EPL 2011: Top 10 Transfers, Kenny Dalglish or Sir Alex Ferguson Bigger Spender?

With the transfer window in full swing, gossip and rumours fill the air, but it is time to take a breather and take stock of the events so far.

This slideshow is a snapshot of the transfers and deals that have been completed so far.

It is very likely that, as the window draws to a close, the activity will become even more eventful.

For now, here are the Top 10 transfers that have taken place so far in the English Premier League.

10. Stefan Savic

Player : Stefan Savic

From : Partizan Belgrade

To : Manchester City

Transfer Fee : £6 million

This was a fairly low-key affair when it comes to Manchester City and transfers, but with other transfer activity at Eastlands during those days taking the headlines, Savic arrived at City largely unnoticed.

Savic is a versatile defender that can operate at centre back and right back.

The Serbian has been a highly promising youngster who attracted attention from some major clubs.

 

9. Charlie Adam

Player : Charlie Adam

From : Blackpool

To : Liverpool

Transfer Fee : £7 million

Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish finally got their man in July after several failed bids for the Blackpool captain in the January transfer window.

Adam signed in time to travel with his new teammates to Southeast Asia, where he impressed and scored his first goal for the club from the penalty spot.

The Scot had to keep his nerve, as his first attempt was chalked off for encroachment. But his second kick was even more emphatic than the original effort.

Adam should prove to be the passing midfielder that Liverpool have missed since Xabi Alonso left.

8. Gael Clichy

Player : Gael Clichy

From : Arsenal

To : Manchester City

Transfer Fee : £7 million

Gael Clichy was snapped up by Manchester City, as Liverpool contemplated whether they wished to pay such an amount for the 25-year-old left full back.

The Frenchman signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Eastlands, after spending the last eight years at Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger signed Clichy as a 16-year-old in 2003.

Clichy is actually originally right-footed, but his father (also early coach) rigorously trained the youngster to use his left foot so much that he is considered a natural left-footer.

7. Connor Wickham

Player : Connor Wickham

From : Ipswich Town

To : Sunderland

Transfer Fee : £8 million

Connor Wickham is one of the hottest striking prospects in the English game.

A number of top clubs expressed interest in the youngster, and Liverpool seemed to be the club that he would be playing for next season.

In fact a move to Anfield was considered to be his preferred option. The club from Merseyside procrastinated and eventually could not get themselves to match the bid from Sunderland, which in the end Ipswich accepted

Wickham will cut his teeth at Sunderland, but if he lives up to his potential, then it is doubtful that he will be staying with The Black Cats long.

Top clubs will be offering Sunderland far more that what they paid for the youngster, if he starts scoring.

6. Gervinho

Player : Gervias Yao Kouassi or Gervinho

From : Lille

To : Arsenal

Transfer Fee : £10.5 million

Ivory Coast international Gervinho has had a good, solid season with his former French club Lille, where his 18 goals helped Lille to a league and cup double.

Arsenal lack a consistent striking partner for Robin van Persie, and it is foreseen that Gervinho will give the support van Persie is looking for.

Most importantly, it will be goals that Arsene Wenger will be looking for from the Ivory Coast international.

5. Jordan Henderson

Player : Jordan Henderson

From : Sunderland Athletic

To : Liverpool

Transfer Fee : £16 million

Liverpool owner John Henry has kept his word.

When entering the corridors of Anfield, he promised to bring the top young talent in the game to Liverpool, and he has certainly done that.

Jordan Henderson was brought from Sunderland for a whooping £16 million in early June 2011.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's transfer targets have clearly followed the strategy of the owners in identifying young talent, but he has looked predominately at British players.

Henderson represents the current new-look Liverpool, but more significantly the future of Liverpool.

4. Ashley Young

Player : Ashley Young

From : Aston Villa

To : Manchester United

Transfer Fee : £16 million

The pursuit of Ashley Young, formerly of Aston Villa, in the end became a two horse race between Manchester United and Liverpool, with United coming out on top.

Young has had an exciting season for Villa and was always destined to move on to a bigger club.

The English winger has great speed, skill and is a set-piece specialist.

Young's career is set to take off, and a move to the Champions could well be the platform from which he reaches further heights.

3. Phil Jones

Player : Phil Jones 

From : Blackburn Rovers

To : Manchester United

Transfer Fee : £18 million

Manchester United flexed their substantial financial muscle, as they comfortably outbid Liverpool and Arsenal for the signature of defender Phil Jones.

Jones is only 19 years old, but he represents the future of Manchester United and England in the position of central defender.

Having only played 40 times for Blackburn (his only club), Jones is a risky purchase.

But Sir Alex Ferguson believes that in Jones he has the perfect partner for Chris Smalling and that this could be the next United and England central defensive partnership.

2. David De Gea

Player : David De Gea

From : Atletico Madrid

To : Manchester United

Transfer Fee : £18 million

Since Manchester United's goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar announced that he would be taking off his gloves for the last time, United have been in the market for a top-class replacement.

Sir Alex Ferguson has not had the greatest of luck when signing goalkeepers, with a series of failures before van der Saar.

But it is hoped that new signing David De Gea will not prove to be a high-profile flop.

De Gea has come at a very high price and is extremely young for a top-quality stopper, being only 20 years old.

He has also played only 84 times for Atletico Madrid but does boast Champions League experience.

Certainly all eyes will be on the young Spaniard, and his start will be the key to his future. A good one and he may well be at United for many years to come; a poor one and he may be on the bench sooner than he or United would have liked.

1. Stewart Downing

Player : Stewart Downing

From : Aston Villa

To : Liverpool

Transfer Fee : £20 million

Liverpool's chase for a top-quality winger was finally ended, when a lengthy saga concluded with the £20 million signing of Stewart Downing from Aston Villa.

Downing came at a higher price than teammate Ashley Young, but quite possibly Downing fit the requirements of Liverpool better than Young did.

Liverpool need an out-and-out winger; a player that hugs the touchline, beats players and whips in quality crosses.

Downing certainly fits that bill perfectly.

Villa will be loathe to lose arguably both their best players, but they will have plenty of money with which to find replacements.

Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool have not hidden their excitement at signing Downing, and certainly a lot will be expected of the English winger.

 

Who Has Spent the Most to Date?

It may come as no surprise that, at this moment, the League's biggest spenders are Manchester United.

It is not so long ago that United fans were complaining that the Glazer family would not sanction significant amounts of spending to strengthen their squad.

How wrong that has proven to be.

Sir Alex Ferguson has brought in Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David De Gea for a staggering £52 million.

With further players to come, United may well end up being champions of the spending ranks, too.