Cruel Summer

All this talk of Arsenal being interested in Mikel Arteta has clearly alerted the powers that be at Chatsworth and he is now their number one transfer target.

Wouldn't it have just been easier if the Arabs had just taken over at Everton?

David Moyes, who already sounds sick of it all, said of Everton's vulnerable position in this summer's transfer market: "Are we susceptible? Of course we are, because people look at us and think, 'We can go to Everton and take their best players'.

He added: ""But if they do, they know they are going to have to come with a very big cheque. If they come here, they know it is going to be very expensive and our intention is not to let any of the players go. I expect them to be here next season."

Which isn't so much so much a 'hands-off' warning - probably because it's now accepted wisdom that every player has their price - but more a warning that clubs will have to pay big to get anyone from us...after all, we did manage to screw £22 million out of City for Joleon Lescott!

And by "a very big cheque" I assume he means that the sum on the cheque will contain siz zeroes and not literally 'a big cheque' like the one David Brent gets when he's in his Bernie Clifton costume!

In other transfer news, Manchester United are not going to take 'no' for an answer over the transfer of Jack Rodwell and are ready to offer £15 million for the Everton youngster.

If they're only offering £15 million then they'd better brace themselves for 'no' being the answer!

The girls on their way to another fun packed day at Eastlands!