Aston Villa have parted ways with Gerard Houllier because of failing health, which is probably a good idea anyways considering he is definitely not the manager to take this club onwards and upwards. After spending a huge 24 million pounds on Darren Bent, it is unlikely that Villa will be making another massive signing over the summer. However, they do need strengthening down the middle of the park in both midfield and defence. Scott Parker would be a decent acquisition for impending Villa boss, Mark Hughes. They will also need someone to replace Ashley Young who is potentially off to a host of other clubs. If they could get a great defender and central midfielder along with a partner for Darren Bent, we could be seeing Villa in the top six again.
After the sale of Henderson to Liverpool for around 13 million and David N'gog, along with the 24 million they received from the sale of Darren Bent, Sunderland are flush with cash and will be looking to bolster numbers to give their small squad a healthier feel. Sebastian Larsson and Charlie Adam have been rumoured to be potential targets for Steve Bruce but I highly doubt he will capture Adam at least. The Black Cats have supposedly tabled a combined 12 million bid for three of Manchester United's fringe players; John O'Shea, Darren Gibson and Wes Brown. If Bruce could get those three, for that price, I would consider it a great deal.
They now have a manager who can take them to the next level in Roy Hodgson and the style of play that everyone wants to see, however, they don't quite have the squad. Defensively, West Brom are very frail so that is where Hodgson needs to focus on. They could also do with another striker and another central midfielder too. Scott Parker would be the perfect choice for Hodgson in the middle of the park but with a host of other clubs no doubt interested in the West Ham captain, it might be hard for Hodgson to persuade Parker to come to the Hawthorns. Daniel Sturridge would bring strength and size to the West Brom attack, perfectly complimenting Peter Odemwingie.
I think it is fairly obvious that Newcastle need a striker. Two strikers probably. Dimitar Berbatov and Daniel Sturridge would both be excellent signings for Newcastle. With the return of Hatem Ben Arfa to the side, Newcastle have an offensive threat in the midfield. With Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton, they also have grit and a hard-working ethic. They could perhaps go for another central midfielder to replace Barton (who may be leaving next year) and Nolan (who is getting old). Sebastian Larsson and Charlie Adam are potential targets for Pardew. The Toon also need to strengthen at the back. With at least 35 million to spend, Newcastle should be busy over the summer.
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