Will it be another Spanish summer? Or is there hope for England yet?

No, I’m not talking about winning the World Cup; instead I’m talking about the glamorization of La Liga more and more at the expense of the Premier League.

With the three biggest summer signings wrapped up or to be soon (David Villa and Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid), the likelihood of an electrifying superstar coming across the Channel looks increasingly remote.  Instead, it looks all the more likely that Cesc won’t be the only departure.

Granted, Chelsea and Manchester United will probably not lose any crucial players, meaning the EPL’s best teams will not get worse.  But it is not clear that they will buy the classiest of reinforcements, especially as the Chelsea management has indicated a greater role for youth players next season.  Manchester United will surely look to strengthen the thin front line that arguably cost them the title this season, but again, it is not certain whether this means simply a back-up striker who scores more consistently than Berbatov, or a genuine hitman to partner Rooney up top.

The other probable bright spot in England’s summer is Manchester City, who can splurge on world-class and create a truly competitive squad.  If they can successfully exploit Liverpool’s financial weakness and the precariousness of Tottenham’s Champions League place, they will surely compete in the 2011-12 edition of Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

But who will they acquire?  Liverpool might have to offload some of the Mascherano-Gerrard-Torres spine, but the Reds will be hesitant to sell world-class players to teams who are directly competing with them for a Champions League spot.

Reports suggest Mourinho wants Gerrard at his new project in Madrid, and should the legendary skipper bail on Anfield, Florentino Perez certainly has the cash to bring him to the Bernabeau.  Besides, everyone else in Europe wants Torres and Mascherano.  Further, the Argentine has been suggesting he wants to leave since last summer.  Unless Manchester City or another club really overpay for them, these stars, if sold, probably will not end up in the EPL.

Robinho probably will not end up in England because the Citizens can afford to offload him at a cut price to a continental team that will not threaten their league ambitions.  Unless, of course, Robinho has a superb World Cup and can convince Mancini to let him stay on to complete the Man City revolution that he started nearly two years ago.

Realistically however, the biggest stars who might end up in England are a few of Spain’s stars and some of the Italian Serie A’s best young players.  Who are these would-be EPL protagonists?

Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero is the only legitimate superstar who has a good chance of going to England.  Chelsea have been linked with him, Man City would surely buy him (because, why not?), and as mentioned above, Man United would love two world-beating forwards with which to terrorize both Europe and England.  His price might put off everybody but the Citizens, however.

Valencia have a duo in Ever Banega and David Silva who would be welcome in any team, but it remains to be seen how willing the leadership at the Mestalla is to sell after losing their offensive pillar in David Villa.  Plus, as good as the two are, they are not world-class just yet.  A big move to truly competitive teams might see them hit that level and affirm their potential though.

The Serie A has a host of young stars in players like Pato, Hamsik and Kjaer – arguably the future of their respective positions – and it is possible that some will be sold this summer.  Hamsik has a prohibitive price of 40 million euros on his head, Kjaer claims he wants to stay in Palermo but will most likely end up elsewhere in Italy, which leaves Pato.

“The Duck” might fancy a reunion with Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, but as Milan rightfully view him as their future, I am not so convince they’ll ditch him for a price Abromovich is willing to pay.  As usual, City can splash out enough to pry any of these players away, but it remains to be seen if they leadership really feels the need for another Mardid-lite summer spree.

Ibrahimovic might also leave Barcelona (as a swap for Cesc, perhaps), but given the huge amount the Catalans paid for him, I believe he will stick around to earn his price tag for at least another season.  Plus, crucial goals against Arsenal and Real Madrid to name two showed he is not a complete flop, just not worth the ludicrous amount Barcelona invested.

And so that leaves the Blancos’ rejects, possibly including Kaka, Benzema, van der Vaart, and maybe their superstar Gonzalo Higuain (who, in a warranted complaint, wants a new contract of greater value).  Further, Mourinho recently praised both the Frenchman and the Brazilian, suggesting he wants to try  bringing out the class that made Madrid pay big bucks for the duo last summer.  Unless Real Madrid again decide to ridiculously unload world class talent, in 2010-11 we might be witnessing the same class of EPL stars as last season, if not a class-act or two fewer.

While the EPL is still one of the strongest leagues in the world, the distance between it and the top (La Liga) will probably grow this summer, not to mention the cause for greater concern: that the distance between it and the “lower” Italian and German leagues may actually shrink.

And so, even those who dismiss Arsenal’s, Chelsea’s and Manchester United’s premature exits to Barcelona, Inter and Bayern Munich respectively as flukes, this summer might go some way to making it more than just a blue moon affair.

With no more English football to watch, it’s off to play the transfer rumor game again. We all know many of these transfer rumors just end up frustrating us. However, it provides a little bit of a fix while we wait for the World Cup to begin.

Sir Alex and Manchester United have done pretty well for themselves in the transfer market over the years. They saw enough promise in an 18 year old Wayne Rooney to pay about 25 million pounds to Everton, paid around a mere 12 million for Cristiano Ronaldo, and signed a top EPL defender, Patrice Evra, for just over 5 million.

Just like with the Liverpool Transfer Rumors article, the newspaper accuracy for Manchester United stories isn’t too great. The English newspaper with the highest percentage of correct transfer predictions is (again) The Independent with about 40% accuracy. The worst appears to be The People with about 12%.

Here’s three Manchester United transfers in and three Manchester United transfers out that I think are among the more likely.

• Joe Cole – IN

Joe Cole looks set to leave Chelsea this summer and it’s anyone’s guess as to where he goes. If I were to put money on it, Manchester United would be my bet for Joe Cole. Joe Cole’s ability to be versatile is a huge plus for Manchester United and he could even be used in a forward position for the side.

• Jack Rodwell – IN

Everton boss, David Moyes, still insists that the youngster isn’t for sale (although we’ve all heard that before). There are quite a few clubs looking to take on the 19 year old midfield player if the sale does happen for the Englishman. I think Manchester United will out Arsenal and the likes for this player if Everton decides to part with him.

• Karim Benzema – IN

The rumors say Real Madrid seem ready to unload Karim Benzema this summer and Sir Alex is keen to sign the French striker after a failed attempt last summer. Even though I’m listing this as one of the more likely transfer rumors to happen, I think the only way this will happen is if a certain struggling, Manchester United striker is unloaded to free up some funds.

• Anderson – OUT

There have hardly been many rumors about Anderson but this makes sense to me so I’m putting it on my list. A falling out with the manager followed by a season ending injury seems to me to put Anderson on offer to any and all takers.

• Dimitar Berbatov – OUT

In my opinion, Berbatov really hasn’t lived up to his over 30 million transfer this season. There haven’t been too many English sides looking at the Bulgarian but he could find his way to another European club next season. The real question is if Sir Alex is willing to give up on the player so quickly (and possibly lose millions) or if he even should do so. Generally, this isn’t the way he operates but pressure to take some of the burden off of Wayne Rooney’s shoulders may change his thinking this time around.

• Nemanja Vidic – OUT

This is on my list despite how bad of an idea I think this to be. Vidic is a quality defender and I believe Manchester United are making a mistake if they do in fact sell the Serbian. The rumors of his leaving are plentiful, though. Vidic could find himself at any number of top European sides next season if the rumors are true.

What does everyone think are the most likely rumors to come true at Manchester United?

The season is over (save a Champion’s League final on Saturday) and the World Cup is not starting until mid-June. If other fans are anything like me, they are looking for a fix through whatever English football scraps they can find. Transfer rumors are these scraps. Every spare moment I would usually spend watching a match, I scour the internet for news of a new signing or the inevitable story that a star player is leaving a club.

Reading a rumor that a star playing is signing for your club next season can be exciting but you have to put these rumors into perspective. The English newspaper with the highest percentage of correct transfer predictions is The Independent (although The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian are close behind) with about 38% accuracy. Let me repeat that – the best predictor gets about one in three right. The worst is News of the World at about 12%. With no EPL teams left playing, this is what I’ve been reduced to.

I plan on doing a few articles on these early transfer rumors but to begin I want to look at a club dear to my heart, Liverpool.

There are some rumors I won’t even comment on here because they just don’t seem very likely to me. Joe Cole transferring in or Dirk Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani transferring out are just not going to happen if you ask me. Also, I think Kenwyne Jones would be a great signing for Liverpool but I just can’t see it happening after the transfer falling apart in January.

Here’s three Liverpool transfers in and three Liverpool transfers out that I think are among the more likely (but not necessarily welcome). By the way, I’m considering Albert Riera leaving Anfield to be a given here.

• Steven Ireland – IN

Steven Ireland could find his way to Liverpool in a number of different ways. The latest rumor has Liverpool getting cash, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Stephen Ireland in exchange for Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. While that specific scenario is very unlikely, I believe Steven Ireland will be playing at Anfield somehow next season.

• Milan Jovanovic – IN

This transfer appears to be just about final. The Serbian striker is coming from Standard Liege where he scored 13 goals for his side this season and won the Golden Shoe award. Will this be another Benitez signing like Torres or a disappointing flop like Aquilani?

• Carlton Cole – IN

Liverpool needs a striker (or two) and Carlton Cole needs a better club to play for. Despite West Ham and Carlton Cole failing to impress this season, I believe Carlton Cole could turn into a world class player given the chance at a decent club. This transfer could be a win for the club and the player.

• Fernando Torres – OUT

This would be the biggest loss to Liverpool and would improve any side in the world. No one at Anfield would want to lose the striker but the transfer money may be too much to pass up. Something to think about is Rafa’s role in this. Although Rafa Benitez is not very popular right now, his remaining at Anfield could have a lot to do with Torres staying at the club.

• Steven Gerrard – OUT

To anyone that has asked me about this, I’ve replied in the same way all season: “Gerrard is going nowhere”. I still don’t think Gerrard would join another English side, however, he may still be lured to another European side. Again, maybe the cash will be too much to resist given the financial situation.

• Yossi Benayoun – OUT

A number of clubs have shown interest in Yossi Benayoun and for good reason. While he has proven to be a great player, he just doesn’t seem to fit into the Liverpool side with Rafa in charge. Liverpool may look to cash in on him during the summer and rumors put Spurs as the latest to show interest in signing the Israeli.

What does everyone think are the most likely rumors to come true at Liverpool?

Every year, once the season ends, the rumors really start buzzing around our heads like a dark swarm of thirsty mosquitoes. And where we should wisely swat the nasty beasts away, the depth of our summer football boredom makes us strip off our shirts, hold out our arms, and beg them to land. Give us something tangible, we ask them. But it is too early to bite, they insist.

I get sucked into it every season. This past month the inevitable buzzings over David Villa and Frank Ribéry really got me going. Imagine one of them in England? Or David Silva? Or Maxi Rodriguez? Who’s this Benzema dude? I know I know the name… IS ANYBODY GOING TO PRY ETO’O AWAY FROM BARCA EVER??

So my mind fills up with vague wisps of possibility.

But here we are, the transfer window opens. Rumors can start congealing. The flies can start landing.

Between now and the 31st of August, clubs will go from being linked to the most elusive players to really going after them. But will any of this talk turn into big name signings? We know deals have already been made, Barry, Valencia, Santa Cruz, Johnson… but who’s coming to England dammit?? I want some big continental guns to set foot in our league.

Along with the rumors of Liverpool raiding Valencia CF, Manchester United scooping up Benzema, Arsenal pouncing on Ribéry and Eto’o going everywhere... there’s that equally persistent and vexing buzz that suggests they are all staying put. Oh, what horrible anti-climax that would be! Ribéry re-signing. Maxi doesn’t want to leave. Villa will only move to Barcelona. Since the Champions League, doesn’t it seem like everybody is going to Barça? Except for Eto’o of course.

Will the market please make up it’s mind?

I have this feeling most of the links to these big names, these proven international stars are going to fizzle out. I can see Liverpool snagging a Valencia player, but not Villa. Maybe David Silva or Juan Mota (the other two of his countrymen Fernando Torres named as good Anfield targets after Spain’s 35-match unbeaten streak). I can see Ribéry staying put.

Though I’m still waiting for the rumors to start sticking to the ground, I have this feeling more of less proven players will be coming our way.Bigger gambles on players who have shown glimpses of brilliance in international matches worked fairly well in the last couple of windows. Looking for the next star. In these tough economic times spending £12m on a potential star and hoping he exlodes into being seems the route to ride for English clubs. Raiding the Russian league has already shown promise through the likes of Skrtel, Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin. Are there more gems hiding out at CSKA Moscow? At Zenit St Petersburg? Or will anyone go after some of the South African players who put up a great fight in the Confederations Cup? Will more sides follow Fulham’s lead of luring cheap Americans to England?

I’m still holding out hope for some fresh talent from Spain. Clubs like Valencia and Atlético Madrid are looking for funds. Valencia are in outright financial distress. Atlético are rumored to be hungry for cash to scoop up a new attacking midfielder. There’s plenty of talent to pillage. Go get ‘em, gaffers.

In the end I’m just ready for something. Anything. I’ll take aging strikers on their way out. Diminutive midfielders who will crash against English defenses. Drunken, blind goalkeepers. Okay. Not really. But I’m eager for these rumor-insects to stop their buzzing. Land on something, you filthy beasts: sink those teeth in!

In 2004, he left Liverpool for Real Madrid in search of Champions League glory. Early on, Madrid mostly shackled him to their bench and later ducked out to Juventus in the first knock-out round. The Liverpool players bounced on the big stage in Istanbul: lifting the trophy without him.

The next season, after Liverpool didn’t take him back, he moved to Newcastle, citing the chance to play alongside the great Alan Shearer as a big part of what drew him to Tyneside. He’d spent much of Shearer’s final season (and most of the next year) out injured.

He was once the most exciting young striker for England. 18 years and 59 days old when he hit the scene. Bursting with pace and invention. A World Cup darling. Now, there’s no room for him in Fabio Capello’s system. He watches his countrymen chase down World Cup qualification from afar.

And as if fate hasn’t laughed at him enough, Newcastle have been relegated.

A striker is supposed to peak around Michael Owen’s age, but diminished pace and a continuious stream of injuries make him seem far older and more faded than his 29 years should suggest.

As his contract with the fallen Magpies is up, rumors of a move inevitably float to the surface of the ever-murky transfer window punditry pool. Aston Villa. Everton. Roma. Reasonable names are batted about.

Either Villa, who flirted with Champions League qualification for much of the past season before sliding at the end, or Everton, who finished 5th and made a thrilling dash to the FA Cup final, might be a good fit for Michael’s ambitions. But Roma… we’ll come back to that.

It may be time for Michael Owen to consider that the aggresive, physical English Premier League is doing him few favors as far as warding off knocks, tears and strains goes. Does he want to spend the rest of his career drifting in and out of the active roster? A change in league might be the best move at this stage.

Look at his former teammate and fellow injury coinnoseur, Harry Kewell:

After a brilliant (and mostly fit) spell at Leeds United, Kewell moved to Anfield where he spent more time with the physios than with his teammates. Recurring injuries kept Kewell from living up to the uncharted potential he’d shown when he first came to England. Regaining his old match fitness seemed an impossible task for Kewell at, you guessed it, age 29.

At the end of the 2007/2008 season, Harry moved to Galatasary S.K. in the Turkish Süper Lig, where he now enjoys regular first team football and seems to have regained a consistent state of fitness.

If Roma’s interest is genuine, Serie A could be a good fit for Michael Owen. The league is less intense and physical than the EPL but still maintains high standards of quality. His creativity would be given room to thrive and his old prolificacy might blossom anew.

If he can stay out of the hospital gown for any length of time, Michael will score plenty more goals and perhaps even fight his way into Capello’s system. At 29, there’s no reason to blow the final whistle on his career. (Although, when it does finally sound, he should be given plenty of injury time.)

Perhaps Michael Owen is cursed. Since he walked out of Liverpool, events beyond his control have block him living up to his once boundless potential. One of the world’s most exciting young talents has struggled with form and place. One hopes it is not too late for Michael Owen to bounce back. But he’d have to find the right environment and take plenty of vitamins to pull it off at this point. Good luck, Michael.

Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari stirred the footballing pot when Chelsea announced an agreement with him to become their next manager, at the termination of his Portugal contract after Euro 2008. Throwing even more chum into the water, are the ever truthful transfer magicians, who now have just about everyone available linked to Chelsea.Big Phil supposedly will start his reign with an audacious £60m bid for AC Milan star Kaka, which may or may not include Didier Drogba and/or Shevchenko as bait. He may also set his sights on Andrea Pirlo, with a £7m per season contract.Additionally, he may look to bring in Portugal and Barcelona midfielder Deco, who is free to discuss terms with other teams. Barcelona will also shed longtime Chelsea target Ronaldinho, who played for Scolari when he coached Brazil. But, they may include Samuel Eto’o with Deco in a £43m deal.Scolari may convince Frank Lampard to stay with a lucrative new contract, or, alternatively, be the factor that forces him to go to Inter Milan.Cristiano Ronaldo’s flirtations with Real Madrid may be the work of Scolari, who wants the player to move away from potential rival Manchester United. However, Big Phil may fancy the lad himself and jump into the bidding with Real Madrid.Big Phil may nab Robinho and David Villa as well just for the hell of it.Tyler Duffy has been a contributing blogger to EPL Talk since 2006.  His work can also be viewed as a weekly soccer commentator for TheBigLead and on his blog at Odds and Sods.