Speculation on transfer has taken a back seat with all eyes tuned to the semi final of the first leg between Chelsea and Barcelona. The only ones who are fighting to avoid Championship drop are looking around with fearful and ashen faces towards the transfer scene.

According to the Daily Star, unless Newcastle United can manage a miracle or two in their final four games, they are surely into the Championship. They require taking at least five points playing against Aston Villa, Fulham, Middlesbrough and Liverpool. On the brighter side, considering the fact that League One teams fight to find a place in the Championship, it cannot really be as bad as is made out by the Premier Leagues.

While Rafael Benitez may yet round up Andrea Dossena and Ryan Babbel and transfer them to top the 20 million pound war chest, according to revelations by the Star, even Manchester United have been negotiating a 16 million pound deal with Antonio Valencia, the Ecuadorian talent from Wigan in the Adidas F50 trainers. Championship in the meanwhile will see Dean Whitehead, the former lieutenant of Roy Keane, the Ipswich manager during the summer. This if a drop is unavoidable by Sunderland. Even if Sunderland stays back in the team this season, chances of Whitehead’s entry is cemented stronger with his move this summer.

Afonso Alves is all set to be kicked towards Benfica by Middlesbrough irrespective of the fact whether they would retain their status in the Premier League. This is evident even as his manager ensured he remained seated on the bench and sent two mid fielders during the Sunday’s match when Arsenal was leading against the Boro.