Harry Redknapp was quick to suggest that the recent successful season would not be followed by a busy summer in the transfer market. Tottenham's manager may be largely happy with his squad, but he is not one to let attractive transfer options pass him by, therefore, there will surely be some new arrivals at Spurs over the coming months as the club prepares to return to European football.
The return of the loanees (Robbie Keane, Alan Hutton, Giovani dos Santos and Jamie O'Hara) will not feel like new additions, as they are likely to leave again, especially as their combined market value is at least £20-25 million.
This would allow Redknapp to dabble in the transfer market to a greater extent than he is seemingly planning to - one big money move for a star player has been hinted at. But what does the team actually need? Tottenham's football betting odds suggest they should be looking to fight for glory on four fronts, so clearly reinforcements are needed.
A different back-up goalkeeping option to Carlo Cudicini is required, although the Italian has signed a new contract, suggesting his injury problems are not a long-term issue. An alternative, perhaps David James, would not prove too expensive, and let's face it, I can't see him wanting to join Spurs if he's going to be 2nd or 3rd in the Spurs Goalkeeping pecking order.
The defence seems well-settled, especially if and when Jonathan Woodgate returns to fitness. Indeed, the manager's apparent satisfaction with his squad applies to all areas, with the only area in real need of improvement being central midfield.
The work permit dependant signing of Sandro will help competition for places, but the team's engine room was short of goals last term and some creative talent needs to be brought in. The potential departures of Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley would make more funds for fees and wages available. Do you want Bentley and Jenas to leave?
Joe Cole's future at Chelsea is still not settled and the presence of Redknapp and Champion's League football at Spurs might prove alluring to a player feeling undervalued at Stamford Bridge. He could still star for England in the Football World Cup 2010 and is by no means passed his best, although he has suffered a great deal from injuries in the last 18 months. Let's not forget that Joe Cole is only 28 and should be at his peak. Stephen Ireland is another player who has slipped out of favour and both players' clever movement and eye for goal would be attractive to the manager. I'd prefer Ireland over Cole, but then again, knowing how Harry works, we could buy the two of them!
The future at Spurs is bright and Redknapp should have no trouble in persuading potential major signings that they should be a part of it.
Anyone else heard the rumour that Edin Dzeko's agent, Irfan Redzepagic, was in London this weekend, possibly meeting up with Daniel Levy?
_________________________________________________
Follow our rants on Twitter
Read our latest Evening Standard Blog
Have you got an iPod or mp3 player? If you love listening to audiobooks, click here....
Big Chiv: My Goals in Life - Get it now!
The return of the loanees (Robbie Keane, Alan Hutton, Giovani dos Santos and Jamie O'Hara) will not feel like new additions, as they are likely to leave again, especially as their combined market value is at least £20-25 million.
This would allow Redknapp to dabble in the transfer market to a greater extent than he is seemingly planning to - one big money move for a star player has been hinted at. But what does the team actually need? Tottenham's football betting odds suggest they should be looking to fight for glory on four fronts, so clearly reinforcements are needed.
A different back-up goalkeeping option to Carlo Cudicini is required, although the Italian has signed a new contract, suggesting his injury problems are not a long-term issue. An alternative, perhaps David James, would not prove too expensive, and let's face it, I can't see him wanting to join Spurs if he's going to be 2nd or 3rd in the Spurs Goalkeeping pecking order.
The defence seems well-settled, especially if and when Jonathan Woodgate returns to fitness. Indeed, the manager's apparent satisfaction with his squad applies to all areas, with the only area in real need of improvement being central midfield.
The work permit dependant signing of Sandro will help competition for places, but the team's engine room was short of goals last term and some creative talent needs to be brought in. The potential departures of Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley would make more funds for fees and wages available. Do you want Bentley and Jenas to leave?
Joe Cole's future at Chelsea is still not settled and the presence of Redknapp and Champion's League football at Spurs might prove alluring to a player feeling undervalued at Stamford Bridge. He could still star for England in the Football World Cup 2010 and is by no means passed his best, although he has suffered a great deal from injuries in the last 18 months. Let's not forget that Joe Cole is only 28 and should be at his peak. Stephen Ireland is another player who has slipped out of favour and both players' clever movement and eye for goal would be attractive to the manager. I'd prefer Ireland over Cole, but then again, knowing how Harry works, we could buy the two of them!
The future at Spurs is bright and Redknapp should have no trouble in persuading potential major signings that they should be a part of it.
Anyone else heard the rumour that Edin Dzeko's agent, Irfan Redzepagic, was in London this weekend, possibly meeting up with Daniel Levy?
_________________________________________________
Follow our rants on Twitter
Read our latest Evening Standard Blog
Have you got an iPod or mp3 player? If you love listening to audiobooks, click here....
Big Chiv: My Goals in Life - Get it now!
