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F365's Summer Spending Guide (Two)

And after taking in A and most of B, we look at the following five - Burnley, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham and Hull. Guess who will have the most money? You'll never guess. We take a punt...

Last Updated: 10/06/09 at 13:17 Post Comment




BURNLEY

Budget: Small. Operational Director Brendan Flood has already said: "We're not going to sign anyone who's demanding £30,000 a week," and suggested that Owen Coyle will sign only six or seven players at the very most. A conservative estimate would be £15m.

On Their Way Out? Alan Mahon, Gabor Kiraly and Steve Jones have all gone but most of the squad will be kept together.

What They Need: One of the skinniest squads in the Championship will look positively emaciated in the Premier League, but all talk emanating from Turf Moor is that they will buy small, with Owen Coyle putting faith in the players who took them there and bloodied a few noses along the way.

It's fair to say that the spine of the team probably needs some work, with a centre-half pairing of Steven Caldwell and Clarke Carlisle looking far from Premier League quality. Up front, Martin Paterson was the only player to edge into double figures last season, so links with Darius Vassell and Kevin Doyle certainly make some sense. And they could do with grabbing one of Stoke's approximately 17 massive central midfielders as they certainly look a bit lightweight in that department.


CHELSEA

Budget: "We expect three or four players to leave and three or four to come in. We would like to fund those purchases with the transfer fees we receive but, having said that, if the right player comes along, even if he's an expensive player, Roman is willing to do that if it makes sense for Chelsea Football Club" - so said Bruce Buck, suggesting that a marquee player could join Chelsea. So money no object within reason, then.

On Their Way Out? With the club keen to bring down the age of the squad, expect exits for Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, while any offers for fringe players like Paulo Ferreira would be gratefully received.

What They Need: A big-name marquee signing for both PR and footballing reasons. A touch of inspiration is needed and, having missed out on Kaka, they have apparently turned to the likes of Franck Ribery, Alex Pato, Sergio Kun Aguero and David Villa. With Joe Cole back to fitness and Florent Malouda back to form, the club may feel that one big-name addition gives them plentiful attacking options, though possible interest in Ashley Young will make mouths water in west London.

More sensibly, Chelsea need goalkeepeping cover - they only have Hilario to challenge Petr Cech - and a left-back, with Ashley Cole currently their only left-sided option. A mooted move for Glen Johnson makes very little sense indeed, as Chelsea have right-backs coming out of their ears.


EVERTON

Budget: "I don't think there will be a massive amount for me to spend, but that's something I can't control," said David Moyes. Last season the budget was around £15m and he blew the lot on Marouane Fellaini. His budget is unlikely to top £20m this time around.

On Their Way Out? They will resist attempts by Manchester City to tempt away Joleon Lescott, and be glad to get Segundo Castillo and Andy van der Meyde off the payroll.

What They Need: A right-back (Tony Hibbert's performance in the spotlight of the FA Cup final was a disaster), a left-sided midfielder (Nani, Stephent Hunt and Joe Ledley are names mentioned) and a bona fide matchwinner to take some of the pressure off Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta. If David Moyes eventualy gets Joao Moutinho then he is officially the most patient man in Britain.

Michael Owen is one name that refuses to go away but adding a striker made of balsa wood to a squad that already features Louis Saha and Yakubu seems to be the stuff of madness - unless a pay-as-you-play deal is in the offing. The link to Kevin Doyle seems a more viable, if somewhat less sexy, option.


FULHAM

Budget: "The chairman is just waiting for us to come back and say: 'We've identified the targets' and then he'll make his decisions about how much money he can allow us," says Roy Hodgson, but we'd be surprised if there's more than £20m available.

On Their Way Out? Brede Hangeland seems intent on giving Fulham at least one more season, though a massive bid from Arsenal could be difficult to resist. Otherwise, Seol Ki-Hyeon and Moritz Volz could come off the payroll.

What They Need: Numbers. Only 12 of the Cottagers' current squad played a considerable amount of football last season, and now the Europa League will be added to the equation.

Specifically, they need cover across the back four as surely they can't have another season when John Paintsil, Aaron Hughes, Hangeland and Paul Konchesky stay fit for the duration. Both Digao and Paul Scharner have been mentioned as possible targets. The other priority has to be a striker, as Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson were hardly prolific in a season that relied on defensive organisation for success.


HULL CITY

Budget: "There is money available and there's a lot of work to be done in attack and defence," said Phil Brown, who is likely to have around £20m to spend on new signings this summer.

On Their Way Out? Dean Windass and Ryan France have gone, while Daniel Cousin could chase the money in the Middle East. It's unlikely he would be begged to stay.

What They Need: Brown has talked about quality, experienced players in both boxes. Strikers have to be the priority - and a £6m fee for Fraizer Campbell has already been agreed. A defensive partner for Michael Turner should also be high on any 'to do' list, with Kamil Zayette proving a tad too unconventional for the Premier League.

Crocked Jimmy Bullard won't start next season so links with Kevin Nolan certainly make sense. Actually, they could do a lot worse than raid the north-east for other relegated players like David Wheater, Danny Guthrie, Robert Huth, Ryan Taylor, Gary O'Neil and even Nicky Butt. There's experience a-plenty amongst those relegated teams if you don't mind the lingering whiff of failure.


Sarah Winterburn

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ood article, as I've stated already those who consider Webb favoured United are blind to reality.

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