Arsenal’s goalkeeping problems have become increasingly comic.  I am of course only referring to Jens ‘where’s my mind?’ Lehmann. Manuel Almunia seems fairly safe behind the back-line but apparently Arsene Wenger is toying with the idea of bidding for Celtic and Poland stopper Artur Boruc (Daily Mail), as are Aston Villa.

I have gone on record in the past with my opinions on the excellent talent currently patrolling between the sticks at Parkhead - and I am not sure how genuine this rumour is. I am also dubious that Gordon Strachan would let such a sale take place, even given his controversial antics in recent months.

If I were Wenger, I would keep faith with those who are in the queue at the Emirates and politely ease the German out of north London. Or failing that, give him a run-out in the Carling Cup.

'Crouch, 26, a part-time film actor who doubles as giants in fantasy films, needs to make up his mind. Does he fight for his place and accept that Rafa Benitez loves to rotate his squads?'


Time for the big-time tabloid contradiction game. On the one hand we have a story that claims Liverpool are willing to sell Peter Crouch for £15m (Daily Mail), and on the other hand we have an opposing view that the lanky goal-getter has been assured his future is at Anfield (various).

Basically this all comes down to Crouch himself. Last season’s top scorer in all competitions has found himself lower down the pecking order following the purchase of Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin, who by the way has impressed me greatly in recent displays.

England international Crouch, 26, a part-time film actor who doubles as giants in fantasy films, needs to make up his mind. Does he fight for his place and accept that Rafa Benitez loves to rotate his squads? Apparently the Anfield boss is a fan of rotation in all aspects of life -his house is chock-a-block with all things circular from saws to clocks. If it’s sphere-shaped, then he’s got it!

If I were Crouchy (what a great name for a person of such stature!) I would stick it out on Merseyside and see what happens, and maybe have a rethink come January. Or at least until the next Harry Potter movie comes out.

Nicolas Anelka is a wanted man, with Manchester United, West Ham and Portsmouth all reportedly chasing him (The Sun). But which sides’ fans actually want the Bolton striker? As far as I can gather, United supporters are not too keen and I can understand why. Do Hammers and Pompey supporters feel likewise? Maybe worth investing in, but only if the price is not astronomical, as it surely will be.

Sticking at Upton Park, and in my opinion a far better value purchase, West Ham have stepped up their bid for Reading left-back Nicky Shorey by bidding £5m (The Sun). Steve Coppell has been quoted as if he is beginning to lose patience with Shorey over his reticence to commit to the Royals. I would be mighty surprised if the newly-capped England defender is at the Madjeski come the end of the season.

Kevin Nolan is a player whose loyalty has unfairly cost him a fair few England caps. No disservice to Bolton, but for some reason the talented midfielder has been constantly overlooked when it comes to squad selection time. Now it seems that Everton want the Scouser after missing out on Manuel Fernandes. According to The Sun, the Goodison outfit are offering £5m. Is that a fair price? Not in my mind - I would value Nolan far more highly and if Everton approach Sammy Lee with such an offer, the short man is likely to laugh in their faces.