Dani Alves:
Great going forward and a fairly good engine. Average to poor defensively and I'm being kind. The best games he's played for Seville are on the right of midfield. Do we really want someone who will inhibit Ronaldo's game? I think it's an obvious no. Ronaldo has improved defensively to a great extent but he's clearly best as an offensive weapon. Alves would provide a treat on the right but would detract from Ronaldo's game and often leave us wide open to a counter attack down the right. Vastly expensive and I'd say overpriced.
Phillip Lahm:
Good defender, good attacker. However, he has previously stated onseveral occasions he does not like playing at right back. So I find it odd that so many people are suggesting a player to inherit Gay's mantle that does not want to play at right back. As competition for Evra fine, although, he will not be happy on the bench and personally I think right footed left backs are too predictable as they alway want tocut inside. Part of the reason we do not play as well when Evra is not playing is because he provides so much width. Expenive but the Hargreaves connection certainly makes it viable.
Jose Bosingwa:
Good defender, good attacker and non stop runner. I have to say I am limited to CL games and the odd portugese league game. He's not as highly thought of (more probaby highly mentioned) as the above but he's right sided and good defensively. He has potential but is not at present a world beater. A bonus is that he can and does play with Ronaldo so Ronaldo can fairly accurately say whether he's the best player to play behind him. Expensive again but he's likely to want the move us being us (no disrespect to Porto as they are a great club) and Ronaldo, Nani and the underated Carlo's here.
The unlikely and near impossible:
Hutton:
Tall, commanding, excellent attitude, good engine, pretty good in attack and defense. I have to say I am surprised we did not get him in January. The only reason I can think of is that we thought it might stop Brown from signing. I honestly believe he wanted the move to us which is why he delayed Spurs for so long. He has adapted well to the Prem already and can only get better. Spurs will easily crack the top 4 next season with a back 4 of Bale Woodge King Hutton as long as they stay injury free. Almost impossible to get now Spurs have him.
Micah Richards:
People say he's best at cb. I think thats rubbish. He's fast, powerful, a very good crosser, a decent passer, a very good crosser and a good decision maker. All told he is very good going forward and very good defensively. I don't really need to say much more than look Thuram in his early days. As England fans lets pray he comes back from his injury and continues to develop as Man Utd fans lets keep our fingers crossed. Vastly expensive and very unlikely City will sell to us or anyone.
Taking all that into account my choice in order best to worst (drum roll please):
Richards
Hutton
Bosingwa
Alves
Lahm.