By Chris Wright
What with Manchester City currently being sh*tted up with over-paid, under-played footballers of
every conceivable ilk, it's fairly understandable that most of the recent City-related transfer
gubbins is in reference to an imminent exodus or clear-out of some kind.
Liverpool fans will be desperate to see their manager splashing the cash come January. The squad at
Anfield is in dire need of a facelift and the club's owners have already given the green light.
Though, this relies on the strict proviso that huge sums of money are not just spent for the sake
of it.
That might be a tough task for Woy.
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier recently admitted that he would "love to bring" Manchester
United forward Michael Owen to Villa Park sometime soon. The news should come as no surprise
considering Owen starred for Houllier in 2001 when Liverpool won the treble and Owen was award
Footballer of the Year.
Liverpool FC's owners New England Sports Ventures are keen for their youth teams to play a bigger
part in the club's future, according to academy director Frank McParland.
Last month McParland received a visit from principal owner John Henry, who was keen to talk about
what role the site at Kirkby could perform.
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has praised new owners New England Sports Ventures following their
acquisition earlier this season. Since then, Liverpool have moved out of the relegation zone as
they have propelled into the top half of the table, right on the edge of a European spot. Hodgson
is pleased that the new ownership group has a long term vision for the club, and he looks forward
to planning the future of Liverpool with them.
While Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan have had their futures in the Premier League discussed in
great detail in recent days, another American international is trying to find a home in
England.
L.A. Galaxy forward Edson Buddle is currently on trial with Birmingham, and should he do well,
he may be offered a deal in next month's transfer window.
I'm hoping to finish these player reviews before Christmas, but with the schedule I have this
up-coming week, we'll see if I get to the forwards or not.
Brian Mullan - Many people see the acquisition of Mullan as the turning point of the season.
I'm not sure I'd go that far but it was critical.
