Whilst Spurs, quite rightly, are looking to overtake Arsenal and Liverpool next season, are we in danger of overlooking the obvious threat from West Ham, Newcastle United, Everton, Blackburn and even Manchester City?

City are a long-shot, I admit, as by the time their takeover by ex-Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is complete and a new manager is in place, I think the coming season will be beyond them. I have omitted Bolton as I think they are on the start of a steep slippery slope leading to the championship in the next season or two.

West Ham are busy buying quality players such as Scott Parker, whilst also outing much deadwood that really isn't Premiership quality. Jermain Defoe has been targeted by the Hammers for a return, although I can't see either the West Ham fans or the player thinking too highly of the proposed move. But rest assured there are going to be additions to their squad. There has to be if only to retain a Premiership place without the services of Carlos Tevez (who, incidentally Mr Jol, I think would be a very useful addition to our squad. No chance of a swap with Danny Murphy I suppose? No, thought not) and a repetition of last season's close shave with the drop. Dean Ashton will be fully fit I assume, and that in itself is like a new signing all over again. Lucas Neill and Matthew Upson will have been bedded in by August so a new season starts with much optimism for the Happy Hammers

Tottenham indeed could fall foul by becoming obsessed with chasing Arsenal and Liverpool, while Chelsea and Manchester United will be playing out their own little battle. But overlooking the emergence of other creditable sides who were behind Spurs last term could be fatal without considerable additions to our squad. We simply ran out of both steam and players, then had to resort to the Steve McClaren way of playing  i.e centre-halves as left backs, right-backs as centre-halves, you get the drift. A desire to get into the top four means more risky signings, hoping for another Berbatov, but a Rebrov or two and we could find ourselves moving backwards.

Newcastle have, potentially, a great side in the making with the addition of  Mark Viduka to partner Michael Owen up front and with the knowledgeable and wily Sam Allardyce in charge, I cannot see them struggling as they did last season. More spending will surely be on the way now that their own takeover is complete. And Alladyce will work the backsides off of them, rather than accept defeat as readily as they did last season

Everton are a hard team to beat (provided Phil Neville doesn't hand out early Xmas prezzies to his brother's team), and I've no doubt  David Moyes will purchase good players to bolster a side that's mixed with steel and flair. For those who believe that all successful clubs should give their manager time to work, Everton come out  tops. Their youth players are coming to the fore, and look quality in the making. This, mixed with the seasoned pro's  already in the team, seems to be paying dividends for Moyes, so much so it would appear to have signaled the end of James Beattie's tenure at Goodison.

Aston Villa are my main concern. They have a manager in Martin O'Neill whom I would love to see at White Hart Lane. If Jol wasnt already there. His enthusiasm is infectious, and his purchases to date have been bold and exciting for Villa fans. I would be very surprised if he hasn't already penciled in two or three additions already, and because of that I'm going to have a few bob on them finishing in the top four.

What could also occur is that Rafa Benitez goes dollar crazy and buys a whole new team that quite simply fails to gel or, equally, he doesn't get the promised greenbacks and says "Adios Merseyside, Hola Madrid!"

Arsenal's current situation is just as uncertain. After all, David Dein didn't up and leave for devilment, or get pushed because of his hairstyle. Theres something happening over at the Emirates, and if Henry walks, who else follows? But at the moment there's no sign of any  big additions to the squad, but we were told that Frank Ribery was a bolted-on certainty to sign for the Gunners.

If they cant afford him, well they can forget all about Samujel Eto'o and players in that price bracket (Offer of a swap between Henry and Murphy, eh Mr Wenger?) The point is that the fancied few for third and fourth spot in the table are by no means certain. It will make for one of the most important transfer summers in many seasons that will define the shape of the Premiership, and it sure beats watching cricket.