Possible Transfer Targets – Part I

Harry Reknapp has made no secret of the fact that he intends to bring in at least two players this month. And with the new year signaling the start of the transfer window, not to close again until 5pm February 2nd, Redknapp has seemingly set a precedent of being very open about the clubv’s transfer targets, when addressing the media. He has already declared interest in Jermaine Defoe and Craig Bellamy. But, in part one, I will reveiw potential signings for the first problem area in the team. Defensive midfield. Keep in mind that this is an opinion peice, and these are not necessarily targets of the club’s.

Didier Zokora can possibly be deployed in that role, but he has a tendency to sit too far back, too close to the defence. This leaves a large gap in the middle of the park, which tends to be filled by the opposition, which can lose you games. If you lose the midfield, you lose the match. Nor has his partnership with Jermaine Jenas ever really come to fruition. But, with Luka Modric in the team, requiering an attacking role with the fredom to float about the pitch, you need a player in there to just hold his position, and give the ball to your Modric’s and your Lennon’s.

Miguel Veloso

A tough-tackling midfielder with the precision passing to spread the ball about the pitch. A Portugese international, at the age of 22, Veloso has a bright future ahead of him. His positional sense should also meen he would have no trouble stepping up to a faster league, as he can always be one step ahead up top. Veloso has attracted interest from Manchester United, but Sir Alex Ferguson has declared an early conclusion to the club’s transfer dealings. The one potential stumbling block, though, is Harry Redknapp’s apparent insistance to buy British players, even if they don’t have the quality you could find in Europe.

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Michael Johnson

Not strictly a defensive midfielder, but Johnson has the discipline to hold a more defensive position if necessary. He has attracted interest from many of the big boys (so he must be good), and, although Mark Hughes is keen to hold on to City’s best young English talent, the Arab money (which they will probably use to replace Michael Johnson with Michael Jordon) could spell the end of Johnson’s Man City carrear. He would fit into Tottenham’s policy of bringing in young English players, although he is similar to Tom Huddlestone, and a possible transfer could affect the pair’s development.

David Albelda

At 31, he may be past his prime, but he posesses both the tackling ability and the leadership skills that are so desperately needed in Tottenham’s midfield. He has one over fifty caps for his native Spain and his experience could be priceless alongside Jenas and Modric. Ronald Koeman left the Valencia captain out of the squad completely last season, but Unai Emery has since brought him back into the fold. Albelda would be a good short-term solution to the problem, but can only have a few years left of his carrear at the top level.

Diarra was clearly Harry’s preferance, but since his La Liga move, Redknapp has been left having to identify new targets. Veloso would be the most appealing to the fans, as he has all the qualities we need and is the youngest on the list.