It seems that the Championship Playoff finals are often won by the team who is playing best at the end of the season. Last year, Ian Holloway masterminded a Blackpool offensive (cough) juggernaut to promotion behind Charlie Adam and against a Cardiff side who’ve developed the nasty reputation of being playoff chokers. This year, the popular picks from pundits have gone to anyone but the Bluebirds. But is there really a trend to which clubs are most successful come playoff time?

Examining table below, we can draw several assumptions. Firstly, it’s bad luck to finish fourth in the table after the regular season (another reason Cardiff City fans are cursing). Not once has a team who finished fourth won through to English football’s Big Dance.

Secondly, it’s easy to see that when a club finishes higher in the table (as in Watford, Derby County and Hull City from 2006-08), recent league form usually plays less of a part their playoff success – the two worst-performed teams over the last ten league games over the past ten years both achieved playoff success from third place. This means that the club was either safely in the playoffs or had dropped by dint of poor form from the automatic promotion places. In all three cases however, their pursuers failed to take advantage of poor form (cf. Watford 2006 and Derby County in 2007).

Also, it’s important to realise that Goal Difference counts. Every promoted club – excepting a strange mid-noughties phenomenon involving West Ham, Watford and Derby County – had a much superior goal differential to their opponents. Given before last season’s first-half scorefest, the prior 6 Playoff Finals had ended 1-0, the ability to balance defence with attack is crucial.

So how does this year’s championship reflect these trends?

At this stage it would be easy to discount Nottingham Forest as they’ve taken the least points from their last ten league matches of any club who finishing sixth over the past decade. Their collapse – lasting from mid-February to early April – should have effectively put paid to their chances. This is also reflected in their poor goal difference. However as these are finals and – as the quote goes – “You’ve got to be in it to win it”, they can’t be considered definite first-round “outs” just because a decade of stats (not a big sample) says they should be.

Reading‘s form appears irresistible. While Swansea City have won less often, they’ve done so with greater winning margins. This could be put down to facing weaker opposition or their attacking style of play. That their stats match up quite well with Watford’s and Derby County’s is also encouraging for fans of Cyril the Swan and his men. With Cardiff’s reputation as big-game bottlers perhaps overstated but disturbing reports of late-season drinking apparently close to the mark, perhaps it’s easier to discount the Bluebirds (my favourite Football Manager team) against the Shane Long-led Royals.

Fearless Playoff Predictions: Reading over Cardiff City, Swansea City over Nottingham Forest, Dave Jones to get sacked and then Reading to steamroll back into the Premiership, leaving Cyril the Swan distraught, tired and emotional.

For more analysis and opinion, shoot across to Matthew Wood‘s blog, Balanced Sports.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The relegation battle in the Premiership has become increasingly intense. As the season progresses and Manchester United seemingly stumbling towards the title pursued by an equally reeling competition, the bottom of the table proves now to be the more intriguing are of the English top flight. This season sees the most intense dogfight to avoid the drop for many years.

It seems no-one in the bottom half of the table is immune, let alone safe. Before the weekend’s win against a Wigan outfit seeminly every bit mid-table Championship calibre, Sunderland had dropped like an action-movie elevator from potential European combatant to also-ran. Blackpool‘s astonishing start to the season came undone at exactly the same time as Charlie Adam’s Liverpool move was rejected. West Ham remain as consistent as the March weather. On the other hand, Wolves have proved the most plucky of all the teams in the relegation zone yet still prop up the table, hit hard by injury to target-man Kevin Doyle.

What confuses this situation more than in years past is that there are no “certainties” for the drop. Last year Portsmouth failed to break twenty points (thanks among other things to a nine-point deduction for going into administration) and in 2008, Derby County broke Sunderland’s record from 2006 for the fewest points in a season. This year, no such luck: the bottom nine clubs sit within one “six-pointer” of the drop zone.

When comparing this season to the previous decade, the only real precedents for such a tight battle was in 2003, 2007 and 2008, where – aside from the three in the relegation zone – five other clubs finished within six points of the drop. In all cases, however, one club was cut adrift much earlier in the season: in 2003 it was Sunderland, 2007 Watford and 2008 the hapless Derby County. Generally (60% over the last ten years), one club is mathematically relegated much sooner in the season than their compatriots. With only four (or five) matches remaining in this EPL season, there is no such bunny.

As always, the complicating factor in the relegation battle is Goal Difference. Goal difference has been known to be crucial – just ask Fulham fans, who in 2008 saw their club survive thanks only to a GD 3 superior to that of relegated Reading’s. Interestingly, while it’s mentioned often and loudly, that’s one of only two times since the turn of the twenty-first century that a club has avoided relegation by virtue of goal difference. The other was the year before, when a David Unsworth penalty against his former club Sheffield United lifted the Latics out of the drop zone at the expense of the Blades.

Another trend over the decade has been that as more teams are involved in a relegation battle, a greater impact is seen in goal difference over the course of a season. For example, in the years where eight clubs each year finished the season within six points of relegation (2003, 2007 and 2008) – or one crucial win against a fellow straggler – the average goal difference of any threatened clubs was much lower. The same is true in 2011, where nine clubs are still classified “in danger”.

Excepting Derby County in 2008 (who finished the season with 11 points and an all time goal difference record of -69), it’s easy to see that the average Goal Difference of relegation-threatened clubs decreases as the number of clubs increases.

Derby County are excluded because they are a statistical outlier – their season-long goal difference of -69 a whole 57% worse than any club’s during the past seven years – the next worst club in Goal Difference was 2003′s Sunderland squad, with -44. Since they lost almost every game (season record 1-8-29) we can assume everyone took points off them. This assumption may not necessarily be correct, but statistically speaking, it is safe.

As you can see, the tighter a relegation battle gets, the tighter clubs tend to become – with the possible exception of Ian Holloway’s Blackpool. If more club become involved in a relegation battle, it leads to lower average goal differences across those threatened teams. This season has produced another statistical anomaly which is interesting (but not very interesting) – Mark Hughes’ Fulham join Leeds United’s 2003 squad as the only “threatened” club in the last decade to boast a positive goal difference (+1).

It stands to reason that with an increased number of threatened clubs that average goal difference is reduced. If more clubs are involved in the Relegation battle, then that means for an even competition. An even competition means for even scores across a week-to-week basis and no matter if this Premier League has not been one of “vintage” calibre, it certainly has gone nearly unparalleled for intrigue and competition. In days past, the magic total of 40 points has been suggested to be a minimum safe distance. Only once has a club been relegated who had scored above forty points: West Ham, who were desperately unlucky to go down in 2003 with a record points tally.

Therefore, we can say safely with approximately 10% of the season still to play, the 2010-11 average Goal Difference figures are going to be amongst the lowest of the past ten years. If we extrapolate the figures as they stand now, it could mean an average goal difference as low as -16.85 for all threatened clubs over the course of the entire season. If we use Goal Difference as a marker of how intense a relegation battle is, then this relegation battle is statistically slightly (5%) more intense than than the previous most intense fight in 2008 involving Birmingham, Reading, Fulham and Bolton. Only this year, there’s no Derby County – there are no (relatively) easy points.

For more analysis and opinion, shoot across to Matthew Wood’s blog, Balanced Sports.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Player transfer fees and their larger than life wage bills are a common topic of discussion for a football fan of today. From Wayne Rooney threatening to quit to oil-rich owners going on shopping sprees, the footballers have now become spoilt and they now know that their high demands will be met at their current club or the next.

It is especially easy to get a huge wage offer for those who possess skill and/or experience. Yaya Toure moved from Spain to England with a wage demand that even England’s best Rooney was not getting at the time.

For the smaller clubs, it has become far more difficult to move into the top-flight and pose a threat to the top teams in their own country, let alone go on a Euro trip.

We have taken the liberty to skim out the football clubs out of the ESPN’s 200 best-paying teams in the world and present a list to you of 66 best-paying football teams in the world.

If you’re gifted with football, this is who will show you the money:

The Leagues and Countries: Bundesliga (Germany), EPL (English Premier League, England), La Liga (Spain), Serie A (Italy) & SPL (Scottish Premier League, Scotland).

Also see: Best Paid Footballers By Country

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Watford impress again

Last week I said it was time to stop treating the North Londoners like plucky underdogs; after the 3-1 win over Middlesborough, when do we start treating them like contenders? To see off Boro inside twenty minutes sends an awesome message out to the rest of the division.

I think, long-term, a lack of depth will catch up with them. At the moment though, they have the swagger of a team that thinks they can beat anyone.

30 attempts later, Hull finally win away

The Tigers will be delighted to have this monkey off their backs. With Bullard, Cairney and Koren, they have real quality in their midfield. A sizable question mark does, however, hang over their front-line and the pressure is on Jay Simpson to start firing.

Ferguson breathes a sigh of relief

In this era when most managers are never more than a bad run of form away from the dole queue, Darren Ferguson needed this. Nothing, however, in this scrappy win to convince me that it isn’t going to be a long hard winter at Deepdale.

Portsmouth and Derby finally start enjoying themselves

Both these teams have more quality than their league positions suggest. They will now hope that these big wins provide the kick-starts their seasons need.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

England

United Eye Danish Keeper

As reported here earlier, Manchester United are interested in Danish keeper Anders Lindegaard, who plays for Norwegian side Aalesunds FK. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Well, I didn’t get to gauge his goalkeeping skills much, but what is apparent from this video of last year’s Norwegian Cup final against Molde (and potential future teammate Mame Biram Diouf) is that he‘s not short on fire and that he has a way with the air guitar.

Parker To Push For Spurs Move?

According to the Guardian, West Ham midfielder Scott Parker wants to listen to Tottenham’s offer, despite his club’s refusing Spurs’ initial bid and co-owner David Sullivan saying that no bids of any price would be considered.

Analysis: You can’t fault Parker for perhaps wanting a crack at the Champions League, but it’s safe to say that this could get ugly, and soon.

Stoke Set Sights On Santa

As reported here earlier, Stoke City could make a move for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, according to the Guardian.

Analysis: Santa Cruz’s wages could be an issue, but it’d be a lot better for him to be somewhere he could be a key player and make a real difference instead of warming the bench like he would for the most part again this season at City. How much he’s worth at this point is debatable, but I think all he needs is to be fit and to be given a chance to rediscover his scoring touch, and if the pieces fall into place, anything would be a bargain.

Wigan Target Suazo

Wigan are set to make a £7m bid for Monterrey striker Humberto Suazo, according to the Sun.

Analysis: Suazo impressed in his first taste of European football in a loan spell at Real Zaragoza in the second half of last season, scoring six goals and assisting on three more to help the club stay up, and his scoring record speaks for itself. Wherever he’s been, he’s done the same thing: score, score, score. He’d be a fine signing for Roberto Martinez, but it’d be a lot better to see him play with Hugo Rodallega instead of replacing him.

Latics Line Up Stam

FC Twente right back Ronnie Stam was set to have a medical at Wigan Athletic yesterday ahead of completing a £2m move to the club. (Clubcall)

Analysis: The purchase of Stam could be considered a bargain, given that he’s only getting better and stands to improve even more with a move to the Premier League, and it will shore up the hole left by Mario Melchiot’s departure for a lucrative Qatar move.

Baggies Close On Boaz

Hull City have accepted West Bromwich Albion‘s offer for keeper Boaz Myhill. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Myhill helped Hull move from League Two to the Premier League, and Hull would no doubt love to have him stay and help their push to return to the top flight, but he’s a keeper worthy of immediate top flight football, and the fee (reportedly £1.5m) will help the financially-struggling club.

Bristol City Move For James

Bristol City have contacted the agent of free agent keeper David James and offered the England international a one-year deal. James had been set to hold talks with Celtic earlier in the week but backed out due to family reasons. (The Guardian)

Analysis: I’m not sure how keen James would be on a step down to the Championship when he could move to a Premier League club, but it’d be an intriguing opportunity. Bristol City should be in the thick of the promotion hunt this season, and the addition of James could be what pushes them past several other promotion contenders.

Italy

Lazio Close On Garrido

Lazio are in discussions with Manchester City to land left back Javier Garrido for £2.5m, according to the Guardian.

Analysis: After making 21 Premier League starts in his first season, Garrido made only 18 in the last two seasons, but he’ll provide Lazio with a capable replacement for Aleksandar Kolarov, whose arrival at Manchester City helped expedite an inevitable departure.

Germany

Bayern To Bid For Dzeko?

Despite VfL Wolfsburg director Dieter Hoeness saying that Edin Dzeko isn‘t going anywhere this summer, German media sources are reporting that Bayern Munich will still do their best to land the Bosnian striker, with a part-exchange offer of striker Mario Gomez and midfielder Anatoliy Tymoschuk potentially in the cards. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Well, it wouldn’t be a bad offer. Gomez can be inconsistent, and is only a year older than Dzeko, is a proven commodity in the Bundesliga, and could flourish in a side that’s all about attacking, and Tymoschuk brings experience, quality, and versatility. Still, I don’t think it would be enough to persuade Wolfsburg to part with Dzeko, not this summer at least.

Scotland

Celtic Sign Kayal

Celtic have signed Israel international midfielder Biram Kayal from Maccabi Haifa. The 22-year-old, who has 13 international caps, has penned a four-year deal with the Hoops. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Celtic’s summer spending has been done with both the present and the future in mind, and Kayal is another example of that. Five of Celtic’s seven summer signings are 24 or younger, and all five will have at least some role in the side this season and all have the potential to be key players in the near future.

Turkey

Besiktas Eye Carew

Besiktas are interested in Aston Villa striker John Carew. The Norwegian spent the 2004/05 season at Besiktas, scoring 14 goals in 27 appearances. (Goal.com)

Analysis: He’s not going anywhere, simple as that.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

It’s anything but a quiet Sunday on the transfers front. Today’s rundown of the top transfer rumors from around Europe include several players who had starring roles for their country at the World Cup and a couple who still have a key part to play for their national sides in South Africa.

While the likes of Rafael Van der Vaart might have another few days – or longer before having to shift their focus, that doesn’t stop the speculation train from running, does it?

So with that said, let’s settle in and get ready for another ride through Rumorville. All aboard!

England

Chelsea To Make VDV Offer

Chelsea are set to make a £10m bid for Real Madrid playmaker Rafael Van der Vaart. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: This could certainly force Manchester United’s hand, as they’re also in the hunt for Van der Vaart. No matter who lands him, they’ll do so for a bargain, given his ability.

Liverpool Eye Bougherra Swoop

Liverpool could be set to try to land Rangers and Algeria center back Madjid Bougherra for £5m. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Bougherra raised his stock by performing well at the World Cup, and with that in mind, Rangers won’t let him go for cheap. You can imagine they don’t want to lose him, his sale would definitely help with strengthening the squad ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.

Eduardo To Leave Arsenal?

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal striker Eduardo is set to leave the club after Arsene Wenger told the Brazilian-born Croatia star that he isn’t in his plans for next season.

Analysis: If this is the case, it’s extremely unfortunate. Eduardo was in fine form before his horrific leg break in February 2008, but he hasn’t been able to fully rediscover that form since his return, and the addition of Marouane Chamakh might well make him expendable.

Spurs Seek Sessegnon Swoop

Tottenham are planning to make an £8m move for PSG midfielder Stephane Sessegnon. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Sessegnon has made it clear that he wants to leave PSG, so it seems to be a matter of when, not if, he’ll be on the move. Everton and Sunderland have also been linked with him, but Tottenham have an edge, both when it comes to funds and when it comes to being able to offer Sessegnon an immediate chance to play in Europe.

Gudjohnsen’s Future To Be Decided Soon

With Tottenham not yet having made a move to either extend Eidur Gudjohnsen‘s loan deal or sign him permanently, Fulham could be set to swoop in and thrash out a deal with Monaco for the former Chelsea and Bolton man. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Gudjohnsen isn’t exactly a priority for Tottenham, and even if they did hold on to him, there’s a good chance he’d be little more than a bit-part player, with several new names likely set to come to White Hart Lane this summer. So, the chance to have more of an important role at Fulham could appeal to him, along with being able to remain in a familiar place in London.

Everton Return For Donovan?

Everton are considering an attempt to bring Landon Donovan back to Goodison Park after his highly successful loan stint at the club last season. (News of the World)

Analysis: Bruce Arena won’t be keen on losing him with the LA Galaxy looking every bit like a championship team this season, but I’d like to see Donovan return to the Premier League. He showed he has what it takes to succeed in England during his short stint last season, and that was huge for both he and the national team. Perhaps it will have to wait until January, but the time has come (not only in age, but in his maturation and development as a player) for him to make a permanent move to Europe.

Wigan Near Boselli Deal

Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli has undergone a medical at Wigan. A transfer fee still has yet to be agreed, but the 25-year-old could well cost the Latics more than £5m. (News of the World)

Analysis: Outside of Hugo Rodallega, Wigan weren’t much of a threat in front of goal last season, netting only 37 goals all season (10 from Rodallega, no more than five from anyone else). And whether or not Rodallega is sold this summer, Wigan are in serious need to beef up their attack, and adding a scorer like Boselli would certainly accomplish that.

West Brom Eye New Striker(s)

West Bromwich Albion could be set to make a £2m bid for Stoke City striker James Beattie, and an offer could also be forthcoming for Mallorca striker Pierre Webo, who is valued at £3m. (News of the World)

Analysis: Both would be solid additions for West Brom. Beattie’s best days are behind him, but he can still score from time to time and provides a wealth of top flight experience. Webo hasn’t been able to hold down a regular starting place during his time with Mallorca and Osasuna, but as his impressive scoring rate for Cameroon (17 goals in 43 appearances) shows, he knows how to find the back of the net.

Blackpool Close On Koren

Blackpool are moving to land Slovenia captain Robert Koren, who was released by West Brom after the midfielder helped them earn immediate promotion back to the Premier League. (News of the World)

Analysis: Koren was a key part of West Brom’s squad during their Premier League campaign two seasons ago, and he acquitted himself quite well in the top flight. His Premier League experience and quality (as shown in Slovenia’s brief but impressive World Cup run) will be a significant help for the newcomers in their quest to stay up.

Italy

Inter To Tempt Liverpool With Cambiasso?

Inter Milan could try to sweeten their offer for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano by including Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso with their cash bid. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Well, it’d certainly worth be pondering if the right amount of cash was offered. Cambiasso’s long been a top performer in midfield, and he’d be a great addition to Liverpool’s side.

Milan Target Klose?

According to Bild, AC Milan could make a €7m move for Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Klose dropped down the pecking order last season thanks to a combination of injuries, inconsistency, and the success of Thomas Muller and Ivica Olic, and there’s also 30m investment Mario Gomez in the mix up front. Perhaps there’s not much to read into this particular rumor, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Klose finally make a move abroad.

Spain

Valencia Renew Emana Interest

Valencia are once again in for Real Betis and Cameroon midfielder Achille Emana. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Last summer, it looked like Emana was all set to make a return to his former club (he was a trainee at Valencia in his younger days), but it didn’t happen. Emana went on to have an excellent season with Betis, scoring in double figures for the second straight campaign. But with Real Betis missing out on a quick return to La Liga, there should be no problems with Valencia being able to pull the deal through this time.

Osasuna Land Lekic

Osasuna have beaten fellow La Liga side to the signature of Red Star Belgrade striker Dejan Lekic. The 25-year-old scored 12 league goals for Red Star last season. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Osasuna were one of the weaker attacking teams in La Liga last season, scoring only 37 goals in 38 league matches. The addition of Lekic, who has an impressive scoring rate (a goal almost every other game through his career) will help take a lot of pressure off of Walter Pandiani, and with Pandiani’s career winding down, it’s also an excellent signing for the future.

Germany

Schalke Turn To Tuncay

Schalke 04 could be set to make a £4m swoop for Stoke City forward Tuncay, who looks set to leave the Britannia Stadium after only one season. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Schalke have already landed Erik Jendrisek from Kaiserslautern, but Schalke could certainly do to add an established, experienced forward to their attack. They lost a third of their production from last season with Kevin Kuranyi’s departure, and past him, no one else netted in double figures.

Scotland

Celtic Close On Bullard

Celtic have been given permission by Hull City to hold talks with midfielder Jimmy Bullard in regards to a potential season-long loan move. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Championship or Champions League? That’s an easy choice. It would also be a great benefit for Hull City to not have to have his £45k per week salary on their books right now, so it’s a good move for all involved.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Tottenham? Arsenal? Manchester United? Just where will Joe Cole be playing his club football next season?

In a story that has taken more twists and turns than a barrel full of Carles Puyol‘s off-cuts, it would now seem that Spurs are back in the race to sign the former Chelsea man – just days after manager Harry Redknapp admitted defeat.

Here’s the juiciest transfer rumours doing the rounds this morning…

Premier League

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that he is interested in signing Joe Cole, but will have to wait until the England winger returns from South Africa before opening talks over a move to White Hart Lane.

The Spurs boss told reporters;

“We’ve declared our interest in Joe to his agent but that is as far as it has gone. We are told Joe doesn’t want to talk to anyone about any move until after the World Cup is over.”

The 28-year-old midfielder is available on a free transfer after failing to agree a contract extension at Chelsea, and a host of Premier League sides have been chasing Cole since he was allowed to walk out of Stamford Bridge – with both Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as Spurs, reported to be interested in snapping up the bargain ‘Bosman’ .

Only two days ago, Redknapp suggested that Cole may have already signed a deal with Manchester United – a claim that the club was quick to refute. (Mail)

Another of the high-profile stars released by Chelsea this summer, Michael Ballack, is on the verge of re-joining Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen according to German sports agency Sport Informations Dienst.

Arsenal captain ‘Cesc Fabregas has once again reiterated his desire to join Barcelona this summer, after confirming his intentions during a ‘heart-to-heart’ talk with manager Arsene Wenger. (Mail)

Valencia have asked Manchester City to include striker Roque Santa Cruz in the deal that would see Spanish winger David Silva moving to Eastlands.(Mail)

Manchester City have told Brazilian forward Robinho that he will not be welcomed back to the club, after spending the second-half of last season on loan at Santos. (Mirror)

Arsenal new-boy Marouane Chamakh has urged his new employers to sign French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, with whom the Moroccan striker played alongside at Bordeaux. (Sun)

Liverpool have had a £2 million bid for Wolves ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey rejected. (Sun)

Everton are plotting a cut-price £6 million move for Manchester City ‘outcast’ Stephen Ireland. (Sun)

Portsmouth have received a £8 million double-bid from Lazio for midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng and left-back/winger Nadir Belhadj. (Mail)

Sunderland want to take ENPPI’s Egyptian international right-back Ahmed Al-Muhammadi on a twelve-month loan deal to avoid paying exorbitant signing-on fees to the player’s agent. (Mail)

Former Aston Villa left-back Wilfred Bouma is training with PSV, in the hope of proving his fitness to the club’s technical staff. (NUSport)

Hull City have offered Jimmy Bullard a £2 million golden handshake to leave the club – freeing the midfielder up to join either West Brom or Celtic. (Mail)

Serie A

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has revealed that the chances of the club signing Liverpool anchor man Javier Mascherano are becoming increasingly slim.

However, Moratti has also admitted that there is still a possibility of the Nerazzurri completing a deal for Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo during the coming weeks. (Rai)

Arsenal defender William Gallas has rejected Juventus’ €2-million-a-year contract offer, as the Frenchman is holding out for double that amount. (L’Equipe)

Juventus have signed Bari centre-back Leonardo Bonucci for €15 million. (Datasport)

AS Roma’s Brazilian wing-back Cicinho is close to joining Santos in a €2 million deal. (La Redazione)

Russian champions Rubin Kazan have lodged a bid for Lazio midfielder Christian Ledesma. (Corriere Dello Sport)

La Liga

Barcelona’s French forward Thierry Henry has agreed to join MLS side New York Red Bulls on a two-year deal, and will move to the States after the World Cup. (Mirror)

Getafe hope to take Barcelona starlet Bojan Krkic on a season-long loan next term. (AS)

* * * * *

Soccerlens has a dedicated transfer section available for your perusal, which contains all the news, rumours and archives you could possibly need.

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From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Manchester City are pulling out all the stops to strengthen their squad this summer, and while one Spain-based player is all but signed, sealed, and delivered, City might not yet be done raiding La Liga.

That’s the biggest bit of news on a quiet Saturday morning (unless you happen to be in the vicinity of a vuvuzela or two), but we’ve also got the latest on Aston Villa’s search for a goalkeeper and more in today’s roundup of transfer rumors.

England

City Step Up Silva Efforts

According to the Mirror, Manchester City are set to offer Valencia star David Silva a five-year contract worth £160k per week to entice the Spanish winger to make the move to Manchester.

Analysis: Silva might prefer a move to a club who’s already in the Champions League, and the desire to stay in Spain has been oft-mentioned when it comes to Silva as it was with David Villa, so we’ll see if City’s ambition and deep pockets can lure him in the end.

No Villa Move for Frey – Yet

Aston Villa haven’t made an approach for Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, according to one of the player’s representatives. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Well, if they’re looking for a long-term replacement for Brad Friedel, it can’t get much better than Frey. He’s got experience at the highest levels, and while it seems like he’s been around almost forever, he’s only 30, so he’s still got several great years ahead of him.

Quartet Target Former Gunner

Blackburn, Everton, Fulham, and Liverpool are all interested in a move for former Arsenal man Gilberto Silva. The veteran Brazilian midfielder is available on the cheap, given Panathinaikos’ current financial issues. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Having a player with his level of experience and success would be a real asset, and even though he’s getting up in years, if he’s still doing the job for his country, there’s no doubt he can once again do the same in the Premier League.

No Roy, No Move for Sidwell?

Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell wants to know whether or not Roy Hodgson will remain as Fulham’s manager before finalizing his switch to Craven Cottage. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Well, you can’t fault Sidwell for wanting to know what direction the club is going before committing his future, since he’ll be on his fourth club in five seasons. At the same time, you certainly can’t blame Roy Hodgson if he leaves for Liverpool, either.

West Ham To Beat Birmingham for Konchesky?

Former West Ham man Paul Konchesky could well make a return to Upton Park, as the Hammers could be set to swoop in and snatch the Fulham defender from Birmingham City’s grasp. (The Mirror)

Analysis: His previous experience at West Ham didn’t end well, but with a different regime and a different manager, it’d be easy to put the past in the past. Birmingham have a ton of ambition, and European football could be more of a possibility quicker there, but the chance to stay in London could be what swings this one in West Ham’s favor.

Wolves Land Mouyokolo

Wolves have completed the signing of Hull City defender Steven Mouyokolo for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old has penned a four-year deal to make a swift return to the top flight following Hull City’s relegation. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Mouyokolo was a fixture in Hull City’s starting XI over the last few months of the season, and though he’s still very much one for the future, that experienced gained will help him be valuable for Wolves in the present.

Italy

Juve Close To Martinez Capture

Juventus have all but clinched a deal for Catania attacker Jorge Martinez. Juve will reportedly fork out around €12m for the 27-year-old Uruguayan, who scored nine goals in 25 appearances for Catania last season. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: He’s not exactly a household name, but there’s no disputing his talent, as shown by this fine goal against Inter. It’s a real shame that we aren’t able to see him display his skills in South Africa, as he wasn’t picked in Uruguay’s World Cup squad.

France

Champions Eye Anderson Swoop

Marseille are targeting Manchester United midfielder Anderson. The 22-year-old Brazil international suffered a serious knee injury in February, an injury which could see him out of action until September. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Perhaps Sir Alex Ferguson might be willing to give Anderson another season and see if he can prove his worth after regaining his fitness.

Now that you’re up-to-date on the latest transfer headlines from around Europe’s top leagues, don’t forget to check out the updated summer transfer lists to get caught up on the latest confirmed signings from the above leagues and several more.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Congratulations then to Chelsea, who have emerged as rightful Champions, with 27 wins, 86 points, and 103 goals in the bank. For a long time this looked like the competition no-one wanted to win, but once Jose Mourinho had robbed his former side of a shot at Champions League glory, the west-Londoners revved their domestic engine with impressive gusto.

Along the way, Chelsea were able to afford six defeats. Manchester United, in second place, suffered seven. It is often said of English football that on the day any team can beat any other, and never has that been more true than this season.

Some attributed this concertining of quality to the weakening of the top sides: Chelsea were another year older, whilst United had lost Ronaldo, Tevez, and the attacking zest that had brought them three consecutive titles. Others pointed to a new swarm of threats to the former ‘Big Four’: the likes of City, Villa, and Spurs, who would ultimately usurp a despondent Liverpool by snaring the fourth Champions League spot.

In actuality, the mish-mash of results probably stems from a bit of both. This was an ultra-competitive division, with battles being fought over four key areas.

The Race For The Title

Before the season began, many pundits were tipping Liverpool for the title. As it happened, they weren’t even involved in the battle – their opening day defeat at Spurs was indicative of how their season would progress. Instead a three way fight emerged: United and Chelsea took turns at setting the pace, while the persistent Arsenal nibbled at their heels.

The latter’s challenge eventually fell away – by the final day they required a win to secure third spot and automatic Champions League qualification. Nevertheless, this season represented progress for Arsenal. They offset the loss of Kolo Toure by bringing in Thomas Vermaelen, and the Belgian was voted in to the PFA Team of the Season in his first year here. In midfield, Alex Song emerged as a top-class holding midfielder, whilst Cesc Fabregas overcame several injuries to have his most productive season to date, ending the year with 19 goals.

Yet despite these improvements it was the same defensive frailties that have troubled them for the last five years that saw them fall short. Crucial late goals conceded at Birmingham and Wigan meant that for all their promise, Arsenal found their level. The title chase became a two-horse race.

Back in the summer, Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson controversially decided not to spend the £80m received from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo. I say ‘decided’: Karim Benzema elected to join Real Madrid whilst Bayern Munich deliberately priced Franck Ribery out of the market. Ferguson wasn’t too worried: he had Wayne Rooney. With Ronaldo out of the limelight, the British bulldog came to the fore with an accolade-laden campaign.

When you look at United’s scoring charts, it’s no surprise to see Rooney way out in front with 34 goals. The cracks become clearer when you look at the man in second place: the cryptically named ‘OG’. Yes, that’s right: remarkably, United’s second top goalscorer has been the opposition. The likes of Berbatov and Owen have failed to sufficiently replace the departing Latin pair, and a succession of injuries to Rio Ferdinand have left United occasionally vulnerable at the back too.

In the end, they were edged out by a Chelsea side whose resolve was strengthened by a clarity of focus: having gone out of the Champions League, they recovered from a minor blip to show some outstanding form in the run-in. Florent Malouda is a player transformed, whilst Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba have been extraordinarily prolific.

For Drogba to end as the Golden Boot winner in a season where he spent six weeks away at the African Cup of Nations is a testament to both his form and fitness. Carlo Ancelotti has claimed the biggest domestic prize on offer in his first English season – a feat which matches his esteemed predecessor, Jose Mourinho. If he can go on to win the FA Cup Final and complete a domestic double, he’ll surpass his old rival.

The Battle For Fourth

The FA Cup is traditionally regarded as the second biggest domestic prize available. However, in his post-match press conference after their final day win against Fulham, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested that after the league title itself, the biggest prize on offer is Champions League qualification. For once, Tottenham fans will agree with him.

Whilst I’d like to wait until Spurs overcome the hurdle of a qualifying round before rubber-stamping their position as a Champions League outfit, finishing fourth is undoubtedly a magnificent achievement, and a remarkable two-year turnaround for a team that Juande Ramos seemed to be dragging towards the relegation zone. Promisingly for English hopes at the World Cup, their success is built on a native spine: the likes of Dawson, King, Huddlestone, Defoe, Lennon and Crouch could all feature in tomorrow’s provisional squad.

Spurs’ success comes at the expense of Manchester City – and that’s one cost they can ill afford. Smelling blood from an ailing Liverpool, they ruthlessly sacked Mark Hughes to appoint Roberto Mancini, but the Italian has failed to deliver them to the promised land of the Champions League. There will now be yet another overhaul of their squad: whilst the likes of Tevez and Given have proven to be sterling signings, there are still question marks over big money buys like Joleon Lescott and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is reportedly considering whether or not he has the energy for another go at fourth spot, and one can understand why he might be tiring after his agitated touchline antics. Of more serious concern, however, is the fact that the rivals around them will have superior resources in seasons to come. The improving form of young talents like Milner, Young and Agbonlahor may not be enough to withstand the threat from moneybags City and a resurgent Liverpool.

Of course, a Liverpool resurgence would require a degree of change. This has been a disastrous season for them, in which the high hopes of the previous year crumbled as the team suffered 19 defeats in all competitions. With a potential buyout on the cards and the futures of Benitez, Gerrard and Torres all unclear, this has been a campaign to forget for the Merseysiders. The one saving grace is that they managed to stay just above rivals Everton, whose injury problems prevented them from challenging quite as significantly as they otherwise might have done.

Mid-table Melee

The position of mid-table side in the Premier League is an odd one. It is not something you aim for: the teams who make up this pack are often forced to start the season with survival as their main goal. Anything higher than 17th represents a progressive increase in pride and prize money. That’s not to downplay the achievements of the teams who make up this group: in fact, the managers of these sides often deserve most acclaim. Operating on limited resources they navigate their sides clear of the drop and steer them not just to safety, but to a degree of success and continued stability.

Birmingham and Blackburn will both be proud of their top-half finishes, and managers Alec McCleish and Sam Allardyce will both point to their solid back-lines as the cornerstone of their progress. McCleish in particular has achieved wonders with a newly promoted team and a backfour made up of signings from the Championship and the once-retired Steven Carr.

Stoke added some flair with the likes of Tuncay Sanli, but it was their direct physical approach that assured their continued comfort in the Premier League. The Britannia has become a fortress, and the only real threat to Stoke’s continued success is the squad’s internal bickering.

Fulham’s league place would undoubtedly be higher were they not the oustanding British performer in Europe. Roy Hodgson’s men have faced 19 Europa League fixtures – half a Premier League in itself – so one wonders what they might have achieved had their resources been less stretched. Bobby Zamora’s form and a stirring victory over Manchester United will live long in the memory.

The most disappointed of this group will be Sunderland. They spent hefty swathes of cash in the summer, and whilst the likes of Lorik Cana, Lee Cattermole and Darren Bent have all impressed individually, a rotten mid-season run saw the Mackems flirting with relegation. Perhaps next season Steve Bruce will look to place more faith in an impressive youth system, with Martyn Waghorn returning from a loan spell at Leicester and Jordan Henderson continuing his development in to an all-round midfield maestro.

Fighting The Drop

Every year, three sides face the ignominy of relegation. Owen Coyle jumped ship from Burnley to join Bolton, who he rightly judged to have a better chance of staying up. The canny loan signings of Jack Wilshere and Vladimir Weiss have helped instigate a new style of football for The Wanderers. Burnley, meanwhile, appointed Brian Laws for his points p/pound spent ratio at Sheffield Wednesday. The move has shown that statistics mean little in football, as the Clarets have slunk disappointingly back to the Championship.

Mick McCarthy has had a far happier time in the Premier League with Wolves than he did with Sunderland – a mid-season switch to 4-5-1 providing the defensive stability the midlanders needed to survive. Wigan have paid the price for their adventurous style of play, with crushing defeats by the likes of Chelsea and Spurs, but have also won admirers for their flair and fair play. Left-back Maynor Figueroa probably scored the goal of the season – a 55 yard wonder strike at the Britannia.

With the exception of Burnley, the bottom four are all notable for being hampered by financial problems. West Ham escaped relegation, but only just. The buyout by Gold and Sullivan didn’t precipitate the cash injection many hoped for, and instead the new owners set about undermining Italian manager Gianfranco Zola. In the end, however, their scattergun approach to signing strikers paid off, as veteran Brazilian forward Ilan popped up with some crucial late strikes to secure survival. Mido, who took a wage of just £1,000 p/week to play for the Hammers, looked expensive at the price.

I wonder how Phil Brown feels about Hull’s relegation. Still technically the manager, he’s had to watch from his gardening leave, secateurs in hand, as the exotically-titled ‘management consultant’ Iain Dowie takes the team he built down. Brown, by all accounts, had lost the dressing room, but it doesn’t look as if Dowie’s particular brand of consultancy did much to win them over. The trapdoor to the Championship, and with it more financial difficulties, awaits.

And finally, Portsmouth. What a nightmarish struggle of a campaign they’ve had. A succession of broken promises and increasingly elusive owners saw them become the first Premier League club to enter administration. In the same situation, one suspects any other club would have imploded, but such was the courage and determination shown by the Pompey players, unlikely hero Avram Grant, and their extraordinary supporters that Portsmouth have staggered to the end of the season with both their club and dignity intact. If there was a trophy for effort in the face of adversity, then Portsmouth would deserve it. In fact, just call it ‘the FA Cup’.

And there we have it. Another Premier League year done and dusted, and much like in the general election, although it was close, the numbers show that the Blues edged the Reds. If the balance of power continues to shift to the Premier League’s new order of Champions League-chasers, however, things could get very interesting. Roll on 2010/11.

Soccerlens 09/10 Review:

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From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Join celebrated football pundit, author, radio show host and DJ Andy Brassell every Monday on the Soccerlens Show.

In Episode 21, Andy kicks off the show with the introduction of the new microphone, closely followed by the relegation battle in the Premier League. Currently, Burnley, Hull City and Portsmouth are sitting at the bottom with West Ham and Wolves right around the corner.

Moving on to Spain, Andy talks about the hat-tricks of the brilliant Lionel Messi and at the same time how Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not able to handle the pressure too well. Talking about Franck Ribery’s possible move to Spain, Andy talks about the off-the-pitch issues in Real Madrid and how Arjen Robben thinks Ribery should rather join the Catalans.

Wrapping up the show, Andy looks over the happenings in Portugal as he talks about the probable end of Porto era of dominance in the Portuguese Liga and how Benfica and Braga have risen up and left Porto on the third spot with a lot of catching up to do.

You can watch the show below or by following this link:

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From Soccerlens.com - Football News