Six clubs which face massive overhauls next season

QPR

They may have survived relegation yesterday, but it was by the skin of their teeth. Mark Hughes said after the game he would confident the club would not be in the same position next season, and that will only be done by overhauling his squad. Taking over in January, everything felt rushed, and it was simply about getting QPR to the end of the season intact. That has been achieved, and now the club can take a look at moving forward. Adel Taarabt and Joey Barton may head for the exit door, but Hughes will bring in quality signings. He will hope to tie up Taiwo on a permanent deal, and may even look to his old club Manchester City for more bargains. Whatever happens, QPR fans can feel optimistic about the summer and the forthcoming season.

Manchester United

They may have achieved a record points haul for a side who finished second, but there is plenty of work to be done at Old Trafford. A new striker, full-backs, defensive midfielder, and box-to-box midfielders are all required. Do they have the money to? They may not have a choice. Giggs and Scholes carrying on will be nice, but not if they are going to be relied on. The overhaul will see the squad's deadwood axed, including Tomas Kuszcak, Ritchie de Laet, and surely Michael Owen. Dimitar Berbatov will also exit, and Federico Macheda has question marks hanging over his future.

Aston Villa

It has already been reported that Alex McLeish has been sacked and the season didn't even end 24 hours ago. A new manager, whoever it may be, will bring in his own approach. The biggest challenge will be getting the best out of Charles N'Zogbia, and signing players who can assist Darren Bent up front, with Brett Holman already brought in. Carlos Cuellar will also been replacing at the back, and while the new man will inherit several talented youngsters, experienced heads need to balance the squad. The biggest change needs not to be personnel, but mindset, they need to play attacking football, and the fans need to be won over.

Arsenal *

We attach a asterisk next to Arsenal because there is one scenario which will require a major overhaul, which is not yet guaranteed. If Robin van Persie leaves, then Arsenal's summer will be blown wide open. They will have to scour the market for a replacement, and potentially adapt their playing style. It would be a nightmare for Arsenal fans, who have just seen the side recover from Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas' departure. If Van Persie stays, no major squad surgery will be required, just some fine tuning. M'Vila, Vertonghen and Dempsey are seen as three who can lift the club. There are a lot of fringe players to get rid of too, Squillaci, Chamakh, and Denilson, and finding homes for them all will be equally as challenging. Van Persie leaving is a problem this football club can do without.

Chelsea

Chelsea are already busy planning for the future, as seen by the recent acquisition of Marko Marin. Romelu Lukaku may head out on loan, but January signing Kevin de Bruyne will likely join the squad. There are several big name players linked, including Hulk, Falcao, Cavani and Higuain. Chelsea must aim to sign at least one of these, especially if, as expected, Didier Drogba departs. Fernando Torres may stay, but Malouda, Essien and Kalou are all likely to say their goodbyes after Munich. Then there is the Di Matteo dilemma. Do Chelsea have another man lined up, and if so, who? What will his approach be? Either way, it will be a very busy summer of incomings and outgoings at the Bridge.

Liverpool

How much money will be available to Kenny Dalglish is the subject of mixed reports. He blew a large transfer kitty last season and his signings have turned out to be duds. Nevertheless, the task facing Liverpool is a huge one. A monumental investment will be required to turn the club into title challengers, and the board must meet the manager halfway. Needed is a new striker, a back-up defensive midfielder in case Lucas gets injured again, and quality wingers.

Which of these clubs will be the busiest this summer?

images: © Ben Sutherland, © Tom Cuppens