Premiership clubs embark on frenzied spending spree
By Vic Mills
LONDON (JP): The close season, that supposed football-free zone of the English calender, has assumed a life force of its own this summer as Premiership clubs have embarked upon a frenzied spending spree to strengthen their squads before the start of the new season in less than a month.
Having been thwarted in its much-publicized attempts to sign Brian Laudrup, from Rangers, and Markus Babbel, the outstanding Hamburg defender, Manchester United plunged into the transfer market to sign Teddy Sheringham from Tottenham Hotspur for the bargain price of US$5.5 million.
At 31, Sheringham, capped 27 times, is just six weeks older than the departed Eric Cantona for whom he is an obvious replacement.
While the new recruit may lack the Frenchman's taste for poetry and painting, his temperament, arrogance and some of his flair, it is hard to think of a forward who could slip more easily into Cantona's position, particularly as he enjoys a similar role for England.
The final piece in manager Alex Ferguson's jigsaw, as he eyes another assault on the Champions' Cup, is that of a central defender. His quest should end this week as United, rumored to have renewed its interest in Barcelona's Miguel Nadal, has also invited Brazilian central defender, Celio Silva, for talks at old Trafford. the signing of either would prove valuable cover for Gary Pallister, David May and Ronny Johnsen.
Another signing set to be completed this week is that of Paul Ince from Internazionale to Liverpool. A long running saga, the England midfield player was on Merseyside at the weekend for a medical examination. A fee of about $6 million is expected.
Manager Roy Evans will also look to complete the transfer of Danny Murphy, 19, from Crewe Alexandra. A rising midfield star, Murphy will cost $3.5 million after an agreed number of first team appearances.
The Liverpool manager is continuing his search for a forward of international renown to complete his plans for the new season. Fabrizio Ravanelli, the unsettled Middlesbrough and Italy striker, remains high on his list, so too does Finnish star Jari Litmanen currently with Ajax.
Across the city at Everton, new manager Howard Kendall has reportedly offered Newcastle United $10 million for England forward Les Ferdinand.
One forward to secure his future in recent weeks was 28-year- old Dutch international, Dennis Bergkamp, who signed an extended contract that should keep him an Arsenal player until he retires.
The Highbury faithful had earlier been stunned by the decision to sell club favorite Paul Merson to Middlesbrough for $8 million. In his 12 years at the club, Merson won two championships as well as FA Cup, Coca-Cola Cup and Cup Winners' Cup medals.
Arsenal
The comings far outweigh the goings at Arsenal this summer as manager, Arsene Wenger, has spent about $25 million recruiting new players. Two defenders have arrived from his former club, AS Monaco, Emmanuel Petit can play center-back, left back or left midfield, while Gilles Grimandi is a competent center back.
Wenger has also added to his forward power with the purchase of speedy winger Marc Overmars from Ajax for $10.5 million and Luis Boamorte, 20, for $3 million from Sporting Lisbon.
The Highbury club is still negotiating with Christopher Wreh, the AS Monaco striker, and Jerome Bonnissel, the Deportivo La Coruna defender.
The foreign legion continues to grow at Stamford Bridge where manager, Ruud Gullit, has added Norwegian striker Tor Andre Flo, the French central defender Bernard Lambourde and Dutch goalkeeper Ed de Goey to his cosmopolitan playing staff. Chelsea's squad now includes 13 foreign players - from Russia, Rumania, France, Italy, Holland, Nigeria and Uruguay.
Charged with the task of resurrecting Blackburn Rovers, new manager Roy Hodgson wasted no time in making his presence felt by signing striker Martin Dahlin from Roma. With 27 goals in 51 appearances for Sweden, Dahlin spent most of last season on loan in Germany with Borussia Munchengladbach.
In the Midlands, unfashionable Derby County pulled off something of a coup with the signing of Stefano Eranio, capped 20 times by Italy, from AC Milan on a three-year contract. A right- sided midfield player, Ernaio, 30, available on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling, rejected approaches from AS Monaco and FC Porto.
The arrival of the Italian at Derby's new 30,000 all-seater stadium is set to coincide with the departure of Dean Sturridge. the striker, whose 14 goals last season helped Derby retain its Premiership status, has asked for a transfer. The club has agreed, but will look for about $10 million.
The sleeping giant of English football, Leeds United has signed Jimmy Hasselbalnk from Boavista of Portugal for $3.5 million. The center forward, 25, scored 27 goals last season, only one fewer than Leeds managed in the Premiership between them.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa has signed wing-back Simon Grayson from Leicester City; veteran Derby County defender Paul McGrath has joined West Ham United on a free transfer; Bolton Wanderers broke its club record with the purchase of Robbie Elliott from Newcastle for $4 million and Matthew Le Tissier ended speculation over his future by signing a four-year contract with Southampton.