Where Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Man City still need to strengthen
With the big Premier League kick off approaching and transfer deadline in sight, time is running out for the top clubs to strengthen as they bid to compete for the top spot.
talkSPORT takes a look at where the Premier League's big six will be looking to add to their squad…
MAN UNITED
WHERE THEY NEED TO STRENGTHEN: MIDFIELD
Rumours linking Inter's Wesley Sneijder with a move to Old Trafford have hotted up in recent weeks and the Dutch playmaker may be the ideal replacement for Paul Scholes, who retired at the end of last season. United have proved they have a squad capable of winning the Premier League without any new faces, so the additions of Phil Jones and Ashley Young should help maintain that challenge, as will the encouraging pre-season form of Tom Cleverley. Sneijder, a Champions League winner with Inter in 2010, may prove the key to European glory, as United have looked lightweight in that department compared to Barcelona.
POTENTIAL TARGETS: WESLEY SNEIJDER, Luka Modric
CHELSEA
WHERE THEY NEED TO STRENGTHEN: MIDFIELD
The Blues public courting of Luka Modric highlights their need to find a replacement for an ageing Frank Lampard, whose injury last season coincided with the demise of their title challenge. Not only that, but the introduction of Fernando Torres to the side has raised questions about whether Chelsea have the right kind of creative players to bring the best out of the Spaniard, whose game is very different to Didier Drogba's. A serious pre-season injury to Michael Essien has further added to concerns about the spine of their team heading into the new season, so it looks like Andre Villas-Boas may have to delve into the transfer market if he's to repeat the success Jose Mourinho enjoyed in his first year at Stamford Bridge.
POTENTIAL TARGETS: LUKA MODRIC, FREDY GUARIN, DANIELE DE ROSSI
ARSENAL
WHERE THEY NEED TO STRENGTHEN: DEFENCE
Arsene Wenger has just splashed out £12m on 17-year-old winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, leaving most Arsenal fans scratching their heads and wondering why the Frenchman hasn't put the money towards a central defender. It looked for long periods last season like the Gunners would sustain a title challenge until a series of spineless performances characterised by defensive and goalkeeping blunders ended their hopes of silverware on all fronts. Oxlade-Chamberlain may prove a shrewd acquisition in the long run, but isn't the player to bridge the gap between Arsenal and the likes of Man United or Chelsea.
POTENTIAL TARGETS: Christopher Samba, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka
MAN CITY
WHERE THEY NEED TO STRENGTHEN: MANAGER
Player for player, you'd be hard pressed to argue anyone's squad in the Premier League is stronger than City's going into the new season and they need to offload players, rather than sign them, yet the Citizens remain third favourites behind Man United and Chelsea to become champions. The manner in which they capitulated against Man United in the 2011 Community Shield, throwing away a 2-0 lead, will only intensify feelings that Roberto Mancini must demonstrate more attacking ambition to take the club to the Premier League title. The Italian is under big pressure to deliver and if things don't work out, City could be looking for a new boss.
POTENTIAL TARGETS: JOSE MOURINHO
Spurs
WHERE THEY NEED TO STRENGTHEN: ATTACK
Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to bring a top class striker to White Hart Lane before the start of the season, but as yet he's been left frustrated by the lack of activity. Spurs can't compete with Man United, Chelsea or Man City in the wage department and may have to sell before they can stump up enough to get the calibre of player good enough to improve their team. Either way, it's unlikely they'll manage to break back into the top four without some typically shrewd business from Redknapp.
POTENTIAL TARGETS: DIEGO FORLAN, DIDER DROGBA, GIUSEPPE ROSSI
LIVERPOOL
WHERE THEY NEED TO STRENGTHEN: DEFENCE
New owner John W Henry has splashed the cash since taking over at Anfield, making it clear anything less than a Champions League spot will be a disappointment this season. The purchases of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll have strengthened their striking options, while Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson give them an embarrassment of riches in midfield. A top-class left back to supplement the injury prone Fabio Aurelio and another centre back to provide competition for Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel could give Henry exactly what he wants.
POTENTIAL TARGET: GARY CAHILL, JOSE ENRIQUE