Shopping Time

So Real have stepped up their chase for Ribery? If this is the case, and we are left without a chance of replacing Ron with this ludicrously gifted player (especially as Monsieur Zidane is sticking his nose in as Perez's 'right hand man' - whatever that means - and convincing his compatriot that the Bernabeu is the place to be), then who will we get? Opinions much appreciated please as, I don't know about you, but it's starting to look a bit scary...

1. Valencia (£15-17 million). Age: 23; Position: winger; Club: Wigan.

Someone we've been heavily linked with and, unlike Munich with Ribery, the interest we have shown has been matched by Wigan's intent to cash-in. Talent and pace are undeniable, however his goal-scoring ability (with only 6 in 48 games) completely unrivals Ronaldo's. A mate of mine interestingly told me though, that while Ronaldo made about 8-10 successful tackles over the Premiership season, Antonio made over 100 challenges; showing his stronger ability and willingness to play a deeper role and track back when needed - something Ronaldo has always been heavily criticised for. This could see us reverting to greater power and strength in the centre (something shockingly absent with Giggs and even Carrick vs. Barcalona), and thus allowing Rooney greater creative and, more prevelantly, attacking freedom through the middle.

2. Benzema (£30-35 million). 21; striker; Lyon.

Amazing, however as a centre forward. Would surely be more likely to replace Tevez (if he swap's the Red for Blue...) rather than Ronaldo. Either way, his presence will excite the fan's who are obviously craving for someone fresh and exciting to be signed, especially those who saw him ridicule Rio and Vidic a couple of season's back.

3. Lennon (£15 million). 22; winger; Tottenham.

Probably the most classic, traditional winger of the lot. This is an interesting one for me, because I think he would be a great signing who I would be very content with to be our new no.7...however only if he was to be used in the right way. What I've thought about Lennon is that, like all proper wingers, he would obviously need a solid, pacy right-back to protect and support him...step up Glen Johnson? I understand this probably won't happen as Liverpool look likely to snap up the brilliant full-back. Either way, I wouldn't be opposed to us developing a new-look, yet traditional, 4-4-2 again; inspired by the classic wing-attacking midfield of Giggs - Keane - Scholes - Beckham. Beckham had Neville behind (and over-lapping) him, so nippy Lennon could work well with Johnson; then Carrick and Anderson in the centre with Park/Valencia (?) on the left? And we all know how good Evra is as a wing-back to accomodate his winger. Thoughts please...

4. Nani...?

I am not his biggest fan. At all. But how I would love to see him prosper and step out of Ronaldo's shadow, proving all his haters wrong. He's Portugese, signed from Sporting Lisbon, very tricky yet equally as frustrating: Nani sounds exactly like the Ronaldo of 2003/04. The difference is that Ronaldo was 18 when he burst onto the scene with his unique flair and skill; Nani, with just as much skill, yet slightly less pace, control and final product, is 22. I am however a firm believer that increasing levels of games and opportunities builds confidence, so we will just have to wait and see how much Fergie utilises him next season.