It could be that there is a premium on proven PL players. Look how much money has been wasted on superstars from Italy, France and Spain who can't hack it on a wet Wednesday in the Midlands. How much did Woodenhead and Mou' waste on defenders? Maguire was arguably overpriced, as was VVD. But they slipped straight into the starting 11 week in, week out and formed the backbone of their teams. And they have sound personalities. That has got to be better than taking a punt on some foreign player who might prove to be an expensive waste of time.