This rumour, providing its legitimacy, is like a breath of fresh air. The oppressive dominance of the ‘big four’ has seemingly been thwarted by one man - Fulham’s Antti Niemi.

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Even before the first ball of the 2008/09 season is kicked, clubs must set out their stall for the season ahead. While the top four mount their typical challenge for the title, the ’second tier’ of Premier League teams prepare their pitch for the Uefa Cup places.

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After asking for patience from fans, it appears the Black Cats are ready to make an approach for some new blood. However, it may not be the “glory signing” Sunderland fans were hoping for.

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Michael Owen could be poised to have a new strike partner joining him at St James’ Park with Eren Derdiyok, currently part of the FC Basel ranks, heading up Keegan’s summer wish list.

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Coming to Blackburn for a miniscule £3.8m, Roque Santa Cruz is without doubt one of the biggest football bargains. A staggering 23 goals for Rovers in all competitions, plus an additional three for his native Paraguay only highlights one, what vision Mark Hughes has as a manager and two, exactly how much of a bargain the 26-year-old really was (cost just over £150,000 per goal - peanuts in today’s terms).

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When Everton’s James McFadden opted to switch from the successful Merseyside team to the battling Birmingham side, no one was completely surprised. The Scottish striker, despite having a sterling effect on his national side, continued to struggle to maintain a first team starting place at Everton. And when he was selected, he was drafted in down the left wing; a position he never really got to grips with.

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Just the one point salvaged Bolton from the drop last season; their main problem being a devastating lack of firepower. Despite leaving the club midway through the season, Nicolas Anelka remained the Trotters top goal scorer with 10 league goals; Nolan followed up with just half that tally, Diouf with four and then McCann three. So this latest news regarding a brand spanking new, experienced, front duo should bring music to Bolton fans ears. Or should it?

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Some may say £6.6m for an English international is too much after the national team’s absence in the ongoing European 2008 Championships. However, these days £6.6m is a pretty nondescript amount for any player but for one of England’s so-called finest footballers, surely it is little more like an insult. I can’t help wonder what’s going on behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

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With David Villa’s Euro 2008 exploits thrusting him so visibly into the public eye and rapidly increasing his transfer price tag, it’s no wonder Liverpool are beginning to search elsewhere for a touch more talent. Their eyes don’t have to stroll too much further though, staying within both the Spanish and Valencia’s ranks at David Silva.

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They say no one player is bigger than the club and when the club is Manchester United you’d expect that rule to run deeper than most. However, when there is the world’s very best within the ranks does this notion still apply?

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