Transfers: Five Premier League clubs with vacancies

As the transfer window hits the half way mark Christian Crowther looks at five those with obvious holes still in need of plugging...

 

Newcastle - striker/defender

You have to feel for the beleaguered Geordies this week, hit with a double blow in the transfer market. Firstly, their bedrock of recent seasons and captain Fabricio Coloccini is set to have his contract terminated due to personal reasons, while Marseille striker Loic Remy has snubbed Tyneside for the riches of QPR at the very last moment.

Leading Targets - Pierre-Emerick Abubameyang and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa

It looks like Alan Pardew will again focus his attentions across the channel in a bid to find much needed reinforcements. Saint-Etienne striker Pierre Abubameyang and Montpellier's highly rated centre back Yanga-Mbiwa are being linked. If Newcastle don't find players then their overstretched squad could be vulnerable to being drawn into the relegation scrap, with their chances of the drop currently rated at 6.2.

 

 

Southampton - defender

After setting early season records for defensive frailty, Saints have really tightened up over recent months but the need for more quality defenders can't be overlooked. Southampton are in action tonight in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, where they are priced at 7.0 to earn a draw.

Leading Target - Vegard Forren

It looks like Southampton will shortly be completing the signing of 24-year-old centre back Vegard Forren from Norwegian champions Molde. The player was due to complete a trial at Liverpool this month but, when Southampton came in with a firm offer, the trial was cancelled.

 

 

Norwich - striker

The Canaries are having a real rollercoaster of a season but in order to stay comfortably away from the relegation spots, as they are at present, they need more striking options. Grant Holt is still their main striker and he only has four Premier League goals to his name this season.

Leading Target - Danny Graham

Norwich have been heavily linked with a move for Swansea striker Danny Graham. Despite scoring regularly in recent weeks, it is believed that Michael Laudrup is still willing to listen to offers for the forward.

 

 

Everton - centre midfielder

Although Everton are enjoying a fantastic season so far, they are still missing a real top player in the middle of the park. With Marouane Fellaini playing in a support striker role and Darren Gibson constantly out injured, there is definitely an opening there.

Leading Target - Etienne Capoue

Reports are suggesting that Everton are preparing a £10 million bid for Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue, who has been labelled in some parts as the next Fellaini. Attracting another centre midfielder could make all the difference in the Toffees' 6.2-rated questfor a top-four finish.

 

 

Aston Villa - midfielder/defender

Paul Lambert's youth policy may be commendable but it's fast leading Villa down a destructive path in the top flight. They need reinforcements, especially in the defensive department and more stability in the middle of the park.

Leading target - Moussa Sissoko

Worryingly, Villa have not been linked to many defenders after initial interest in Joleon Lescott was rebuked by the player himself. However, another highly-rated Toulouse midfielder, Sissoko, is believed to be interesting Lambert to fill that anchor role in the middle.

 

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