More big names – By SKIP BANDELE
Bolton manager, Sam Allardyce, has beaten Portsmouth’s Harry Redknapp to the signature of ‘enfant terrible’ Nicolas Anelka. The 27-year-old striker, who has never managed to recapture the kind of form shown at Arsenal as a teenager, has moved to The Reebok from Turkish side Fenerbahçe in a 12 million euro four-year deal.
Newcastle’s latest big name capture appears to be better, less risky, business. The Magpies beat a host of chasing clubs to land exciting Nigerian striker, Obafemi Martins, from Inter Milan for 15 million euros. The 21-year-old has scored 28 goals in 87 appearances in Italy and is rated very highly.
A third striker high on international wanted lists throughout the summer, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, has joined Celtic from PSV Eindhoven. Still pending is a possible swap between Arsenal and Chelsea involving Ashley Cole and William Gallas, Owen Hargreaves’ move from Bayern to Manchester, and Spurs continuing pursuit of Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing.
