The Summer is here!!!

Well the end of the season was as hectic as ever, what can be said other than congratulations manchester city, I for one am a happy chappy that they won the premier league title over united. Kenny Dalglish sacked, Alex Mccleish sacked and Steve Kean's future lies in the balance and could be sacked as early as tomorrow. I am looking forward to the coming euro 2012 tournament despite the rather underwhelming squad announcement (how Micah Richards was omitted is beyond me) and of course the football in the Olympics. But, despite the optimism there is a tinge in my heart as I type that possibly Sunderland could be significantly weakened by departures in the coming weeks, Martin O'Neill is now tipped to be the next Liverpool manager by many of the nations journalists however I don't fear the departure of MON. I fear that the board may lose sight of the project that they are trying to build and cash in on some of our better players such as Stephane Sessegnon should a high cash offer come in for him. Talk is abound that we are currently looking into the signings of Mohamed Diame, Carlos Cuellar and Kevin Davies, and although I feel that these are some players who would strengthen their respective positions I am concerned about the need for that 20 goal a season striker. Now if a club has that striker they aren't just going to gift wrap them but there are a few out there for a reasonable price, if the tabloids are to be believed we are after Dider Ya Konan of Hannover 96 as well as the most ridiculous rumour to date the £25million rated Spanish (rising) superstar Fernando Llorente. Whilst a more believable link to the Spanish league is that of Arouna Kone, the Ivorian has been out on loan for the past few seasons and has shown some promise in the late stage of his career, at the age of 28 won't demand a huge fee from cash strapped Sevilla and blessed with blistering pace he is very much in the ilk of a 'Martin O'Neill'  type of player 15 goals in the league for a strong looking Levante side after their promotion last season.
   Other areas of the pitch that need strengthening are the flanks both full back births have been sadly lacking in the past few seasons, not since the days of Mickey Grey have we had a good left back, the signing of Wayne Bridge was the first sign that we were looking to strengthen with the accusation of specialist full backs. But following a rather poor spell on loan from Manchester City it is believed that he won't be returning next season, Kieran Richardson has tried manfully to adapt his game to play there and at times has looked wonderful but sadly he suits a midfield role more. Siaka Tiene from PSG is available and we are rumoured to be interested in the Ivory Coast international who can play left back and on the left wing, Kyle Naughton should be available on loan or permanently from Spurs next season to shore up the right back slot that Phil Bardsley has flattered to deceive in. Aiden Mcgeady is unsettled at Spartak Moskow after falling out with their manager and could be available for as little as £7million as back up for the inform James McClean in midfield whilst also offering us something different on the right wing. Whilst Matt Jarvis, Junior Holliet, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Martin Olsson are available from relegated Wolves and Blackburn, with Holliet the most attractive prospect in the group as a free agent and an exciting prospect for the future. Central midfield will need to be strengthened by the acquisition of a playmaker who can offer something different to Sess but that will be the most difficult task of all, but other than that central midfield is good to go. Other options up front are Steven Fletcher of relegated Wolves, Yakubu from Blackburn and the forever linked Jermaine Defoe from Tottenham, Yakubu would be the cheapest option at a meagre £2million Fletcher could be available for £8million whilst Defoe would cost in excess of £10million. Any of the before mentioned options could help strengthen us significantly next year but we need to keep hold of our best players. Have a good summer everyone!!!