This is stronger than just idle gossip, I am sort of ITK (will NOT reveal link as it's via a 3rd party), and as such whilst not privvy (who is?) to hard information about specific plans, have formed my own ideas on the type of squad Hughes and co. would like to put together, based on how last season was viewed
Outs:
Vassell - Free
Hamaann - Free
Mills - Released
Berti - Released
Robinho £30m - Chelsea
Jo swap + £2m - Everton (Lescott the other way)
Elano £5m
Petrov 2.5m - Spurs
Ben Haim £2m - Sunderland
Dunne £3m - Sunderland
Garrido £2m Spain
Fernandes £2m Stoke
Benjani Free -
Evans Loan - Newcastle
Ball - £1m - newly promoted club
Sturridge £2m (compensation) - Aston Villa
Caceido loan - Blackburn
Ins:
Lescott see above
K. Toure £8m
YY Toure £19m
G Johnson £15m
Capel £25m
Ageuro £35m
Adebayour (spelling)£18m
Tevez £30m
Bentley £8m
G. O'Neil £6m
This is what I think the the wish list could be, the original intention was to bring in more numbers but non Europa qualification means concentrating on quality to push for top 4, I know we have publicly stated top 6 but feel the real agenda is different.
Also the new arrivals, could be viewed as having more "backbone" and a better work ethic than the departing Brazillians - the feeling being that these boys have too many "don't fancy it" days, were disruptive influences at times, and didn't enjoy the tough training regime, resulting in shocking form last season away from Eastlands
Looks strong to me. I'd go with this