The transfer window is open, let's shop Two days without a drink, only 29 to go. I have attempted dry January's for a number of years now, occasionally achieving it but normally failing and typically moving the posts midway through the month to make exceptions like red wine or overseas drinking or Friday nights. We will see how it goes.

Today I had some pals round for a diet coke to watch the Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers game. This is what the MidWesterners call a local derby. The two cities are by American terms in close proximity - 174 miles apart - and due to the transient nature of Wisconsinites (there are many in Chicago) the game produces real rivalry. But the game went true to form with the Packers routing the Bears 31-14 and so for the 4th season running Chicago's grid-iron fans' season ends before they go back to work after the festive period.

I had a great sleep last night, this despite me spending the evening watching Jerry Springer Uncut on Pay Per View which suddenly appeared on one of my cable channels last night. I don't think I was that drunk the night before that I got home and ordered it, so I will be checking my bill closely this month.

The Jerry Springer Show unedited version (the housewives afternoon show must take some doing to provide 30 minutes of censored American tea-time television) was disturbing and violent. There sure are some fucked up people in this country.

Anyhow, where I was leading to with this, is that in my new found state of sober and alertness I thought I would have a think about the transfer window.

It has been noticable to me at least that we have been paired with very few players unlike the summer when we were linked to anyone and everyone. I think Curbs and the club have tried very hard to play down expectations after clearly struggling to sign players in pre-season for various reasons until the late arrivals of Jeffers and Murphy.

£3m is considered to be our budget, I think Richard Murray may let Curbs have a bit more even if we hold on to Jason Euell, which I certainly hope we do. If a player leaves it will be Konchesky. Hence the sudden improvement in attitude and form. I reckon he might form part of Harry Redknapp's regeneration at Southampton.

So, what areas is Curbs looking to strengthen? At full back we are fine but in the middle we are thin. Rufus, Rowett and Turner went and only El Camel came in. Fortune is not good enough consistently and Feesh and Perry are getting older. I believe Curbs' priority is a young centre half, who can also turn his hand to full back as well, come on we only sign players who can play in more than one position! Michael Dawson is a clear target but it might not leave us enough in the kitty for anyone else. I wonder if we can snatch Robert Huth for a pro-longed loan? Or there are the (maybe) cheaper than Dawson options of Brighton's Daniel Harding, Sheffield United's Phil Jagielka, Cardiff's Daniel Gabbidon or the already forgotten Spurs new boy Calum Davenport?

One player we are being linked with (again) is Andy Reid but do we really need another wide man? We have Thomas, Rommedahl and Sam in the wings (no pun intended). To coin a Curbsism, does he improve on what we have already? I think Palarse's Wayne Routledge is better and more proven. Our trouble in midfield is that we have a lot of similar players. What we don't have is a tough and tumble mixster who can score goals. Oh for Thomas Graveson. More realistic options are Steve Sidwell and Jason Koumas.

If you are allowed to have two priorities then clearly it is a goalscorer. Remember one of them, or him? None of us are deluded enough to think we can go out and buy a trusted 20 goal a season man, the 26 year-old £6.5m James Beattie has only once scored 20+ in a season.

So, we are left with a gamble overseas or a gamble from the Championship. It is apparent to me, so I assume it is also to Curbs that what we don't possess amongst our numerous strikers is one that can play up front on his own. Cue Dean Ashton who would suit the role perfectly. Ipswich's improving financial stability and league position means that Darren Bent will be even harder to lever away from Portman Road whilst Birmingham seem to be first in line for Robbie Blake, who quite franky is a bit of a journeyman.

What will you give me for John Hartson? Or Shola Ameobi? And be honest can you really image us signing an Argentinian?

One thing for certain though is a goalkeeper. Curbs collects them like women collect shoes!
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