League Links
Transfer News
Bassong to Spurs - Redknapp is denying this one for now but its pretty clear that there is interest here. It would be a great fit in light of Spurs' injury problems and he would make a great long term partner for Woodgate. I would be heavily on the Spurs defense if this one happens.
Veloso or Sneijder to Villa - The arrival of the Sneijder from Madrid would be a massive upgrade for Villa and he would be an excellent fantasy selection for anything less than 8m. O'Neill is also said to be after Veloso from Sporting who carries a strong reputation for being a solid player. Sneijder is the most exciting but both get fantasy consideration to replace Gareth Barry at Villa Park.
Pirlo to Chelsea - As good as Pirlo is, this one remains a touch confusing to me as I do not see where he fill fit in Ancelotti's diamond. Under the old 4-3-3 he would be perfect alongside Essien and Lampard but in a 4-4-2 it is less clear as to how he will be deployed. Regardless, the deal seems to be getting closer, with the latest sticking block being Pizarro, who is due to go the other way on the deal. Pirlo will of course garner fantasy attention if he is deployed in a Xavi type role, pulling the strings behind Lampard and co.
Benjani to Blackburn - This one is interesting as it creates a new fantasy option for a team that is seriously lacking in that department. I do not rate Benjani's technical ability but you cannot deny he knows where the net is and could be worth a look for 6m. If the match up is right Benjani at Ewood would be worth a look.
Armand Traore to Birmingham - one of last year's blog favourites could be on the move again, this time to newly promoted Birmingam. The Frenchman would be an upgrade on their current options and is well priced at 4.5m. The real value would lie in him being deployed in a more advanced role, as he was at times last year at Portsmouth. This is less likely as Birmingham have several options (McFadden, Larsson, McSheffrey) to fill the flanks. McLeish has also specifically stated his desire to find a left back in recent weeks.
Hangeland to Arsenal/Vela to Fulham - This one is very interesting as it creates two valuable fantasy players, both of whom would be undervalued. Hangeland at Arsenal could lineup alongside fellow new boy Vermaelen and at 5.5m would be great value for a big four defender. Also valued at 5.5m Carlos Vela who I have mentioned several times as being a big time prospect. At Fulham he could become an every week starter, and at his value would be one of the best value options around. If this one goes through I might have both these players come the start of the
Bentley and/or Dawson to Sunderland - I can't see Spurs letting Dawson go when they have so many injury issues but Bentley is an interesting proposition. Player rarely lose ability as quickly as it appears Bentley has and a new home could give him a new lease of life to return the form he showed at Blackburn when he registered 145 and 169 point seasons. Production anywhere near that for 7m would be great value and a midfield of Bentley, Malbranque, Richardson and Cana looks very interesting. Definitely one to watch here.
Squad News
Keane's new position - It seems that Robbie Keane may have a new position, as Redknapp deployed him in midfield, replacing Jermaine Jenas. This alternative would alleviate the pressure on Redknapp to accommodate his three big name strikers, but would obviously end the viability of Keane as a fantasy option. With the Irishman out of the picture, Defoe and Crouch's value would be increased due to extra playing time. This one will continue right up until and throughout the start of the season.
Keep checking Twitter for up to date injury and transfer updates.
Bassong to Spurs - Redknapp is denying this one for now but its pretty clear that there is interest here. It would be a great fit in light of Spurs' injury problems and he would make a great long term partner for Woodgate. I would be heavily on the Spurs defense if this one happens.
Veloso or Sneijder to Villa - The arrival of the Sneijder from Madrid would be a massive upgrade for Villa and he would be an excellent fantasy selection for anything less than 8m. O'Neill is also said to be after Veloso from Sporting who carries a strong reputation for being a solid player. Sneijder is the most exciting but both get fantasy consideration to replace Gareth Barry at Villa Park.Pirlo to Chelsea - As good as Pirlo is, this one remains a touch confusing to me as I do not see where he fill fit in Ancelotti's diamond. Under the old 4-3-3 he would be perfect alongside Essien and Lampard but in a 4-4-2 it is less clear as to how he will be deployed. Regardless, the deal seems to be getting closer, with the latest sticking block being Pizarro, who is due to go the other way on the deal. Pirlo will of course garner fantasy attention if he is deployed in a Xavi type role, pulling the strings behind Lampard and co.
Benjani to Blackburn - This one is interesting as it creates a new fantasy option for a team that is seriously lacking in that department. I do not rate Benjani's technical ability but you cannot deny he knows where the net is and could be worth a look for 6m. If the match up is right Benjani at Ewood would be worth a look.
Armand Traore to Birmingham - one of last year's blog favourites could be on the move again, this time to newly promoted Birmingam. The Frenchman would be an upgrade on their current options and is well priced at 4.5m. The real value would lie in him being deployed in a more advanced role, as he was at times last year at Portsmouth. This is less likely as Birmingham have several options (McFadden, Larsson, McSheffrey) to fill the flanks. McLeish has also specifically stated his desire to find a left back in recent weeks.
Hangeland to Arsenal/Vela to Fulham - This one is very interesting as it creates two valuable fantasy players, both of whom would be undervalued. Hangeland at Arsenal could lineup alongside fellow new boy Vermaelen and at 5.5m would be great value for a big four defender. Also valued at 5.5m Carlos Vela who I have mentioned several times as being a big time prospect. At Fulham he could become an every week starter, and at his value would be one of the best value options around. If this one goes through I might have both these players come the start of theBentley and/or Dawson to Sunderland - I can't see Spurs letting Dawson go when they have so many injury issues but Bentley is an interesting proposition. Player rarely lose ability as quickly as it appears Bentley has and a new home could give him a new lease of life to return the form he showed at Blackburn when he registered 145 and 169 point seasons. Production anywhere near that for 7m would be great value and a midfield of Bentley, Malbranque, Richardson and Cana looks very interesting. Definitely one to watch here.
Squad News
Keane's new position - It seems that Robbie Keane may have a new position, as Redknapp deployed him in midfield, replacing Jermaine Jenas. This alternative would alleviate the pressure on Redknapp to accommodate his three big name strikers, but would obviously end the viability of Keane as a fantasy option. With the Irishman out of the picture, Defoe and Crouch's value would be increased due to extra playing time. This one will continue right up until and throughout the start of the season.
Keep checking Twitter for up to date injury and transfer updates.
Comments
And Vela could have his breakout season with a move to Fulham. But who would you pick: Vela(at fulham) or Frazier C?
I am in exactly the same boat needing a 5m midfielder and I have so far opted for Anderson (I already have Jimenez). I want to see how much he'll play but I figure he has the most upside. After that I like Masch for consistency and Larsson for his bonus point potential.
TD: I don't think he'll generate sufficient minutes to justify 5.5m. I like Ebanks Blake, Benitez and Nugent more.