It seems pretty far-fetched but both the Belfast Telegraph and the Guardian had been talking up the chances of David Healy moving to Newcastle after the arrival of Andy Johnson from Everton.

The Guardian suggested that the impetus for the Healy signing would come from Dennis Wise, now Newcastle’s Director of Football, who managed Healy at Leeds United. Healy himself has recently committed himself to Fulham – writing in an Irish newspaper of his determination to stick around and fight for his place – whilst Hodgson seemed to distance himself from a sale, describing Healy to Sky Sports News as ‘a thief in the box’.

We already know that Hodgson, unlike Chris Coleman for example, plays his cards much closer to his chest when it comes to transfers. The prospects of a move for the Northern Ireland striker did get me thinking a little more about the shape of our squad. It is difficult to see the other Johnson (American Eddie, who has been claimed as a Sanchez signing – i.e. a done deal before Hodgson agreed to take over at Fulham last Christmas) getting much of a look in. Perhaps a loan to a Championship side would give him the opportunity to regain some of the sharpness that he lacked when thrust in at the deep end last season.

Many Fulham fans have also conceded defeat in hoping to see Collins John return to his best form in a white shirt. CJ burst onto the scene as a virtual unknown when he signed for the Whites back in 2003-04, grabbing his first goals in a vital win at Leicester and then scoring on his ‘home’ (at Loftus Road) debut against Blackburn. He has a seemingly long-term relationship with assistant referee’s flags, whilst he must be one of the slowest forwards to be talked up as quick if his lazy, disinterested performances in recent memory are anything to go by. CJ regressed markedly under Cookie, royally frustrated Sanchez to the extent that he was sent out on loan – but Hodgson has talked about offering him a new contract. With the arrival of Zamora and Johnson, is it likely that he’ll remain?