Robbie is a very good footballer so I’m as surprised as most as to why he’s struggled. It may well be a case that the player hasn’t quite managed to integrate into Liverpool’s pattern of play and doesn’t suit the tactical style that Rafa Benitez’s team operate. Whatever, the reason, it’s plain to see the move hasn’t worked out for either the player or club as of yet. I personally still think Robbie can have a fantastic career with Liverpool once he finds his feet as he is desperate to do well for the club.

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Everton have shown how good a side they are in recent weeks with draws against Liverpool at Anfield plus an unfortunate one with Arsenal at Goodison. Next up is Manchester United at Old Trafford and I see no reason why David Moyes can’t take a point there too. They won’t go there and take the game to United but will be extremely difficult to beat and they know how to defend.

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Manchester City have had a final bid for Roque Santa Cruz rejected by Blackburn Rovers, Mark Hughes has confirmed. The Citizens offered a fee believed to be in the region of £18 million for the Paraguayan striker, but Sam Allardyce is keen to keep hold of the player with no immediate replacement available. “Yesterday afternoon we put an improved bid to Blackburn for Roque Santa Cruz but it was rejected,” said Hughes. Allardyce added: “Yes, they have made another bid. We have considered it and it’s not been accepted. They have been unsuccessful. But whether they come back before Monday’s 5pm deadline, I’ve no idea.”

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Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson has admitted that they face little chance of their optimistic bid to sign Miguel Veloso coming to fruition. The Portuguese star is rated around the £12m mark and has previously been a reported target for the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but Megson earlier had hopes of taking him to the Reebok Stadium.

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Do I think Aston Villa have a good chance of finishing in the top four this season? Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. However, finishing in the top 4 positions in the Premier League is not going to mean Villa replace one of the big four unless they can continually qualify for the Champions League over a 4-5 year period including reaching the knockout stages of the competition. Everton broke into the top 4 a few years ago but they couldn’t sustain it and it will be difficult for Villa to do the same.

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Manchester United have now hit the top of the Premier League after an incredible run of form though at no time did I ever think they were out of the title race. They have an abundance of top quality players and the run they’ve embarked on despite a packed fixture schedule is quite simply outstanding.

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Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has once again underlined his desire to keep Roque Santa Cruz at Ewood Park. The Paraguayan striker has been linked with a move to Manchester City throughout this transfer window, but Mark Hughes’ men look like they may be disappointed, as Allardyce is insistent that as long as no replacement is found, Santa Cruz will remain a Rovers player. “One of the issues has always been the replacement,” he explained. “It’s not about the size of the bid it’s about who can we get to replace Roque. At the moment it isn’t there or in place so that’s why it would be difficult for us to accept a bid.”

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I’ve been to watch West Ham on a couple of occasions recently and I must say I’ve been very impressed with what Gianfranco Zola has been doing at the club. The Hammers recent visit to Stamford Bridge showed just how astute the little Italian is as he totally outwitted Big Phil Scolari. His assistant Steve Clarke may have helped with the set up of the side too with his vast knowledge of Chelsea.

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I was quite surprised by Jimmy Bullard’s transfer to Hull mainly at the size of the deal. It’s a lot of money for a player of Jimmy’s age and surely will smash the wage structure at the club.

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Portsmouth’s home defeat in the FA Cup to Championship side Swansea has left Tony Adams job hanging by a thread. I fear that one more significant defeat could mean the end of his short stint in charge at Fratton Park.

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