Southampton: Marching In Or Crumbling? The Dreaded Second Season

2012/2013: 14th

Transfer(s) In: Dejan Lovren (Lyon, £8.5 Million), Victor Wanyama (Celtic, £12.5 Million), Pablo Osvaldo (AS Roma, £15 Million)

Transfer(s) Out: Steve De Ridder, Richard Chaplow (Released), Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace, Loan)

Transfers Review:

                                                   Southampton have opted to stay with the core squad that put them safely into mid-table last campaign, choosing to add only 2 higher value players to their roster. In Dejan Lovren, they have added a highly capable central defender, whose pace, strength and technical abilites are all outstanding. He can certainly be the rock that Southampton lacked at the back for times last season. Further forward, Southampton's addition of Victor Wanyama, is, in my opinion, about the most perfect buy they could have made for their side. Full of energy, passing and great vision, the youngster has phenomenal potential, and despite being tracked by Liverpool, Manchester United and a host of other clubs, Southampton have done exceptionally well to persuade the Kenyan to move to St Mary's. More recently, the Saints have shattered their transfer record for a second time this summer, managing to secure striker Pablo Osvaldo from AS Roma for a reported £15 Million. The Italian is a proven goalscorer, and will bring his strength and ability in the air to the South Coast, where I am convinced he will be a success.

                                                     The fact that they have kept hold of other critical players, such as Gaston Ramirez, Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw, means that they can afford to move for just a couple of higher ticket players in a transfer window. Keeping those big names is also important, as they all played a big role in the Saints' return to the Premier League.

Pre-Season:

                                                      Southampton's pre-season has been fairly ineventful, with only the one pre-season game of note. But at least it everything, to prepare the Saints for every eventuality that they may face in the Premier League. The Saints took the lead after just 7 minutes, with Lallana latching onto a Lambert through ball to finish neatly. They dominated the early stages, but a defensive error from the Saints rear guard meant that it was Sociedad who scored the leveller, with Elustondo the recipiant. Back came Southampton, with Wanyama threading a pass into Schneiderlin to finish well and give the Saints the lead back. But once again they let it slip, in a thrilling opening half hour. Just five minutes after falling behind, Carlos Vela beautifully controlled a through ball and fired beyond the despairing keeper to put the game back to level terms. Even then, the first half scoring wasn't complete. A Southampton corner on half time yielded the fifth goal, with Jos Hooiveld climbing highest to nod home.

                                                     The tempo didn't let up in the second half, causing an open and attractive game. With Southampton leading, the onus was on the Spaniards to come out and attack, and push forward they did. Once again, the Southampton defence seemed incapable to resist, conceding a third goal on the hour mark, as Haris Seferovic fired home to level for the third time. The longer the game went on it seemed inevitable that it would end a draw, but that all changed in the 83rd minute. Jason Puncheon found himself free in the box after a nice move, and he drove the ball home to hand the Saints an excellent and morale-boosting 4-3 victory. The only worries from a Southampton point of view were the injuries sustained to Nathaniel Clyne and Luke Shaw, the latter potentially ruling the young left back out of the early part of the new Premier League season.

Key Players:

                                                      It may well be his last season at the top level, but I still believe that Rickie Lambert has much to give the Saints again this campaign. Having the honour of scoring at all four league levels, the Scouser has found his true home in the Premier League. His power in the air and on the ground makes him an exceptional number 9, even getting him a call up to the England squad for the game last night against Scotland. The goal with his first touch shows that his form is not on the decline, and he can go for a couple of years yet!

                                                        Captain Alan Lallana is also a vital part of the squad on the south coast. Despite his lack of years, he has proven himself to be a superb leader, both on and off the field, and often chips in with valuable goals from midfield. His organisation and motivational skills means that Southampton miss his presence massively when unavailable, and his staying fit aids their push up the table.

Key Fixture Dates:

24/08/2013: Southampton vs Sunderland
15/09/2013: Southampton vs West Ham United
26/10/2013: Southampton vs Fulham
03/12/2013: Southampton vs Aston Villa
14/12/2013: Newcastle vs Southampton
18/01/2014: Sunderland vs Southampton
01/02/2014: Fulham vs Southampton
22/02/2014: West Ham United vs Southampton
29/03/2014: Southampton vs Newcastle
19/04/2014: Aston Villa vs Southampton

Top Goalscorer:

                                                       Whilst Rickie Lambert is crucial to the success of the Southampton side, I actually believe that this is going to be the season where we see Jay Rodriguez come of age. The ex-Burnley man found it difficult initially to acclimatise to life in the Premier League, meaning that he recieved only a handful of appearances, and even less goals in the first half of last season. However, as time continued, the Englishman eventually broke into the Saints side, and I feel that improvement will only continue in the months to come. He may not score more than 10, but I still think that will be enough for the accolade.

Prediction:

                                                          As much as the signings that Southampton have made are good, and the manager Mauricio Pochettino is a promising talent, we have seen the curse of the Second Season Syndrome come back and bite teams. Even last year, QPR fell to the same curse, and I expect Southampton to be the side that feels its effects this time around. Whilst I think they have the squad to resist the dreaded drop, I sense that this will be a season of consolidation and damage-limitation rather than pushing for a top-10 place.

Southampton 2013/2014: 15th

Swansea City: A Silver Second Season

2012/2013 Season Review:

                The exit of Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool threaten to derail the Swans’ season before it had even begun. However, Huw Jenkins pulled off what turned out to be a masterstroke, bringing in the Danish superstar Michael Laudrup to run the Welsh club. The former Mallorca manager used his substantial knowledge of the Spanish game, bringing in no fewer than 4 players from the continent. Chico Flores, Michu, Jonathan de Guzman and Pablo Hernandez all left the sunnier climate of Spain for the rather more wet environment of South Wales. Celtic’s Ki Sung Yung was the Dane’s only summer signing not to come from Spain, but all of which would contribute significantly during the season. Michu in particular was an outstanding signing, for only £2.2 million, and his quality was instantly indicated in the Swansea’s opening day 5-0 demolition of QPR. A subsequent 3-0 home win over West Ham took the Swans to the league summit for the first time since their return, but three subsequent league defeats in September put Swansea quite a way behind, leading people to worry about the transition from Rodgers to Laudrup.

                Swansea’s Capital One Cup form remained strong, and eventually began to improve their league results. Progression to the Quarter Final at the end of October could well have been the driving force behind the Swans going the entirety of November unbeaten, culminating in an impressive 2-0 win away at the Emirates at the beginning of December. Swansea then beat Middlesbrough in their Quarter Final to set up an intriguing two-legged semi against the favourites for the competition Chelsea. Another long unbeaten run followed over the New Year, spanning 7 games, including a very impressive 2-0 first leg lead in the Capital One Cup at Stamford Bridge. However, despite a positive performance in one cup competition, the Swans exited the FA Cup at the first opportunity, away at Arsenal.

                A highly-charged second leg at the Liberty against Chelsea followed the FA Cup exit, in which the Swans showed an exemplary rear guard action to deny the Blues a route through. The frustration was all too much for Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, who got into an altercation with a ball boy, in which he appeared to kick the youngster. Whilst both parties later apologised to one another, it still marred what was otherwise an historic night for Swansea City, who would travel to Wembley as overwhelming favourites against League 2 side Bradford City. Swansea’s league form before the cup final took an almost pre-cautionary slump, as players appeared to be more concerned with avoiding injury. With the Swans clearly safe in mid-table, maximum effort was no longer required, and players could look forward to the cup final in good spirits. Nowhere was this mentality better displayed that at Anfield the game before the final, where the Swans capitulated to a 5-0 defeat.

                The slacking off in the previous few games obviously paid off however, as in their main showpiece, Swansea were rampant, thrashing Bradford 5-0 at Wembley to secure their first major trophy in their 101 year history. Braces from Dyer and De Guzman, along with a typical goal from Michu, ensured that Swansea would be getting their hands on silverware, and claiming a place in next season’s Europa League in the process. After the euphoric Wembley victory, Swansea’s league form took a dramatic nosedive, with them only winning 2 of their following 11 games until the end of the season. They were certainly fortunate they had amassed as many points as they did at the beginning of the season, otherwise they could have found themselves in considerable trouble by the end of it.

                Nevertheless, this season can only be seen as an unqualified success for Swansea, and for Welsh football in general, as with Cardiff joining the Premier League next season, Wales will make up 10% of the top flight. A first trophy and a top 10 finish is more than sufficient for their second season back in the Premier League, and with Michael Laudrup’s style of attractive football, I cannot see Swansea finding their Premier League status in trouble any time soon.

 

Player of the Season: Michu – An easy contender for bargain of the season, Michu started as he meant to go on, with an opening day brace. Deadly in front of goal, particularly in the first half of the season, ensured that Swansea occupied a top 10 finish and a trophy by the end of the year. The fact that Michu ended the Premier League campaign in 5^th place in the goalscoring charts, ahead of any Manchester City, Arsenal or Chelsea player, shows just how successful a first season it has been for the popular Spaniard, who will surely command a much higher price tag as a result.

 

Game of the Season: Bradford City 0-5 Swansea – Easily the best day of Swansea’s season, and arguably one of the best days in the history of the football club. The tag of overwhelming favourites did not phase the Swans one bit, attacking from the off before Nathan Dyer rolled in his first after 16 minutes. The Welsh side kept their foot to the floor, and soon they had a second, with Michu placing a shot past Matt Duke to effectively end the game as a contest. Three more goals and a red card followed, and Swansea were left jubilant, with their first trophy in their 101 year history.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): In terms of signings, Michael Laudrup performed exceptionally well at the beginning of this season, bringing in clearly well scouted and well established players, all of which he knew would adapt quickly to his style of football. Similar nouse will be required this summer, though i suspect there will be significantly fewer signings. Another striker to take the pressure off Michu’s shoulders could be possible, along with another strong central midfielder to break up the play. Celtic’s Victor Wanyama and Gary Hooper could both be adequate signings in the summer.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Scott Sinclair (Manchester City, LW), Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City, GK), Junior Hoilett (QPR, LW)

Out:

Ashley Williams (Arsenal, Liverpool, CB)

Queens Park Rangers: No Second Reprieve

2012/2013 Season Review:

                Having narrowly escaped relegation in that chaotic final day game at the Etihad last May, in which commentator Martin Tyler proclaimed that ‘everyone’s a winner!’, QPR started this season with the mantra of ‘never again’. Mark Hughes utilised Tony Fernandes’s spending power to the full in the summer transfer window, acquiring the likes of Robert Green, Julio Cesar, Stephane M’Bia, Ji Sung Park and Bobby Zamora in an attempt to propel the club up the table. Instead, the Hoops started the season in the worst possible manner, being demolished 0-5 at home against Swansea. A more promising draw away at Norwich followed, but the initial results did little to diminish the anxieties of the club.

                More encouraging performances from QPR followed, in a 3-1 defeat away at Manchester City, before a 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea and a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Tottenham. Whilst the Rangers were failing to pick up points, their performances suggested that the wins would come. The following three performances, however, threw doubt on those assumptions. Home defeats against Reading, in the Capital One Cup, and West Ham, were backed up by an away defeat to West Brom. This dismal form continued, as QPR remained rooted to the foot of the table. After a run of 12 games with only 4 points as a return, Mark Hughes was relieved of his duties in late November, with Harry Redknapp being announced as his replacement.

                Redknapp oversaw the 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford, and his tenure began with a four game unbeaten run, culminating in QPR’s first win of the season, in a 2-1 victory at home to Fulham. The run of results allowed QPR fans to dream of a ‘Harry Houdini’ style Great Escape, which looked a long way away under Mark Hughes stewardship. Unfortunately, 3 more defeats took those dreams out of focus, and led for Harry to call for January reinforcements. In a seemingly never-ending rollercoaster set of results, the next scoreline took some believing. A Shaun Wright-Phillips goal against his former employers gave QPR a famous win at Stamford Bridge against an out of sorts Chelsea. This result, coupled with the influx of big name, expensive players, such as Chris Samba and Loic Remy, led the Hoops to go on a 7 game unbeaten spell, picking up more vital points in their bid to survive.

                A premature end to their FA Cup campaign, being eliminated in the Fourth Round by MK Dons, allowed QPR to focus all of their attention on retaining their Premier League status. Although by February it looked a long shot, fans believed that this Harry Redknapp assembled side could maintain enough momentum to push their side over the line. Two wins in early March, against Southampton and Sunderland, took the Hoops to within touching distance of the group above, and for the first time, pundits were beginning to ask themselves if the seemingly impossible could actually happen. Unfortunately, two successive narrow 3-2 defeats against Aston Villa and Fulham destroyed QPR’s momentum, cutting them away from the rest once more. Their fate was confirmed in the dire away game against Reading, with a boring 0-0 draw condemning them to the Championship next season. Three further defeats left QPR propping up the table, amassing only 25 points.

                Overall, not the season that Tony Fernandes or the board had envisioned this season, especially with the money pumped into the club. Reports of unrest of the difference in salaries, particularly surrounding Chris Samba, were common at the end of the season, and QPR will have to get their house in check if they are to compete for promotion next season. I suspect we will see a significant exodus, as QPR do have quality players. They were just assembled to quickly to generate short-term success.

 

Player of the Season: Julio Cesar – A strange choice, especially considering that QPR were relegated, but the Brazilian number one was a shining light in a very dark side. A number of outstanding performances give Cesar my vote, particularly his showing at home to Manchester City in late January. I would be amazed if the Hoops hang onto him, as he is undoubtedly a great talent.

 

Game of the Season: QPR 3-1 Sunderland – The game that got every QPR fan believing that the Great Escape was on. Despite dominating the early stages, the Hoops fell behind through Steven Fletcher tap-in. Cue a rousing response from QPR, levelling within ten minutes as Loic Remy steered a shot past Mignolet. A nervy start to the second half was shattered by a stunner from Tottenham loanee Andros Townsend, before another long range effort from Jenas wrapped up the points for Redknapp’s men.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): In short, to lower the wage budget, without losing many of their star talents. Large salaries, such as Chris Samba and Loic Remy may well be sacrificed, but the Hoops may want to try to hang onto stars like Adel Taarabt and Junior Hoilett. I expect to see little in the way of incomings at Loftus Road, but perhaps, if anything, a striker to replace Remy may be needed. Blackburn Rovers’s Jordan Rhodes is a proven goalscorer at that level, and would be a useful purchase.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Dwight Gayle (Peterborough, CM)

Out:

Loic Remy (Liverpool, Arsenal, ST), Julio Cesar (Arsenal, GK), Djibril Cisse (???, ST), Junior Hoilett (Swansea City, LW)

Norwich City: Threats of ‘Second Season Syndrome’

2012/2013 Season Review:

                After a highly successful return the Premier League under the stewardship of Paul Lambert, Norwich had to look elsewhere after the Scot left, in rather acrimonious circumstances, to join Aston Villa in the summer. They settled on previous Newcastle and Birmingham boss Chris Hughton, who acted quickly in the transfer market, bringing in Javier Garrido from Lazio, along with Leeds’s Scottish international Robert Snodgrass. However, their season could not have got off to a worse start, being decimated 5-0 on the opening day by Fulham. A series of draws and defeats followed, leaving Norwich with only 3 points and no win in the Premier League by the end of September, though they had progressed to the Capital One Cup Fourth Round.

                Another 4-1 hammering by Chelsea followed, at which point Chris Hughton was made favourite by some bookies to be the first manager sacked in the Premier League, with the Canaries languishing towards the bottom of the table. Next came a result that turned the form book on its head. Arsenal, who had started the season in very impressive form came to Carrow Road, and left with nothing, as the impressive Canaries more than matched their illustrious opponents, claiming a vital 1-0 win, to hand Hughton his first win as Norwich boss. Norwich then embarked on a highly impressive run of 11 league games unbeaten, stretching from mid-October to mid-December, including a couple of memorable scalps. The defeat of Manchester United at home was particularly memorable, as Anthony Pilkington’s looping header secured a vital win for Norwich, sending Carrow Road into raptures.

                A disappointing exit of the Capital One Cup at the hands of Aston Villa signalled the end of Norwich’s fine run of form, and given the bad blood between the Villa boss and his old employers, they could have picked a better side to lose to. This also spelled the end to Norwich’s best chance of silverware, as a Semi Final appearance against Bradford appeared within their grasp. Four league defeats in quick succession followed, including a topsy-turvy 3-4 defeat at home to 10 man Manchester City. After their fine run of form, Norwich failed to win in the league in the whole of January, and were catastrophically knocked out of the FA Cup at home to Blue Square Bet Premier side Luton, a full 4 divisions below them. 9 games without a win pushed Norwich back towards the relegation battle by the end of February.

                March was another poor month for the struggling Canaries, once again going without a victory and collecting just two points. Even more worryingly for the Norwich fans, they were beginning to lose games against those sides around them, such as away at Wigan and Stoke. By mid-May, Norwich were perilously hovering just above the drop zone, looking likely to be in the relegation shake-up in the final few games. Victory over Norwich eased those concerns momentarily, but subsequent defeats against Stoke and Aston Villa put them right back into trouble. Luckily for Norwich, those around them failed to take adequate advantage of their slip ups, allowing Norwich to secure their place in next years Premier League with an emphatic 4-0 victory over West Brom. This relief allowed Norwich to produce one of their best performances of the season, taking advantage of an out of sorts Manchester City at the Etihad on the final day of the season, winning 3-2.

                Overall, Norwich will be fairly happy with their result this season. Having avoided the dreaded ‘Second Season Syndrome’, Norwich will play Premier League football, and that must have been their primary aim of this season. They may have liked to repeat the achievements of last season, and they will have been disappointed with their cup exits, but they are well placed to compete next season, perhaps aiming for a top ten berth.

 

Player of the Season: Robert Snodgrass – The former Leeds man has been an inspired signing from Chris Hughton. Often the driving force behind much of the Canaries attacks, he chipped in with vital goals towards the latter end of the season, and dominating the midfield in the crucial 4-0 victory over West Brom. Able to play out wide or in the centre, the Scot has proven himself to be an integral cog in the Norwich midfield mechanism.

 

Game of the Season: Norwich City 1-0 Manchester United – A famous night at Carrow Road, which saw the impressive scalp of Manchester United in mid-November, causing the final United defeat of 2012. An incredibly impressive performance, as you would expect from an in-form side, at times outplaying the champions elect. Anthony Pilkington’s 81^st minute goal was just reward for their efforts, sending Carrow Road wild.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): Norwich’s main problem this season has been goals, with last year’s talisman Grant Holt failing to chip in with as many as the previous campaign. The fact that he remains the club’s top scorer with just 8 tells its own story. Sporting Lisbon’s Ricky van Wolfswinkel has already been lined up for the Canaries, whom I think is a great capture for the club. Other than that, a true winger could prove useful, rather than asking Snodgrass to fulfil a ‘jack of all trades’ role. Players like Hull’s Sone Aluko or Crystal Palace’s Yannick Bolasie would fill that role.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon, ST, £7million), Gary Hooper (Celtic, ST)

Out:

Anthony Pilkington (Stoke City, LM), Chris Martin (Derby County, CM), Simeon Jackson (Released, ST)

Manchester City: Settling for Second Best

2012/2013 Season Review:

                After the euphoric, Sergio Aguero inspired, end to the previous season, Manchester City had a slow pre-season, with manager Roberto Mancini complaining frequently at the club’s lack of movement in the transfer targets. This allowed primary targets, such as Robin van Persie and Eden Hazard, to slip through their fingers, instead settling for the likes of Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell. Despite this disappointment, City had a positive start, beating Chelsea in the curtain raiser at Villa Park to achieve an early ‘trophy’. The start of the Premier League season was less encouraging, having to come from behind to beat Southampton at home on the opening day, before a less than impressive performance in a draw at Liverpool.

                September saw more tribulations for the Mancunians. The Champions League draw was most unkind to the reigning English champions, pairing them with the champions of Spain (Real Madrid), Germany (Borussia Dortmund) and Holland (Ajax), in a ‘group of death’. In their first game away to Real Madrid, City produced a splendid defensive effort, leading both 1-0 and then 2-1 with 5 minutes to go, only to capitulate and lose 3-2. A first defeat at the Etihad Stadium followed, putting City out of the Capital One Cup at the hands of Aston Villa. This, and the draw against Arsenal in the league, illustrated that City’s perceived invincibility at home had ended.

                City’s early league form promised much, winning games that the previous season they had drawn, such as away at West Brom. Despite this form, they were abject in Europe, with an abysmal defeat in Amsterdam following the fortunate 1-1 draw at home to Borussia Dortmund, where Joe Hart had one of the best goalkeeping performances in recent memory to keep his side in it. City’s second consecutive group stage exit of the Champions League was practically confirmed with the 2-2 home draw against Ajax. City finished the group stages without a win to their name, and with the lowest points total of any British club. Bearing in mind the funds pumped into the club in recent years, this represents a significant failure for the club and, in particular, the manager.

                After the failure in Europe, City’s league form wavered. Two poor results at home severely damaged morale and their position in the title race. An unconvincing 1-1 draw with Everton was closely followed by a dramatic 2-3 defeat by local and title rivals Manchester United, where midfielder Samir Nasri later received death threats after his decision to turn away from the ball, leading to United’s winner. The game was also marred by scenes where a City fan invaded the pitch, attempting to attack Rio Ferdinand, who had already been hit with a missile from the crowd, drawing blood from above his eye. Horrendous scenes at the end of what had been a highly entertaining game.

                City regrouped after the derby defeat, winning 8 of 9 games after that point, including away wins against Arsenal and Stoke in the FA Cup. Two draws dented their title aspirations further, firstly a drab 0-0 draw at QPR, before a Sergio Aguero goal from an impossible angle rescued a point for the Citizens at home to Liverpool. More decisive blows were dealt to City’s title defence with poor performances in away defeats against Southampton and Everton, leaving City to conclude that their most likely chance of silverware lay in the FA Cup. An emphatic 5-0 victory over Barnsley took City to Wembley for the 2^nd time in 3 years, to face Chelsea. A dominant first half performance saw City take a 2-0 lead early in the 2^nd half, when only Costel Pantilimon prevented Demba Ba from levelling the game. City hung on, aided by several controversial decisions by the referee to eliminate the holders and progress to the Final.

                A chance to re-establish some pride was taken at the beginning of April, when City went to United, already 15 points ahead in the title race, and won 2-1, courtesy of an individual Aguero goal. Nevertheless, a second half demolition inflicted by Tottenham, handed United the title in late April, leaving the rest of City’s season resting on the FA Cup Final against Wigan. With rumours rife about the future of Mancini, City were tactically outplayed by Roberto Martinez’s Wigan, who deservedly claimed their first trophy in their 81 year history courtesy of an injury time Ben Watson goal. City’s owners decided that enough was enough, removing Mancini from his post and placing Brian Kidd in temporary charge. A controversial decision, as Mancini had led City to their first trophy in decades, before their first title in 44 years the previous May. A poor final day saw City slump to a 3-2 home defeat against Norwich, ironically the exact opposite scoreline of the dramatic final day of the previous year.

                Overall, an extremely frustrating season for all City fans. Starting the season with the expectation of either defending their title, or challenging very closely, and competing well in Europe, City achieved none of these objectives, being second best in both the league and cup. It cost Roberto Mancini his job, and one wonders how his successor will cope with the increasing expectations of both the board and the fans next year.

 

Player of the Season: Pablo Zabaleta – In a season of lows, Zabaleta has been the one shining light in the City team. The picture of consistency, the Argentinean ensured that City finished the season with the greatest amount of clean sheets of any side in the League, and with the best defensive record.

 

Game of the Season: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City – In terms of overall performance, this is the only game in which I saw City perform to their potential. Whilst, as a City fan, I am pre-designed to select derby victories, but I can genuinely say that in no game this season was I ever blown away in the same way as the previous campaign.

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): Not signing good enough players at the beginning of the season is ultimately where the blame lies for this campaign. Matija Nastasic is the only one that has managed to hold down a permanent position this year. Defensively, City look relatively strong, but failing to replace Nigel de Jong has had an impact. Tactically, there have also been issues, with a noticeable lack of a Plan B. A bit of width would be useful to provide this. Similarly, a lack of goals has characterised the campaign, and I expect a big name striker in this summer. In terms of names, Daniele de Rossi, Edinson Cavani, Jesus Navas and Radamel Falcao could be possible targets.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Edinson Cavani (Napoli, ST), Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk, CAM), Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad, CM), Ben Davies (Swansea City, LB), Neymar (Santos, ST), Manuel Pellegrini (Malaga, Manager), Jesus Navas (Sevilla, RW), Pepe (Real Madrid, CB)

Out:

Joleon Lescott (Everton, CB), Scott Sinclair (Swansea City, LW), Roberto Mancini (???, Manager), Costel Pantilimon (Fiorentina, GK), Carlos Tevez (Juventus, PSG, AS Monaco, ST)