Blackburn Rovers

Under Venky's it was widely expected that Blackburn would be a tad flashy this summer, but so far this summer their only big venture into the transfer market has been to sell Phil Jones to Manchester United. Rumours are rife around Ewood Park, and new bodies will need to be brought in if Steve Kean is to improve on last seasons 15th place finish.

Goalkeeper

This isn't really an issue at the Lancashire based side, with Paul Robinson continuing to draw plaudits and Mark Bunn an adequate replacement. After his arrival from Spurs the ex England international has never failed to impress, so this is definitely a solid foundation from which to build.

Defence

A potential sticky point with only just over two weeks left to the curtain raiser of this seasons Premier League. Jones has already left and rumours continue to link Chris Samba to both Spurs and Arsenal, this will no doubt bring in money to be respent but will a player of equal quality be found? Michel Salgado isn't getting any younger, but Captain Ryan Nelsen will continue to be a rock at the hear at the Rovers defence.

Midfield

David Dunn is no doubt the gem of the side, whose creativity is heavily relied upon. However with increasing injury problems over the last couple of seasons, Blackburn's midfield has begun to grow independent of Dunn. Morten Gamst Pedersen now looks likely to stay after many windows of being linked away, Steven N'Zonzi continues to impress while Argentine Mauro Formica should play a more central role this time round.

Forwards

It is on the front line where this side could need the most strengthening. Nikola Kalinic and El Hadji Diouf look certain to leave, while Junior Hoilett is staying but he can by no means be expected to lead the line and provide a huge goals tally to propel the side up the table. Ruben Rochina, who arrived at the same time as Formica, should figure more this season but they still seem a bit short.

Manager

 

Steve Kean was thrust in charge of this side after the shock sacking of predecessor Sam Allardyce, and came dangerously close to falling to falling off that tight rope himself. There is some talent within this squad, but it seems like not quite enough to stay away from a relegation dog fight just yet.

Areas to Strengthen 

With a Jones shaped void in defence that could quickly be joined by Samba, it is imperative that a possible leaky back line is patched up fast. Without new additions here the Premier League's front men would run riot. In addition to this one maybe two striker need to be added to boost fire power, and if you believe the rumour mills Kean is intensely looking at the area. If there's any cash left after that, maybe a bit more creativity in the middle of the park.

Expectations

With the squad currently at his disposal, kean could expect nothing more than a place perched just above the drop zone. Similarly to last season. However with some good signings, a mid tabled finish is more than achievable.

Odds

2500/1 (Sky Bet) 

Players In

David Goodwillie £2m (Dundee United) Radosav Petrovic undisclosed (Partizan Belgrade)Myles Anderson free Bruno Ribeiro free Simon Vukcevic undisclosed (Sporting Lisbon) Scott Dann £8m (Birmingham City) Ayegbeni Yakubu undisclosed (Everton) Jordan Slew £1.1m (Sheffield United)

Players Out

Phil Jones £16m (Manchester United) Frank Fielding £400,000 (Derby County) Brett Emerton free (Sydney) Nikola Kalinic undisclosed (Dnipro)  Zurab Khizanishvili, Jordan Bowen, Jason Brown, Michael Potts, Benjani Mwaruwari, Maceo Rigters (all released) Keith Andrews loan (Ipswich Town)