Summer Transfer Window: Geoff Cameron

Cameron could very well leave MLS for Europe after impressing with the US national team

Geoff Cameron has become a sarter for the United States this summer as the Houston Dynamo center back moved to the back line from central midfield last season and is now being scouted by multiple sides in England and Germany. Geoff Cameron is a better centre back than Tim Ream and we know how Ream has been a good pickup for Bolton so far despite their relegation. Geoff Cameron could be on the move this summer as he would cost around 5 million dollars (4 million euros) so where might he end up?

Schalke
Schalke reportedly had scouts in Houston to see him play against FC Dallas last weekend as they decide whether they want to make a move or not for Cameron? Schalke could definitely afford a move for Cameron and the chance to play with US international Jermaine Jones in the UEFA Champions League would interest him. However, Schalke already has two young centerbacks in Benedikt Howedes and Kyriakos Papadopoulos plus veteran Christoph Metzelder so Cameron might not recieve too much playing time which is necessary if he wants to keep his spot in the US starting XI. Schalke have interest in Geoff Cameron but a move to Schalke doesn't seem likely for Cameron.

Everton
Everton were also scouting Cmaeron last weekend in Houston as Everton already has another American in goalkeeper Tim Howard so he should be able to adjust well at Goodison Park if he makes a move to Everton. Cameron could very well fit into the Everton starting XI as a replacement for the aging Sylvain Distin as Cameron would fit at centerback right beside Phil Jagielka with John Heitinga in a central defensive midfield role. Cameron's vision from central defense can allow him to be a real threat as Cameron can help develop the attack for Marouane Fellaini and then up to Nikica Jelavic. Everton is definitely a possibility as long as they have the funds. If they don't have the funds, then they may have to sell Heitinga or Jagielka before signing Cameron.

Stoke City
Stoke City was the third team that scouted Geoff Cameron this past weekend as they are thinking about a move for the Dynamo defender as they look to bring a younger player that can play more games. Stoke City has struggled finding someone to put beside Ryan Shawcross as Matthew Upson never settled down at Stoke and Jonathan Woodgate has been injured too often to be a regular starter. Cameron can be that defender beside Shawcross in the center of defense with Marc Wilson at left back and Robert Huth at right back. Cameron could fit in well at Stoke City and they have the funds to make a move so a move to the Britania Stadium is definitely possible.

Fulham
Fulham have had tons of American in the past on the roster as Clint Dempsey currently stars for them but Fulham need an upgrade at centerback over Philippe Senderos and Geoff Cameron would be the right choice. Cameron gives them another force at center back who can dominate along with Brede Hangeland. Cameron and Hangeland would be one of the better pairs of center backs in the Premier League as Cameron could also convince Clint Dempsey to stay at Fulham instead of leaving for a club like Arsenal, Tottenham, or Liverpool. Fulham have not been linked with Cameron just yet but it would not surprise me if he ends up at Craven Cottage.

West Ham United
Sam Allardyce is looking to keep West Ham in the Premier League now that he has brought them back up to the top flight as they could use an upgrade at center back over New Zealand's Winston Reid. Cameron would be exactly that as the Houston defender would give them an upgrade in the air on set pieces ove Reid and Cameron knows how to set up counter attacks from the back. Sam Allardyce is already aware of the talent that is MLS as he has brought in FC Dallas's George John on loan this past year. Cameron is a better player than John and could fit in well at West Ham as they look to stay in the Premier League this season.

West Brom
West Brom's new manager Steve Clarke is looking build this team into a side that does not have to worry about relegation as they need to make an upgrade at center back if they want to do that. Jonas Olsson could end up leaving The Hawthorns for Tottenham and Gareth McAuley is not that good of a center back so West Brom will definitely have to think about making a move for US international Geoff Cameron. Cameron replicates the aerial threat that they have and he also gives them a proven player on the international stage in the center of defense. Cameron is also a proven leader and would definitely be someone that could lead a back four. Cameron will definitely be a target for West Brom as a move to The Hawthorns could happen for Cameron.

Hannover
Bundesliga side Hannover already has an American prescence on the team with right back Steve Cherundolo being the captain for Hannover. Americans have had success in the Bundesliga and Cameron would definitely have to think about a moe to Hannover if they decide to make a move as Cameron would be a nice upgrade. Cameron would be a good centerback to pair up with Karim Haggui in the center of defense as that would give Hannover a stronger shot of getting to the top four and the Champions League instead of just the Europa League. Cameron could end at Hannover if they come calling as the chance to join up with US teammate Steve Cherundolo could make a move realistic.

Veridct
The Houston Dynamo will want a lot for Cameron and any team may have to wait til the January transfer window to make a move with it geing mid-season in MLS. However, Cameron could very be playing in Europe sometime in the next six months as Houston might need to give him a designated player size deal to keep him at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Summer Transfer Window: Grant Holt

Grant Holt could be the next to leave Carrow Road

It has beena rough start to the offseason for Norwich City as they have already lost their manager Paul Lambert to Aston Villa and there could be more players still to leave. Grant Holt wants to leave Norwich City since Lambert is gone but Norwich is trying to do everything they can to keep him. However, Norwich City will not be able to keep Holt as he will be headed for a bigger Premier League club. Holt will have tons of options after he scored 15 goals in the Premier League last season as so many teams could use an upgrade. So, where will Holt be headed in this transfer window?

Aston Villa
Paul Lambert will definitely look to bring his star striker to Villa Park as Holt knows exactly what to expect from Lambert. A move for Holt would give the Villa fans a dangerous pair of strikers in Darren Bent and Holt, but this would force Lambert to move Gabriel Agbonlahor to left or right midfield as Agbonlahor has that versatility. Holt and Bent coulod become one of the most dangerous attacking duos in the Premier League as they could provide Aston Villa with tons of goals. A Holt move to Villa Park is realistic but Norwich could block Lambert from buying Norwich players for a year, just like how Swansea has blocked Brendan Rodgers from bringing Swansea players to Liverpool after Rodgers left for Anfield.

Sunderland
Martin O'Neill has been looking to find an elite striker as Stephane Sessegnon is not a natural striker and is more of a central forward that can play behind a true number nine in a 4-4-1-1. Holt would be that perfect striker for O'Neill as he is a proven scorer that can be got at a fairly cheap price (5 to 7 million euros or 6 to 8.5 million dollars). Holt would be that dominant scorer that could fit perfectly in Martin O'Neill's side as Holt and Sessegnon could help make Sunderland a long shot to contend for a shot to play in Europe. O'Neill will definitely look at bringing Holt to the Stadium of Light.

West Ham
West Ham have been considering a move for Grant Holt as he would be an immediate starter beside Carlton Cole for the Hammers. Sam Allardyce would love to add a veteran prescence like Holt to his squad and he could make a double swoop for Holt and goalkeeper John Ruddy as Allardyce is looking for a replacement for Malaga target Robert Green. Holt would be an effective player at Upton Park as he could definitely help Allardyce keep West Ham in the Premier League next season.

Reading
Reading has just made its return to the Premier League as Reading is now owned by a Russian billionaire as he will want to have tons of success in the Premier League. Reading manager Brian Mcdermott needs an upgrade at striker and Holt would be the perfect fit as they look to survive in the Premier Leauge. Holt would be the elite goal scorer that Reading has been needing as he could be a star for a Reading team that could have a large amount of money to spend in this transfer window.

Fulham
Martin Jol may need to look for some new strikers as Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele a\have been linked with moves away from Craven Cottage, and true strikers Pavel Pogrebnyak and Andy Johnson are available on free transfers. Holt could be one of multiple strikers to go to Fulham as Martin Jol look for a dominant striker. Holt could get regular time at Fulham as he could be the proven goal scorer that they only just recently found in Pogrebnyak. Holt is a perfect fit at Craven Cottage as a move for Holt is very realistic this transfer window.

Tottenham
The chance that Holt goes to Tottenham is very slim but a Spurs for move the Englishman makes tons of sense as Spurs have only one true striker right now in Jermaine Defoe as they may not be able to afford to keep loan wonder Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha is without a contract. Holt would be the perfect fit as he is a proven goalscroer that would be willing to battle Defoe for a starting spot since Tottenham is playing in Europe. Holt knows that playing at White Hart Lane can give him the best shot at making Englnad's roster for the 2014 World Cup as Holt would definitely take a move to Tottenham if offered the opportunity.

The Cockerel has landed

Tottenham Hotspur have released an artist's impression of their desired new 60,000-seat home on the site of London's Olympic Stadium.

After it was initially thought Spurs were merely seeking leverage to persuade Haringey Council to approve their White Hart Lane redevelopment, the picture leaves no doubt that Stratford is their intended destination in 2012.

Chairman Daniel Levy is talking of East London as their one and only option right now as the postponed decision on the preferred bidder is due within a week.

West Ham have the support of most of the athletics community, including the IOC and 2012 chief Sebastian Coe, as well as the majority of Londoners polled, but Spurs' greater financial clout seems to be edging ahead as the Legacy Committee pore over the economic promises. The call for more time to decide must be ominous for the Hammers - on paper they should have been crowned winners already because unlike Tottenham they had pledged to retain the running track.

While West Ham's Vice Chairman Karren Brady invokes the Queen's name and speaks of a "corporate crime" should Spurs triumph, she is equally aware that Spurs have stolen a march on the issue of athletics legacy: They are promising to develop Crystal Palace athletics stadium into a 25,000-seater open all year when West Ham will only leave the larger Olympic Stadium open for track and field for 20 days.

It is impossible to miss the Canary Wharf skyline lurking strategically above the stadium in the artist's impression, a symbol of the big money Tottenham are hoping will carry them across the finish line.

(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile

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Olympic stadium a fight for soccer's soul...?

Football and the Olympics does matter after all.

By the end of this week either Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham United will be in pole position to take over London's Olympic Stadium once the flame goes out on the 12th of August 2012. The battle for Stratford has turned into a fire-fight between two capital clubs with all manner of voices wading in, from politicians to Pelé.

But whichever club wins the right to move house next year, the decision will also record for posterity just what is driving the soul of British sport at this moment. It is price versus value and by the end we will see just how much money can buy.

Olympic stadia are beautiful, but what is to be done with them once the party is over? Athletics just does not pay, however popular it will appear for a month at the games. Next year, the track events will as ever be the blue riband of the games, sports amateur in tradition if not in practice anymore. Although Baron de Coubertin's Corinthian ideals may now be a quaint memory, the fact Britain does not possess a single venue able to host a major track championship is painful proof of just how far athletics lags behind the professional team sports in money-making.

At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the UK team finished fourth in the medals table, beaten only by superpowers China, Russia and the United States, yet a closer inspection reveals only four of Britain's 47 medals were won inside the main arena. The velodrome by contrast yielded sixteen. The 2012 stadium cost the British taxpayer half a billion pounds and the odd athletics meet alone will not pay for its future upkeep. Enter football, riding to the rescue.

Tottenham are thriving on this financial uncertainty, and are wielding the buying power of their fans - 36,000 season-ticket holders and 40,000 on a waiting list, as their battering ram on the doors of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, the body who will pick the winner. Sold out Spurs matches and the rest of the site under the aegis of AEG, who transformed the Millennium Dome from a ridiculed white elephant into the hugely successful O2 Arena, can surely reduce the tax bill faster than West Ham can and reassure the anxious politicians in this age of austerity.

And if there were any doubt about which tenant would be the more lucrative, Spurs' Champions League adventure this season stands in sharp contrast to the Hammers' relegation fight. Both clubs are ogling a new stadium for free and the proceeds from auctioning off their own real estate, although the Hammers need the money more.

West Ham are playing what they know are less tangible but more respectable cards - those of trust, altruism and tribalism: They are hoping the promise of an athletics legacy for the nation at the time of bidding is an oath of honour, that the OPLC will feel that track and field, however unprofitable, deserves at least one big arena when football already has so many, and the fact that the locality is far more claret and blue than white and navy territory.

A club crossing town after a century in Haringey does go against the natural order of the sport, whose roots lie in brawls between medieval parishes, but the game has come a long way since those Shrovetide tussles. In only the last ten years the Premier League has metamorphosed into an international division based in England while London, an economic hot-spot conveniently located halfway between the financial hotspots of Asia and East Coast America, has also been transformed by a globalised influx which has left its old face a folktale.

Franchise moves are common in American sports where many areas of population lack professional sports teams but less so in England, where a wealthy investor need only pluck a struggling club and whisk it through the divisions towards the big time.

The Olympic environs are virgin territory anyway, as is much of East London's growth corridor and the monied business district of Canary Wharf, whose cityscape resembles North America, not England. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy sees relocation as part of a bigger picture for this part of the capital and doubtless salivates over the shining new transport links to Stratford while his club's fans struggle to reach White Hart Lane, a nice ground in an otherwise grotty urban neighbourhood.

And Spurs fans mostly do not come from Tottenham these days, any more than West Ham's hail from the Bangladeshi area around Upton Park, so talk of tribal land rights can sound odd in the mobile London of 2011.

West Ham have the moral case if there is one, based on the promises London's bidding team used to convince the International Olympic Committee to pick them ahead of Paris in the first place. The IOC and world athletics' governing body have rushed to their aid in the final days of the campaign.

The IAAF chief Lamine Diack did not mince his words, speaking of London's "big lie" were it to choose Spurs, adding for good measure,

"And after that it is a betrayal...You can consider yourself dead. You are finished."

Sebastian Coe, the public face of London 2012 was unambiguous: "We have a moral obligation."

Tottenham have brushed aside claims they are arrogantly ignoring Olympic promises by pledging instead to redevelop Crystal Palace athletics stadium to 25,000, the initial planned capacity of the Olympic stadium after the games. With the hours counting down until D-Day, Spurs wheeled out Pelé, Jimmy Greaves and their coach Harry Redknapp to stress how football and athletics do not mix happily in the same arena, a fact which is hard to deny. But West Ham landed a counter-punch from an unlikely angle.

Out of the blue last week, Crystal Palace F.C. announced they intend to develop the nearby athletics venue into a new football stadium, returning to their ancestral home where they started in 1905. The Eagles' territorial claim on that site is pre-eminent, their financial backing as yet invisible. Palace could yet even strike a deal with Spurs and end up with views across an eight-lane running track.

Sliding stands as in the Stade de France would have solved the sight lines problem, but the Olympics were won in the heady days of New Labour's noughties boom before the spectre of financial crash appeared around construction time. The discount re-design which emerged after recalculations neatly encapsulated the new age of western austerity after Beijing's tour-de-force 'Birds Nest' of 2008.

What once seemed like a shoe-in for Leyton Orient, the closest club to the Olympics site, has now become a spat between two Premier League sides that is starting to turn ugly. A gazumping by Spurs would deal a near-fatal blow to Britain's hopes of ever hosting a major athletics tournament again, whilst confirming the great god of football rules unchallenged, making up the rules as he goes along.

But while the rising anger from the athletics world at Tottenham's interloping could swing it for West Ham, the race for gold and silver still looks too tight to call.

The Hammers have a more wholesome claim, which chimes with the Olympic spirit in which the stadium was created in the first place, but let us not be fooled. It is purely money, or the lack of it in their instance, which motivates any football club to subject its supporters to a dreaded running track.

(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile

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