There is no real pressing need for us, short of a left-sided winger, perhaps, as Sylvain Marveaux is hideously injury prone. I'm considering selling him, but to be fair to him, he has played quite well in the time he has been in the team.
Players Out
No players leave the club this January, despite some interest from Liverpool in Rafael Toloi. They offer a paltry £4.5m, I negotiate up to £10m and they said no.
Julian Luque - £12m over 48 months from Racing
AM RLC OK... so I probably paid over the odds, but the scouts are going mental over this kid. Can play anywhere across the field, but his best position is wide left. He is right footed, so I can see him and Shaqiri both cutting in-field to cause trouble, or switching flanks to confuse defences.
DM/M CMiguel Veloso - £10.5m over 24 months from Genoa
I'm really happy with this addition! A quality central midfielder to add to Cabaye and Tiote. Guthrie has not been cutting it, and will probably go in the summer as he isn't getting game time. Veloso gives us options as a defensive midfielder, or as a deep-lying playmaker. Not as dynamic as Cabaye, and doesn't get stuck in as much as Tiote, but is creative and can pick a good pass and is a good free kick taker to boot.
D R Cornel Rapa - £625k from Otelul
Another scouting find, a good young fullback from Romania. Bags of potential, but he'll go into the reserves for now, and will provide cover in case of injuries.
