Transfer flops - Hugo Viana

Viana in his Newcastle days

A young promising midfield prodigy arrived at Newcastle United in 2002 on the crest of a wave, but shied away through the back door three years later after a miserable spell.

Hugo Viana began his career at Sporting Lisbon, and hit the ground running by turning in a string of tremendous performances in his debut season.  This captured the attention of clubs Europe wide, with Fifa also sitting up and taking note.

The worlds governing body awarded 19-year-old Viana the Young European Footballer of the Year award, which was enough to persuade Bobby Robson to part with his cash and bring him to Newcastle United.  A fee of around £8.5m saw Sporting part with their young starlet, and expectations about the youngster around St James Park were certainly high.

Unfortunately his big move didn't go according to plan, as you have now probably gathered by the title, and his career in the northeast quickly turned sour.  After two dismal years he was loaned back to his old club, before returning and quickly being shipped out once again.

This time it was to Valencia, where an initial years loan was made permanent for around £1.5m the following year.  This marked a huge loss for Newcastle, but also another chance for Viana to show he wasn't a flash in the pan.  He again flattered to deceive and after two years in which the half century appearance mark again fell out of range, as with Newcastle, another loan spell followed.

This time it was with La Liga rivals Osasuna followed by a trip back home with Sporting Braga the following year.  It was the latter move that was again made permanent, where he remains to this day.  One of his best day's back home came just over two months ago, when, with the game tied at 0-0 he scored from his own half in the 94th minute.

On the international front he represented Portugal under-21s for three years, before progressing up the ranks.  Withe the seniors he has travelled to two World Cups, one European Championship and an Olympics.

Newcastle United

After the shock relegation, the bizarre sacking of Chris Hughton who led them back to the Premier League and some strange goings on with keep players so far this summer Newcastle are definitely back. Although without the ludicrous expectations which blighted them years ago. Alan Pardew seems to have a unity within the squad, and despite the sale of star striker Andy Carroll in January they still finished the season well. Last seasons 12th place should well be in reach.

Goalkeeper

Once upon a time this was a position that that The Magpies never need to worry about, all that has changed now. Steve Harper is a good quick fix, while Fraser Forster will be number one before Tim Krul. Not a great deal of quality, but plenty of potential, and it is maybe that potential that encourages Alan Pardew not to sign someone new.

Defence

Captain Fabricio Coloccini seems to have regained composure and quality, that seemed to be lacking when he first made the switch from La Liga to the Premier League. Elsewhere there is strength but no real big physical presence. The potential departure of Jose Enrique also takes away some threat up the flank, which will need to be sorted out.

Midfield

One key man Kevin Nolan has left while last seasons player of the season Joey Barton doesn't look to far behind. Two new men have already arrived to add some strength, while key man Hatem Ben Arfa was a huge miss after receiving that season ending injury in the winter. Jonas Gutierrez can also help the Frenchman with his creative juices, which bodes well for the free flowing attacking game plan taking hold at St James' Park.

Forwards

After the record sale of Carroll it was expected that they would struggle up front, but Pardew reinvigorated his team and especially strike force to ensure a good finish. However they needed some fresh attacking talent and now that has arrived in the shape of Demba Ba. It does seem another attacker of real quality should be added though.

Manager

Pardew has worked wonders since he was made boss, following Hughton's departure. The squad has a unity and the fans even seem to be on side, very good steps to achieving Premiership consolidation.

Areas to Strengthen

A new goalkeeper would improve the squad, but in the not too distant future one of their young guns will be more than ready to step up. A new striker to partner Ba and provide a real goal threat, and all round strengthening to ensure a squad is in place to challenge on fronts all season.

Expectations

After relegation, Newcastle fans have really reeled in their expectations following the title wins that was once demanded. Consolidation with small steps forward will be enough to satisfy the fiercest of loyal fans.

Odd2000/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Yohann Cabaye £5m (Lille), Demba Ba free (West Ham United), Mehdi Abeid free (Lens), Sylvain Marveaux free (Rennes), Gabriel Obertan undisclosed (Manchester United) Davide Santon £5m (Inter Milan)

Players out

Kevin Nolan £4 (West Ham United) Jose Enrique £6m (Liverpool) Joey Barton free (Queens Park Rangers) Wayne Routledge £2m (Swansea City) Ben Tozer free (Northampton Town) Daniel Leadbitter free (Torquay United) Patrick McLaughlin free (York City) Kazenga Lualua loan (Brighton and Hove Albion) Xisco loan (Deportivo La Coruna) Fraser Forster free (Celtic) Jamer Tavernier loan (Carlisle United) Shefki Kuqi, Sol Campbell, Nathan Evans, Andy Mogwo (all released)