Sir Bobby to enter transfer market?

Last updated : 26 August 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Previously he had claimed that he was happy with his squad and that he would reconsider the position during the January transfer window, but Craig Bellamy’s injury and the Manchester United defeat have prompted a rethink.

On Sunday Sir Bobby was reported to have said: "It depends on what happens with Craig.

"We've now got less than ten days before the close of the window and I think his problem is short-term. But we're always looking to improve.

"We need to get Wednesday over first - to make sure we're in the Champions League and have the money to spend."

By Monday that had changed to: "As far as signing players goes we'll do what we have to do. But I have a good squad, which will only get better and there is no need to panic.”

Surely the decision shouldn’t rest on the doctors’ assessment of Bellamy’s injury, as we are hardly short of strikers with Shola Ameobi and Michael Chopra offering two very different alternatives and Carl Cort ready to come back.

But any opportunity to bring in a top quality defensive midfielder or full back at a reasonable price or even on-loan should be granted serious consideration.