Transfer Speculation Round-up

Striker (Dirk Kuyt £8m) We definitely need a new striker. Although out strikeforce is not the major worrying factor, i still think we need some reinforcement. Cisse and Mori may be proven strikers in Europe but they have not adapt to the PL. And i wonder if they will adapt to the English game in time for the start of the season. Baros is still running around like a headless chicken. He has been given tons of opportunities to prove himself (esp so after Owen's departure) but he failed miserably. Even Garcia scored more than him despite him being the lead striker last season. I seriously think its time for the Euro2004 golden boot winner to move on but it seems he'd rather sit out his contract. How silly of him to waste his youth like that. Mellor, imho, is not good enough for the PL. He maybe a goal scoring machine in the reserve squad but i just cant see him breaking into the 1st squad. He even struggled to break into West Ham's starting lineup while he was on loan there. On the other hand, i see lots of talent in Pongolle. He just lacks the PL experience. He was injured for most of last season and i doubt he'll be ready for the coming season. So we definitely need a goal scoring machine like Thierry Henry...one who can score around 20 goals/season. Dirk Kuyt's goalscoing records looks impressive. Many fans are skeptical of him bcos he comes from a lesser Dutch League and many fear he'll turn out to be another Kezman. But i feel that he's worth a try. £8m seems abit steep...well...nothing ventured nothing gain. And like wat Slur Alex Ferguscum has said, a good team needs at least 4 great strikers. I agree. Midfielders (Zenden free, Stelios £1m, Figo free) Good bargin. 3 midfielders for just around £1m. With Smicer, Baros and co released, i see Zenden and Stelios as good replacements. Zenden and Stelios are proven in the PL. They do not need time to adapt and both proves to be vital players in their old clubs. I see Zenden as an aggressive and skillful player. He was voted Player of the Season by Boro fans therefore Rafa cant be wrong to sign him FOC. I have seen Stelios play and he's one of the main reason why Bolton is in the Uefa cup nx season. He's good at freekicks and has an impressive goal scoring record for a midfielder. He'll be useful for rotation since we have so many games to play this season. £1m for him is a steal but we could have gotten him for free as part of serial spitter's deal. Figo...as i said before, he is very experience and skillful and might just be the old head(just like Gary Mc) we'll looking for. If he's willing to take a salary cut, SIGN HIM!!! You just couldn't ask for more. Defenders (Milito? Evra? Ibanez?) The most worrying part of the team. Definitely need a need CB to replace the aging Hyypia. It'll be a nightmare if we get to face quick strikers like Henry, Reyes etc. Milito looked very poor in the confed cup but we cant judge a player just by 1 game. I heard from fellow kopites that he is a very good CB in the La Liga. As for Ibanez and Evra, i have not seen them play and therefore i wouldnt comment on them. Actually, we do not need to go for BIG signings. I see Ledley King and Upson as good replacement. King is a good tackler and reads the games well. Upson is a hard tackler and holds the defence well. Its really time to give Carra a new partner and let them form a lethal partnership in the PL. Fullback, fullback...we need a proven fullback! Traore's passing is AWFUL and he looks dodgy at times. I pray we get a proven LB asap! GK (Reina £8m) Wat a price to pay for a GK! But as long as he can keep many clean sheets like Cech, all the money paid is worthwhile. And we are bringing in a long term solution. Hope he can be the rightful replacement for Grobblear... ------------------ well, its the eve of 1st July and i'm looking forward to see who we have signed. No matter who Rafa signed...in Rafa we trust.