Expect Big Changes This Summer

I've found this not-so-sure-whether-it's-reliable source on the net and it states all the players that are under our radar and the plans.

But first, talk about something we're sure that is Sinama-Pongolle's departure from Liverpool. Not on the official site yet but it's confirmed on Recreativo Huelva's website, the club which loaned Sinama-Pongolle for the entire 2006/07 season.

It is understood that he'll sign for Recreativo in a 2.5million GBP deal and that is a far cry from what clubs were offering to him before he signed for Liverpool.

Touted along with his cousin, Anthony Le Tallec, as the 2 brightest young talent in France back then, he perhaps, showed a little more promise and even made several appearances for the first team for the past 2 seasons.

People might forget about what he has given to the club but looking back, without him, we wouldn't have won the FA Cup and Champions League.

His goal against Olympiacos was just as important as Gerrard's albeit less dramatic. At Luton last season, when we're on the verge of crashing out of the FA Cup, he came on a substitute to rescue us.

So, thank you Sinama. All the best.


Summer Transfer Target:

Liverpool's budget this summer will be 75 Million.

That is money that will be guaranteed from Tom Hicks & Goerge Gillett.

They have also told Rick Parry - that any funds made from players sales - will also be handed to Rafael Benitez.

That figure could then well top the 100 Million mark.

Onto the transfers side of things, as I said in the other link there will be alot of players leaving Anfield in the summer & that will leave space for lots of new faces.

Benitez's top priority - is to secure David Villa & Daniel Alves. He also has a big liking for Samuel Eto'o - who is wanting to secure some sort of swap deal including Xabi Alonso.

Tal Ben Haim is set to snub Chelsea and sign in the summer. The fee will be minimal & Allardyce has already stated he will leave in the summer - barring a miracle.

Also other firm wants are Giovanni Dos Santos Ramirez of Barca.

Javier Saviola - who will be available on a bosman in the summer - talks have taken place before.

Rafael Vaan de Vaart is another target - talks have already been held with his club.

David Trezaguet is also an option & the stories about Juventus wanting Crouch are firm - but thus far he is only an option, should his other striking options not materialise.

Manuel Fernandes - on loan at Everton is also on Benitez's wish list - should his club Benfica lower there asking price.

Shaun Wright-Phillips is liked by Benitez and should Chelsea sell him as they are expected to - Benitez will match any offer that is made by any British club.

Morten Gamst Pedersen is someone who Benitez has made enquiries about in the last 2 months - as is Gareth Bale.

Rick parry has had contact with West Ham wigs regarding Carlos Tevez & Anton Ferdinand - should West Ham Be relegated.

Then there are a host of youngsters will arrive too. Names being floated about are -

Homegrown
James McCarthy - Hamilton
Nathan Porrit - Middlesbrough.
Richard Keogh - Bristol City. (50/50 with Manchester United.)
Ged Dalton - Scarborough.
Jacob Mellis - Sheffield Utd.
Danny Blanchett - Cambridge City FC.

Foreign
Pedro Alcala - Malaga.
Esteban Granero - Real Madrid.
Simon Andras - Mtk Hungaria.
Dean Bouzanis - New South Wales Institute of Sport.
Mikel San Jose Dominguez -Athletic Bilbao.
Javi Garcia - Real Madrid (Luis Garcia's Cousin)
Alexander Kacaniklic - Helsingborg.


Drogballs:
A good long list there and expect a lot of names to disappear through the summer but just what IF this is the real thing?

Anyway, Tal Ben Haim and Anton Ferdinand? Why on earth would we need another centre back for? Agger is coming along nicely, Carragher isn't going to retire while we have Hyypia and Paletta waiting in the wings so that's probably made up.

The budget, I wouldn't believe in it actually.

Giovanni Dos Santos is an exciting prospect, touted the new Ronaldinho and seemed pretty good in the games he played in.

Javier Saviola was one of my favourite players but can't be sure whether he'll make it in the Premiership due to his slight build.

van der Vaart seemed to have gone down a bit and didn't live up to his expectations placed on him few years back. But he could be an option down the left just as Morten Gamst Pedersen. But with the latter having more Premiership experience, it's better to go for the tried and tested.

Manuel Fernandes looked pretty good against ManYoo last week but with so many midfielders already, can't see him fitting in anywhere.

David Trezeguet is passed it and I don't really rate him. Neither do I think Shaun Wright-Phillips will make any difference.

Your thoughts?

New Poll Is Up

Alright, after the Mickey Owen poll, I've set up another since the response seemed to be quite encouraging so this week, we'll do another one regarding the future.

It's widely believed that Rafa will have a 40million war chest this summer (I don't believe anyway) and which of the below players do you think will have the highest chance of joining the 'Red Army' next season or maybe the player you want to see most to don the red jersey.

The striker that is tagged along with Liverpool all this while is Valencia striker David Villa (left). He's the goal poacher that perhaps, Liverpool have been lacking in recent times after the departure of Michael Owen and the Spanish could yet provide more top quality goods to the side.

He loves to drift into wide position and plays in a similar way to Craig Bellamy so perhaps, Rafa MIGHT need to offload the Welsh before going ahead with him.

But he lacked the physical strength and could struggle against the hustle and bustle of the English game, which is constantly played at 100 miles per hour. The laid back approach of the Spanish might be their stumbling block and could turn out to be yet another Fernando Morientes.

The wing position has been quite a problem in recent seasons as Rafa continually looked for a top quality right winger. Simao Sabrosa was supposed to sign but backed out in the last minute 2 seasons ago.

But the deal could yet be alive once again this season with resources made available for the Reds boss. The Portugese international is an experienced winger who is skillful and has pace to burn. Although nearing his 30s, his experience could prove to be quite important in Liverpool's bid for the title next seasons.

Another winger in consideration is Daniel Alves from Sevilla. The Brazilian attacking full back has been a revelation for the Spanish side who won last season's UEFA Cup.

Capable of playing in both right back and right midfield position, his versatility is an asset while his small build makes him an agile and mobile player. Blessed with not only pace but also wonderful technique, this player will be a mainstay in the Brazilian squad in years to come.

Another striker who's name has been linked with all major English clubs for the past 2-3 seasons is Fernando Torres (left). The Athletico Madrid captain has remained loyal to the club up till this point but to further improve himself, he knows that he'll have to move on to a bigger club.

ManYoo have been tracking him for quite awhile but hasn't made the move yet therefore Rafa could bring another Spanish into the fray. The enigmatic striker, who has had a wonderful World Cup, suffered a little of the post World Cup syndrome and is currently struggling in the La Liga. Over-rated in my eyes, but perhaps it's time for him to move on and maybe for us to give him a try. He won't come cheap, though.

Back to the wings, it's quite a problematic one. Harry Kewell has had his days but injuries sets in and we're not sure what level he's at now. Fabio Aurelio is another regular in the medical room and therefore, it's left with Riise and Gonzalez on the wing.

Riise predominantly plays in the left back slot and Gonzalez has yet to prove his worth as he continues to struggle in the Premiership. Getting an experienced left winger who have tasted the Premiership might be the key here and that's the reason why I brought up Morten Gamst Pedersen (right) of Blackburn.

Known for not only his hair, the Norwegian has a intricate left foot and a deft touch. Ask any ManYoo fan and the sound of Pedersen's name might make them cringe. His free kicks success rate is quite impressive as well as his overall contribution to the team. Important thing is he's of proven quality and need not worry about how he'll settle down.

Bless all the Portugese wingers, Ronaldo, Figo, Simao and Quaresma. Oh yes, Ricardo Quaresma of Porto. He skillful and pacy winger who was once a Barcelona player but fell short of their standards perhaps due to the competition from Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi. He's not a big name and he has the power to frustrate just like Luis Garcia. But when he's on form, even Chelsea found him a handful.

Make your decision now and it could be another player which I've not mentioned above. The poll is set up just below the tagboard and it's not hard to miss.