Fulham

Amidst a game of little moral fibre and financial thuggery, it is easy to forget that the beautiful game has presented us with some real heroes, people that instantly command respect and are true role models to young aspiring footballers across the globe.

Sir Bobby Robson was born in Sacriston, County Durham in 1933. His father was a miner in the Langley Park coillery and Bobby followed his father into the pit trade aged 15.

Bobby grew up during the war years a tough upbringing but a happy one, which helped shape the man we see today.

After the war he regularly made the pilgrimage to St James Park to watch his beloved Newcastle United watching players like Jackie Milburn and Albert Stubbins grace the turf of the famous old ground. From an early age his only ambition was to become a footballer and his wish came true aged 17, when Fulham manager Bill Dodgin visited his house and offered the lucrative contract of £7 during the seaon and £6 in the summer.

He spent six years at Fulham rising through the ranks to gain a reputation as a fine goalscorer. At one point Newcastle made the biggest transfer the game had ever seen offering £60,000 for Jonny Haynes, Bobby Robson and Bedford Jezzard, seems even in those days money burned a hole in the clubs pocket. Bobby would have loved to return to his hometown club but the Fulham board were not to grant him his wish and he eventualy left to join West Brom in 1956.

Robson was a strong, robust attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and was rewarded with 20 international caps for England, scoring 2 goals on his debut against France at Wembley. He spent 6 years at Albion before returning to Fulham for the final 5 years of his playing career.

Sir Bobby never won a trophy in all his playing days, he was however about to more than make up for that statistic during his long and fruitful managerial career.

A turbulent 2 tears spent as manager of Fulham was followed by 14 seasons at Ipswich, during which he led the unfancied Suffolk club to F.A cup glory and even more remarkable, Uefa cup triumph. Those exploits at Ipswich meant England came calling, and he twice came, oh,so very close to claiming the world cup, in 1986 at Mexico and in 1990 in Italy.

Diego Maradona literaly punched England out of the competition at the quarter-final stage, and an agonising semi-final penalty shootout against Germany was to thwart his efforts 4 years later in Italia 90.

Dutch club PSV were anither club to benefit from Robsons excellent coaching ability and management skills, he went on to win consecutive league titles before moving onto Portugal to manage, firstly Sporting Lisbon before moving onto F.C Porto where he won 2 league titles and a Portugese cup.

Europes glamour club F.C Barcelona were the next club to come calling for his services and the prospect of managing the Catalan giants must have been a daunting task to a modest Englishman. A man who has fought numerous battles with cancer and who saved his wife from drowning on their honeymoon is not someone who would shirk such a challenge however and he went on to lead them to 2nd place in the league and the Spanish cup. During his years in Portugal and Spain he took under his wing a young ambitious coach called Jose Mourinho, who personaly credits much of his coaching ability to learning from Robson during their time together.

In 1999 after a brief spell back at PSV, the job that seemed his destiny finaly came his way when Ruud Gullit was sacked by Newcastle United and Robson returned to his roots to steer the club from 2nd bottom of the premier league, to the Champions League and the San Siro and Stadio Del Alpi. In his first home game a rejuvinated Alan Shearer bagged 5 goals in a 8-1 romp over Sheffield Wednesday.

During his time at Newcastle Robson was to realise that the game he helped shape had become a uncontrollable monster, he had a hard time trying to relate to the modern player, more concerned about his diamond earings than the pre-match warm up.

Ego's and richness are the biggest problems football faces today something Sir Bobby never had a problem dealing with in his 55 years involved with the game. He was scandalously sacked by Freddy Shepherd after 4 games of the 2004-2005 season and the club he loved so much has never recovered since.

If ever there was a real life, living hero, Sir Bobby Robson must surely be one, A modest, polite, caring gentleman, he is someone everyone across the globe can look up to and draw inspiration from. I have just read his autobiography and it inspired me to write this piece, I believe every young footballer should be made to read it as part of his education and development.

Heres to you Sir Bobby as you fight your latest battle, you are my hero and if football had more people like you, the game would be in a far healthier state than the one we see now.

A look at the first week of action in the English Premier League

Arsenal  v  West Brom: What a welcome to the Premier League for the Baggies. Arsenal at the Emirates in the sun on a prefect playing service. Scott Carson will be busy in this one as Arsenal romp to an easy win.

Bolton  v  Stoke City. This will be an interesting meeting between two teams I expect to be around the relegation zone all season. Opening ties can throw up some upsets and I think that Stoke might be able to steal at point at the Reebok.

Everton  v  Blackburn. This game has a low scoring draw or 1-0 win written all over it. Everton’s pre-season has been up and down, while Blackburn are transitioning to the Paul Ince era. Everton are tough to beat at home and I expect them to squeak out a 1-0 home victory.

Hull City  v  Fulham. This will be a good test of Roy Hodgson’s new Fulham side. Last year this was the kind of game that they lost, but I think they will go a little better this year and get a point at Hull.

Middlesbrough  v  Tottenham. The much changed Spurs team goes to the Riverside to play what I think will be an improved Boro team this year. If this game was week 8 or 9 I would expect Spurs to win, but I am not sure if all the new players that Ramos has brought in will have had  a chance to gel. I think that Boro might sneak a home win here

Sunderland  v  Liverpool. This is the kind of game last year that Liverpool struggled in, so this will be a good gauge of how much they have. Sunderland need a goal scorer and I expect Liverpool to win this game by a couple of goals.

West Ham  v  Wigan Athletic. If the Hammers are to improve on their mid-table place from last year this is the kind of game they have to win. Wigan will be around the relegation zone all year and I expect them to set-up shop and play for a draw. A late goal from the Hammers allows them to grab all three points.

Aston Villa  v  Man City. Good early test for both teams who have both played competitive European games already. Villa have shorn up their defense this past week while Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will be curious to see how his team handles a hostile environment at Villa Park. In an entertaining match I see Villa winning this one by an odd goal.

Chelsea  v  Portsmouth. By far the best game of the weekend. It will be interesting to see how the whether Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari uses Deco, Lampard, Ballack and Essien in midfield. With Drogba injured Anleka will lead the attack and he has  a chance to redeem himself after his penalty miss n Moscow. For Portsmouth this will be a great test to see whether they are serious European contenders this year. In an exciting game I expect Chelsea to win 3-2 or 4-2.

Man Utd  v  Newcastle. United without Rooney and Ronaldo does not have the firepower to blow teams like Newcastle away. But the off-field problems that Newcastle are having will carry over and I expect man United to win this one 1-0.

Every soccer fan in the United States has heard of Brian McBride, the American that showed that U.S. could play soccer at the top level in Europe. With his signature No. 20 jersey, he wowed fans at Fulham and the US National Team. Brian was and is the best scorer that America has had so far. 

McBride, now 36, showed that he could become a top-class player in high school when he led his school to the Illinois state championship in 1988. Eventually, he went to Saint Louis University and set records for the most goals, assists, and total points. His career was getting off on the right foot, and it was soon to get better.

After playing briefly with minor leagues in the States and for Vfl Wolfsburg in Germany's second division, he came back to play for the Columbus Crew in the MLS's debut season in 1996. It was here that he established himself as a goal scoring machine, scoring 62 goals in his eight years at the club, a club record that still stands. 

In 2000, McBride got the big break he wanted and went to play in England. He was loaned out to Preston North End where he had to regretfully sit out most of the season with a blood clot.

Two years later, Everton's manager David Moyes, Preston's manager while McBride was at the club, called upon McBride's services again. McBride had a terrific season with Everton, scoring on his debut for the club.  McBride went on to score four goals in eight games that season. 

Soon, McBride was transferred again—this time to Fulham. Like he did for Everton, he scored on his debut for Fulham. He had the best time of his career at Fulham. He scored over five goals every season he was with Fulham. In the 2006-2007 season, McBride was Fulham's top goal scorer with 12 goals to his name, and was named Fulham's Player of the Year. 

In August of 2007, he was made captain of Fulham. Although the 2007/2008 season proved to be the best season of his career, it was cut short by injury. For the rest of his time at Fulham, he would only come on as a substitute. 

In May of 2008, McBride announced he was leaving Fulham and going back to the MLS.  He was quickly picked up by the Chicago Fire, his hometown club. 

McBride also had a brilliant international career. He made his international debut in 1993 and his World Cup debut in 1998. He went on to earn 95 caps for his country and score 20 goals. After the 2006 World Cup, he announced his retirement from international duty. However, he was convinced to rejoin the national team for his first ever Olympics.

What's next for Brian McBride, the American that wowed the Fulham faithful?  With his new club the Chicago Fire, and his duties at the Olympics, McBride hopes to close out his successful career.

I thank McBride for all those goals and entertaining games he gave Americans. I wish him the best in his career.

With less than fourteen days to go until the opening of the English Premier season I thought it was a good time to look at the prospects for each team. Yesterday I looked at the likely relegation battle candidates and today I will look at those tams who are destined to be middle of the table

With the transfer window still four weeks away the prospects for many teams will rise and fall on who is added or leaves between now and then. But with the current rosters, this is how I see the battle for the Premier League going in 2008-2009.

Mid-Table Candidates
The mid-table candidates are those from position 10-14 who are not in any danger of being relegated but also have little realistic chance of qualifying for Europe. The teams in this group include Sunderland, West Ham, Blackburn, Fulham, and Middlesbrough.

Sunderland and Middlesbrough were both involved in the relegation battle last year to some degree and I think they have both strengthened there teams this off-season. Middlesbrough has been able to keep some of their good young players like Stewart Downing and new signing Afonso Alves looks like he could be the reliable goal scorer that Boro have been looking for since Mark Viduka left.

Roy Keane has installed a revolving door at the Stadium of Light as he tries to find the combination to make Sunderland a regular Premier League member. Singing half of the Spurs team is an unusual way to move your team forward but I think that Teemu Tainio and Steed Malbranque will really help Sunderland this year while El-Hadji Diouf is someone who can help with some goals while Kenwyne Jones recovers from his knee injury.

It was a miracle that Fulham stayed up last year and manager Roy Hodgson will be looking to consolidate in the 2008/09 campaign which I think he will do. Fulham have been extremely active in the transfer market as Hodgson looks to reverse the disappointing signings of former manager Lawrie Sanchez last year.

Assuming the signing of Andy Johnson from Everton goes through; Hodgson has got himself a center forward who is a proven goal scorer in the Premier League.

I admit I am not an Alan Curbishley fan. I think that another mid-table season for the Hammers is where West ham will end up. It know that Hammers fans will say that with a full season from Bellamy, Ashton and Parker that West ham will finish higher than 10th, but I don’t see it. I expect that Curbs will find a way to keep West ham solidly in the middle of the pack.

Blackburn are a team that has overachieved the last couple of seasons under Mark Hughes and I think that Paul Ince will struggle a little in his first season as a Premier League manager. The loss of David Bentley to Spurs will not make his job any easier and if Roque Santa Cruz is sold in the next four weeks then Ince’s job will get even harder.

I cannot see Blackburn falling into the relegation battle, but I expect them to slip several places this season.

The welt on Brian McBride's head was about the size of a plum.  In the process of fighting for a ball, the top of Latvian defender Deniss Ivanovs' head met with McBride's forehead. 

He toppled to the ground, like many a soccer player does when meeting contact with an opposing player... however, when McBride doesn't immediately get up, there's a reason beyond theatrics.

After rising to his feet, McBride was forced to go off of the field for a moment to receive treatment from the medical staff.

Medical treatment has become a mere formality for McBride; a man who has titanium plates surgically implanted in his face: a stern reminder of his tendency to break facial bones in the pursuit of possession.

A minute passed, maybe two, before McBride was allowed to reenter play, his welt soaking in the rays from the Rentschler Field spot lights as 24,000+ in East Hartford cheered on the legendary American target forward.

The U.S. continued to dominate possession, but had nothing in the way of goals to show for it.

Close your eyes.  Open them.

Right back Steve Cherundolo is flying down the right side of the field.  He whips a cross into the middle of a pack of cross-continental foes.

6' feet of titanium and testosterone from the Windy City rises above the pack, meeting the ball with his recently welted forehead.  McBride provides all the scoring the U.S. would need in that moment of physical defiance.

A minor incident in a trivial exhibition to some, McBride's career has been plagued with minor incidents of perseverance and dedication.

Many will remember this moment from the 2006 World Cup: McBride, head gashed open from an elbow thrown by Daniele DeRossi.  He gets right back to his feet, walks off proudly... comes back on shortly after, ready to face Armageddon.

Digest some of that phrase for a minute: "gets right back to his feet."

That is the career of Brian McBride in a nutshell.

CLUB CAREER

A stalwart at the University of St. Louis, McBride signed with the Milwaukee Rampage of the A-League in 1994.  After tearing the league to shreds, he was signed by Vfl. Wolfsburg of the 2.Bundesliga after just a year.

McBride found breaking into the first team difficult at Wolsburg and returned to America to play for the newly formed Columbus Crew of the equally new Major League Soccer in 1996.

For the next eight years, McBride would plague opponents, scoring 62 goals in league play over 161 games.

Twice, during off-seasons, he was loaned to, and impressed at, English clubs.

First was Preston North End, under the leadership of young manager David Moyes.  Preston would attempt to acquire McBride on a permanent transfer following his injury plagued stay, but MLS rebuked their offer in 2000.

In 2002, he was once again called on by Moyes, this time at his new home in Everton.  McBride came out of the chutes firing, scoring on his debut against Spurs.

Speaking to the Associated Press about McBride, Moyes was not shy about his feelings over the American,

"I remember when I came here a year ago, one of the things I questioned was commitment and attitude, but those are qualities Brian has in abundance."

McBride returned to MLS again, impressed again, and was transferred to Fulham FC in January of 2004 for $1.5 million.

By today's exorbitant standards, then Fulham manager Chris Coleman made one of the deals of the decade.

An American Target Man in London

McBride, brought in as Louis Saha left, made an immediate impact for the Whites, scoring on his debut and didn't stop.

Over his four year stay, McBride worked his way from the bench, to first team mainstay  and, eventually captain.

His career in South-West London would entail 40 goals in 153 appearances, and became widely known as one of the best headers of the ball in the game (a statement many of the Everton faithful would attest to in this clip).

In mid-August of 2007, McBride would dislocate his kneecap in the process of scoring a goal against Middlesbrough... applauding the appreciative Fulham fans from his stretcher as he was carried off the field.

As his fortunes fell so did Fulham's, dropping into a near impossible hole and staring relegation straight in the face.

But McBride would return in February... and his swan song with the Whites may have been his magnum opus.

Game winning goals against stingy Everton, Birmingham, and on the road against Reading (snapping Fulham's woeful away losses string, which had gone on for over a year) were vital to Fulham's survival efforts.

The Whites finished just above the relegation zone on goal differential and McBride was offered a contract to keep him in the Premier League.

He declined, feeling that the time was right to return to MLS for the twilight of his career... and rejoin the U.S. National team for their Olympic campaign in China.

AN EXAMPLE OF PURE CLASS

When watching McBride score goals (Exhibit A), one may notice his steady celebration technique:

1) Kissing his ring finger.

2) Signing the cross.

3) Pointing to the sky.

4) Pointing to a teammate. (usually)

5) Showing unbridled passion.

Let's go over these.

1) - The kissing of his ring finger is a gesture of love to his wife, and having her in his thoughts each time he scores in a game.  In a soccer world where players are more known for their consistent visits to prostitutes (COUGHchristianoRonaldCOUGH) and web-cam inspired masturbation sessions in Moscow (COUGHashleyoungCOUGH) isn't it a little inspiring to see someone actually care about their significant other?

2) - A sign of his faith.  I know personal faith is overdone in sports, but McBride doesn't drone on, insincerely thanking God for his success during interviews.  He shows his appreciation in this singular act.

3) - This coincides with the previous two, thanking the people who are with him in spirit if not in flesh.

4) - McBride showing thanks, once more, by giving credit to the player who helped create his opportunity, instead of running over to snort the endline, attempting to shoot lightning bolts, playing the violin, or flying like an airplane.

No.  McBride doesn't need these excesses.  He possesses the qualities that we as Americans beg for in our athletes in a sport that is often bemoaned for lacking the qualities to entertain an American audience.

Hard work. Teamwork.  Dedication. Strength. Endurance. Passion.

Some call it a no-contact, low-action sport where sissies flop all over the field, trying their hardest to win an Oscar.

Some say Americans can't play the game at the top level.  That it will never produce top level talent able to keep up with the top soccer playing nations of the world.

My ears have learned to shut out their wanton disregard for the the truth, for the facts.  I don't need to argue with them.

I just tell them to watch Brian McBride.

If they don't, it's their loss.

It's not going well for the Americans when it comes to what is rightfully known as the beautiful game of football. But for you its called soccer so hey tomato tomato.

The 3 games have not been played to a standard which can compete with 3 teams which on their day can be world beaters.

The first problem as a football fanatic that I see is the goalkeeper. Personally Tim Howard is not the best choice there are other magnificent goalkeepers in the best league in the world. The one i would pick is Marcus Hahnemann. As a keeper he has shown strength, courage and passion for the game. This seems to be the only problem with the individuals.

The team do not seem to be as one. A unit. A full package. During the England game every player on the field apart form Brian Mcbride might as well have had their heads in the ground they were so low. The pressure applied by the team was non- existent and teams were strolling through waving as they went passed.

Acknowledging that this is not Americas most loved sport I think if more effort was put into it as in kids were introduced to this and made aware its a good sport to get into then the team would have mass improvements. We Brits live it, Breathe it, Eat it, Sleep it and O.K. we don't have the best team in the world but we're up there. Every town in England you are guaranteed to see goal posts and kids playing football. So unless this starts happening There's a slim chance of America improving.

One idea not to use is bringing in other tpes of sportsmen to play the game. Learn from us. Castleford Tigers rugby club used the sprinter Dwayne Chambers as a hooker and it didnt work he was awful, he was that bad he didn't get to play.

The fact of the matter is if the sport is not encouraged and made to seem a good investment of time then the sport will go no where. With a little money added and the encouragement then America can turn the tables and come back.

Rangers striker Daniel Cousin is desperate for a move south to the English Premier League this summer with Fulham and Stoke City leading the chase for the £3 million rated Gabon international.

The 31-year-old has done little to impress at Rangers, and his attitude at times has left a lot to be desired.

Cousin joined Rangers last summer for an undisclosed fee, but it was rumoured to be around £750,000. Cousin had fallen out with the fans at his previous club, RC Lens and was keen to impress at Rangers as a stepping stone to the EPL.

Well if he was impressing at Rangers, then no wonder he was chased out of Lens!

Cousin played 26 times in the league for Rangers, scoring 10 goals but his work rate and temperament often let him down. During too many games, he simply looked and acted disinterested.

So after his Lens and Rangers debacles, is he ready for the EPL?

I'm sure his agent thinks so and I'm sure he thinks so.

My question though, is why in the world do Fulham and Stoke City think so?

Just 90 goals in 337 career league appearances begs the question!

He starred in Rangers' great 3-0 away win in Lyon (against a side he knew well) and Rangers' 2-0 home win against Werder Bremen (thanks mainly to goalie Tim Wiese).

Having said that, his turn and finish in Lyon and his "out of this world" pass for De Marcus Beasley to score Rangers third in the same game, indicate a real quality.

Sadly, you're only as good as you want and try to be. On too many occasions, Cousin just doesn't care.

Will Cousin keep Fulham or Stoke up?

I just don't think he has the goal-scoring ability or more importantly, the heart!

After announcing he would be leaving Fulham to return to the USA, Brian McBride has left the entire MLS on edge.

Sure at 35, McBride is in the closing years of his football career but this is the MLS and a striker of his talent and skill could make or break any team in the league.

The two teams who seem best positioned to land the former US National are his previous team, the Columbus Crew, and his hometown team, the Chicago Fire.

Both are having much better than expected seasons and both are currently one point behind New England for the best record in the league. But both would benefit incredibly from the addition of a skilled player like McBride.

While I think McBride will consider Columbus, Chicago seems to be his destination of choice. For years McBride has talked about returning home (he grew up and played in the Chicago suburbs).

And what better time to join the Fire than right now?

Not only is the team far and away exceeding expectations, they have the core to win the MLS Cup.

With DP Cuauhtemoc Blanco ripping holes in midfields across the league and the stingiest defense (having only allowed six goals this season), Chicago is one piece away from being a serious championship contender.

And McBride is that piece.

The one issue Chicago has had since Blanco joined the team is turning his sublime passes and fantastic midfield play into goals. And while Chad Barrett and Chris Rolff have been better this season there is still a lot of room for improvement.

With his nose for the goal and Blanco's incredible passes McBride would be a perfect fit in Chicago.

If McBride does decide to head home the rest of MLS beware. With the stone back line allowing less than a goal a game, a midfield of Blanco, Marsh and Man U castoff Thorrington supplying the ball to McBride and Rolff or Barrett would be a site to behold.

Welcome to the English Premier League Transfer Central. The transfer central will document all transfers relating to all twenty Premier League clubs, including arriving and departing rumours and speculation, as well as the transfers that have actually happened.

The page will be regularly updated, and I’d appreciate it anyone wants to drop me a comment to tell me your news and rumours that I may have missed.

Stay tuned to the FIFA Rumour Mill to hear the latest transfer news, gossip and fantasy.

Enjoy!

Arsenal

In:

Possible: David Villa (Valencia), Hatem Ben Arfa (Lyon), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Samir Nasri (Marseille), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle), Alberto Aquilani (AS Roma), Torric Jibril (Heart of Oak), Mahamadou Dabo (St Etienne), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg), Ruben De la Red (Real Madrid), Dani Guiza (Mallorca)

Out: Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan), Jens Lehmann (Stuttgart)

Departing: Alexander Hleb (Real Madrid, Barcelona or Inter Milan), Gilberto Silva, Emmanuel Adebayor (AC Milan) Justin Hoyte (Aston Villa)

Cuckoo Nest: Aaron Ramsey (Manchester United)

Aston Villa

In: Curtis Davies (West Brom)

Possible: Diego (Werder Bremen), Bernd Schneider (Bayer Leverkusen), Steve Sidwell (Chelsea), Jens Lehmann (Arsenal), Scott Carson, Peter Crouch, Jon Arne Riise (Liverpool), Nelson (Benfica), Stephen Carr (Newcastle), Marco Caneira (Valencia), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal) Joe Mattock, Richard Stearman (Leicester), Hugo Campagnaro (Sampdoria), Giorkas Seitaridis (Atletico Madrid), James Milner (Newcastle), Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace), Brad Cuzan (Chivas USA), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), Brad Friedel (Blackburn)

Out: Olof Mellberg (Juventus), Thomas Sorenson (out of contract), Patrick Berger (Sparta Prague), Luke Moore (West Brom)

Departing: Gareth Barry (Liverpool), Shaun Maloney (Sunderland), Marlon Harewood (Stoke, Fulham, QPR or Rangers)

Blackburn Rovers

In:

Possible: Anthony Annan (IF Start), Michael Tonge (Sheffield United), Owain Fon Williams (Crewe Alexandria), Marc Torrejon, Ferran Corominos (Espanyol), Hossam Ghaly (Tottenham), Jermaine Pennant (Liverpool), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Djibril Cisse (Marseille), Michael Kightly (Wolverhampton), Sam Allardyce (Out of Work), Paul Ince (MK Dons), Steve McClaren (Out of Work), Alan Shearer

Out: Mark Hughes (Manchester City), Stephane Henchoz, Bruno Berner, Peter Enkelman (all released)

Departing: David Bentley (Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester City), Roque Santa Cruz (Arsenal, Manchester United or Manchester City), Jason Roberts (Bolton or Fulham), Andre Oojier, Maceo Rigters, Brad Freidel (Aston Villa)

Bolton Wanderers

In:

Possible: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Johan Elmander (Toulouse), Nikola Zigic (Valencia), Jerome Alonzo (PSG), Simon Vukcevic (Sporting Lisbon), Ben Watson (Crystal Palace), Emile Mpenza (Manchester City), Brian Howard (Barnsley), Zoltan Gera (West Brom), Jason Roberts (Blackburn), Michael Dawson (Tottenham)

Out: Ivan Campo, Andranik Teymourian, Stelios Giannkopoulos (released)

Departing: El Hadji Diouf (Atletico Madrid), Jussi Jaskelainen (Aston Villa), Ricardo Gardner.

Chelsea

In: Jose Bosingwa (FC Porto)

Possible: David Villa (Valencia), Robinho, Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Roberto Mancini (Out of Work), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Luis Felipe Scolari (Portugal National Team), Kaka (AC Milan), David Bentley (Blackburn), Roy Keane (Sunderland), Joao Moutinho (Sporting Lisbon), Luciano Spalletti (AS Roma), Cesare Prandelli (Fiorentina), Ricardo Quaresma (Porto)

Out: Avram Grant (sacked), Henk Ten Cate (contract terminated)

Departing: Ricardo Carvalho (Real Madrid or Inter Milan), Tal Ben Haim (Feyenoord), Didier Drogba (AC Milan), Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan or Fenerbahce), Steve Sidwell (Aston Villa, Middlesbrough or Sunderland), Florent Malouda , Frank Lampard (Inter Milan), Claudio Pizarro (Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich, Valencia, Villarreal), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Tottenham or Portsmouth), Steve Clarke (Leicester), Michael Essien (Inter Milan), Ben Sahar (Portsmouth), Claude Makelele (PSG), Ashley Cole (Inter Milan), Khalid Boulahrouz (Marseille)

Cuckoo Nest: Mark Hughes (Manchester City)

Everton

In: Steven Pieenar (Borrusia Dortmund)

Possible: Louis Saha (Manchester United), Nikola Zigic (Valencia), Jonas Olsson (NEC Nijmegen), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Edu (Valencia), Dudu (CSKA Moscow), Joaquin Sanchez (Valencia), Michael Kightly (Wolverhampton), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff), Joe Lewis (Peterborough), Stephen Hunt (Reading)

Out: Lee Carsley (Birmingham), Thomas Gravesen (Loan return), Stefan Wessells (Released), Aidan Downes (Yeovil Town)

Departing: Andy Johnson (West Ham)

 

Fulham

In: Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough), David Stockdale (Darlington)

Possible: Steve Finnan (Liverpool), Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa), Bernard Mendy (PSG), Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Gaby Mudingayi (Lazio), Zheng Zhi (Charlton), Jason Roberts (Blackburn), Paul Scharner (Wigan), Daniel Cousin (Rangers), Roland Linz (Sporting Braga), Joe Ledley (Cardiff)

Out: Carlos Bocanegra, Jari Litmanen, Bjorn Runstrom, Simon Elliot, Ian Pearce, Philippe Christanval (all released)

Departing: Danny Murphy, Steven Davis (Rangers), Chris Baird (Southampton), Brian McBride (Columbus Crew or Chicago Fire), Anti Niemi (Fulham), Seol Ki-Hyeon (Wolfsburg), Hameur Bouazza (Osasuna, Espanyol or Wigan)

Hull City

In:

Possible: Frazier Campbell (Manchester United), Ryan Taylor (Wigan), Craig Fagan (Derby), Ivan Campo (free agent), David Nugent (Portsmouth), Bernard Mendy (PSG), Anti Niemi (Fulham), Magnus Troest (FC Midtjylland)

Out:

Departing:

Liverpool

In: Phillip Degen (Borussia Dortmund), Andrea Dossena (Udinese) Sammy lee

Possible: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Bentley (Blackburn), Rafinha (Schalke), Ricardo Queresma ( FC Porto), Albert Riera (Espanyol), Michael Johnson (Manchester City), Steve Harper (Newcastle), Ulrich Rame (Bordeaux), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Liam Fontaine (Bristol City), Marcus Johansson (Hagahojden), Alastair Mackintosh (Manchester City), James Milner (Newcastle), Sulley Ali Muntari (Portsmouth)

Out: Harry Kewell (released)

Departing: Peter Crouch (Portsmouth, Newcastle or Aston Villa), Jon Arne Riise (Newcastle, Aston Villa or AS Roma), Andriy Voroin (Stuttgart), Scott Carson (Aston Villa or West Brom), Jack Hobbs, Sebastian Leto (Espanyol), Xabi Alonso (Juventus), Charles Itandje (Lens, Rennes or Portsmouth), Jermaine Pennant (Blackburn), Steve Finnan (Fulham), Adam Hammill (Aberdeen or Wolverhampton), Rick Parry

Cuckoo Nest: Aaron Ramsey (Manchester United)

Manchester City

In: Mark Hughes (Blackburn)

Possible: Ronaldinho and Giovanni Dos Santos (both Barcelona), Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Jo (CSKA Moscow), Jean Makoun (Lille), Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna), Hidetoshi Nakata (Out of Retirement), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn), David Bentley (Blackburn)

Out: Sven Goran Erikkson (Mexico)

Departing: Georgios Samaras (Celtic, Werder Bremen or Fenerbahce), Paul Dickov, Richard Dunne (Sunderland, Tottenham, Portsmouth or West Ham), Micah Richards (Manchester United), Joe Hart (Tottenham or Aston Villa), Andreas Isaksson (Galatastaray), Rolando Bianchi (Monaco or Wolfsburg), Javier Garrido, Kasper Schmichael (Coventry), Valeri Bojinov, Sun Jihai, Geovanni, Stephen Ireland (Sunderland or Celtic), Michael Johnson (Liverpool or Everton), Ched Evans (Cardiff), Emile Mpenza (Bolton), Alastair Mackintosh (Liverpool)

Cuckoo Nest: Giovanni Dos Santos (Tottenham)

Manchester United

In: Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff)

Possible: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Dimitar Berbartov (Tottenham), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Wilson Palacios, Luis Antonio Valencia (Wigan), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Miguel Veloso, Joao Moutinho (Sporting Lisbon),Karim Benzema (Lyon), Klaus-Jan Huntelaar (Ajax), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn), Thierry Henry (Barcelona)

Out: Gerard Pique (Barcelona)

Departing: Louis Saha (Everton), Mikael Silvestre (Bordeaux), Johnny Evans (Sunderland), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Patrice Evra, Tom Heaton (Cardiff), Frazier Campbell (Hull), Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff), Manucho Goncalves (Deportivo La Coruna)

Cuckoo Nest: Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina)

Middlesbrough

In:

Possible: Steve Sidwell (Chelsea), Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen), Anthony Annan (IF Start), Simon Vukcevic (Sporting Lisbon), Ben Watson (Crystal Palace), James Milner (Newcastle), James Beattie (Sheffield United), Roland Linz (Sporting Braga), Sean Davis (Portsmouth), Nicky Maynard (Crewe Alexandria), Madjid Bougherra (Charlton)

Out: Fabio Rochemback, Gaizka Mendieta, Lee Dong-Gook (All Released), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Jason Kennedy (Darlington)

Departing: Gary O’Neil, Chris Riggott (Stoke), George Boateng (Celtic or Rangers), Adam Johnson (Rangers, QPR and Tottenham), Stewart Downing (Liverpool)

Newcastle United

In:

Possible: Johnny Evans (Manchester United), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Ardan Turan (Galatastaray), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Stephane Sessegnon (Le Mans), Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Armara Diane (PSG), Achilles Emana (Toulouse), Carlos Cuellar (Rangers), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Djibril Cisse (Marseille), Kieran Westwood, Gary Madine (Carlisle), Dean Ashton (West Ham), Pablo Aimar (Real Zaragoza), Roland Linz (Sporting Braga), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Nikola Zigic (Valencia), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona), Didier Digard (PSG), Madjid Bougherra (Charlton)

Out: Peter Ramage (QPR), Emre (Fenerbahce), Joey Barton (Jailed)

Departing: Michael Owen (Manchester United), Obafemi Martins (Arsenal), Steve Harper (Liverpool), Shola Ameobi (Toronto), Charles N’Zogbia (Wigan), James Milner (Middlesbrough, Aston Villa or Liverpool), Steven Taylor (West Ham, Everton, Portsmouth or Aston Villa), Damien Duff (Sunderland), Jose Enrique (Valencia)

Cuckoo Nest: Luka Modric (Tottenham)

Portsmouth

In:

Possible: Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Younes Kaboul (Tottenham), Gael N’Lundulu (PSG), Harry Kewell (Liverpool), John Mensah (Rennes), Emile Heskey (Wigan), Luisao (Benfica), Khaleem Hyland, Sidney Govou (Lyon), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), James McFadden (Birmingham), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Ben Sahar (Chelsea), Marcelo Mattos (Panathinaikos), Zoltan Gera (West Brom), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), Madjid Bougherra (Charlton)

Out:

Departing: David Nugent (Hull), Niko Kranjcar (Arsenal), Sol Campbell (Villarreal), Sean Davis (Middlesbrough), Lassana Diarra (Tottenham)

Stoke City

In:

Possible: Abeslam Quaddou (Valenciennes), Jay Bothroyd (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa) Guiranne N’Daw (Sochaux), Stelios Giannakopoulos (Bolton), Lee McCulloch (Rangers), Daniel Cousin (Rangers), Anthony Gardner (Tottenham), Marton Fulop (Sunderland), Magnus Troest (FC Midtjylland), Jon Walters (Ipswich)

Out: Russell Hoult, Dominic Matteo, Marlon Broomes, Robert Garrett (Released)

Departing: Steve Simonson

Sunderland

In:

Possible: Johnny Evans (Manchester United), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Kevin Doyle, Stephan Hunt (Reading), Richard Dunne, Stephen Ireland (both Manchester City), Michael Tonge (Sheffield United), Damien Duff (Newcastle), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa), Steve Sidwell (Chelsea), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Michael Mifsud (Coventry), James McFadden (Birmingham), Paul Scharner (Wigan)

Out: Andy Cole (Retired), Stanislav Varga, Ian Harte, Stephen Wright (released)

Departing: Graham Kavanagh (Sheffield Wednesday), Michael Chopra (Cardiff), Ross Wallace, Liam Miller, Roy Keane (Chelsea), Marton Fulop (Stoke or PSV), Roy O'Donovan (Dundee United)

Tottenham Hotspur

In: Luka Modric (Dynamo Zagreb), Giovanni Dos Santos (Barcelona)

Possible: Albert Riera and Carlos Kameni (both Espanyol), Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza), Shaun Wright-Phillips, Nicolas Anelka (both Chelsea), Diego Capel (Sevilla), John Bostock (Crystal Palace), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica), Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Heurelho Gomes (PSV), Giovanni Dos Santos, Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona), Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough), David Bentley (Blackburn), Hugo Campagnaro (Sampdoria), Goran Pandev (Lazio), Ruben De la Red (Real Madrid), Alan Mcgregor (Rangers), David Villa (Valencia), Sergio Garcia (Real Zaragoza), Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth)

Out: Radek Cerny (QPR)

Departing: Dimitar Berbartov (Chelsea or Barcelona), Younes Kaboul (Portsmouth), Paul Robinson (Middlesbrough), Lee Young Pyo (PSV), Danny Murphy (Fulham), Hossam Ghaly (Blackburn, Derby or Feyenoord), Aaron Lennon (Blackburn), Anthony Gardner (QPR, Stoke or Rangers), Chris Gunter (Wolverhampton), Michael Dawson (Bolton, Newcastle or Aston Villa)

Cuckoo Nest: Jaime Moreno (Shaktar)

West Bromich Albion

In: Roman Bednar (Hearts), Kim Do-Heon (Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma), Luke Moore (Aston Villa)

Possible: Radoslaw Majewski (Groclin), Marc Antoine-Fortune (Nancy), Ibrahim Sonko (Reading), Kevin McDonald (Dundee), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Graham Dorrans (Motherwell), Kevin Thompson (Rangers)

Out: Curtis Davies (Aston Villa), Kevin Phillips (Leeds, Stoke or QPR)

Departing: Zoltan Gera (Benfica, Bolton, Celtic or Portsmouth), Jonathon Greening (Rangers), Kevin Phillips (Leeds, Stoke or QPR)

West Ham United

In:

Possible: Nicky Shorey (Reading), Steven Carr (Newcastle), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Andy Johnson (Everton), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), Djibril Cisse (Marseille), Michael Kightly (Wolverhampton), Giles Barnes (Derby), Roland Linz (Sporting Braga), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona)

Out:

Departing: Anton Ferdinand (Tottenham), Dean Ashton (Tottenham or Newcastle), Bobby Zamora (QPR)

Cuckoo Nest: Davide Lanzafame (Palermo)

Wigan Athletic

In:

Possible: Hassan Yebda (Le Mans), Socratis Papastathopoulos (AEK Athens), Charles N’Zogbia (Newcastle), Olivier Kapo (Birmingham), Ross McCormack (Motherwell), Amr Zaki (Zamalek), Carlo Costly (GKS Beltchatow), Hameur Bouazza (Fulham), Madjid Bougherra (Charlton)

Out: Salomon Olembe (Kayserispor), Josip Skoko (Released) Julius Aghahowa (Kayserispor)

Departing: Ryan Taylor (Hull), Henri Camera (Marseille), Wilson Palacios, Luis Antonio Valencia (Manchester United), Paul Scharner (Fulham or Sunderland)

Atletico Madrid are looking at signing Barcelona’s Mexico captain Rafael Marquez, so the defensive player can join compatriot Javier Aguire and fellow defensive recruitments Johny Heitinga and Thomas Ujfalusi. (Sky Sports News)

The Spanish club have also abandoned plans to sign a host of players, such as Porto’s Lucho Gonzalez, Hamburg’s Rafael Van Der Vaart, Werder Bremen’s Diego and Juventus’ Thiago. This is because the players’ signings would disrupt the wage structure at the Vicente Calderon. (Sky Sports News)

Bristol City have had a bid for Nottingham Forrest striker Nathan Tyson turned down. The offer was believed to be around three quarters of a million. The former Reading player has one year remaining on his current deal, but he has been offered a two-year extension. Forest have also completed the signing of Wales striker Robert Earnshaw from Derby County for two and a half million. (Sky Sports News)

Tottenham are set to sign Crystal Palace’s 16-year-old first team player John Bostock subject to a tribunal agreeing a fee for the England youth International. (The Times)

Finland striker Mikael Forssell has left Birmingham and signed for German Bundesliga side Hannover 96 on a free transfer. (The Times)

Wolves and old firm duo Rangers and Celtic are battling it out for the four million pound signing of Burnley’s Northern Ireland International Kyle Lafferty after the player announced his intention to leave Turf Moor this summer.  

Derby County have completed a double raid on championship rivals Watford, by signing striker Nathan Ellington for one million and full back Jordan Stewart on a free transfer. (Sky Sports News)

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will get a four million pound pay raise to his current contract to stop interest in the Spain International from Chelsea. (The Sun)

Everton will bid eight million for Manchester City’s England International Michael Johnson this summer. (The Sun)

Wolsburg and Monaco are keen to take Manchester City’s Italian striker Rolando Bianchi away from Eastlands this summer. (The Sun)

Another striker on the brink of leaving Eastlands is Belgium International Emile Mpenza, who is being chased by Bolton, Leicester, Reading and Ipswich. (The Sun)

West Ham could be on the verge of signing Reading’s England left back Nicky Shorey, after five million was quoted by the royals. (The Times)

Sunderland hope to pip rivals Portsmouth and Aston Villa to the signing of Reading’s Ireland winger Stephen Hunt for five million pounds.  This is despite fact that the former Brentford is currently on his honeymoon, and negotiations not expected to be completed until mid-June. (The Times)

West Ham are willing to listen to offers of around five million for centre half Anton Ferdinand. Tottenham are rumoured to be readying a bid. (Daily Mirror)

Crystal Palace will make a third bid for Sheffield United striker Danny Webber, after having two bids for the former Manchester United and Watford striker turned down in January. (Daily Mirror)

Former Scotland cap Kevin Kyle could be set to sign for Southend United to try to resurrect his fledging career. (Daily Mirror)

The old firm are both interested in Middlesbrough’s captain and Dutch International George Boateng. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa and Tottenham will go head to head with eight million pound bids for Manchester City’s England keeper Joe Hart. (Daily Star)

Juventus have signed Brazilian striker Amauri from Palermo for around 18 million, with Italian midfielder Antonio Nocerino going the other way. (The Guardian)

Wigan will sign Zamalek attacking midfielder Amr Zaki on loan if the Egyptian club can find a replacement. (The Guardian)

Southampton will try and resign Chris Baird from Fulham. The Northern Ireland right back would be available for a knock down price. (The Guardian)

Barcelona may seek out Inter Milan with a trade; The Catalans want to exchange their player Samuel Eto’o for Inter striker Zlatan Ibramovich in a straight swap. (Various)

Although apparently Barcelona are lining up a move for Thierry Henry’s International strike partner David Trezequet from Juventus. (L’Equipe)

Rangers want to sign Juventus’ Italian winger Raffaele Palladino for five million. (Daily Star)

Manchester United will allow reserve keeper Tom Heaton to join Cardiff City on loan in the hope of stealing a march on their rivals in the race to sign teenage prospect Aaron Ramsey. (Daily Mail)

Espanyol have turned down a 9.5 million pound bid from Liverpool for their former Manchester City and Spain winger Albert Riera. (Various)

Werder Bremen, Villarreal, Valencia and Bayern Munich are all interested in signing out-of-favour Peru striker Claudio Pizarro from Chelsea. (Bild)

Tottenham could sign both Giovanni Dos Santos and Richard Dunne in a 17 million pound deal, five million for Dunne and 12 million pounds for Dos Santos. (Various)