New Additions 1: Englishmen from Liverpool, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers in big moves overseas

Plenty of new additions will be going on to the Les Rosbifs list in recent weeks as the transfer window remains ajar. Recent searches in Australia have thrown up a huge quantity of Englishmen playing in the top tiers of the state leagues (one level below the A-League) – there will be a special on these at a later date. There have also been some big moves too, with recent England internationals Darius Vassell and Jermaine Pennant. All-in-all, the list is heading towards the 300 mark rapidly – with some much-needed research in Wales and Northern Ireland still to be conducted.

Vassell, formerly of Aston Villa and Manchester City, was given a wild reception on his arrival in Ankaragucu of Turkey, with some 3000 fans greeting him at the airport. This was before the move was officially confirmed! The club chairman, Cengiz Topel Yildirim, enthused the supporters of the club, claiming Vassell was the major signing he wanted, with fans of the club enthusiastic about a player of proven premier League pedigree, even though he has seen better days. Vassell could be joined by former Norwich City striker Ian Henderson, who is currently on trial at the Turkish club. He will find out soon if he is to double the English contingent at the club.

Pennant finds himself on an £80,000 a week, three year deal at Real Zaragoza, newly promoted back to La Liga following a stint in the Segunda. It looks as though the club will use the former Liverpool and Arsenal winger in his favoured position, having turned down offers from Atletico Madrid and Espanyol due to more challenges to his position. There was also a rumoured offer from Milan, but with David Beckham expected to return from Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the MLS season, pennant felt opportunities would be limited there. It is a great opportunity for Pennant to kick-start a career that has never really got going ever since signing as a 15 year old to Arsenal from Notts County. The slightly slower pace of the Spanish game should suit him more.

Confirmed is the move of Matt Derbyshire, who has signed a four year contract with Greek champions Olympiacos, following a successful loan spell there from Blackburn Rovers last season. The England Under 21 international is happy to be there and has looked sharp in pre-season, suggesting another good stint is on its way. Will Fabio Capello notice this though? It will take some good performances in the Champions League for this to be the case.