsea were the first club to splash the cash wit the acquisition of Lille's highly rated Belgian playmaker, Eden Hazard. Costing a reported thirty two million sterling, the 21 year old international has come at the kind of expense that is to be expected of a player labelled one of the brightest talents in EUropean Football. Hazard adds flair to Chelsea's already creative midfield - with Spaniard Juan Mata and England's Frank Lampard already in the blue's setup. Euro 2012 golden boot holder Fernando Torres will hopefully be getting top level service from Hazard to turn him into the Premier League Assassin he was during his Liverpool days.

Chelsea are not the only moneybags club in Europe to open the cheque book so far this summer. Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has certainly shown that he has real ambition with his new club Paris Saint Germain - after interest in AC Milan star due Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With defender Thiago Silva already heading to the French Capital for 42 million euro (£33m), it remains to be seen if the Swedish striker will follow suit. Whilst yet to be confirmed, it seems likely that the ageing Ibrahimovic will seek further challengers and follow his former colleague to the oil rich French giants. It is quite possible that these two stars could be just the tip of the ice burg for PSG. With the aim of becoming the first French side to win the Champions League in nearly two decades, Ancelotti's side will give the defending champions a run for their money.