Dalglish's Liverpool closing in on Title Contenders

With just over three weeks until the start of another Premiership campaign, we can expect to see managers becoming more and more active in the transfer market as they look to bolster their squads ahead of the new season. Manchester United have been the most active club so far this summer, but it is the Liverpool squad that has undergone the most recent re-development under Kenny Dalglish. In just over seven months King Kenny has spent big money on the likes of Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and most recently Stuart Downing. The Merseyside outfit also currently possess two notable returnees in the shape of Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani, who have both looked sharp in pre season. The big money spent on Carroll, Henderson and Downing, shows that Liverpool are not afraid to possibly spend over the top on young English players. Dalglish may be taking a big gamble on Henderson in particular, but at least we know who is now firmly in charge at Anfield. He may have to move a few players on before he can spend again, with Raul Meireles possibly being the victim in a now over crowded midfield.

Alex Ferguson recently stated that he sees Liverpool as genuine title contenders once again; however, Dalglish’s men are still a few signings away from the finished article.

Liverpool arguably now boast a stronger midfield then Manchester United, but it is at the back and possibly up front where they are still lacking personnel. They are in desperate need of a left back and a world class central defender to eventually take over from Jamie Carragher. Gary Cahill, Ryan Shawcross and Leighton Baines are three notable English candidates, while Christopher Samba at Blackburn may also be an option. Up front, Liverpool have a potentially lethal strike force in Carroll, Suarez and Kuyt. However, should any of them suffer an injury throughout the season; it would be difficult for Liverpool fans to accept David Ngog, in a team aiming to claim their 19^th league title. Liverpool have started well on their new journey under the returning Dalglish and the signs are there that he will be provided with further transfer money before the start of the new season. Exciting times may be on the horizon once again for the reds.

Mancini must remain firm over Tevez

So the Manchester City fans have received the inevitable news they have been dreading, Carlos Tevez officially wants to leave Manchester. It was always baffling why Sir Alex Ferguson didn't sign the Argentinian hit man on a permanent basis when he had the chance, while it now appears more clear. As good as Tevez is and he is very good, he isn't a player that has settled at a club. His time in the Premiership has been nothing short of breathtaking, seeing him play a crucial role in West Ham avoiding relegation, winning the Premierhsip and the love of the Stretford End at Old Trafford, while most recently securing Manchester City a Champions League position for the very first time. He was arguably the best striker in England last season and this news will come as a massive blow to Mancini and his plans for the forthcoming season. However, City need to remain firm with Tevez and his advisors or risk jeapordising arguably the most important season in the clubs history.

Sheikh Mansour has invested heavily in the club and has so far seen City make good progress, finishing third in the league and winning the FA Cup last season. However, without the contribution of Tevez it is hard to imagine them being in that position now. Mansour has waisted a lot of money on talent that did not succeed at the club and must now try and make some money back or at least off load them to other clubs. Wayne Bridge, Adebayor, Wright Phillips, Dzeko, Santa Cruz, Bellamy, Kolarov, the list is endless. Carloz Tevez represents the single world class player City possess, take him out of the equation and all of a sudden they do not seem that threatening anymore. The singing of Gael Clichy from the sinking ship that appears to be Arsenal, shows that City are finally getting value for money and bringing in players with Premiership experience. However, losing Tevez after singing Clichy will be like taking one step forward and five steps backwards.

Mancini's men struggled when Tevez was missing last season and the Italian manager will be well aware of the daunting task he will face in replacing his star striker. There are not a lot of players as good as Tevez available out there, but with the money City possess they could surely pull something out of the bag, perhaps Giuseppe Rossi from under the nose of Harry Redknapp. Mancini and City fans alike, need only look at the Barcelona and Cesc Fabregas saga and take hope that players are not calling all the shots these days. Harry Redknapp and Spurs may also find themselves in a similar position should Chelsea and possibly Manchester United make improved offers for Luka Modric. City have slapped a £50 million price tag on Tevez and realistically the only clubs that can pay that are Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Unless City get there asking price they will be resilient in leaving there star asset go. Tevez is currently on €200,000 a week at City so life in Manchester can't be that bad. Mancini wont give up without a fight, but should the special one come knocking with an offer plus Benzema, they may find it hard to resist. Watch this space as they say.