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Benitez unhappy with Keane link to Spurs

Is Rafael losing it a bit at the critical point in the Premier League season, Kevin Keegan style?

Harry Redknapp may have been a bit relaxed in admitting that he would like Robbie Keane back at White Hart Lane but this is Redknapp's management style and criticising this approach seems somewhat petty.

This move, in my opinion was bad business on both club's behalves. Tottenham Hotspur's system accomodated a striker 'in the hole' perfectly and Keane's virtuosic performances alongside Berbatov will always be memorable for Spurs fans. Losing Keane to Liverpool before Berbatov's move to Manchester United was a big spanner in the works pre-season for Tottenham and they've still yet to fully recover.

Then you've got Liverpool. A team with the best attacking midfielder in Europe in Gerrard and a tendency to play 4-5-1 with may be the best centre forward in the world in Torres. Admittedly you perhaps couldn't have predicted a lack of gelling with Keane at the Reds but Benitez clearly doesn't rate the player.

Another reverse deal for the Lily whites could be on the cards....watch this space on Sunday evening as the transfer window reaches its conclusion.

Rocky Santa Cruz Manchester City bid

Big Sam Allardyce has rejected a big from ex Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes on Rocky Santa Cruz as Manchester City look to strengthen their striking power.

The transfer window closes on Monday 2nd February at 5pm and there are signs of desperation from Spurs manager Harry Redknapp and Man City boss Mark Hughes to get great strikers into their squads.

Mark Hughes will be in a daze after this transfer signing period, with huge bids for Kaka and David Villa both being refused. Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong both featured last night in the Manchester City victory against Newcastle United but Man City fans will all be praying for someone to accept their tens of millions for a big name player that can really put them into contention for European action.

Nsereko signing - Hammers record transfer

West Ham have signed Under 19 German international Nsereko from Serie B team Brescia for what will be a club record transfer fee. Zola is looking for cover now in the striking department now that Craig Bellamy has left to Manchester City. So far West Ham have managed to keep hold of their key players other than Bellamy amidst rumours of severe cash flow issues behind the scenes as well as the ongoing contractual scandal with Carlos Tevez.

Meanwhile in North London, Harry Redknapp's Spurs have signed 35 year old 'keeper Carlo Cudicini on a Bosman freebie and right back Pascal Chimbonda rejoins his old club after a brief spell at Sunderland.

One pattern of the transfer window system seems to be that managerial positions change before and after the windows. Managers are generally negative towards the system, mainly due to the fact that it limits you to scope your team mid-season when the pressure could really be on. So what does the transfer window system actually achieve?

Football signings update January 2009

Premier League favourite Jimmy Bullard has moved to Hull City from Fulham for £5m. This is a record signing for the Tigers. Emile Heskey has moved for £3.5m to Premiership high flyers Aston Villa. Martin O'Neill knows all about the England international from his days at Leicester City. Heskey is a shrewd addition to an already potent attacking force with Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Mido is now on loan to Wigan from 'Boro for a six month spell.

We eagerly await more signings from big spenders Manchester City who are linked with Didier Drogba. Dr Sulaiman al-Fahim's group have now expressed in making a bid on Chelsea which is dramatic news in this fast paced, commercial UK football league.

Marlon King loan move to Middlesborough

Marlon King has gone out on loan from Wigan Athletic to North East strugglers Middlesborough. Apparently the Egyptian striker Mido is interested in a move to JJB Stadium, amidst transfer rumours at Wigan that other strikers may be moving on. This follows yestersday's news that Palacios has moved to Spurs, reported between £12-14m. Despite the fact that Steve Bruce bought Palacios for £14m, Wigan have been a great side in the Premier League this season and selling your best players is always risky. It seems to be that the minute you sell a striker, your first choice forwards get suspended or injured. Easy sitting in the stands and criticising as opposed to being a professional football manager I guess.

Manchester City sign De Jong

Mark Hughes made his third signing of the transfer window, acquiring Dutch international midfielder Nigel de Jong for an undisclosed fee.

Manchester City have also signed Wayne Bridge and Craig Bellamy. They have been linked now with Newcastle United 'keeper Shay Given.

In my view these are the signings that will strengthen Manchester City in a healthy way - just look at the issues that have arisen in the last week with Brazilian star Robinho.


Craig Bellamy signs for Manchester City

West Ham have sold 29 year old Craig Bellamy to the new Premier League fat cats Manchester City for an undisclosed fee. It is rumoured that the transfer reached around £14m and is probably of no surprise after Bellamy did not play in West Ham's 3-1 victory against Fulham on Sunday. Bellamy was also linked with Aston Villa in December.
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