What we're linked with #2

Last updated : 08 July 2009 By Dan Buxton

Name: Nikola Zigic
Position: Striker
D/O/B: 25/9/80
Current club: Valencia
Value: £7m


 At 6ft 8, he is the worlds tallest footballer and has again been linked with the Potters after last summers long, unsuccessful chase.
 Valencia need to cash in and the man they paid £20m for two seasons seems to be on his way out with an asking price reported to be around £7m.
 Serbian hitman has a great strike rate, typified by his 13 goals in 19 games during a loan spell at La Liga side Racing Santander last season.
 Would fit perfectly into the Potters style and be a real big name signing to send a message out.

Name: Gary O'Neil
Position: Midfielder
D/O/B: 18/5/83
Current club: Middlesbrough
Value: £3m

 One of the few Boro players, along with Tuncay and Turnbull to come out of the relegation season last year with any credit.
 TP has long been an admirer and O'Neil has proven himself to have undoubted Premier League quality during his spells at Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, plus his successful career as an England U21.
 £3m price tag seems more than reasonable for a midfielder at his age with vast Premier League experience.

Name: Obafemi Martins
Position: Striker
D/O/B: 28/10/84
Current club: Newcastle
Value: £6m

Newcastle striker linked before Peter Coates dismissed the paper talk stating there had been no contact, and probably wouldn't be, any contact with Castle regarding Martins.
 Has amazingly just been given a pay rise by the relegated Toon Army to £65,000 per week so wages may have top subsidised by the North East side.
 Nigerian international teammate Seyi Olofinjana gave the powerful hiotman a glowing endorsement in the local press recently after being asked about the rumours.

Name: Ched Evans
Position: Striker
D/O/B: 28/12/88
Current club: Manchester City
Value: £2m

 Young and pacey Evans has been linked with the Potters after seeing his chances reduced at the City of Manchester Stadium
 Lacking in the experience that TP finds such a crucial part of a player but seems to have potential and needs to move away from Eastlands with the millions being chucked around there.
 Could be a good purchase for the future and fill a gap in the squad amongst the 18-23 age group.
 Role would probably be as a fill in for Fuller or be an impact sub late on.

Name: Benjani
Position: Striker
D/O/B: 213/8/78
urrent club: Manchester City
Value: £5m

 A potential signing this one.
 The Zimbabwean has fallen out of favour at Manchester City but holds the key attributes of being big and strong that interest Tony Pulis.
 Signing would no doubt divide supporters, especially if it was the first of the summer, some will point to his half a season at Pompey where he netted 12 goals before moving to Manchester City but subsequent injuries wrecking his time at Eastlands, others will point to his less than impressive strike rate in all his other time in the Premier League, just 11 goals in 71 appearances.
 £5m price tag seems a bit steep when you consider he will probably be brought in and have to force his way past Fuller or Beattie rather than automatically walk into the team and will spend much of the season, unless he finds some quality form, as back up.