http://www.caughtoffside.com English Premier League Football News Blog Thu, 23 May 2013 22:54:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/liverpool-set-to-complete-5m-deal-to-sign-la-liga-bargain-buy/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/liverpool-set-to-complete-5m-deal-to-sign-la-liga-bargain-buy/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 18:55:13 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=146077 Liverpool plotting move for Spanish striker.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Liverpool are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to raid relegation-threatened La Liga side Celta Vigo for their star striker Iago Aspas, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 25-year-old has impressed in the Spanish top flight this season, despite newly-promoted Celta's relegation worries. After scoring 23 goals in the Segunda Division last year to fire his side to promotion, he has scored 11 times this season.

Reading had a bid rejected for Aspas in January, and Chelsea have also shown an interest in this up-and-coming talent, as clubs are on the lookout for the next Michu this summer.

The little-known striker arrived at Swansea for just £2million from Rayo Vallecano this summer and has proved a hit in the Premier League, and Liverpool now think Aspas could emulate his compatriot's success.

Celta are currently bottom of La Liga, four points from safety with two games remaining, and if they go down Aspas would be available for around £5million, which should attract an offer from Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of strikers this summer, such as Christian Benteke of Aston Villa and Porto's Jackson Martinez, as they look to take the pressure off star player Luis Suarez to be their main goal scorer.


]]> Liverpool plotting move for Spanish striker.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Liverpool are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to raid relegation-threatened La Liga side Celta Vigo for their star striker Iago Aspas, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 25-year-old has impressed in the Spanish top flight this season, despite newly-promoted Celta's relegation worries. After scoring 23 goals in the Segunda Division last year to fire his side to promotion, he has scored 11 times this season.

Reading had a bid rejected for Aspas in January, and Chelsea have also shown an interest in this up-and-coming talent, as clubs are on the lookout for the next Michu this summer.

The little-known striker arrived at Swansea for just £2million from Rayo Vallecano this summer and has proved a hit in the Premier League, and Liverpool now think Aspas could emulate his compatriot's success.

Celta are currently bottom of La Liga, four points from safety with two games remaining, and if they go down Aspas would be available for around £5million, which should attract an offer from Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of strikers this summer, such as Christian Benteke of Aston Villa and Porto's Jackson Martinez, as they look to take the pressure off star player Luis Suarez to be their main goal scorer.


]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/liverpool-set-to-complete-5m-deal-to-sign-la-liga-bargain-buy/feed/ 0 Mark BrusThu, 23 May 13 19:55:13 +0000Liverpool plotting move for Spanish striker. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/top-ten-premier-league-wingers-in-201213/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/top-ten-premier-league-wingers-in-201213/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 13:32:27 +0000 Mad Dog and Glory http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145769 It's end of season poll time.



We invite our readers to vote in a poll that will help us to produce a Premier League Best XI of 2012/13.

Today is the turn of the wingers.



Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

May well end up winning this poll by a country mile, such has been his level of form throughout the campaign. 21 Premier League goals to his name.



Adam Lallana (Southampton)

Saints hero has adapted well to life in the top tier, one of the St Mary's sides chief creators.



Kevin Mirallas (Everton)

Stylish Belgian has done well in his first season in the English top flight, nine goals and six assists to his name.



Steven Pienaar (Everton)

South African has impressed this term, working well in front of Leighton Baines on the flank.



Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Belgian, who also got a nod in our creative midfielder category, is also worth a mention on our winger poll, 20 assists in all competitions!





David Silva (Man City)

Perhaps a less glorious individual campaign than last term but the crafty Spaniard is still one of the Premier League's most effective attackers.



Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)

Perhaps Bale's displays have left the England man in the shadows somewhat but the pint sized performer has nonetheless impressed this term.



Robert Snodgrass (Norwich City)

Canaries are no doubt indebted to the efforts of the Scottish international.



Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Arsenal man may like to be considered for the striking role at the Gunners but out wide he has had a very effective campaign, 14 goals and 10 assists in Premier League action alone.



Shaun Maloney (Wigan Athletic)

The Latics may have been relegated by Maloney has still been a very productive player this season.

]]> It's end of season poll time.



We invite our readers to vote in a poll that will help us to produce a Premier League Best XI of 2012/13.

Today is the turn of the wingers.



Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

May well end up winning this poll by a country mile, such has been his level of form throughout the campaign. 21 Premier League goals to his name.



Adam Lallana (Southampton)

Saints hero has adapted well to life in the top tier, one of the St Mary's sides chief creators.



Kevin Mirallas (Everton)

Stylish Belgian has done well in his first season in the English top flight, nine goals and six assists to his name.



Steven Pienaar (Everton)

South African has impressed this term, working well in front of Leighton Baines on the flank.



Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Belgian, who also got a nod in our creative midfielder category, is also worth a mention on our winger poll, 20 assists in all competitions!





David Silva (Man City)

Perhaps a less glorious individual campaign than last term but the crafty Spaniard is still one of the Premier League's most effective attackers.



Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)

Perhaps Bale's displays have left the England man in the shadows somewhat but the pint sized performer has nonetheless impressed this term.



Robert Snodgrass (Norwich City)

Canaries are no doubt indebted to the efforts of the Scottish international.



Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Arsenal man may like to be considered for the striking role at the Gunners but out wide he has had a very effective campaign, 14 goals and 10 assists in Premier League action alone.



Shaun Maloney (Wigan Athletic)

The Latics may have been relegated by Maloney has still been a very productive player this season.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/top-ten-premier-league-wingers-in-201213/feed/ 0 Mad Dog and GloryThu, 23 May 13 14:32:27 +0000It's end of season poll time. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/top-ten-premier-league-central-holding-or-defensive-midfielders-in-201213/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/top-ten-premier-league-central-holding-or-defensive-midfielders-in-201213/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 15:58:30 +0000 Mad Dog and Glory http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145767 It's end of season poll time.



We will invite our readers to vote in a poll that will help us to produce a Premier League Best XI of 2012/13.

Today is the turn of the central, holding or defensive midfielders.



Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)

French midfielder has been excellent in his first season in the top flight, a real St Mary's cult hero proving that as well as helping the Saints in League One and the Championship the 23 year old can more than cut it in the Premier League.



Michael Carrick (Man United)

England veteran has been virtually flawless this season, barely putting a foot wrong and being the first name on Sir Alex Ferguson's team-sheet.



Scott Parker (Tottenham)

Battling White Hart Lane enforcer has had a solid season at the heart of the Spurs midfield.



James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic)

Youngster has still impressed despite the Latics failing to avoid the drop.



Claudio Yacob (West Brom)

Argentine was especially effective in the first half of the season and has gone on to complete a superb first term in English football.





Darron Gibson (Everton)

Toffees midfielder has proved himself adept at breaking down opposition advances and more than capable of pushing Everton forwards to boot.



Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)

Spaniard has been used in an unfamiliar holding role this term to make up for the loss of Alex Song and Arteta hasn't been found wanting.



Mohamed Diame (West Ham)

Hammers midfielder was excellent in the early months of the season, sparking talk of a January exit, has shown a return to form in recent weeks to help West Ham secure a top ten finish.



Sandro (Tottenham)

Brazilian has had been out injured since late January but his displays up to that point certainly warrant a spot on this list.



Ramires (Chelsea)

Adaptable Blues midfield has a terrific engine and is equally able to thwart opposition attacks as well as mount his own.

]]> It's end of season poll time.



We will invite our readers to vote in a poll that will help us to produce a Premier League Best XI of 2012/13.

Today is the turn of the central, holding or defensive midfielders.



Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)

French midfielder has been excellent in his first season in the top flight, a real St Mary's cult hero proving that as well as helping the Saints in League One and the Championship the 23 year old can more than cut it in the Premier League.



Michael Carrick (Man United)

England veteran has been virtually flawless this season, barely putting a foot wrong and being the first name on Sir Alex Ferguson's team-sheet.



Scott Parker (Tottenham)

Battling White Hart Lane enforcer has had a solid season at the heart of the Spurs midfield.



James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic)

Youngster has still impressed despite the Latics failing to avoid the drop.



Claudio Yacob (West Brom)

Argentine was especially effective in the first half of the season and has gone on to complete a superb first term in English football.





Darron Gibson (Everton)

Toffees midfielder has proved himself adept at breaking down opposition advances and more than capable of pushing Everton forwards to boot.



Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)

Spaniard has been used in an unfamiliar holding role this term to make up for the loss of Alex Song and Arteta hasn't been found wanting.



Mohamed Diame (West Ham)

Hammers midfielder was excellent in the early months of the season, sparking talk of a January exit, has shown a return to form in recent weeks to help West Ham secure a top ten finish.



Sandro (Tottenham)

Brazilian has had been out injured since late January but his displays up to that point certainly warrant a spot on this list.



Ramires (Chelsea)

Adaptable Blues midfield has a terrific engine and is equally able to thwart opposition attacks as well as mount his own.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/top-ten-premier-league-central-holding-or-defensive-midfielders-in-201213/feed/ 0 Mad Dog and GloryTue, 21 May 13 16:58:30 +0000It's end of season poll time. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/pogrebnyak-could-active-reading-release-clause/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/pogrebnyak-could-active-reading-release-clause/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 21:54:29 +0000 Steven Green http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145757 Club confirm Russian striker could still leave.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Relegated Premier League side Reading have confirmed that Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak could leave the club this summer after admitting that he has a relegation release clause installed in his contract, Sky Sports reports.

The 29-year-old hasn't had the impact that most had hoped for this season after managing just eight goals in 24 appearances as the club sank back down to the Championship at the first time of asking.

The Russian international joined the club last summer from Bundesliga side Stuttgart after impressing at Fulham whilst on loan there at the tail end of last season but Reading chairman Anton Zingarevich has confirmed that he may still leave following news of a relegation release clause being installed in his current deal.

"There's a clause in his contract which allows him to leave Reading if the club was relegated," Zingarevich told Russian newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta.

"Regarding his five goals, Pogrebnyak can be blamed the least. Yes, he couldn't score some chances but the team couldn't create a single chance for him during some games."

"Pavel is considered to be a dependent and a strong striker in England."

Pogrebnyak signed a four year deal last summer but the club are hoping to offload a number of their high earners ahead of the campaign in the second tier.

]]> Club confirm Russian striker could still leave.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Relegated Premier League side Reading have confirmed that Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak could leave the club this summer after admitting that he has a relegation release clause installed in his contract, Sky Sports reports.

The 29-year-old hasn't had the impact that most had hoped for this season after managing just eight goals in 24 appearances as the club sank back down to the Championship at the first time of asking.

The Russian international joined the club last summer from Bundesliga side Stuttgart after impressing at Fulham whilst on loan there at the tail end of last season but Reading chairman Anton Zingarevich has confirmed that he may still leave following news of a relegation release clause being installed in his current deal.

"There's a clause in his contract which allows him to leave Reading if the club was relegated," Zingarevich told Russian newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta.

"Regarding his five goals, Pogrebnyak can be blamed the least. Yes, he couldn't score some chances but the team couldn't create a single chance for him during some games."

"Pavel is considered to be a dependent and a strong striker in England."

Pogrebnyak signed a four year deal last summer but the club are hoping to offload a number of their high earners ahead of the campaign in the second tier.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/pogrebnyak-could-active-reading-release-clause/feed/ 0 Steven GreenMon, 20 May 13 22:54:29 +0000Club confirm Russian striker could still leave. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/manchester-city-midfielder-jack-rodwell-receives-england-call-up/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/manchester-city-midfielder-jack-rodwell-receives-england-call-up/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 17:37:19 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145820 Injury-prone midfielder earns England call-up.

Check in to England vs Republic of Ireland

Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell has been called up by Roy Hodgson for his latest England squad, Sky Sports have reported.

The 22-year-old has represented his country twice before at senior level, and is widely regarded as something of a wasted talent in the Premier League due to his repeated problems with injuries.

The former Everton man has hardly featured for Manchester City this season, after joining the club for £12million last summer, but finished the season on a high note with two fine goals in his side's 3-2 defeat against Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium.

He will now hope to feature in England's friendly games against Brazil and the Republic of Ireland and joins Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy as a somewhat surprise call-up.

The England squad in full is as follows:


Goalkeepers: Ben Foster, Joe Hart, Alex McCarthy.

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Jack Rodwell.

Forwards: Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck.

]]> Injury-prone midfielder earns England call-up.

Check in to England vs Republic of Ireland

Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell has been called up by Roy Hodgson for his latest England squad, Sky Sports have reported.

The 22-year-old has represented his country twice before at senior level, and is widely regarded as something of a wasted talent in the Premier League due to his repeated problems with injuries.

The former Everton man has hardly featured for Manchester City this season, after joining the club for £12million last summer, but finished the season on a high note with two fine goals in his side's 3-2 defeat against Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium.

He will now hope to feature in England's friendly games against Brazil and the Republic of Ireland and joins Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy as a somewhat surprise call-up.

The England squad in full is as follows:


Goalkeepers: Ben Foster, Joe Hart, Alex McCarthy.

Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Jack Rodwell.

Forwards: Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/manchester-city-midfielder-jack-rodwell-receives-england-call-up/feed/ 0 Mark BrusMon, 20 May 13 18:37:19 +0000Injury-prone midfielder earns England call-up. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/top-ten-premier-league-creative-attacking-midfielders-in-201213/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/top-ten-premier-league-creative-attacking-midfielders-in-201213/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 14:05:58 +0000 Mad Dog and Glory http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145799 It's end of season poll time.



Each week we will invite our readers to vote in a poll that will help us to produce a Premier League Best XI of 2012/13.

Today is the turn of the creative and attacking midfielders.



Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Veteran midfielder has had one of his best seasons ever, one of the Premier League's top assist makers and has also netted nine goals.



Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Belgian started the season like a train and has been a hugely entertaining player to watch and has more than proved himself worthy of the big sum Chelsea forked out.



Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

Spaniard has scored and create chances with alarming regularity throughout the campaign.



Coutinho (Liverpool)

Only arrived in January but the Brazilian earns a spot in this list thanks to a series of inventive displays.



Moussa Dembele (Tottenham)

Powerful midfielder has been a real driving force in the White Hart Lane midfield this term.





Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Pint sized Spaniard is the Premier League's leading assist maker and has also found the net a dozen times himself.



Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

Big Belgian has had his most effective Toffees season to date, will it be his last at Goodison Park?



Oscar (Chelsea)

Creative Brazilian has been pulling the strings in the Blues midfield, always available to make a killer pass.



Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Veteran has been particularly effective in the second half of the campaign. 15 goals from 21 Premier League starts.



Yaya Toure (Man City)

Ivorian has been one of the few consistent performers at the Etihad Stadium this term.

]]> It's end of season poll time.



Each week we will invite our readers to vote in a poll that will help us to produce a Premier League Best XI of 2012/13.

Today is the turn of the creative and attacking midfielders.



Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Veteran midfielder has had one of his best seasons ever, one of the Premier League's top assist makers and has also netted nine goals.



Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Belgian started the season like a train and has been a hugely entertaining player to watch and has more than proved himself worthy of the big sum Chelsea forked out.



Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

Spaniard has scored and create chances with alarming regularity throughout the campaign.



Coutinho (Liverpool)

Only arrived in January but the Brazilian earns a spot in this list thanks to a series of inventive displays.



Moussa Dembele (Tottenham)

Powerful midfielder has been a real driving force in the White Hart Lane midfield this term.





Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Pint sized Spaniard is the Premier League's leading assist maker and has also found the net a dozen times himself.



Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

Big Belgian has had his most effective Toffees season to date, will it be his last at Goodison Park?



Oscar (Chelsea)

Creative Brazilian has been pulling the strings in the Blues midfield, always available to make a killer pass.



Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Veteran has been particularly effective in the second half of the campaign. 15 goals from 21 Premier League starts.



Yaya Toure (Man City)

Ivorian has been one of the few consistent performers at the Etihad Stadium this term.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/top-ten-premier-league-creative-attacking-midfielders-in-201213/feed/ 0 Mad Dog and GloryMon, 20 May 13 15:05:58 +0000It's end of season poll time. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/19/video-west-ham-4-2-reading-premier-league-highlights/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/19/video-west-ham-4-2-reading-premier-league-highlights/#comments Sun, 19 May 2013 20:18:30 +0000 Mad Dog and Glory http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145717 Kevin Nolan netted a hat-trick as West Ham eased past Reading to secure a top ten finish.



Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

]]> Kevin Nolan netted a hat-trick as West Ham eased past Reading to secure a top ten finish.



Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/19/video-west-ham-4-2-reading-premier-league-highlights/feed/ 0 Mad Dog and GlorySun, 19 May 13 21:18:30 +0000Kevin Nolan netted a hat-trick as West Ham eased past Reading to secure a top ten finish. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/19/west-ham-vs-reading-preview-premier-league-live-streaming-team-news-predicted-line-ups-match-facts-and-more/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/19/west-ham-vs-reading-preview-premier-league-live-streaming-team-news-predicted-line-ups-match-facts-and-more/#comments Sun, 19 May 2013 08:15:51 +0000 Mr Neutral http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145637 Relegated Reading take on the Hammers at Upton Park.



Check in to West Ham United vs Reading

Live Stream

Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV

Preview

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce sent out a warning to the club's fans not to expect too much next season after the Londoners' successful campaign this time around.

A victory against already-relegated Reading on Sunday would ensure a top 10 finish for the Premier League new boys but Allardyce says that doesn't mean they will suddenly be pushing for European qualification in 12 months time.

"It's more consolidation," he said when asked about next season's ambitions.

"For me, in our first season, this is like finishing in the Champions League places. To finish 10th in your first year, it's like Everton getting in the Champions League. I think that's the size of it. It's not an easy task to do.

"Next year becomes difficult because the West Ham fans and everyone at the football club will expect us to get better than 10th and I am saying that's going to be a difficult challenge.

"I am saying now that 10th is the target again, before we get into a new season thinking we should be finishing closer to Europe. If we do, it depends on how big the buys are this summer.

"I think the financial restrictions and the new restrictions on the finances will make it difficult to do that, so to finish in that particular area would be fantastic for us and it brings stability to the club.

"That's what this club needs - it needs a long spell in the Premier League to bring stability and then look to go on from there in years three, four or five.

"Then we can look for cup finals and for a European place.

"As frustrated as fans might get, that's what you've got to do as a manager because it's then sustainable and sustainable success is what we're all about."

Venue Upton Park, Sunday 4pm

Tickets Here

Last season n/a

Referee Mike Dean

This season's matches 27 Y100, R3, 3.81 cards per game



West Ham

Subs from Henderson, Spiegel, Tomkins, C Cole, Maïga, Vaz Tê, Taylor, Noble, Pogatetz, J Cole, Spence, Chamakh, Wellington, Potts, Hall, Lee, Moncur

Doubtful Tomkins (calf)

Injured McCartney (knee, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide LDLWDD

Disciplinary record Y72 R1

Leading scorers Carroll, Nolan 7

Reading

Subs from Andersen, Federici, Taylor, Gunter, Pearce, Leigertwood, Le Fondre, Hunt, Harte, Cummings, Akpan, Blackman

Doubtful Federici (ankle)

Injured Kébé (groin, Aug), Roberts (hip)

Suspended LWDLDL

Form guide 44

Disciplinary record Y44 R1

Leading scorer Le Fondre 11

STAT-ATTACK

Head-to-head

West Ham have won just one of their previous five Premier League meetings with Reading (D1 L3).

The last time West Ham beat Reading at home was in the Championship, a 1-0 victory in August 2004.

Should Reading win this match, they'll have secured more wins against West Ham in the Premier League than against any other side (four, currently three).

West Ham

The Hammers have managed just two goals in their last five Premier League games.

But they have lost just one of their last eight Premier League home games (W4, D3, L1).

Goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen has faced more shots on target (211) and has made more saves (162) than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this term.

No side has conceded a lower proportion of their goals from set-pieces than West Ham United this season in the Premier League (15.7%).

Reading

No side has fewer clean sheets this season than Reading (5).

The Royals have won fewer points away from home than any other side in the Premier League this season (8).

They have scored a league-high proportion of 39% of their goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season.

Jobi McAnuff has attempted 39 shots (incl. blocked) without scoring in the Premier League this season; more than any other player.

Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has been forced into a save every 17 minutes on average in the Premier League this season; more often than any other goalkeeper.

]]> Relegated Reading take on the Hammers at Upton Park.



Check in to West Ham United vs Reading

Live Stream

Check out today's live schedule and watch Premier League live streaming with Now TV

Preview

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce sent out a warning to the club's fans not to expect too much next season after the Londoners' successful campaign this time around.

A victory against already-relegated Reading on Sunday would ensure a top 10 finish for the Premier League new boys but Allardyce says that doesn't mean they will suddenly be pushing for European qualification in 12 months time.

"It's more consolidation," he said when asked about next season's ambitions.

"For me, in our first season, this is like finishing in the Champions League places. To finish 10th in your first year, it's like Everton getting in the Champions League. I think that's the size of it. It's not an easy task to do.

"Next year becomes difficult because the West Ham fans and everyone at the football club will expect us to get better than 10th and I am saying that's going to be a difficult challenge.

"I am saying now that 10th is the target again, before we get into a new season thinking we should be finishing closer to Europe. If we do, it depends on how big the buys are this summer.

"I think the financial restrictions and the new restrictions on the finances will make it difficult to do that, so to finish in that particular area would be fantastic for us and it brings stability to the club.

"That's what this club needs - it needs a long spell in the Premier League to bring stability and then look to go on from there in years three, four or five.

"Then we can look for cup finals and for a European place.

"As frustrated as fans might get, that's what you've got to do as a manager because it's then sustainable and sustainable success is what we're all about."

Venue Upton Park, Sunday 4pm

Tickets Here

Last season n/a

Referee Mike Dean

This season's matches 27 Y100, R3, 3.81 cards per game



West Ham

Subs from Henderson, Spiegel, Tomkins, C Cole, Maïga, Vaz Tê, Taylor, Noble, Pogatetz, J Cole, Spence, Chamakh, Wellington, Potts, Hall, Lee, Moncur

Doubtful Tomkins (calf)

Injured McCartney (knee, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide LDLWDD

Disciplinary record Y72 R1

Leading scorers Carroll, Nolan 7

Reading

Subs from Andersen, Federici, Taylor, Gunter, Pearce, Leigertwood, Le Fondre, Hunt, Harte, Cummings, Akpan, Blackman

Doubtful Federici (ankle)

Injured Kébé (groin, Aug), Roberts (hip)

Suspended LWDLDL

Form guide 44

Disciplinary record Y44 R1

Leading scorer Le Fondre 11

STAT-ATTACK

Head-to-head

West Ham have won just one of their previous five Premier League meetings with Reading (D1 L3).

The last time West Ham beat Reading at home was in the Championship, a 1-0 victory in August 2004.

Should Reading win this match, they'll have secured more wins against West Ham in the Premier League than against any other side (four, currently three).

West Ham

The Hammers have managed just two goals in their last five Premier League games.

But they have lost just one of their last eight Premier League home games (W4, D3, L1).

Goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen has faced more shots on target (211) and has made more saves (162) than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this term.

No side has conceded a lower proportion of their goals from set-pieces than West Ham United this season in the Premier League (15.7%).

Reading

No side has fewer clean sheets this season than Reading (5).

The Royals have won fewer points away from home than any other side in the Premier League this season (8).

They have scored a league-high proportion of 39% of their goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season.

Jobi McAnuff has attempted 39 shots (incl. blocked) without scoring in the Premier League this season; more than any other player.

Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has been forced into a save every 17 minutes on average in the Premier League this season; more often than any other goalkeeper.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/19/west-ham-vs-reading-preview-premier-league-live-streaming-team-news-predicted-line-ups-match-facts-and-more/feed/ 0 Mr NeutralSun, 19 May 13 09:15:51 +0000Relegated Reading take on the Hammers at Upton Park. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/18/transfer-rumour-gossip-mourinho-wants-ronaldo-at-chelsea-arsenal-close-in-on-brazilian-torres-linked-with-serie-a-move/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/18/transfer-rumour-gossip-mourinho-wants-ronaldo-at-chelsea-arsenal-close-in-on-brazilian-torres-linked-with-serie-a-move/#comments Sat, 18 May 2013 11:21:45 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145558 A round-up of Saturday's biggest transfer stories.

Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal

Jose Mourinho will make a controversial move to bring Manchester United target Cristiano Ronaldo with him if he rejoins Chelsea from Real Madrid this summer.

Full story: Daily Mail.

Arsenal are favourites to sign Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar when he leaves relegated Queens Park Rangers this summer.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is a priority signing for Barcelona this summer as a replacement for the departing Victor Valdes.

Full story: Daily Mirror.



Fiorentina are preparing for life without Arsenal-bound Stevan Jovetic and are lining up moves for either Fernando Torres or Edin Dzeko.

Full story: talkSPORT.

Manchester City target Jesus Navas says he is open to a move away from Sevilla this summer.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Rio Ferdinand is expected to put pen to paper on an extension to his contract with Manchester United.

Full story: Sky Sports.

Andreas Weimann is likely to stay in the Premier League next season after leaving Aston Villa, with Liverpool looking like his most likely destination.

Full story: The Metro.

The agent of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has dismissed speculation that his client could leave the club, despite links to Arsenal and Napoli.

Full story: Sky Sports.



Aston Villa will aim to fight off interest from West Ham in Brad Guzan by offering the goalkeeper a new contract and pay rise.

Full story: Daily Star.

Reading manager Nigel Adkins says the club are determined to hold on to highly-rated goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, despite his England call-up.

Full story: Daily Star.

Incoming Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has warned that he will bring strict discipline to the team if he joins from Malaga.

Full story: The Sun.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas wants the club to appoint a technical director to help them in the transfer market.

Full story: The Guardian.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes his job at the club is now safe after helping the team avoid relegation this season.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says this is the worst season of his life after his side lost to rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey final.

Full story: Sky Sports.

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs says he still has no plans of retiring, even as he approaches his 40th year.

Full story: The Telegraph.



Retiring Jamie Carragher says there's no chance of him taking a penalty this weekend in his final game for Liverpool!

Full story: The Telegraph.

]]> A round-up of Saturday's biggest transfer stories.

Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal

Jose Mourinho will make a controversial move to bring Manchester United target Cristiano Ronaldo with him if he rejoins Chelsea from Real Madrid this summer.

Full story: Daily Mail.

Arsenal are favourites to sign Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar when he leaves relegated Queens Park Rangers this summer.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is a priority signing for Barcelona this summer as a replacement for the departing Victor Valdes.

Full story: Daily Mirror.



Fiorentina are preparing for life without Arsenal-bound Stevan Jovetic and are lining up moves for either Fernando Torres or Edin Dzeko.

Full story: talkSPORT.

Manchester City target Jesus Navas says he is open to a move away from Sevilla this summer.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Rio Ferdinand is expected to put pen to paper on an extension to his contract with Manchester United.

Full story: Sky Sports.

Andreas Weimann is likely to stay in the Premier League next season after leaving Aston Villa, with Liverpool looking like his most likely destination.

Full story: The Metro.

The agent of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has dismissed speculation that his client could leave the club, despite links to Arsenal and Napoli.

Full story: Sky Sports.



Aston Villa will aim to fight off interest from West Ham in Brad Guzan by offering the goalkeeper a new contract and pay rise.

Full story: Daily Star.

Reading manager Nigel Adkins says the club are determined to hold on to highly-rated goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, despite his England call-up.

Full story: Daily Star.

Incoming Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has warned that he will bring strict discipline to the team if he joins from Malaga.

Full story: The Sun.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas wants the club to appoint a technical director to help them in the transfer market.

Full story: The Guardian.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes his job at the club is now safe after helping the team avoid relegation this season.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says this is the worst season of his life after his side lost to rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey final.

Full story: Sky Sports.

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs says he still has no plans of retiring, even as he approaches his 40th year.

Full story: The Telegraph.



Retiring Jamie Carragher says there's no chance of him taking a penalty this weekend in his final game for Liverpool!

Full story: The Telegraph.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/18/transfer-rumour-gossip-mourinho-wants-ronaldo-at-chelsea-arsenal-close-in-on-brazilian-torres-linked-with-serie-a-move/feed/ 0 Mark BrusSat, 18 May 13 12:21:45 +0000A round-up of Saturday's biggest transfer stories. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/18/club-by-club-summer-transfer-window-guide-whos-in-whos-out/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/18/club-by-club-summer-transfer-window-guide-whos-in-whos-out/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 23:38:44 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145510 A club by club summer transfer window guide.

Check in to Newcastle United vs Arsenal



Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger needs to get it right in the transfer window this summer, after eight years without silverware. Deadwood players such as Andrey Arshavin, Andre Santos, Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci should finally be shown the door and the likes of Gervinho and Emmanuel Frimpong may also follow, as they don't currently look like first-team quality. A new goalkeeper could arrive to replace the off-form Wojciech Szczesny, though it remains to be seen if the Pole will stick around as backup to Simon Mignolet, Asmir Begovic, Michel Vorm or whoever the Gunners decide to bring in. Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic is being strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, as Wenger looks to strengthen a strike force still missing Robin van Persie. West Ham's Mohamed Diame was a target in January and may be so again as the defensive midfield void left by Alex Song remains to be filled.

The likes of Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny are key players being linked with moves away, to PSG and Bayern Munich respectively, but Arsenal won't want to endure yet another summer of losing important members of their squad, though Swansea's Ashley Williams and Valencia's Adil Rami could come in to shore up the team's defence. Promising youngster Joel Campbell is also set to return after a loan spell at Real Betis, and could be involved in the first team more next season.



Aston Villa

After a difficult season of fighting relegation, Paul Lambert faces the very real prospect of losing a couple of star players in Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann. The in-form strike duo have helped Lambert's side survive in the Premier League and may feel they want to move on to bigger things now.

Benteke is very much in demand, being linked with Arsenal, Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, while Weimann is supposedly a target for Liverpool. After a frustrating season spent on the bench, Darren Bent is likely to be moved on, with Fulham monitoring the 29-year-old's situation. Another player who could leave is goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who is being eyed up by West Ham. Villa owner Randy Lerner is reportedly set to give his manager a lot of money to spend this summer to improve the club's fortunes, and Manchester City flop Scott Sinclair is said to be one of the club's main targets. Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini could also join on a free transfer, with his contract at AC Milan set to expire at the end of the season, though they will compete with Southampton for his signature.



Cardiff City

After winning promotion to the top flight as champions of the Championship, Cardiff are expected to spend big to make sure they can survive in the Premier League. They may have a fight to start off with to keep hold of their manager Malkay Mackay, who is being linked with the Everton job, but backed by their wealthy Malaysian owners, the club have been linked with a number of big names already.

Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, now of Ligue 1 side Lille, is said to be a target, as is Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who started his career with the Welsh club. With Aston Villa likely to sell Darren Bent, his name has also been mentioned as a realistic option. They may also pounce for Welsh winger Hal Robson-Kanu from relegated Reading.



Chelsea

There is bound to be a summer of change ahead at Stamford Bridge, with changes in both the management and the playing staff. Firstly, Chelsea legend Jose Mourinho is expected to return to the club as manager to replace Rafael Benitez, after making it clear he wants to leave current club Real Madrid. The Portuguese tactician is expected to be given a massive £100million from owner Roman Abramovich to spend on building a title-winning team. The obvious problems are upfront, as Fernando Torres has failed to live up to expectations since signing from Liverpool and may finally be sold.

Demba Ba has also been slightly unconvincing since his move from Newcastle in January, so it's no surprise to see the likes of Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani being linked with the Blues. They will face plenty of competition for these star names, and will no doubt have to fork out a lot of money for them, but they seem the ideal big-name boost that the club needs if they are to mount a serious challenge domestically and in Europe again. Robert Lewandowski is also said to be a target, and Chelsea may offer youngster Kevin De Bruyne in return for the Pole, as Dortmund are admirers of the young attacking midfielder.

Exciting young German winger Andre Schurrle is widely expected to join from Bayer Leverkusen for around £20million, while a defensive midfielder is also on the list. The injury-prone Michael Essien is likely to leave, and Mourinho is said to want either Sami Khedira or Daniele De Rossi as a replacement. Backup players like Yossi Benayoun, Victor Moses and Marko Marin may be shown the door, as may long-time captain John Terry, who has been linked with a surprise move to Galatasaray. It has been confirmed however, that another club legend, Frank Lampard, will stay with the club for one more season after signing a new deal. And finally, young striker Romelu Lukaku will likely be sent out on loan again after a successful spell with West Brom, with Swansea and West Ham interested in the Belgian.



Everton

With long-serving manager David Moyes confirmed as leaving for Manchester United, a number of key players have been rumoured as set to follow. Whether or not they follow their manager to Old Trafford remains to be seen, but Moyes is apparently keen on Marouane Fellaini, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka. Belgian midfielder Fellaini has also been linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea after an impressive season, and it may be hard for the club to persuade their star players to stay at Goodison Park under a new manager.

Roberto Martinez, whose Wigan side just became the first team to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season, has been linked with the vacancy, as has Cardiff City's Malkay Mackay, and their choice for Moyes' replacement will no doubt have some bearing on which players are brought in. Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo nearly joined in January, and they may move for him again or for Queens Park Rangers' Loic Remy as they have lacked a regular goal scorer upfront this season. Former Toffees star Joleon Lescott has been linked with a return to the club after falling out of favour at Manchester City. Club captain Phil Neville will also be leaving the club at the end of the season and is expected to retire, which may lead to a return in a coaching capacity.



Fulham

Martin Jol's side have endured a difficult end to the season with no win in eight games, and the manager is now under pressure. If he stays he will be given money to strengthen his squad, but former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has been linked as a replacement. Star player Dimitar Berbatov is also unhappy at the club, and may leave after just one season since joining from Manchester United, with Turkish giants Galatasaray preparing a bid of around £5million for the Bulgarian. On-loan Arsenal man Emmanuel Frimpong is expected to join on a permanent deal, though Urby Emmanuelson will probably return to parent club AC Milan.

There could be change between the sticks as veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has reportedly turned down a new contract and Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has been targeted. Another of the club's 'keepers David Stockdale has spent the season on loan at Hull, and will join the newly-promoted side on a permanent basis next season. Other transfer targets include Romelu Lukaku from rivals Chelsea, who is set for another season out on loan, though he is more likely to go to Swansea or West Ham.



Hull City

Steve Bruce's side will look to strengthen after finishing second in the Championship, and will perhaps exploit the loan market for some bargain deals. The former Manchester United defender's relationship with his old club may mean he can sign one or two squad players on loan, and has been linked with a move for young midfielder Nick Powell. Reading striker Noel Hunt has also been linked after some impressive displays in spite of his club's relegation from the Premier League this season, while Leicester City's Andy King is also a target, after his club failed to get past Watford in the Championship playoff semi-finals. On-loan Egyptian striker Gedo is also keen to join Hull on a permanent basis in the summer. Another loan player, Fulham's David Stockdale, is also likely to stay at the club permanently. On the way out are Sonny Bradley and Danny East, who have joined Portsmouth after being released.



Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers is expected to be given a lot of money to spend this summer as he hopes to help the club break back into the top four and maybe even sustain a genuine title challenge. There may have to be a few sales first, though that hopefully won't include star player Luis Suarez, who is wanted by Bayern Munich and Juventus. The likes of Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Martin Skrtel have been in poor form and are likely to be shown the door, while £35million flop Andy Carroll will either return to old club Newcastle or make his current loan move to West Ham permanent after a good season at Upton Park. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is reportedly wanted by Barcelona, and Liverpool may be tempted to sell as he is arguably past his best and the likes of Michel Vorm have been linked with a move to Anfield.

The club may make an audacious attempt to bring back Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid, as they miss the playmaking abilities of the Spaniard who they sold to the La Liga giants four years ago. The main priority, though, is a striker, with Rodgers keen to make sure his team aren't over-reliant on Suarez again as they have been many times this season. Daniel Sturridge was brought in from Chelsea in January and he has given them more options, but with Suarez also banned for the first few games of next season, they won't want to fall behind early on. Free-scoring Porto striker Jackson Martinez has been linked, as have Aston Villa duo Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann, though the club may miss out to Tottenham for Barcelona's out-of-favour forward David Villa. They could also move to bring back Tom Ince, their former youngster who is now attracting a lot of interest after impressing in the Championship with Blackpool.



Manchester City

After a poor showing in their attempt to retain the Premier League title this season, as well as a shock defeat in the FA Cup final, Roberto Mancini has been sacked and all signs point to Malaga's Manuel Pellegrini coming in to replace him. The new manager is likely to bring new players as the club's wealthy owners will want to bring in better players to try and win back the title from rivals Manchester United. A poor transfer window last summer saw the likes of Scott Sinclair and Maicon join and then barely play, and these are players who could certainly be sold this year. Other squad players such as Micah Richards, Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott, Aleksandar Kolarov and James Milner could also make way, with Lescott possibly set for a return to former club Everton, as previously mentioned, and Kolarov supposedly wanted by Juventus.

Carlos Tevez has had an improved year with the club, but is still understood to favour a move away from England and is a target for big-spending Monaco. Edin Dzeko is another striker who could go, after failing to impress consistently since joining the club two years ago. The Bosnian is being targeted by a number of Serie A clubs such as Juventus and AC Milan, and could also move to Napoli as part of a deal to bring Edinson Cavani to the Etihad Stadium, though City will face competition from Chelsea for the 26-year-old. Pellegrini is said to be plotting a raid on Malaga, bringing star player Isco with him when he departs. He may also move for other La Liga stars, such as Sevilla's Jesus Navas and Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria, as well as a big-money move for Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus.

A new playmaker to take the weight off the jaded David Silva's shoulders is a must, and AZ Alkmaar youngster Adam Maher is also reportedly a target for this role.



Manchester United

United will have to be busy this summer, as their big-spending rivals City will surely be doing everything in their financial power to build a team to win back the Premier League title. United were arguably unconvincing in some areas of their pitch despite their title win this season, with the team often looking over-reliant on Dutch striker Robin van Persie to score all the goals. The former Arsenal man has had a great first season with the club, but could do with extra support as the likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia have not offered much in the way of assists from the wings.

Nani has been linked with a move to Juventus and it may be time for the Portuguese winger to leave after failing to live up to his potential at Old Trafford, and a number of attacking midfielders and wingers have been linked to the club as replacements. United could make an ambitious bid to compete with Real Madrid for the signing of Gareth Bale, though they may not feel they can compete financially with the Spanish giants. Nicolas Gaitan of Benfica has also been linked, though Bayer Leverkusen are also interested as they will probably lose Andre Schurrle to Chelsea. Elsewhere, with Paul Scholes retiring, midfielders such as Juventus duo Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, and Benfica's Nemanja Matic. With David Moyes taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson, there have also been inevitable links to Everton players, with Marouane Fellaini, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka all reported to be targets. Rio Ferdinand is coming to the end of his contract and could be on the way out, and Valencia centre-back Adil Rami has been linked as a replacement, though Arsenal are also said to be interested.

The biggest story, however, is that Wayne Rooney is sure to leave the club after submitting a transfer request. The 27-year-old is unhappy with his role at Old Trafford and is wanted by a host of Europe's top clubs, such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG, as well as United's Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, and Moyes will face a big decision straight away when he takes this high-pressure job over what to do with the unsettled star.



Newcastle United

Alan Pardew may be sacked after a disappointing season with the club. Despite pushing for the top four in 2011/12, Newcastle flirted with relegation this term and that could mean a host of changes are made at St James' Park. Demba Ba left for Chelsea in January, and no doubt the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye and Papiss Cisse will be considering their futures as they may feel the club is not progressing as they would like, and they would not be short of suitors elsewhere. Ben Arfa has been linked with Spurs and Arsenal in the past, while Cabaye is also seen as a potential Paul Scholes replacement in United's midfield. Borussia Dortmund are on the lookout for a striker due to the likely departure of Robert Lewandowski, and Cisse is supposedly one of their targets along with Aston Villa's Christian Benteke.

The club spent big in January but it did not help them a great deal in their relegation fight, so they may have to rethink their transfer policy this summer, going for more established Premier League players rather than youngsters from Ligue 1. Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy could be available after Harry Redknapp's side went down, and Newcastle did try to sign him from Marseille in January before he eventually went to Loftus Road. A sensational return for Andy Carroll has also been mentioned, as Liverpool are unlikely to keep the tall target man who spent the season on loan at West Ham.

The Hammers also want to keep him permanently, but Carroll would probably favour a return to his old team where he first made a name for himself in the Premier League. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tim Krul is wanted by Serie A duo AC Milan and Roma, and Fabricio Coloccini is reportedly hoping to leave the club to return to his native Argentina due to homesickness. Long-serving goalkeeper Steve Harper has also announced he will be retiring from the game at the end of the season.<

Norwich City

The Canaries have already completed a decent signing with the announcement that on-loan left-back Javier Garrido will make a permanent transfer to the club from Lazio next season. A player who has been loaned out from the club will do the opposite, and make a permanent move away from Norwich, with Derby keen on signing striker Chris Martin. James Vaughan, on the other hand, is expected to return to Carrow Road from his loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Burnley midfielder Chris McCann is available on a free tranfer this summer and is being watched by Norwich as well as other Premier League clubs. Manager Chris Hughton is also reportedly keen on bringing former Blackburn Rovers defender Zurab Khizanishvili back to England.



Southampton

There have been recent rumours that Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino could already leave the club despite only joining in the middle of this season, and the search for a new manager would certainly affect the club's transfer plans. The Argentinian manager is widely tipped to make a raid on La Liga if he does stay, as he knows a number of talented players playing in Spain from his days in charge of Espanyol. Malaga defender Jesus Gamez is one from Spain that has been linked and could move to St Mary's for £5million. Other targets include free agent Mathieu Flamini from AC Milan, who is also wanted by Aston Villa, and highly-rated Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama, who has also been watched by big clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Squad players such as Billy Sharp, Emmanuel Mayuka, Tadanari Lee, Guly Do Prado, Steve De Ridder, Richard Chaplow and Danny Butterfield have reportedly all been told that their future’s lie away from the South coast club. However, they will hope to keep hold of Inter Milan target Morgan Schneiderlin and teenage sensation Luke Shaw, the young left-back who has impressed the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham with his displays this season, drawing comparisons to a young Gareth Bale.



Stoke City

A big high profile departure from Stoke this summer will be former Liverpool, Manchester United and England star Michael Owen, though the 33-year-old's retirement from the game will arguably not have a great deal of impact on Tony Pulis' side, as he has barely featured since joining on a free transfer at the start of the season. Elsewhere, striker Kenwyne Jones could leave for newly-promoted Cardiff City and ageing goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen may not have much of a future at the club with the arrival of promising young shot-stopper Jack Butland from Birmingham City. Butland will probably become the Potters' number one straight away, with current first-choice Asmir Begovic a target for big clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. The Bosnian could leave in a £15million deal and give Pulis money to strengthen a team that battled relegation this year with a poor run of form in the second half of the season. Peter Crouch could also leave the club after a drop in form, and is wanted by Sam Allardyce as a replacement for Andy Carroll at West Ham.

Charlie Adam, something of a disappointment since signing from Liverpool, could also be set for an exit to Crystal Palace if the Eagles win promotion under Adam's old boss at Blackpool, Ian Holloway. There have not been many names linked as coming in to the club so far, apart from Granada left-back Guilherme Siqueira and Arsenal misfit Nicklas Bendtner, who is unlikely to be kept by the Gunners and who could replace Crouch if he leaves for West Ham.



Swansea City

Swansea had a great transfer window last summer, bringing in one of the signings of the season in Michu, who signed for just £2million. Michael Laudrup will be hoping for similar success this year - that is, if he doesn't take the Everton job after emerging as another possible candidate. First, they might have to deal with the departures of key duo Michel Vorm and Ashley Williams, who are both targets for Arsenal and Liverpool. It has been rumoured that Vorm could be replaced by Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. They have already tried to sign young Sporting Lisbon defender Eric Dier, though he has rejected a move. They will be hoping to keep loan star Jonathen De Guzman on a permanent deal from Villareal, and will also likely look to La Liga again for some bargain transfers, having already agreed a deal to sign Real Betis midfielder Jose Canas. Scott Sinclair could also return to the club just one year after leaving, due to his inability to get into the Manchester City team, and other wingers are said to be on Laudrup's shortlist, such as Queens Park Rangers' Junior Hoilett and Chelsea's Victor Moses. Romelu Lukaku could also join on loan from the Stamford Bridge club.



Sunderland

After recently inheriting a struggling side from previous manager Martin O'Neill, Paolo Di Canio will be keen to put his own stamp on this Sunderland team, and is reportedly targeting some players from the Italian league that he knows well. Lazio centre-back Modibo Diakité has already been identified as a target, as Di Canio looks to improve on current defensive pairing John O'Shea and Carlos Cuellar. Danny Rose has impressed on loan from Tottenham and Di Canio has expressed his hope of keeping the England Under-21 international on a permanent deal, but he may lose in-form goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, whose displays this season have attracted interest from Arsenal and Napoli. Former striker Darren Bent could be an option for the club, as he is likely to leave after being frozen out at Aston Villa by Paul Lambert this season. The club apparently made an audacious attempt to sign Napoli's Edinson Cavani, though it is likely to be little more than a joke offer.



Tottenham Hotspur

It could be a big summer at White Hart Lane, with Spurs' future in the balance as they go into the final day of the Premier League this season. The club could be set for Champions League football if results go there way, and that will play a big part in determining whether or not star player Gareth Bale stays at the club. The Welsh winger has been in phenomenal form for the club this season and Real Madrid have made no secret of their interest, offering as much as £65million and possibly players like Gonzalo Higuain in return for the PFA Player of the Year. Andre Villas-Boas has said he hopes to keep Bale and may even tie him down to a new bumper deal of around £170,000 a week even if they don't finish in the top four, though the money brought in from his transfer could strengthen many areas of the squad.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto could leave the club and Danny Rose may make his loan to Sunderland permanent, meaning Spurs will step up their interest in Inter Milan left-back Alvaro Pereira, whom Villas-Boas knows from his Porto days and is keen to work with again. Emmanuel Adebayor is likely to leave after a poor season and is wanted by Monaco, so a striker could be on the agenda for Spurs, as the likes of David Villa and Christian Benteke have been linked to the club. Scott Parker hasn't had the best season either and could be shifted to Queens Park Rangers, meaning a midfielder could also join. Manchester United's Anderson has been linked, and they could try again for Mohamed Diame, who they were close to signing in January, though they may face competition from rivals Arsenal for the Senegalese international.

There have even been suggestions that long-serving striker Jermain Defoe could make way after a poor run of form, with a possible return to old club West Ham being mooted, as they will need a replacement for Andy Carroll when his loan deal ends. Andros Townsend could give AVB more options and compete for a place in the team following his return from a promising loan spell with QPR, perhaps replacing Aaron Lennon who has emerged as a surprise target for Serie A side Inter Milan. It perhaps looks like more outs than ins at the moment for Spurs, but a top four spot will ensure that it's mainly their unwanted squad players that depart, rather than their star names.



West Bromwich Albion

West Brom had a great start to the season under Steve Clarke, but have faltered slightly in the latter half of the campaign, showing perhaps that there is room for improvement at the club. One blow for the Baggies boss is that they will lose loan-star Romelu Lukaku as he either returns to Chelsea or goes on loan again elsewhere, being strongly linked with West Ham and Swansea City.

That will leave gaps upfront as Peter Odemwingie is also likely to leave after falling out with the club following his failed attempt to force through a move to Queens Park Rangers in January. Franco Di Santo is reportedly a target following his relegation with Wigan Athletic, as is Anderlecht striker Dieumerci Mbokani. They are also one of many clubs who are looking at Scott Sinclair's situation, after the 24-year-old is likely to be sold by Manchester City this summer. Also on the way out of the Hawthorns could be Graeme Dorrans, with the club saying they will listen to offers for the attacking midfielder. They will be determined, however, to hold on to Shane Long, who has been linked with Bundesliga duo Schalke and Hoffenheim.



West Ham United

A priority for West Ham manager Sam Allardyce this summer will be to keep hold of on-loan striker Andy Carroll, who will surely be sold by Liverpool. Newcastle are also interested in the 24-year-old target man, but Allardyce is a big fan of his and he has integrated well at Upton Park this season. Stoke City striker Peter Crouch is a backup option if Carroll leaves, and Romelu Lukaku could arrive on loan from Chelsea. Highly-rated Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes is also a target, though they would face much competition for the Championship goal-getter.

In other areas of the pitch, they might make a move for Chelsea's Michael Essien, who is unlikely to stay at Stamford Bridge after an injury-hit few years and an unsuccessful loan spell with Real Madrid. Essien would be the ideal replacement for Mohamed Diame if he leaves, and the Senegalese midfielder has been attracting strong interest from both Arsenal and Tottenham, who may activate his £3.5million release fee clause. Marouane Chamakh will presumably not be kept on after his failed loan spell from Arsenal, and another loan player Emmanuel Pogatetz could also leave, with AC Milan veteran Massimo Abrossini coming in as a replacement. They may also make a change to their goalkeeper, after being linked with Aston Villa shot-stopper Brad Guzan and Manchester United backup 'keeper Anders Lindegaard.



Watford/Crystal Palace

It is not yet clear which of these sides will be joining the other teams in the Premier League next season, as the two London sides have the small matter of the Championship Playoff final still to play. Watford may have a lot of work to do in the summer transfer window, as a lot of their current team is made up of loan players such as Chelsea's Nathaniel Chalobah and Udinese's Matej Vydra, both of whom have emerged as targets for bigger clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham following their fine form in Gianfranco Zola's side's promotion push.

Birmingham City's Nathan Redmond is a target for them, but is also being watched by other Premier League clubs, but Zola has previously hinted that he himself is not in control of transfers at the club. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will have to prepare for life without star striker Wilfried Zaha, who has agreed a deal to join Manchester United. They could also use another highly rated young player, midfielder Jonathan Williams, and much will depend on whether they achieve promotion. If they do, another target for manager Ian Holloway is Stoke City's Charlie Adam, whom he worked with to good effect at Blackpool a couple of years ago. They are also said to be one of several clubs chasing Leicester City's Andy King. Veteran striker Kevin Phillips is also expected to play on for the club next season, whether it is in the top flight or not.

]]> A club by club summer transfer window guide.

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Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger needs to get it right in the transfer window this summer, after eight years without silverware. Deadwood players such as Andrey Arshavin, Andre Santos, Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci should finally be shown the door and the likes of Gervinho and Emmanuel Frimpong may also follow, as they don't currently look like first-team quality. A new goalkeeper could arrive to replace the off-form Wojciech Szczesny, though it remains to be seen if the Pole will stick around as backup to Simon Mignolet, Asmir Begovic, Michel Vorm or whoever the Gunners decide to bring in. Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic is being strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, as Wenger looks to strengthen a strike force still missing Robin van Persie. West Ham's Mohamed Diame was a target in January and may be so again as the defensive midfield void left by Alex Song remains to be filled.

The likes of Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny are key players being linked with moves away, to PSG and Bayern Munich respectively, but Arsenal won't want to endure yet another summer of losing important members of their squad, though Swansea's Ashley Williams and Valencia's Adil Rami could come in to shore up the team's defence. Promising youngster Joel Campbell is also set to return after a loan spell at Real Betis, and could be involved in the first team more next season.



Aston Villa

After a difficult season of fighting relegation, Paul Lambert faces the very real prospect of losing a couple of star players in Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann. The in-form strike duo have helped Lambert's side survive in the Premier League and may feel they want to move on to bigger things now.

Benteke is very much in demand, being linked with Arsenal, Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, while Weimann is supposedly a target for Liverpool. After a frustrating season spent on the bench, Darren Bent is likely to be moved on, with Fulham monitoring the 29-year-old's situation. Another player who could leave is goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who is being eyed up by West Ham. Villa owner Randy Lerner is reportedly set to give his manager a lot of money to spend this summer to improve the club's fortunes, and Manchester City flop Scott Sinclair is said to be one of the club's main targets. Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini could also join on a free transfer, with his contract at AC Milan set to expire at the end of the season, though they will compete with Southampton for his signature.



Cardiff City

After winning promotion to the top flight as champions of the Championship, Cardiff are expected to spend big to make sure they can survive in the Premier League. They may have a fight to start off with to keep hold of their manager Malkay Mackay, who is being linked with the Everton job, but backed by their wealthy Malaysian owners, the club have been linked with a number of big names already.

Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, now of Ligue 1 side Lille, is said to be a target, as is Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who started his career with the Welsh club. With Aston Villa likely to sell Darren Bent, his name has also been mentioned as a realistic option. They may also pounce for Welsh winger Hal Robson-Kanu from relegated Reading.



Chelsea

There is bound to be a summer of change ahead at Stamford Bridge, with changes in both the management and the playing staff. Firstly, Chelsea legend Jose Mourinho is expected to return to the club as manager to replace Rafael Benitez, after making it clear he wants to leave current club Real Madrid. The Portuguese tactician is expected to be given a massive £100million from owner Roman Abramovich to spend on building a title-winning team. The obvious problems are upfront, as Fernando Torres has failed to live up to expectations since signing from Liverpool and may finally be sold.

Demba Ba has also been slightly unconvincing since his move from Newcastle in January, so it's no surprise to see the likes of Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani being linked with the Blues. They will face plenty of competition for these star names, and will no doubt have to fork out a lot of money for them, but they seem the ideal big-name boost that the club needs if they are to mount a serious challenge domestically and in Europe again. Robert Lewandowski is also said to be a target, and Chelsea may offer youngster Kevin De Bruyne in return for the Pole, as Dortmund are admirers of the young attacking midfielder.

Exciting young German winger Andre Schurrle is widely expected to join from Bayer Leverkusen for around £20million, while a defensive midfielder is also on the list. The injury-prone Michael Essien is likely to leave, and Mourinho is said to want either Sami Khedira or Daniele De Rossi as a replacement. Backup players like Yossi Benayoun, Victor Moses and Marko Marin may be shown the door, as may long-time captain John Terry, who has been linked with a surprise move to Galatasaray. It has been confirmed however, that another club legend, Frank Lampard, will stay with the club for one more season after signing a new deal. And finally, young striker Romelu Lukaku will likely be sent out on loan again after a successful spell with West Brom, with Swansea and West Ham interested in the Belgian.



Everton

With long-serving manager David Moyes confirmed as leaving for Manchester United, a number of key players have been rumoured as set to follow. Whether or not they follow their manager to Old Trafford remains to be seen, but Moyes is apparently keen on Marouane Fellaini, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka. Belgian midfielder Fellaini has also been linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea after an impressive season, and it may be hard for the club to persuade their star players to stay at Goodison Park under a new manager.

Roberto Martinez, whose Wigan side just became the first team to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season, has been linked with the vacancy, as has Cardiff City's Malkay Mackay, and their choice for Moyes' replacement will no doubt have some bearing on which players are brought in. Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo nearly joined in January, and they may move for him again or for Queens Park Rangers' Loic Remy as they have lacked a regular goal scorer upfront this season. Former Toffees star Joleon Lescott has been linked with a return to the club after falling out of favour at Manchester City. Club captain Phil Neville will also be leaving the club at the end of the season and is expected to retire, which may lead to a return in a coaching capacity.



Fulham

Martin Jol's side have endured a difficult end to the season with no win in eight games, and the manager is now under pressure. If he stays he will be given money to strengthen his squad, but former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has been linked as a replacement. Star player Dimitar Berbatov is also unhappy at the club, and may leave after just one season since joining from Manchester United, with Turkish giants Galatasaray preparing a bid of around £5million for the Bulgarian. On-loan Arsenal man Emmanuel Frimpong is expected to join on a permanent deal, though Urby Emmanuelson will probably return to parent club AC Milan.

There could be change between the sticks as veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has reportedly turned down a new contract and Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has been targeted. Another of the club's 'keepers David Stockdale has spent the season on loan at Hull, and will join the newly-promoted side on a permanent basis next season. Other transfer targets include Romelu Lukaku from rivals Chelsea, who is set for another season out on loan, though he is more likely to go to Swansea or West Ham.



Hull City

Steve Bruce's side will look to strengthen after finishing second in the Championship, and will perhaps exploit the loan market for some bargain deals. The former Manchester United defender's relationship with his old club may mean he can sign one or two squad players on loan, and has been linked with a move for young midfielder Nick Powell. Reading striker Noel Hunt has also been linked after some impressive displays in spite of his club's relegation from the Premier League this season, while Leicester City's Andy King is also a target, after his club failed to get past Watford in the Championship playoff semi-finals. On-loan Egyptian striker Gedo is also keen to join Hull on a permanent basis in the summer. Another loan player, Fulham's David Stockdale, is also likely to stay at the club permanently. On the way out are Sonny Bradley and Danny East, who have joined Portsmouth after being released.



Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers is expected to be given a lot of money to spend this summer as he hopes to help the club break back into the top four and maybe even sustain a genuine title challenge. There may have to be a few sales first, though that hopefully won't include star player Luis Suarez, who is wanted by Bayern Munich and Juventus. The likes of Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Martin Skrtel have been in poor form and are likely to be shown the door, while £35million flop Andy Carroll will either return to old club Newcastle or make his current loan move to West Ham permanent after a good season at Upton Park. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina is reportedly wanted by Barcelona, and Liverpool may be tempted to sell as he is arguably past his best and the likes of Michel Vorm have been linked with a move to Anfield.

The club may make an audacious attempt to bring back Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid, as they miss the playmaking abilities of the Spaniard who they sold to the La Liga giants four years ago. The main priority, though, is a striker, with Rodgers keen to make sure his team aren't over-reliant on Suarez again as they have been many times this season. Daniel Sturridge was brought in from Chelsea in January and he has given them more options, but with Suarez also banned for the first few games of next season, they won't want to fall behind early on. Free-scoring Porto striker Jackson Martinez has been linked, as have Aston Villa duo Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann, though the club may miss out to Tottenham for Barcelona's out-of-favour forward David Villa. They could also move to bring back Tom Ince, their former youngster who is now attracting a lot of interest after impressing in the Championship with Blackpool.



Manchester City

After a poor showing in their attempt to retain the Premier League title this season, as well as a shock defeat in the FA Cup final, Roberto Mancini has been sacked and all signs point to Malaga's Manuel Pellegrini coming in to replace him. The new manager is likely to bring new players as the club's wealthy owners will want to bring in better players to try and win back the title from rivals Manchester United. A poor transfer window last summer saw the likes of Scott Sinclair and Maicon join and then barely play, and these are players who could certainly be sold this year. Other squad players such as Micah Richards, Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott, Aleksandar Kolarov and James Milner could also make way, with Lescott possibly set for a return to former club Everton, as previously mentioned, and Kolarov supposedly wanted by Juventus.

Carlos Tevez has had an improved year with the club, but is still understood to favour a move away from England and is a target for big-spending Monaco. Edin Dzeko is another striker who could go, after failing to impress consistently since joining the club two years ago. The Bosnian is being targeted by a number of Serie A clubs such as Juventus and AC Milan, and could also move to Napoli as part of a deal to bring Edinson Cavani to the Etihad Stadium, though City will face competition from Chelsea for the 26-year-old. Pellegrini is said to be plotting a raid on Malaga, bringing star player Isco with him when he departs. He may also move for other La Liga stars, such as Sevilla's Jesus Navas and Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria, as well as a big-money move for Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus.

A new playmaker to take the weight off the jaded David Silva's shoulders is a must, and AZ Alkmaar youngster Adam Maher is also reportedly a target for this role.



Manchester United

United will have to be busy this summer, as their big-spending rivals City will surely be doing everything in their financial power to build a team to win back the Premier League title. United were arguably unconvincing in some areas of their pitch despite their title win this season, with the team often looking over-reliant on Dutch striker Robin van Persie to score all the goals. The former Arsenal man has had a great first season with the club, but could do with extra support as the likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia have not offered much in the way of assists from the wings.

Nani has been linked with a move to Juventus and it may be time for the Portuguese winger to leave after failing to live up to his potential at Old Trafford, and a number of attacking midfielders and wingers have been linked to the club as replacements. United could make an ambitious bid to compete with Real Madrid for the signing of Gareth Bale, though they may not feel they can compete financially with the Spanish giants. Nicolas Gaitan of Benfica has also been linked, though Bayer Leverkusen are also interested as they will probably lose Andre Schurrle to Chelsea. Elsewhere, with Paul Scholes retiring, midfielders such as Juventus duo Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, and Benfica's Nemanja Matic. With David Moyes taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson, there have also been inevitable links to Everton players, with Marouane Fellaini, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka all reported to be targets. Rio Ferdinand is coming to the end of his contract and could be on the way out, and Valencia centre-back Adil Rami has been linked as a replacement, though Arsenal are also said to be interested.

The biggest story, however, is that Wayne Rooney is sure to leave the club after submitting a transfer request. The 27-year-old is unhappy with his role at Old Trafford and is wanted by a host of Europe's top clubs, such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG, as well as United's Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, and Moyes will face a big decision straight away when he takes this high-pressure job over what to do with the unsettled star.



Newcastle United

Alan Pardew may be sacked after a disappointing season with the club. Despite pushing for the top four in 2011/12, Newcastle flirted with relegation this term and that could mean a host of changes are made at St James' Park. Demba Ba left for Chelsea in January, and no doubt the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye and Papiss Cisse will be considering their futures as they may feel the club is not progressing as they would like, and they would not be short of suitors elsewhere. Ben Arfa has been linked with Spurs and Arsenal in the past, while Cabaye is also seen as a potential Paul Scholes replacement in United's midfield. Borussia Dortmund are on the lookout for a striker due to the likely departure of Robert Lewandowski, and Cisse is supposedly one of their targets along with Aston Villa's Christian Benteke.

The club spent big in January but it did not help them a great deal in their relegation fight, so they may have to rethink their transfer policy this summer, going for more established Premier League players rather than youngsters from Ligue 1. Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy could be available after Harry Redknapp's side went down, and Newcastle did try to sign him from Marseille in January before he eventually went to Loftus Road. A sensational return for Andy Carroll has also been mentioned, as Liverpool are unlikely to keep the tall target man who spent the season on loan at West Ham.

The Hammers also want to keep him permanently, but Carroll would probably favour a return to his old team where he first made a name for himself in the Premier League. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tim Krul is wanted by Serie A duo AC Milan and Roma, and Fabricio Coloccini is reportedly hoping to leave the club to return to his native Argentina due to homesickness. Long-serving goalkeeper Steve Harper has also announced he will be retiring from the game at the end of the season.<

Norwich City

The Canaries have already completed a decent signing with the announcement that on-loan left-back Javier Garrido will make a permanent transfer to the club from Lazio next season. A player who has been loaned out from the club will do the opposite, and make a permanent move away from Norwich, with Derby keen on signing striker Chris Martin. James Vaughan, on the other hand, is expected to return to Carrow Road from his loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Burnley midfielder Chris McCann is available on a free tranfer this summer and is being watched by Norwich as well as other Premier League clubs. Manager Chris Hughton is also reportedly keen on bringing former Blackburn Rovers defender Zurab Khizanishvili back to England.



Southampton

There have been recent rumours that Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino could already leave the club despite only joining in the middle of this season, and the search for a new manager would certainly affect the club's transfer plans. The Argentinian manager is widely tipped to make a raid on La Liga if he does stay, as he knows a number of talented players playing in Spain from his days in charge of Espanyol. Malaga defender Jesus Gamez is one from Spain that has been linked and could move to St Mary's for £5million. Other targets include free agent Mathieu Flamini from AC Milan, who is also wanted by Aston Villa, and highly-rated Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama, who has also been watched by big clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Squad players such as Billy Sharp, Emmanuel Mayuka, Tadanari Lee, Guly Do Prado, Steve De Ridder, Richard Chaplow and Danny Butterfield have reportedly all been told that their future’s lie away from the South coast club. However, they will hope to keep hold of Inter Milan target Morgan Schneiderlin and teenage sensation Luke Shaw, the young left-back who has impressed the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham with his displays this season, drawing comparisons to a young Gareth Bale.



Stoke City

A big high profile departure from Stoke this summer will be former Liverpool, Manchester United and England star Michael Owen, though the 33-year-old's retirement from the game will arguably not have a great deal of impact on Tony Pulis' side, as he has barely featured since joining on a free transfer at the start of the season. Elsewhere, striker Kenwyne Jones could leave for newly-promoted Cardiff City and ageing goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen may not have much of a future at the club with the arrival of promising young shot-stopper Jack Butland from Birmingham City. Butland will probably become the Potters' number one straight away, with current first-choice Asmir Begovic a target for big clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. The Bosnian could leave in a £15million deal and give Pulis money to strengthen a team that battled relegation this year with a poor run of form in the second half of the season. Peter Crouch could also leave the club after a drop in form, and is wanted by Sam Allardyce as a replacement for Andy Carroll at West Ham.

Charlie Adam, something of a disappointment since signing from Liverpool, could also be set for an exit to Crystal Palace if the Eagles win promotion under Adam's old boss at Blackpool, Ian Holloway. There have not been many names linked as coming in to the club so far, apart from Granada left-back Guilherme Siqueira and Arsenal misfit Nicklas Bendtner, who is unlikely to be kept by the Gunners and who could replace Crouch if he leaves for West Ham.



Swansea City

Swansea had a great transfer window last summer, bringing in one of the signings of the season in Michu, who signed for just £2million. Michael Laudrup will be hoping for similar success this year - that is, if he doesn't take the Everton job after emerging as another possible candidate. First, they might have to deal with the departures of key duo Michel Vorm and Ashley Williams, who are both targets for Arsenal and Liverpool. It has been rumoured that Vorm could be replaced by Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. They have already tried to sign young Sporting Lisbon defender Eric Dier, though he has rejected a move. They will be hoping to keep loan star Jonathen De Guzman on a permanent deal from Villareal, and will also likely look to La Liga again for some bargain transfers, having already agreed a deal to sign Real Betis midfielder Jose Canas. Scott Sinclair could also return to the club just one year after leaving, due to his inability to get into the Manchester City team, and other wingers are said to be on Laudrup's shortlist, such as Queens Park Rangers' Junior Hoilett and Chelsea's Victor Moses. Romelu Lukaku could also join on loan from the Stamford Bridge club.



Sunderland

After recently inheriting a struggling side from previous manager Martin O'Neill, Paolo Di Canio will be keen to put his own stamp on this Sunderland team, and is reportedly targeting some players from the Italian league that he knows well. Lazio centre-back Modibo Diakité has already been identified as a target, as Di Canio looks to improve on current defensive pairing John O'Shea and Carlos Cuellar. Danny Rose has impressed on loan from Tottenham and Di Canio has expressed his hope of keeping the England Under-21 international on a permanent deal, but he may lose in-form goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, whose displays this season have attracted interest from Arsenal and Napoli. Former striker Darren Bent could be an option for the club, as he is likely to leave after being frozen out at Aston Villa by Paul Lambert this season. The club apparently made an audacious attempt to sign Napoli's Edinson Cavani, though it is likely to be little more than a joke offer.



Tottenham Hotspur

It could be a big summer at White Hart Lane, with Spurs' future in the balance as they go into the final day of the Premier League this season. The club could be set for Champions League football if results go there way, and that will play a big part in determining whether or not star player Gareth Bale stays at the club. The Welsh winger has been in phenomenal form for the club this season and Real Madrid have made no secret of their interest, offering as much as £65million and possibly players like Gonzalo Higuain in return for the PFA Player of the Year. Andre Villas-Boas has said he hopes to keep Bale and may even tie him down to a new bumper deal of around £170,000 a week even if they don't finish in the top four, though the money brought in from his transfer could strengthen many areas of the squad.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto could leave the club and Danny Rose may make his loan to Sunderland permanent, meaning Spurs will step up their interest in Inter Milan left-back Alvaro Pereira, whom Villas-Boas knows from his Porto days and is keen to work with again. Emmanuel Adebayor is likely to leave after a poor season and is wanted by Monaco, so a striker could be on the agenda for Spurs, as the likes of David Villa and Christian Benteke have been linked to the club. Scott Parker hasn't had the best season either and could be shifted to Queens Park Rangers, meaning a midfielder could also join. Manchester United's Anderson has been linked, and they could try again for Mohamed Diame, who they were close to signing in January, though they may face competition from rivals Arsenal for the Senegalese international.

There have even been suggestions that long-serving striker Jermain Defoe could make way after a poor run of form, with a possible return to old club West Ham being mooted, as they will need a replacement for Andy Carroll when his loan deal ends. Andros Townsend could give AVB more options and compete for a place in the team following his return from a promising loan spell with QPR, perhaps replacing Aaron Lennon who has emerged as a surprise target for Serie A side Inter Milan. It perhaps looks like more outs than ins at the moment for Spurs, but a top four spot will ensure that it's mainly their unwanted squad players that depart, rather than their star names.



West Bromwich Albion

West Brom had a great start to the season under Steve Clarke, but have faltered slightly in the latter half of the campaign, showing perhaps that there is room for improvement at the club. One blow for the Baggies boss is that they will lose loan-star Romelu Lukaku as he either returns to Chelsea or goes on loan again elsewhere, being strongly linked with West Ham and Swansea City.

That will leave gaps upfront as Peter Odemwingie is also likely to leave after falling out with the club following his failed attempt to force through a move to Queens Park Rangers in January. Franco Di Santo is reportedly a target following his relegation with Wigan Athletic, as is Anderlecht striker Dieumerci Mbokani. They are also one of many clubs who are looking at Scott Sinclair's situation, after the 24-year-old is likely to be sold by Manchester City this summer. Also on the way out of the Hawthorns could be Graeme Dorrans, with the club saying they will listen to offers for the attacking midfielder. They will be determined, however, to hold on to Shane Long, who has been linked with Bundesliga duo Schalke and Hoffenheim.



West Ham United

A priority for West Ham manager Sam Allardyce this summer will be to keep hold of on-loan striker Andy Carroll, who will surely be sold by Liverpool. Newcastle are also interested in the 24-year-old target man, but Allardyce is a big fan of his and he has integrated well at Upton Park this season. Stoke City striker Peter Crouch is a backup option if Carroll leaves, and Romelu Lukaku could arrive on loan from Chelsea. Highly-rated Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes is also a target, though they would face much competition for the Championship goal-getter.

In other areas of the pitch, they might make a move for Chelsea's Michael Essien, who is unlikely to stay at Stamford Bridge after an injury-hit few years and an unsuccessful loan spell with Real Madrid. Essien would be the ideal replacement for Mohamed Diame if he leaves, and the Senegalese midfielder has been attracting strong interest from both Arsenal and Tottenham, who may activate his £3.5million release fee clause. Marouane Chamakh will presumably not be kept on after his failed loan spell from Arsenal, and another loan player Emmanuel Pogatetz could also leave, with AC Milan veteran Massimo Abrossini coming in as a replacement. They may also make a change to their goalkeeper, after being linked with Aston Villa shot-stopper Brad Guzan and Manchester United backup 'keeper Anders Lindegaard.



Watford/Crystal Palace

It is not yet clear which of these sides will be joining the other teams in the Premier League next season, as the two London sides have the small matter of the Championship Playoff final still to play. Watford may have a lot of work to do in the summer transfer window, as a lot of their current team is made up of loan players such as Chelsea's Nathaniel Chalobah and Udinese's Matej Vydra, both of whom have emerged as targets for bigger clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham following their fine form in Gianfranco Zola's side's promotion push.

Birmingham City's Nathan Redmond is a target for them, but is also being watched by other Premier League clubs, but Zola has previously hinted that he himself is not in control of transfers at the club. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will have to prepare for life without star striker Wilfried Zaha, who has agreed a deal to join Manchester United. They could also use another highly rated young player, midfielder Jonathan Williams, and much will depend on whether they achieve promotion. If they do, another target for manager Ian Holloway is Stoke City's Charlie Adam, whom he worked with to good effect at Blackpool a couple of years ago. They are also said to be one of several clubs chasing Leicester City's Andy King. Veteran striker Kevin Phillips is also expected to play on for the club next season, whether it is in the top flight or not.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/18/club-by-club-summer-transfer-window-guide-whos-in-whos-out/feed/ 0 Mark BrusSat, 18 May 13 00:38:44 +0000A club by club summer transfer window guide.