To Spend Or Not To Spend? EPL 9th to 12th

Aston Villa

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.

Sunderland

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.

WBA

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.

Newcastle

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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To Spend Or Not To Spend? EPL's Top Four Teams

Now that the football season is over and we have our full line-up for the 2011/12 Premier League season, I thought it would be a good idea to take a quick look at all the teams who will be fighting for EPL glory come August and see where, if anywhere, they need to improve.

Manchester United

Manchester United are interested in several EPL players such as Gary Cahill and Ashley Young, but I doubt they will make significant moves for them. Man U need a goalkeeper first and foremost now that Van Der Sar has retired. They are perfectly capable in midfield and up front but they could do with some defensive help though as Rio Ferdinand is looking increasingly frail at the back and is fairly injury prone. Perhaps they could tempt Brede Hangeland away from Fulham?

Chelsea

Chelsea desperately need to bring in some youth. If you look at their top players; Lampard, Drogba, Terry and Cech, they are all over 30 now. They need to bring through a new team. I'd love it if they tried to do it from within or through buying English players, but they will probably look for foreign talent instead. They have been rumoured to be interested in Gary Cahill but it isn't likely the Bolton star will head to Stamford Bridge. Brazilian left-back Neymar is also a prime target for the Blues.

Manchester City

Where do you start with Man City? They have all the money in the world and they can buy any player they want. They have spent a lot of money over the last couple of years and I think the best thing for them to do is shed the driftwood at the club and try to keep the best players together to try and get past the inconsistency that plagues them because they rotate their squad so much.

Arsenal

I admire Wenger for trying to build a squad without spending money and concentrating on bringing youth players through the Arsenal system. However, the football world has changed and if Arsenal want to compete for trophies again then they have to spend money. There are several players that could better Arsenal's fortunes next year including, Gary Cahill, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Young, Scott Parker. More than anything Arsenal need a great goalkeeper and two great centrebacks so look for the Gunners to be busy over the summer. 

Keep checking back for the next set of teams!