Transfer Targets: Potential summer signings – P1

Despite the season finishing last week, the summer is nearly upon us and with the season starting in just over two months, Nigel Adkins will already be on the lookout for new recruits. A position he may well be looking at is the left-back spot, with Ian Harte and Nicky Shorey set to leave in the summer and having played Stephen Kelly as his make-shift left back. Here are some potential targets:

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Ryan Bertrand – Chelsea – Loan – Yes, we may be slightly dreaming here, as even if he was available for loan, he would probably go to a Premier League side. The former Royals loanee featured quite regularly under the stewardship of Roberto Di Matteo, but only made a handful of appearances under Benitez. The question then poses, if Mourinho does take the hot seat, will he feature under the Special One? I can`t see him using Bertrand as a left winger, so left back would be the only viable position and the relationship between Ashley Cole and Mourinho was there for everyone to see. I wouldn`t mind betting that Bertrand could well be available, but the likelihood of him coming to us is relatively low.

Karim Rekik – Man City – Loan – A very highly rated Dutch under 19 international, who spent the tail end of last season on loan at Blackburn. Rekik can play as a centre-half or a left-back, but primarily on the left side of defence. He made his debut for City in his only appearance this season; you can probably guess who that was against? Yes, us. At the tender age of 18, you definitely consider it as a risk, but some could have argued that with Bertrand four years ago. Could be worth a shot.

Shane Ferguson – Newcastle – Loan – Another highly rated player at his respective club, who has only come into the limelight over the past season, after making his debut nearly three years ago. Ferguson is a Northern Ireland international, who enjoyed a very successful loan stint at Birmingham at the end of the season, making eleven appearances and scoring an impressive free kick against Crystal Palace. It is also worth noting that he has featured for the Magpies too, featuring four times in the Europa League and several times in the Premier League this campaign. A player who can play anywhere down the left wing, renowned for his technique and delivery into the box. Adkins could well be tempted with a player with his sort of attacking intent.

Danny Fox – Southampton – £2-3 million – The former Celtic defender has already been linked with a move to the Madejski Stadium, after featuring prominently under Adkins during his tenure with the Saints. The rise to the fore of Luke Shaw has affected the Scotsman`s opportunities of first team football and his red card against West Brom in April probably didn`t help his case. A player that has superb dead-ball ability, but divides opinion among Southampton fans for his defensive capabilities. He wouldn`t be high on my wanted list, but his experience at Championship level could prove useful.

Aaron Cresswell – Ipswich – £3-4 million – I wouldn`t mind betting that most people reading this wouldn`t have heard of this lad, but he is certainly making a name for himself at Portman Road. The 23-year old missed just two games last season and played every minute of every game for the Tractor Boys this term and as they say, no smoke without a fire. Cresswell`s outstanding consistency has gained admirers from the Premier League, mainly Aston Villa, who made an enquiry about his services last summer, before they opted to buy Joe Bennett from Middlesbrough. Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy expects interest this summer and I would like ourselves to be interested, in a player with great pedigree.

Martin Olsson – Blackburn – £4 million – A Sweden international who has suffered a fall from grace in recent years, who recently fought out a basement battle with Blackburn Rovers in the depths of the Championship. Similarly to Ferguson and Bertrand, he has featured further forward on the left wing, but left back remains his primary position. West Ham attempted to sign the 25-year old last year, but were thwarted when Blackburn wanted big money for him, will they feel as stubborn this summer? Out of all the above mentioned, Olsson would be my favourite and preferred choice. He is the most experienced out of the six and matches Adkins` attacking intent, with the full backs pushing high up and having the pace to recover. He may be pricey, but it is an investment for the long-term and will be coming into his peak in a few years, now being at the age of 25.