PSV Eindhoven’s Memphis Depay has become the latest player linked with a summer transfer with Manchester United.
If manager Louis van Gaal intends to sign everyone he has commented on they will be able to start a new league just for United reserve teams, however, like many of the other names linked with a move to the North of England, there come rumours about who else is interested. It is believed that Tottenham Hotspur have put a £14.5million bid in for the Dutchman in a hope to beat van Gaal to him as well as the French big spenders Paris St-Germain also showing an interest.
Depay has 20 goals to his name this season and is the leading goalscorer in the Eredivisie. Some worry that he may struggle to score quite as many goals in the Premier League but his successful season comes on the back of a superb World Cup performance for Holland where he became the youngest Dutchman to score a World Cup goal at the age of 20 and was part of the three-man shortlist for the tournament’s “Best Young player.”
After showing such promise in the last year PSV have confirmed they expect the winger to leave at the end of the season. With former Holland boss, van Gaal already knowing Depay well and how he likes to play it seems likely that if he were to move to the Premier League he would be tempted by Manchester United. The Man United gaffer travelled to Amsterdam recently to watch Depay play in Holland’s friendly where they beat Spain 2-0 in March.
Van Gaal wants to bring some pace into his team. To compete in Europe it has been proven by the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich that you need pacy players to succeed. Angel di Maria who was brought in last season hasn’t been as successful as the gaffer would’ve hoped so it’s understandable he is now looking towards people he had around him before so he can bring some confidence and young talent into the squad.
The 21-year-old brings everything van Gaal could possibly want. After coming into his own for the last two years Depay is now ready to show the Premier League what he is made. While van Gaal seems to be keeping his options open and having a look at players from all leagues it will be unlikely that he can find a player that could fit straight into the United team and perform. Depay is used to playing against some of the best teams in Europe and showed at the World Cup in Brazil that he can rise to the occasion.
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Having excelled in the Maracana surely Old Trafford is the natural next step?
Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz is set to finally end his Manchester City hell this summer by leaving the club on a free transfer, according to the Express.
Santa Cruz is set to return to his native South America to join Brazilian club Botafogo as his contract at the Etihad finally comes to an end.
The 31 year old striker arrived at City for a whopping £18million in 2009 from Blackburn Rovers but just 24 appearances and around £16million in wages later; he is set to leave the big spending club Premier League champions.
Santa Cruz must be seen as one of the biggest financial disasters in Premier League history and his once promising career has stuttered massively.
The Paraguayan has been on loan in Spain for the past few seasons, firstly with Real Betis and this season with Malaga who have enjoyed success in La Liga and the Champions League.
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Nottingham Forest ended their dismal run of form in the English Championship on Saturday with a late victory at home to Ipswich Town.
Trailing by a goal heading into the final minutes of the game, a Ben Brereton penalty and a Joe Lolley finish in stoppage time gave the Reds a vital victory.
Heading into the match they had not only failed to win in six matches, but also failed to score in that period, much to the worry of Forest supporters.
Fans were absolutely delighted with the win and had much praise for goal hero Lolley, who has been one of the side’s main threats in recent weeks despite the lack of goals.
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His perseverance finally paid off with a superb volley at the back post to send the City Ground into raptures.
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Signing in January, he’s been a real bright spark for Aitor Karanka’s side and supporters are excited to see what his future holds at the clubs surrounded by better players next season.
They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his Saturday performance…
Despite crashing out of the Europa League yesterday evening, courtesy of a Dejan Lovren penalty miss that’s likely still in orbit somewhere, we at Football Fancast have high hopes for Liverpool returning to the European stage next season – by going one better and qualifying for the Champions League.
That may seem a bold prediction to some, but the sixth-place Reds are just two points off the Premier League’s fourth spot, currently held by Manchester United, and possess more than enough quality to overcome that miserly deficit by the end of May.
And just to prove we’re not plucking out predictions out of thin air, here’s FIVE reasons why Champions League football will return to Anfield next season.
ELIMINATION FROM THE EUROPA LEAGUE IS DEFINITELY A GOOD THING
There is perhaps no catch 22 greater in the Premiership than participation in the Europa League. Although it offers the chance of continental silverware, it’s a competition split between European minnows defending for their lives and some Champions League-relegated fish that, quite frankly, just don’t want to be there.
In the words of MOTD2’s Mark Lawrenson, something about playing on Thursdays and Sundays just doesn’t work, and it often results in a congested fixture list that only amplifies fatigue during the business end of the season.
So it’s a good job the Reds lost in a penalty shootout to Besiktas last night, freeing up their mid-weeks and Saturdays, whilst top four rivals Arsenal still have the small matter of preparing for a trip to Monaco in which they need to score at least thrice to avoid elimination.
Likewise, Manchester City, whom Liverpool face this weekend, will still be recovering from their humbling 2-1 home defeat to Barcelona.
FINALLY A FULL STRENGTH ATTACK
Football – Liverpool v Arsenal – Barclays Premier League – Anfield – 8/2/14Daniel Sturridge celebrates after scoring the fourth goal for LiverpoolMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for fu
There’s been plenty of focus on Liverpool’s defensive performances this term, especially amid the arduous start to their Premier League campaign, but frailties at the back have always been a problem under Brendan Rodgers, and in comparison to last season it’s attacking form the Reds have lacked most.
Indeed, Liverpool scored over 100 Premier League goals last year but this season they’re on just 38 – the joint lowest return in the division’s top eight – and some, but not all, of that can be directly attributed to Daniel Sturridge’s six month absence through injury.
Finally however, Liverpool’s attack is heading back towards full strength. Sturridge has a few games under his belt, and the Reds’ 3-4-2-1 formation is proving hugely effective in cramming him, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho – by far the Reds’ most consistent threats going forward – into the same starting XI.
Even the wayward Mario Balotelli is beginning to come good on his £16million transfer fee, netting twice in his last four outings and providing the free kick that lead to Adam Lallana’s goal against Crystal Palace.
HITTING FORM AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME
Football – Liverpool v West Ham United – Barclays Premier League – Anfield – 31/1/15Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring their first goal Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for
Following on from my last point, Liverpool appear to be hitting form at just the right time – as the Premier League’s top sides often do.
How you start a Premier League season is irrespective of how well you finish, and Liverpool have now been defeated just twice in their last 19 fixtures across all competitions, Besiktas last night and Chelsea in the Capital One Cup semi-final, spanning back to their 3-0 loss to Manchester United in December.
That includes an impressive run of five straight clean sheets away from home in the Premier League and six wins in their last eight. If the Reds can continue that form over the next few weeks, they’ll easily close the two-point gap between themselves and fourth-place Manchester United.
Which brings us nicely onto…
MANCHESTER UNITED AND SOUTHAMPTON ARE SLIPPING AWAY
Football – Preston North End v Manchester United – FA Cup Fifth Round – Deepdale – 16/2/15Manchester United manasger Louis van Gaal applauds their fans as he celebrates at full timeAction Images via Reuters/Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your ac
The race for the top four is certainly heating up in the Premier League, but that isn’t good news for all the clubs involved.
Whilst Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham have all been enjoying relatively strong league form of late, the cracks are beginning to show at Manchester United and Southampton.
For the latter club, a shock inclusion in the battle for Champions League qualification, it appears the highs from earlier in the campaign are inevitably catching up with them, and the Saints are now amid a run of just one goal in their last four Premier League outings, including a 2-0 defeat at Anfield, whilst star striker Graziano Pelle has scored just three times across all competitions since the start of November.
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Meanwhile, although Manchester United’s results have remained relatively consistent, losing just twice in their last twenty, the Red Devils’ laboured style of football is causing quite the stink around Old Trafford.
Even centre-back Johnny Evans has commented on it, and despite being many pundits’ favourite to clinch third spot, the Red Devils’ continual inability to hit top gear could see them miss out by just a couple of points come May-time.
FATE IN LIVERPOOL’S HANDS
Whilst every Premier League fixture between now and May will be vitally important to Liverpool’s Champions League bid, some are more important than others – particularly those six pointers against other top four rivals.
And fortunately for the Reds, despite a current two-point deficit, clashes with Manchester United and Arsenal in the space of a fortnight puts Liverpool’s fate firmly in their own hands.
Losing will cost Liverpool dearly, but two wins will completely transform the landscape at the top end of the Premier League table.
Of all the Champions League batters, Liverpool have only lost to Manchester United this year, beating Spurs twice, Southampton twice and drawing against Arsenal at Anfield in December, so results suggest the Reds are more than capable of taking maximum points from their campaign-defining fortnight.
AC Milan midfielder Stephan El Shaarawy has ruled out the chance of him leaving Italy in the summer no matter who came in for him, as reported by Sky Sports.
The Italian international has made plenty of headlines both in his native country and in England this season after his sparkling displays in both Serie A and the Champions League.
The 20-year-old is considered one of the hottest young prospects in Europe and the majority of major clubs are interested in him including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City.
Mario Balotelli’s arrival in Milan caused a stir all over Europe and many Italian pundits have claimed that the partnership between Balotelli and El Shaaraway has been non-existent since January.
Rumours were circulating that El Shaaraway and Balotelli wouldn’t be able to play together, but the talented playmaker as dismissed that.
“There’s no truth in the criticism that Balotelli’s arrival has hurt my form. We understand each other perfectly and have done good things in each game we have played together,” El Shaarawy told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
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“I am happy to play at AC Milan and any suitor, even from abroad, doesn’t interest me.”
Everton fans are bashing Yannick Bolasie on Twitter, after the club claimed he was back among the goals.
There hasn’t been much to cheer about at Goodison this season, and last summer’s influx of big money signings has had far from the desired effect.
Fans were certainly hopeful of a boost when Yannick Bolasie returned from injury, but the tricky winger has not found his feet yet.
The 28 year-old surely deserves a bit of leeway given the extent of his injury layoff, but nonetheless he has infuriated fans with his desire to beat his man twelve times before putting a cross in.
Bolasie was on the scoresheet against Manchester City last weekend thanks to a superb second half strike, but fans are still not happy with his end product, especially after he missed a golden chance to keep the game in reach in the first half.
Everton welcome Liverpool to Goodison on Saturday, and while fans will be hopeful Bolasie can kick on from last week’s goal, it doesn’t seem like they’re too confident about it.
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Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
“It’s not a decision against Real Madrid, I want to find new challenges for my career and continue to grow as a player.
“I don’t have an agreement with any club nor any preferences as to who I would like to join. I will do everything I can to continue helping the team during the forthcoming weeks.”
These are the words of Sami Khedira talking about leaving Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer. Arsenal fans are sure to be paying close attention to these developments, with the German seemingly the ideal addition for the Gunners. Reports last summer suggested that the World Cup winner was on the verge of switching to the Emirates Stadium, and when he eventually stayed at Real Madrid, there was a feeling of ‘the one that got away’, with the rangy central star having long been thought of as one of the best in the business.
So maybe it’s time to make a fresh move then, right? Right, and here are FIVE reasons the north London club really do need the 27-year-old…
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The mould of midfielder Arsenal are missing
Arsenal have long been criticised for lack a real presence in the middle of the pitch. Francis Coquelin has returned from Charlton as the ‘saviour’, but even though the young Frenchman has impressed, he’s hardly the calibre of player the Gunners need if they’re to compete for titles and European honours.
Khedira, however, is a more complete midfielder, and although not quite in the same mould as Patrick Vieira, he would bring a greater physical power and a commanding presence.
He’s free!
Should Khedira be moving for his true value, it’s likely that the German would cost upwards of £30m… that’s how good he is! However, thanks to the Bosman ruling, the world champion is free to move on for nothing, and such an opportunity is one a top club like Arsenal cannot really afford to turn down.
Okay, Khedira is likely to use his situation to negotiate a big wage and a significant signing on fee, but even these figures will not come close to what it would take for Arsene Wenger to land a level alternative.
Brings vast levels of experience
Almost five years at Real Madrid and over 50 caps for Germany, Khedira knows what playing at the highest level is all about. Arsenal have been labelled bottlers in the past, but with a calm head who’s done it all before in the middle, maybe they can get over the line that separates fourth place and a proper title challenge.
He’s a proven winner
Bundesliga title? Check. La Liga winner? Yep. Champions League? Oh yes… WORLD CUP. You bet! Khedira knows what it takes to win, and his career thus far has reflected that. He was a part of Stuttgart’s impressive 2006/07 title winning side before eventually joining Real in 2010 to take part in the Jose Mourinho era.
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In the same period, Arsenal have won only the FA Cup… so perhaps having a winner in their XI may make the difference when it matters.
Statement of intent
Football – Real Madrid v Manchester City – UEFA Champions League Group D – Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain – 12/13 – 18/9/12Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez in action against Real Madrid’s Sami KhediraMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl Recine
The last two summers Arsenal have sent out a real signal in the transfer market. Massive fees have been paid to lure Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez from Spain to London, and it’s fair to say that both sent out the message that the Gunners mean business.
Getting another big name in for next season will once again make the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City take notice, which is often half the battle.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are set to battle Juventus in the race for Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez, according to reports from talkSPORT.
The Premier League trio were all interested in the Chilean attacker during his spell in Serie A with Udinese, but were unable to compete with Barca, who tied up a £22m deal for his signature in 2011.
However, despite impressing in his opening campaign with the Spanish giants, Sanchez has struggled this term, netting only four goals, with Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Lionel Messi enjoying the lion’s share of game time in attacking positions.
This has led to speculation that he will be allowed to leave the Catalans this summer, news which has sparked interest from a number of top European sides.
Liverpool were linked with a loan move for the South American ace during January, but Barca were keen to keep hold of him.
The Reds will unlikely be able to compete with City, United and Chelsea for a permanent deal, however they will face strong opposition in the shape of Juve.
The Italian champions are believed to be willing to spend big to snap up Sanchez after agreeing a deal to take Fernando Llorente to Turin at the end of the season.
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But, the English clubs will be able to match their offer, which could spark an intense battle for his signature.
As reported by The Daily Record, Celtic are ready to open talks with goalkeeper Scott Bain about signing a permanent deal at the club, extending his current loan spell which is due to end this summer.
What’s the story?
Bain signed on loan from Dundee in January as an emergency replacement for injured shot-stopper Craig Gordon, but his contract at Dens Park also expires at the end of the season and it appears incredibly unlikely he returns to the Dees.
Celtic were previously reported to be keeping their options open regarding Bain, but impressive recent performances look to have brought forward the prospect of him staying in Glasgow.
The Daily Record report that after glowing recommendations from boss Brendan Rodgers, the club are ready to commit to a permanent deal for the player.
Does he have what it takes to become the number one goalkeeper at the club?
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A long-term Gordon replacement?
Craig Gordon has had a wonderful few seasons at Celtic, especially when you consider he was on the brink of retirement before signing up at the Hoops.
However, with a number of errors this season, his latest injury keeping him out for months and the fact he is now 35 years old, in the long-term, Celtic need to think about a replacement.
Bain has shown so far he can be that man with a mightily impressive debut in the whirlwind that was the recent derby at Ibrox and two clean sheets in subsequent matches boosting his credentials.
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The Dundee man has long been one of the best pure shot-stoppers in the division and working with Celtic’s renowned goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods, his game can be brought to new levels.
The chances of him making the position his own by the end of next season are high at this stage.
It has been quite the turnaround for Rotherham United in recent years. Financial trouble saw the club struggling in League Two before back-to-back promotions had the Millers promoted to the Championship for the first time since 2005. Steve Evans’ men were odds on favourites to be relegated this season but some fantastic victories have left the club in 19th place, three points above the drop zone with every chance of a remarkable survival.
Rotherham’s revival stemmed from a turbulent period in the club’s history. The 2006/07 season saw the Millers relegated from League One following a ten point deduction for entering administration and narrowly missing out on liquidation. They re-entered administration the following season and were deducted a further ten points, which halted an immediate return to the third tier. In 2008/09, Rotherham were dealt a double blow, being kicked out of their Millmoor stadium and docked 17 points.
Despite this enormous penalty, the club were fighting for a play-off place but missed out by finishing mid-table. Three more disappointing seasons in England’s fourth tier followed before finally securing promotion in 2013. Steve Evans – who had taken over in April 2012 – guided his team to League One after the club were playing in Rotherham again, in the newly built New York Stadium.
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The 2013/14 was a season fans won’t be forgetting in a hurry. A 16 match unbeaten spell during the second half of the season saw the club finish fourth and enter the play-offs. The semi-final against Preston ended 1-1 after the first leg and a fantastic 3-1 victory in the second saw Rotherham win a place in the final. Leyton Orient went into the second half of the final 2-0 up before an excellent come back by Rotherham meant that the match ended 2-2 and needed penalties to decide who would be playing Championship football. Rotherham nicked it 4-3 and rounded off an unbelievable turnaround from nearly going out of business to promotion to the Championship in the space of just a few years.
This season has seen the side struggle for the majority of the season but, nonetheless, have put in spirited displays that currently see the team keeping their heads above water. Fantastic results against Bolton and Ipswich show how tough it can be to beat Rotherham at home and it is this home form that could prove to be the difference between survival and relegation. This is also reinforced by a poor away record, which has only seem them win twice away from the New York Stadium all season.
Evans has made his team hard to beat but Rotherham were always going to be in the bottom half of the table due to a lack of financial muscle compared to pretty much the rest of the division. This is why they had to sell last season’s top scorer Kieran Agard to League One Bristol City, with Agard more than happy to join a team a division below.
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Despite all this, Rotherham have given themselves a great chance of survival, which would be a tremendous achievement given all that has happened in recent times.