centre-half

Ferguson has to see Rio Ferdinand as more of a squad player and Phil Jones, despite all the interest taken in him, is a youngster still to learn the trade of centre-half, which is why Ferguson is inclined to play safe and put him elsewhere in the lineup so that any gaucheness or mistakes are more likely to be covered by team-mates.

Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson has more to focus on than Barça | Kevin McCarra 2011

Dean Richards, a fine centre-half who distinguished himself with Wolves, Spurs and other clubs before being forced into premature retirement for health reasons, died on Saturday morning at the age of 36.

Six Nations 2011: Jonny Wilkinson is still a real hero for England | Richard Williams 2011

Similarly, with Alex having failed to convince and David Luiz prone to meander upfield, the management might seek to add more steel to the ranks at centre-half in January – or at least players who are more familiar to the demands now being placed on them.

Chelsea on message but André Villas-Boas needs to work on method 2011

No player in the league has made more defensive blocks than the 25-year-old centre-half, who can have only enhanced his England prospects here.

Manchester United lose killer instinct while Dimitar Berbatov waits 2011

By the same token Darren Fletcher sat so deep that he could have been applying for the post of centre-half.

Manchester United's caution pays off in win at Everton 2011

Trapattoni suggested that the Leeds United centre-half Darren O'Dea would deputise for the suspended Sean St Ledger as his players considered the prospect of the Luzhniki's surface.

Giovanni Trapattoni confident of an Ireland win against Russia 2011

Where is the new robust centre-half, the experienced left-back to replace Gaël Clichy, the alternative to Alex Song in defensive midfield and the goalkeeper to prevent any more sightings of Almunia if injury strikes again?

Premier League preview No1: Arsenal | Amy Lawrence 2011

One potential target, the Germany international centre-half Per Mertesacker, has committed his future to Werder Bremen despite interest from Arsenal and Paris St Germain.

Arsenal ready to cup-tie Samir Nasri for Champions League at Udinese 2011

Chelsea are to re-apply for a work permit for the Serbian centre-half Slobodan Rajkovic, impressive in Asia but who is not permitted to play in public for the club in the United Kingdom.

Chelsea expected to make fresh move for Luka Modric 2011

The striker could be joined at Anfield by Coates, the 20-year-old centre-half who was named best young player at this summer's Copa América where his performances for the tournament winners Uruguay – in the same team as Liverpool's Luis Suárez – increased interest from several Premier League clubs.

Liverpool plan shock return for Craig Bellamy and eye Sebastián Coates 2011