From Philippe Albert to Tony Yeboah: A complete guide to the comings an d goings of the Premiership's 84 overseas players

ARSENAL DENNIS BERGKAMP

Striker

Nationality: Dutch

Age: 27

Arrived from: Internazionale (pounds 7.5m) July 1995

Scored 16 goals in his first season at Highbury, but also created many more and was the key figure in leading the club into this season's Uefa Cup. Has been unsettled by the sacking of Bruce Rioch, but Arsenal will need him at his best if they are to push for honours this season.

REMI GARDE

Defender/midfielder

Nationality: French

Age: 30

Arrived from: Strasbourg (free) August 1996

A little-known former French international who is yet to make his Arsenal debut because of injury. He has a reputation as an adaptable player, who is equally comfortable in defence and midfield. A team-mate at Strasbourg of Chelsea's central defender Franck Leboeuf.

GLENN HELDER

Winger

Nationality: Dutch

Age: 27

Arrived from: Vitesse Arnhem (pounds 2m) February 1995

A skilful winger who has struggled to produce his best form in the Premiership. Disappointed last season, making only 15 appearances, scoring just one goal, his first for the club.

PATRICK VIEIRA

Midfield

Nationality: French

Age: 22

Arrived from: Milan (pounds 3.5m) August 1996

Recommended to Arsenal by their prospective new manager Arsene Wenger, Vieira is still in Italy receiving treatment on a knee injury. Billed as an attacking, creative midfielder.

MARK BOSNICH

Goalkeeper

Nationality: Australian

Age: 24

Arrived from: Sydney Croatia to Manchester United (free) February 1992. Played a handful of games and then returned to Sydney Croatia, before buying out his contract to join Villa.

The Australian has established himself as one of the Premiership's best goalkeepers. Was a key factor in helping Villa claim a European spot this season.

SASA CURCIC

Midfielder

Nationality: Yugoslavian

Age: 24

Arrived from: Partisan Belgrade at Bolton (pounds 4m) August 1996. Moved to Villa for pounds 4m last month

Showed last season his array of skills and ability to take on players and score spectacular goals. Already showing why his manager Brian Little invested so much for his services.

SAVO MILOSEVIC

Striker

Nationality: Yugoslavian

Age: 23

Arrived from: Partisan Belgrade (pounds 3.5m) August 1995

Had a disappointing start to his first season in England, scoring only 12 league goals. The Serb striker is capable of better.

FERNANDO NELSON

Defender

Nationality: Portuguese

Age: 24

Arrived from: Sporting Lisbon (pounds 1.75m) August 1996

Villa signed him ahead of Tottenham and he has a tremendous reputation, but yet to grab his share of attention.

DWIGHT YORKE

Striker

Nationality: Trinidad and Tobagan

Age: 24

Arrived from: Signal Hill (pounds 120,000) December 1989

Voted player of the year for last season after scoring 28 goals and is regarded as one of the top strikers in Britain. Great close control and can run at players with pace.

HENNING BERG

Defender

Nationality: Norwegian

Age: 27

Arrived from: Lillestrom (pounds 400,000) January 1993

A reliable defender, who played a prominent role in helping Rovers clinch the Premiership title two years ago. Berg is a tough tackling player who has made the right back position his own.

LARS BOHINEN

Midfielder

Nationality: Norwegian

Age: 29

Arrived from: Young Boys to Nottingham Forest (pounds 450,000) November 1993. Transferred to Blackburn for pounds 1.5m last October.

An attacking midfield player who loves to get into goalscoring opportunities. Has still to find the form that made him such a great player at Forest.

YORGOS DONIS

Winger

Nationality: Greek

Age: 26

Arrived from: Panathinakos (free) July 1996

Regarded as one of the fastest players in the world. Has the ability to beat full-backs with his pace and deliver quality crosses, but still has a lot to prove over here.

NIKLAS GUDMUNDSSON

Striker

Nationality: Swedish

Age: 24

Arrived from: Halmstad (pounds 1m) January 1996

Still to make an impact on the Premiership after starting only one league match last season.

ROBERTO DI MATTEO

Midfielder

Nationality: Italian

Age: 26

Arrived from: Lazio (pounds 4.9m) June 1996

Skilful midfield player who has the experience of playing in the top league. Has the potential to be a star player in the Premiership this season.

RUUD GULLIT

Libero

Nationality: Dutch

Age: 34

Arrived from: Sampdoria (free) July 1995

Still regarded as a world-class player and an unqualified success for Chelsea, but out injured following a knee operation. Has now to prove himself as a manager.

ERLAND JOHNSEN

Defender

Nationality: Norwegian

Age: 29

Arrived from: Bayern Munich (pounds 300,000) December 1989

Stocky centre-half who struggled to command a regular first-team place last season, but who is always reliable.

DIMITRI KHARIN

Goalkeeper

Nationality: Russian

Age: 28

Arrived from: CSKA Moscow (pounds 200,000) December 1992

Emerging as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premiership. Had an indifferent time last season, when he was kept out of the team by Kevin Hitchcock, but has won his place back this season.

JAKOB KJELDBERG

Defender

Nationality: Danish

Age: 26

Arrived from: Silkeborg (pounds 400,000) August 1993

Returning to fitness after almost a season out with knee injuries.

FRANCK LEBOEUF

Defender

Nationality: French

Age: 28

Arrived from: Strasbourg (pounds 2.5m) June 1996

An outstanding centre-half and a bargain in the modern transfer market. Very accomplished on the ball and great in the air.

DAN PETRESCU

Defender

Nationality: Romanian

Age: 28

Arrived from: Genoa at Sheffield Wednesday (pounds 1.25m) August 1994.

Switched to Chelsea for double that fee last October.

Attacking wing-back who has fitted well into Chelsea's backline. Normally employed in a five-man defence, Petrescu gives Chelsea an extra attacking option with his pace on the wing.

GIANLUCA VIALLI

Striker

Nationality: Italian

Age: 32

Arrived from: Juventus (free) June 1996

One of the world's top strikers. He has played at the highest level and has scored goals on both the domestic and international scene. Was left out of the Italian squad for Euro 96, but is already showing star quality for Chelsea.

JOHN FILAN

Goalkeeper

Nationality: Australian

Age: 26

Arrived from: Sydney Budapest to Cambridge (pounds 40,000) March 1993.

Moved on to Coventry two years later for pounds 350,000

A goalkeeper still to make the breakthrough at Highfield Road. Acting as an understudy to Steve Ogrizovic.

REGIS GENAUX

Wing-back

Nationality: Belgian

Age: 23

Arrived from: Standard Liege (pounds 1m) August 1996

A skilful wing-back who has already been capped 23 times by Belgium. He has yet to make an impact with his new club, after attracting the interest of Arsenal, Tottenham and the Italian club Udinese.

ISIAS

Midfielder

Nationality: Brazilian

Age: 32

Arrived from: Benfica (pounds 500,000) July 1995

A strong and creative playmaker who loves to score goals. Has not shown the form that made him top goalscorer for five successive seasons in Portugal.

PETER NDLOVU

Striker

Nationality: Zimbabwean

Age: 23

Arrived from: Highlanders (pounds 20,000) August 1991

Talented player who, on his day, can scare any defence in the world. Has the ability to score some magnificent goals and loves to run at players, but needs to improve on his six goals last season.

ALJOSA ASANOVIC

Midfielder

Nationality: Croatian

Age: 30

Arrived from: Hadjuk Split (pounds 1m) July 1996

A tough tackling midfielder, who has already become a player that opposition players and fans love to hate - an instant hero at the Baseball Ground.

JACOB LAURSEN

Defender

Nationality: Danish

Age: 24

Arrived from: Silkeborg (pounds 500,000) July 1996

A former clerk, who has only been a professional for a year, but is a key member of the Danish international squad. Has been signed for his versatility and should be able to stand up to the rigours of the Premiership.

IGOR STIMAC

Defender

Nationality: Croatian

Age: 29

Arrived from: Hadjuk Split (pounds 1.57m) October 1995

Talented centre-half who helped to bring the Rams into the Premiership with some commanding performances last season. Has become a clear favourite with the fans and will look to make a big impact this season.

ROBBIE VAN DER LAAN

Midfielder

Nationality: Dutch

Age: 27

Arrived from: Wageningen to Port Vale (pounds 80,000) February 1991.

Moved to Derby at the start of last season for pounds 475,000.

A reliable player in the hardworking English mould, who was virtually ever-present for Derby last season.

RON WILLEMS

Striker

Nationality: Dutch

Age: 29

Arrived from: Grasshoppers (pounds 300,000) July 1995

An extremely experienced striker who scored 11 league goals in his first season at Derby. Will have to step up a gear to score so regularly in the Premiership.

MARC HOTTIGER

Defender

Nationality: Swiss

Age: 28

Arrived from: Sion to Newcastle (pounds 600,000) August 1994. Transferred to Everton for pounds 750,000 in March

Attacking full-back who enjoys pushing into forward positions. Has just returned from playing for Switzerland at Euro 96, and should build on his success at Newcastle.

ANDREI KANCHELSKIS

Winger

Nationality: Ukrainian

Age: 27

Arrived from: Shakhtor Donetsk to Manchester United (pounds 650,000) March 1991. Moved to Everton for pounds 4.5m in August 1995

Extremely talented winger who has the pace and skill to take on and beat defenders. Outstanding at Old Trafford and Everton's top scorer last season with 16 goals.

JASON KEARTON

Goalkeeper

Nationality: Australian

Age: 27

Arrived from: Brisbane Lions (free) October 1988. Has spent time on loan at Stoke, Blackpool and Notts County

Looks to be on his way out of Goodison Park after the arrival of Paul Gerrard from Oldham. Understudy to Neville Southall for most of last season.

ANDERS LIMPAR

Winger

Nationality: Swedish

Age: 31

Arrived from: Cremonese to Arsenal (pounds 1m) August 1990. Switched to Everton three and a half years later for pounds 1.6m.

Another talented player who, on his day, can win a match for his side. But there is too much inconsistency in his game and he cannot command a regular first-team place.

TOMAS BROLIN

Striker

Nationality: Swedish

Age: 26

Arrived from: Parma (pounds 4.3m) November 1995

An unhappy time at Leeds for the Swedish striker looks like ending with a move to FC Zurich of Switzerland, whom he has joined on loan with a view to a permanent transfer. Never settled into the side and clearly Howard Wilkinson's most expensive mistake.

LUCAS RADEBE

Defender

Nationality: South Africa

Age: 27

Arrived from: Kaiser Chiefs (pounds 250,000) September 1994

Well liked by the supporters, but prone to inconsistency. Survived to begin a third season in England while his South African team-mate Phil Masinga left during the summer.

TONY YEBOAH

Striker

Nationality: Ghanian

Age: 30

Arrived from: Eintracht Frankfurt (pounds 3.4m) January 1995

At present injured, Yeboah showed last season that he can score breathtaking goals. Hit the net 19 times last season and could make a formidable partnership with Ian Rush.

PONTUS KAMARK

Defender

Nationality: Swedish

Age: 27

Arrived from: IKF Gothenburg (pounds 840,000) July 1995

Captained IFK Gothenburg to Swedish titles and success in the European Champions' League. Suffered a serious knee injury in only his second match for the Foxes but is now well on the road to recovery. Zeljko Kalac Goalkeeper Nationality: Australian Age: 23 Arrived from: Sydney United (pounds 760,000) August 1995 Has had a disappointing spell at Leicester, making only one league appearance for them and has recently been linked with a move to join his former boss Mark McGhee at Wolves. Kasey Keller Goalkeeper Nationality: American Age: 27 Arrived from: Portland University to Millwall (free) February 1992. Switched to Leicester for pounds 900,000 last month Showed at Millwall why he is rated so highly with some outstanding performances. He is the US first choice goalkeeper and could be a big Premiership success if City survive. Franck Rolling Defender Nationality: French Age: 28 Arrived from: FC Pau (pounds 100,000) October 1995 A tough tackling defender who has already made a name for himself at Filbert Street, making 17 league appearances last season.

Patrik Berger Midfielder Nationality: Czech Age: 22 Arrived from: Borussia Dortmund (pounds 3.5m) August 1996 Exciting midfielder who starred for the Czech Republic in the European Championships. Still awaiting his Anfield debut. Stig INGE Bjornebye Defender Nationality: Norwegian Age: 26 Arrived from: Rosenborg Trondheim (pounds 600,000) December 1992 Has held down a regular first-team place so far this season and is clearly well thought of by his manager Roy Evans.

Eric Cantona Striker Nationality: French Age: 30 Arrived from: Nimes to Leeds (pounds 900,000) February 1992 after a trial with Sheffield Wednesday. Joined Manchester United for pounds 1.2m nine months later Won his third Championship medal last season after guiding United to a unique double Double. Scored 19 goals, including a spectacular winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup final. Jordi Cruyff Striker Nationality: Dutch Age: 22 Arrived from: Barcelona (pounds 1m) July 1996 An instant hit at Old Trafford and clearly one to watch as the season progresses. Ronny Johnsen Defender Nationality: Norwegian Age: 26 Arrived from: Besiktas (pounds 1.5m) July 1996 Not the biggest name at United, but has already shown enough composure to prove he will be an important part of Alex Ferguson's squad Karel Poborsky Winger Nationality: Czech Age: 24 Arrived from: Slavia Prague (pounds 3.5m) July 1996 Scored a wonder goal in Euro 96 and is a signing of great promise. Will, however, have to score more regularly to earn a permanent starting place. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Striker Nationality: Norwegian Age: 23 Arrived from: Molde (pounds 1.5m) July 1996 He looks 12, but plays with the assurity of a seasoned professional and has the temperament to become another successful import. Peter Schmeichel Goalkeeper Nationality: Danish Age: 33 Arrived from: Brondby (pounds 550,000) August 1991 Has established himself as the best goalkeeper in Europe since joining United, where he wants to end his career. Raimond Van der GOUw Goalkeeper Nationality: Dutch Age: 26 Arrived from: Vitesse Arnhem (undisclosed) July 1996 An experienced goalkeeper, signed as cover for Schmeichel.

Branco Defender Nationality: Brazilian Age: 32 Arrived from: Internacional (Bra) (free) February 1996 Clearly past his best, but still a good passer and a key influence on his Brazilian team-mates. Emerson Midfielder Nationality: Brazilian Age: 24 Arrived from: Porto (pounds 4m) May 1996 Rapidly establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premiership. Strong and full of flair, he should be a big hit. Jan Age Fjortoft Striker Nationality: Norwegian Age: 29 Arrived from: Rapid Vienna to Swindon (pounds 500,000) July 1993. Joined Middlesbrough for pounds 1.3m in March 1995 His place at Boro is uncertain, but, after a slow start in England, has proved to be a regular goalscorer. Juninho Midfielder Nationality: Brazilian Age: 23 Arrived from: Sao Paulo (pounds 4.5m) October 1995 The jury is still out on the young Brazilian who, while never looking substandard, has yet to dominate games as expected. Fabrizio Ravanelli Striker Nationality: Italian Age: 27 Arrived from: Juventus (pounds 7m) July 1996 Scored a hat-trick on his debut and although thought to be past his best in Italy, has the potential to become a leading striker in Britain.

Philippe Albert Defender Nationality: Belgian Age: 29 Arrived from: Anderlecht (pounds 2.65m) August 1994 A centre half who is better coming forward than he is defending but well liked at St James' and regarded as a success. Faustino Asprilla Striker Nationality: Colombian Age: 27 Arrived from: Parma (pounds 7.5m) February 1996 Scored a hat-trick for Colombia last weekend, but has largely failed to live up to his billing and transfer fee on Tyneside. David Ginola Winger Nationality: French Age: 29 Arrived from: Paris St-Germain (pounds 2.5m) August 1995 An outstanding first season has been followed by speculation that he may leave the club soon. A success on the pitch, but has struggled to adjust to life up North. Pavel Srnicek Goalkeeper Nationality: Czech Age: 28 Arrived from: Banik Ostrava (pounds 350,000) February 1991 A good shot-stopper, but is prone to errors and has consequently dipped in and out of the side.

Alf Inge Haland Midfielder Nationality: Norwegian Age: 23 Arrived from: Young Boys (Switz) (pounds 250,000) January 1994 Norwegian midfielder, who is effective without being outstanding. Nikola Jerkan Defender Nationality: Croatian Age: 31 Arrived from: Oviedo (pounds 1m) July 1996 Another Euro 96 star for the quarter-finalists. A highly rated right-back who should prove to be a success. Bryan Roy Striker Nationality: Dutch Age: 27 Arrived from: Foggia (pounds 2.5m) August 1994 A class act who sparkled alongside Stan Collymore, but has failed to maintain those high standards and can be as frustrating as he can be brilliant. Andrea Silenzi Striker Nationality: Italian Age: 30 Arrived from: Torino (pounds 1.8m) August 1995 Disastrous time in England for this former Italian international, who is set for a cut-price move back to Italy, probably with Verona. Initially hampered by injury, he started only three league games for Forest.

Regi Blinker Midfielder Nationality: Dutch Age: 27 Arrived from: Feyenoord (pounds 1m) February 1996 A highly talented player who has made a sensational start to the season, displaying a rare ability to take players on. Dejan Stefanovic Defender Nationality: Yugoslavian Age: 21 Arrived from: Red Star Belgrade (pounds 2m) December 1995 Made only six appearances last season, but has had a good start this time round and is proving to be a sound buy. Orlando Trustfull Winger Nationality: Dutch Age: 26 Arrived from: Feyenoord (pounds 750,000) August 1996 A winger, signed only two weeks ago, he has made an encouraging start.

Ken Monkou Defender Nationality: Dutch Age: 31 Arrived from: Feyenoord to Chelsea (pounds 100,000) February 1989. Moved to Southampton for pounds 750,000 in August 1992 Unfortunate not to be called up to the full Dutch squad after impressive spells.

Dariusz Kubicki Defender Nationality: Polish Age: 33 Arrived from: Legia Warsaw to Aston Villa (pounds 200,000) August 1991. Switched to Sunderland for pounds 100,000 in March 1994 An experienced Polish international defender, ever- present in his first two seasons for Sunderland; a bargain buy. Lionel Perez Goalkeeper Nationality: French Age: 29 Arrived from: Bordeaux (pounds 200,000) August 1996 A goalkeeper who has only just been granted a work permit. Will do well to live up to his reputation.

Espen Baardsen Goalkeeper Nationality: US/Norwegian Age: 18 Arrived: June 1996 (free) Turned pro this summer after graduating from high school in California, where he grew up. The son of Norwegian parents, he has dual US/Norwegian nationality and chose to play for Norway's Under-21 team to avoid possible work permit problems. Ian Walker's understudy. Yet to play. Allan NIElsen Midfielder Nationality: Danish Age: 25 Arrived from: Brondby (pounds 1.65m) July 1996 Stayed in Denmark at the start of the season, but a player Gerry Francis tracked for over a year. Should have strength to succeed in Premiership midfield. Ronny Rosenthal Striker Nationality: Israeli Age: 32 Arrived from: Standard Liege to Liverpool (pounds 1m) June 1990. Transferred to Tottenham for pounds 250,000 in January 1994 Scores great goals in between average displays. More a super sub than a super striker.

Slaven Bilic Defender Nationality: Croatian Age: 28 Arrived from: Karlsruhe (pounds 1.5m) February 1995 A real crowd pleaser and has added quality to the Hammers' defence. Outstanding in the air and excellent distribution in Bobby Moore mould. Ilie Dumitrescu Midfielder Nationality: Romanian Age: 27 Arrived from: Steaua Bucharest to Tottenham (pounds 2.6m) August 1994. Moved to West Ham for pounds 1.5m in March 1996 Just overcoming his latest injury setback after a disappointing start to life in England at Tottenham. Undoubtedly possesses skill, but yet to show a genuine appetite for the Premiership. Paulo Futre Striker Nationality: Portuguese Age: 30 Arrived from: Milan (free) July 1996 Already a West Ham favourite, attempting to resurrect his career at Upton Park. Past his best but could still be a leading light in the Premiership. Stan Lazaridis Winger Nationality: Australian Age: 24 Arrived from: West Adelaide (pounds 300,000) August 1995 A tricky winger, but has been unable to command a regular first team place and probably never will. Steve Mautone Goalkeeper Nationality: Australian Age: 26 Arrived from: Canberra Cosmos (free) June 1996 Being used as an understudy to Ludek Miklosko. Ludek Miklosko Goalkeeper Nationality: Czech Age: 34 Arrived from: Banik Ostrava (pounds 300,000) February 1990 An outstanding goalkeeper and a key player in the West Ham defence. A snip at pounds 300,000 and has adapted well to life in England. Florin Raducioiu Striker Nationality: Romanian Age: 26 Arrived from: Espanol (pounds 2.4m) July 1996 West Ham's record signing and under pressure to score goals. Started his West Ham career injured and has yet to show his true form. Marc Rieper Defender Nationality: Danish Age: 28 Arrived from: Brondby (pounds 500,000) August 1995 After a disappointing Euro 96, the Danish international has regained the club form that made him a resounding success last season.

Efan Ekoku Striker Nationality: Nigerian Age: 29 Transfer record: Sutton United to Bournemouth (pounds 100,000) 1990. Moved from Bournemouth to Norwich for pounds 500,000 in 1993 before switching to Wimbledon in a pounds 900,000 deal in October 1994 Strong striker, who dominates in the air but fails to score goals frequently enough. Oyvind Leonhardsen Midfield Nationality: Norwegian Age: 26 Arrived from: Rosenborg (pounds 660,000) August 1995 Reportedly wanted by Newcastle United at any price before they signed David Batty. Ideally suited to the English game even though he is at present out of favour with his manager Joe Kinnear. The five best value imports to English football . . . Osvaldo Ardiles When Keith Burkinshaw, the Spurs manager, flew to Argentina shortly after the 1978 World Cup to sign Osvaldo Ardiles, he could scarcely have imagined that he would be persuaded by the diminutive midfielder to bring back Ricky Villa as well. After an indifferent start, the pair shone during a golden era at White Hart Lane. In a career that spanned 10 yea rs at the club, Ardiles guided Spurs to domestic and European honours. His attacking instincts proved ill-suited to management, but even a flawed stint as coach in 1993-94 did little to damage the high regard in which he is still held by Tottenham fans. Eric Cantona Sheffield Wednesday supporters must still rue the day that Trevor Francis failed to recognise the mercurial talents of the French bete noire during his trial at Hillsborough, in the same way that Leeds fans find it hard to forgive Howard Wilkinson after he saw fit to sell the flawed genius, under a cloud of controversy, for a bargain basement pounds 1.2m, to their arch-rivals Manchester United. Cantona's acquisition, particularly now that he sports the captain's armband like a proud peacock and has gathered the next generation of United stars under his wing, was roughly akin to uncovering a Van Gogh masterpiece at a car-boot sale. Ruud Gullit Somehow, Ken Bates and Glenn Hoddle pulled off the coup to end all coups. After signing Gullit on a free transfer, they sat back and admired as the Dutchman played an almost virtuoso role in the renaissance of the west London side in his first season, so on advancing from his role as sweeper when it became clear that despite his ageing limbs he still had the guile and technique to flourish in midfield. With Hoddle gone, Gullit became even better value for money, as he stepped into the manager's shoes and began attracting the type of players and playing a style of football that Chelsea fans have dreamt of for over 20 years. Jurgen Klinsmann The final feud between the Spurs chairman Alan Sugar and Jurgen Klinsmann tainted the Tottenham fairy tale. When Spurs fans were reeling after the Venables debacle and the loss of Gazza and Lineker, along came the swan-diving German to brighten up their lives. With a great deal of panache, Sugar had moored his yacht in Monte Carlo and shrewdly closed the deal that once again made Spurs the style gurus of the top flight. In a single season, Klinsmann forced his critics to radically alter their preconceptions and became the personification of skill and professionalism for pundits and fans alike. Peter Schmeichel The irony must be enough to reduce Kevin Keegan to tears. Peter Schmeichel, the most accomplished goalkeeper of his generation, was turned down by Newcastle before being snapped up by Manchester United from Brondby in 1991. After snatching defeat from th e jaws of victory last season, the people of Newcastle must feel that fortune lives about 100 miles south-west of the Tyne. It is no coincidence that United suffer their most embarrassing reverses when the aggressive Dane is missing, such as the second h alf of the 4-1 defeat by Spurs last season, and those by Barcelona and IFK Gothenburg in the European Cup in 1994. . . . and the five worst value by Jason Gee Faustino Asprilla In January 1996, Newcastle boasted a 12-point lead in the Premiership, and the acquisition of "Tino" was supposed to be the final piece in their jigsaw. But the pictures of his arrival gave away some early misgivings: the gangly striker, fresh from the l uxurious lifestyle he enjoyed in Italy, looked to be positively shellshocked when he arrived in blizzard conditions, despite sporting a Liberace-style fur coat to ward off the cold. Indeed, a vicious head-butt on his debut confirmed that he was justtoo hot for England - or at least too hot-headed. His arrival unbalanced a successful side, and the rest, as they say, is history. Marco Boogers The bizarrest of all the tales of imported woe. Harry Redknapp, forced by West Ham's limited resources to scour the Continent for talent, beat other interested parties to sign the Dutch striker Marco Boogers for pounds 800,000. Sent off in the firstweek of the season for a foul on the Manchester United defender Gary Neville, Boogers never looked back. By September, he had disappeared altogether. He was discovered living in a caravan in the Dutch countryside amid rumours that he had suffered a breakdown , and by February he had been loaned out to Groningen after playing just 88 minutes for West Ham. Tomas Brolin The Leeds manager, Howard Wilkinson, appeared to be chasing Faustino Asprilla before settling, some would say on the rebound, for the promising Swede with the far cheaper price tag. Brolin was unfit on arrival in November 1995, and when he did break into the team he enjoyed the shortest honeymoon period imaginable. By February, the relationship was on distinctly rocky ground, with Brolin left out of a game against Aston Villa despite nine Leeds players being unavailable. By the season's end, in true Liz Taylor style, the marriage was over and Brolin was looking for a total annulment. Mirandinha In August 1987, Francisco Ernandi Lima De Silva, or Mirandinha, arrived at Newcastle from Palmeiras for pounds 1m amid scenes of North-eastern delight. He was the first Brazilian to arrive on these shores and the Toon Army expected their team would soon be challenging for honours to the sound of the samba beat. Unfortunately, Mirandinha's performances fell short of the hype and, despite boasting a cult status with the fans, he managed just 47 starts and 20 goals in two seasons. He left Newcastle for a l oan spell in Brazil after they were relegated in 1989, before being written off by manager, Jim Smith. Andrea Silenzi Frank Clark, the Nottingham Forest manager, must be a firm believer in quantity over quality. Having sold Stan Collymore for pounds 8.5m, he first signed Kevin Campbell from Arsenal and then brought in the Italian journeyman Andrea Silenzi, from Torino for pounds 1.8m. Silenzi barely got a look-in all season, despite long-term injuries to Campbell and Bryan Roy, with Clark opting for the dubious talents of Jason Lee instead. With the arrival of Dean Saunders, Clark has spent the summer trying in vain to recoup some of the outlay on Silenzi. The moral of this sad tale: Cheap is not necessarily cheerful.