No Rest for the Defence

So, Robbie... tell about Liverpool. Did they treat you well there?

... or "It's all happening at the back".

Liverpool agree fee of £2.5m for Aston Villa's Luke Young

Liverpool have made a surprise move for the Aston Villa full-back Luke Young. Roy Hodgson, the Liverpool manager, tried to sign Young earlier this year when he was in charge of Fulham and he has now rekindled his interest in the former England international. Liverpool have agreed a £2.5m fee for a player who has been told he is surplus to requirements at Villa Park.

Although Hodgson's pursuit of Young might raise a few eyebrows among Liverpool supporters, the 31-year-old is able to operate in both full-back positions... He would also increase Liverpool's quota of homegrown players to comply with the new Premier League rule.

Young has long been a fantasy favorite, back to his Charlton days when he was listed in the game as "Young, Luke". He was also a fierce tackling, adventurous fullback. Which we love. I don't remember where his price was last season, but hopefully we'll get another starting full back on a top-7 team for reasonable money.

Elsewhere in the world of the defensive arts...


Sunderland sign Argentine defender Marcos Angeleri

Sunderland have signed Argentina full-back Marcos Angeleri from Estudiantes for an undisclosed fee...

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce said: "In recent years he's been one of the best right full-backs in South America."

"Marcos is a strong, powerful defender and will add depth to the squad. He is also very keen to get forward."

We discussed Sunderland's defensive situation in an earlier post. Angeleri will take the right back spot and Bardsley will offer cover. I don't know if Bardsley can switch flanks, a la Young Luke, but that would certainly be a nice option for the Black Cats.

However, Sunderland confuse me with the signing of Titus Bramble. As we noted, "Sunderland are rich in the middle with da Silva, Ferdinand, Kilgallon, Turner and maybe Mensah". Adding Bramble to that list... why? Six central defenders. Turner is a sure starter. Da Silva and Mensah performed well at the World Cup and are experienced players who would expect to start. Kilgallon is still the young stud with more promise than anything. Much like Bramble was before he worked with Bruce at Wigan. But do Sunderland need both of them? And where does that leave Ferdinand? Out on loan is all I can think.

And speaking of Ferdinand...

Rio Ferdinand still six weeks away from Manchester United return

Rio Ferdinand may not return to action until early September after the Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he is still six weeks away from full fitness.

Ferdinand suffered a knee ligament injury while in pre-World Cup training with England on 4 June, but in early July it was suggested by United that he might be fit for the opening Premier League game against Newcastle on 16 August.

However, Ferguson now estimates that it will take him longer. "Rio is probably around six weeks away from playing," he said.

Too bad Evans will be the starter alongside Vidic rather than Smalling, who ended last season 6 or 8 units/dollars/pounds/euro/linden. cheaper.

And finally...

Alex ruled out for a month

Defender Alex is to miss the start of the Premier League season after Chelsea confirmed he is to be sidelined for a month with a thigh injury.

The 28-year-old will sit out Friday's friendly trip to Ajax due to the knock he picked up in training, as will new signing Yossi Benayoun who has a groin problem.

Also, it's worth noting that in that match, Turnbull was at fault for two goals, surely "handing" Hilario the starting job when the new season begins.