Category Uncategorized

According to The Express, Manchester United are preparing an offer for Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira, following news that the European Champions are planning to transfer list the Germany international.

The 27 year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s top ball-winning midfielders, and certainly suits the template of Louis van Gaal’s customary utilisation of an anchor man in his tried and trusted 4-3-3 formation.

The tabloids believe Los Blancos are prepared to sell Khedira for around £20million, but Arsenal and Chelsea have been hotly linked too.

However, amid reports of a £200million war-chest at his disposal, it’s unlikely the Mannschaft star will be LvG’s final acquisition of the summer.

With that in mind, here’s a list of FIVE United targets who could follow Khedira to Old Trafford this summer – some inspired by his arrival, others more coincidental.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON KHEDIRA TO REVEAL

[/ffc-gallery]

MATS HUMMELS

Sami Khedira could soon find himself joined at Old Trafford by Germany team-mate and fellow Manchester United target Mats Hummels.

Measuring in at 6 foot 4 and averaging five successful aerial duels per match this season, the Borussia Dortmund centre-back is a formidable force in the air. He netted this bullet header against Portugal earlier this week:

But the 31-cap Germany star better known for his ability to play out of the back and link-up with midfield, often leading to comparisons with Mannschaft legend Franz Beckenbauer, best represented by these impressive attacking and passing statistics:

Here’s a vid showing Hummels’ impressive all-round game:

//www.youtube.com/embed/BitBv8B48UQ

Furthermore, the 25 year-old two-time Bundesliga winner represents the right balance between age, quality and experience from United’s point of view. His reported £25million price-tag strikes great value for money too.

TONI KROOS

Another Mannschaft star known to be on the Carrington radar is Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos.

It was previously believed that the Germany international wouldn’t be entertaining the notion of a United switch this summer, despite having just a year left on his Allianz Arena contract. But recent speculation suggests his widely-alleged move to Old Trafford could be back on…

Boasting three Bundesliga titles, a Champions League title and 45 caps for Germany at just 24 years of age, Kroos is widely considered to be one of the most impressive young midfielders in world football.

His technical talents would certainly address the Red Devils’ desperate need for added quality in the middle of the park, just take a look at his outrageous passing stats from this season, courtesy of whoscored.com…

Kroos is a real assassin from long-range too. Here’s his top five Bundesliga goals:

//www.youtube.com/embed/IUXwiLUosYg

But Manchester United are by no means the only interested party, with Real Madrid and Chelsea both hotly linked.

NICOLAS GAITAN

Another technically-gifted midfielder on the Old Trafford radar is Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan, according to The Metro…

The 26 year-old has long-been regarded as one of the most impressive talents outside of the European elite, having reached back-to-back Europa League finals with Aguias and claimed last term’s Primeira Liga title.

In the process, the Argentina international has netted 27 times in 177 appearances for the Portuguese champs, including eight goals this season and this mouth-watering free-kick…

//www.youtube.com/embed/m7qKTAupe1k?autoplay=1

But he’s better known for his trickery and intelligence on the ball, demonstrated in the below video…

//www.youtube.com/embed/VOWb2N3ZU-I

But Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona, to name a few, are known to hold an interest in the Benfica winger.

DALEY BLIND

Another Metro-inspired transfer rumour – the Red Devils are reportedly considering Holland left-back Daley Blind as an alternative to £30million target Luke Shaw.

The 24 year-old’s stock has dramatically risen at the World Cup, in no small part due his impressive number of assists…

…

including this sensational set-up to Robin van Persie against Spain…

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Blinds’ World Cup form comes after an equally inspiring campaign for Ajax, where he won the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Player of the Year award.

Mirror Football have rated him at around £12million and believe the Amsterdam outfit would be prepared to sell.

ALEXIS SANCHEZ

Amid Manchester United’s desperate need for added quality out wide, it’s been widely reported that the Red Devils are in the race to sign Barcelona winger-forward Alexis Sanchez.

The 25 year-old has been in strong form this season to find 21 goals and 15 assists in 54 appearances, including this wonder-strike against Atletico Madrid…

//www.youtube.com/embed/REmlUllpLKk?autoplay=1

But the feeling at the Nou Camp is that the Chile international hasn’t progresses as expected following his move from Udinese in 2011, where he was previously considered to be one of the brightest prodigies in world football.

Resultantly, and with Barcelona planning a summer of wholesale changes, it’s believed Sanchez will be offloaded this summer.

United are by no means his only suitors however, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus all expected to rival any interest from Carrington.

Here’s a look at Sanchez’s best ten goals for the Catalans:

//www.youtube.com/embed/73zskaCNbrw

forward Federico Macheda is set to quit the club in January if he does not start getting regular game-time, The Sun report.

The Italian attacker burst onto the scene some years ago, but has seen his opportunities limited at Old Trafford of late.

With Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Shinji Kagawa, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez all ahead of the youngster in the pecking order, Sir Alex Ferguson seemingly has little future plans for Macheda.

The player’s agent Giovanni Bia has confirmed that if the situation does not change, his client will be looking for a new employer in the January transfer window.

“He wants to play and if he cannot do so by January then we’ll try to find an alternative solution,” the representative confessed.

Macheda moved to England from the Lazio youth system in 2007, and made his first-team debut for the Red Devils in 2008.

Despite this, loan spells at Sampdoria and QPR have proved fruitless, with Macheda failing to score in his time with either of his temporary sides.

The forward has represented his country at under-16, 17, 19 and under-21 level, making 10 appearances and scoring four goals for the latter set-up.

As yet it has not been stated which clubs may be interested in signing Macheda in January, or whether he would prefer to stay in England or return back to Italy.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Macheda has not played for Manchester United since Boxing Day last year, and as such is understandably frustrated with his lack of time on the pitch.

By Gareth McKnight

West Bromwich Albion announced via their official website on Sunday that young defender Jack Fitzwater has signed a contract extension.

The 20-year-old, who has been at The Hawthorns for his entire youth career, is now tied down to the club until the summer of 2020.

[ad_pod ]

Since 2015, Fitzwater has had numerous spells on loan, joining the likes of Chesterfield, Hednesford Town, Forest Green Rovers and Walsall.

Last season the defender caught the eye as he helped keep five clean sheets and score three goals in 15 appearances for Walsall.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”211761″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch The Most Controversial World Cup Ever”]

Now that the Baggies have dropped into the Championship, the youngster may get an opportunity for first-team action.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Manager Darren Moore will prioritise promotion to the Premier League, which means that he will need his best team, but as the calibre of opposition is different to that in the top flight, he can afford to give some young guns a chance.

Judging by the reaction to the contract news, West Brom fans are excited about Fitzwater’s future.

Facing relegation and a search for a new manager, Stoke City knew action had to be taken during the January transfer window.

Either side of appointing Paul Lambert as Mark Hughes’ successor, the Potters swooped for right-back Moritz Bauer – who has since played in all four of Stoke’s Premier League fixtures – and powerful midfielder Badou Ndiaye, who provided an assist upon his debut against Bournemouth last weekend.

That, in addition to a loan deal for left-back Konstantinos Stafylidis, saw Stoke commit to an overall net spend of £20.52million last month according to Transfermarkt.

But some would argue Stoke didn’t address all of their issues in January. The Potters are still short of dependable firepower in the final third, their joint-top scorers Mame Biram Diouf and Xherdan Shaqiri netting just five times each in the Premier League this season, but failed to bring in another striker.

So, Stoke City fans, are you happy with your club’s efforts in the transfer market last month? Let us know by voting below…

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[ad_pod ]

Manchester City midfielder James Milner believes that his side’s experience of coming out on top in a close title race will be enough to see them ease past Liverpool to claim this season’s top prize.

The Reds are currently four points ahead of the Sky Blues, but the chasing side know that if they win all of their remaining games – starting this weekend at Anfield – they will lift the trophy.

Whereas Liverpool have never claimed the Premier League title, City came out on top two years ago thanks to a final day victory against QPR, in what has often been described as the most dramatic end of season turn of events ever.

Although he believes that the Merseysiders have the advantage, Milner is confident that his team’s know-how will be enough for them to regain their crown:

“We’ve been here before and have won the title recently whereas Liverpool haven’t won one for a long time and whether that comes into play or not, I don’t know. As the finishing line gets closer, games that looked easier a few weeks ago prove to be anything but.” He told the club’s official website.

“It’s still in our hands because if we win seven games, we’ll be the champions, but Liverpool are in the box-seat because they are top and have the points already on the board so for me, they have to be favourites as things stand.

“We have the ability and experience to finish the job and it’s going to be an exciting finish for the neutrals.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Hopefully we can see this through and win it again in slightly less dramatic fashion as the last one – but if that’s what it takes, I’d be happy to do it all again.”

[ffccomp link=”https://www.footballfancast.com/competitions/win-nikes-brand-new-england-football-kit” oneliner=”For your chance to WIN the new England kit made by Nike, simply comment below with your size…” step=”TELL US YOUR SIZE BELOW” terms=”http://england-kit-giveaway.pen.io/” topics=”england, nike, brazil, kit, football, soccer”]

Demba Ba was Newcastle’s hero once again as he scored twice to rescue a point and deny Reading their first Premier League win of the season.

The Senegalese striker has proven to be the Magpies’ saviour in recent weeks salvaging a draw against Everton a fortnight ago and scoring the winner against Norwich last week.

Manager Alan Pardew, who signed a new eight-year deal on Thursday, was indebted to Ba again as former club Reading came within a whisker of putting three points on the board for the first time since their promotion to the top-flight.

Brian McDermott will view this as a missed opportunity as his side failed to take advantage of a heedless performance from the visitors who should have been behind before the break.

Pavel Pogrebnyak went the closest with a header from Jobi McAnuff’s cross that was tipped over by Steve Harper before Nicky Shorey volleyed over from close range as the game remained goalless heading into half time. It was a different story after the restart as Reading capitalised on Newcastle’s misfortune to take the lead through Jimmy Kebe.

As the Magpies struggled to cope with a defensive reshuffle after the injured Steven Taylor was replaced by 20-year-old James Tavernier the Royals broke the deadlock as Kebe controlled McAnuff’s cross, cut inside and squeezed a shot just inside Harper’s near post. That sparked the visitors into life and within a minute they were level as Ba spectacularly volleyed past Alex McCarthy after being found by Cheick Tiote.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Noel Hunt then put Reading back in front almost immediately glancing home McAnuff’s cross and put his side on course for that elusive first win. But once again they were pegged back by Ba, albeit in controversial circumstances, as he appeared to convert Shane Ferguson’s cross with his arm.

According to reports in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are considering making a summer move for Brentford captain John Egan, who cost the west London outfit £400,000 initially following a tribunal after he joined them from Gillingham in 2016.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Yorkshire Evening Post report that the Whites are expected to get their transfer business underway once Marcelo Bielsa has been appointed as their new manager, and signing a centre-back is seen as one of the priorities seeing as they have little senior experience in that position aside from Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper.

The Yorkshire Evening Post says that the club, whose fans have been quick to react to a link with a new striker name with one saying “get Rhodes instead”, has failed to make much progress in their bid to bring Kyle Bartley back to Elland Road on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell in the 2016/17 season, and while they have looked at Egan they are yet to make an official approach for the Bees skipper.

How did Egan do during the 2017/18 campaign?

It was another decent campaign for the two-cap Republic of Ireland international, who made 34 appearances in all competitions having suffered from a couple of injury blows.

The 25-year-old showed his leadership skills and his threat in the air with three goals, winning 137 aerial duels in total in 33 Championship outings, as per WhoScored.com.

Egan is known for being something of a no-nonsense defender, and he certainly showed that when he had former Whites loanee Pierre-Michel Lasogga in his pocket during his side’s 3-1 win against Leeds at Griffin Park in November 2017.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”252976″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup”]

Would he be a good Leeds signing?

It’s difficult to say.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

While the 25-year-old is clearly a decent defender, the Yorkshire outfit should be looking for a big upgrade on captain Cooper this summer, and you would be hard-pushed to describe the Republic of Ireland international as that.

That said, he is clearly a good leader and would add another vocal voice in the backline alongside Jansson, and his Championship experience, know-how and his willingness to put his body on the line for his team could be vital in ensuring they finally win promotion from the Championship.

West Ham United fans got their first glimpse of new signing Joao Mario this afternoon.

The Portuguese midfielder joined the Hammers earlier this week on a loan deal from Inter Milan until the end of the season.

Some supporters may have felt that the 25-year-old would be eased into today’s FA Cup fourth-round match against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.

However, it was not a debut to remember for Mario as the team suffered a surprise 2-0 loss to the League One leaders.

Not only did David Moyes’s side lose the game, they are facing a spell without Pedro Obiang after he was stretchered off with an injury, while Arthur Masuaku is facing a ban after getting sent off for spitting at an opponent.

Mario was introduced at the start of the second half, replacing Pablo Zabaleta, but the midfielder was unable to help the team get back into the game.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The overwhelming reaction to Mario’s debut from West Ham fans was one of sympathy for the new player.

Sunderland have defied the odds so far this season by reaching the Semi-Finals of the Capital One Cup.

And Gus Poyet’s side will be looking to cause another upset in their Semi-Final two-legged tie against Manchester United in the New Year as they look to gather momentum in the league and improve on their current form.

Having won just five games all season out of a possible 21, Gus Poyet’s side are facing a relegation battle but their performance in the Capital One Cup, has seen them knock out both high-flying Chelsea and Southampton.

Showing resilience in the Capital One Cup has driven the Black Cats to the Semi-Finals and they now face the stern task of knocking out David Moyes’ United as they look to win their first piece of silverware of the season.

A triumph in the Capital One Cup would ease the pressure on the Uruguayan and Sunderland and could potentially give them the morale boost they desperately need to turn around their league campaign.

Fans at the Stadium of Light haven’t had much to cheer about recently; however, Poyet will be fancying his chances against the Red Devils when they travel to the North-East cauldron, having seen his side beat the likes of Southampton, Chelsea and Man City at their home ground which speaks volumes of their determination and the 12th man their fans can be.

Jozy Altidore has been a big contributor to Sunderland’s strong, battling performances this season, with the American forward being the prime target man for Sunderland. Linking both Fabio Borini and Jozy Altidore could be a lethal force up front, with the on-loan Liverpool striker showing his potential as he scored a late equaliser against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in the previous round of the competition.

If Gus Poyet’s team can grind out a narrow win in the first leg of the tie at the Stadium of Light, then their determination and spirit in the away fixture could see them battle to get a draw and send United crashing out.

Reaching the Final would be a huge lift around the Stadium of Light and could well give the squad, and Poyet, the boost they need to climb up and out of the relegation zone.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Sponsored by Capital One. The Credit Card that Supports the Supporters.

For exclusive content, competitions and more visit: Facebook.com/CapitalOneUK

For Capital One Credit Cards visit: www.capitalone.co.uk

Get all your Capital OneCup news here »

He is arguably Britain’s greatest manager of all time but, should rumours be taken as gospel, Sir Alex Ferguson owes a lot to Mark Robins. The new Coventry manager is said to have saved Ferguson’s job as manager of Manchester United with a goal against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. Next week Robins will take charge of his second match in charge of Coventry stood a few feet away from another Scot in desperate need of his own saviour.

Paul Dickov treads on dangerously thin ice. Despite assembling what he describes as “my best squad since I arrived at this club”, the Oldham manager continues to search for that elusive winning formula. Just one win in nine competitive fixtures this year has further disillusioned Oldham supporters and, following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Brentford, they are convinced Dickov limps towards the exit door.

After a performance against Notts County a couple of weeks ago that illuminated some optimism, it appears Oldham flattered to deceive. That 2-2 draw was followed up with a 1-1 home draw against Scunthorpe. However, if the Iron had hit the target and had Athletic keeper Dean Bouzanis not made two excellent saves they would have taken a huge lead into half time. Thankfully for Athletic a slice of luck allowed Matt Derbyshire to score his second goal in Oldham colours, before a better second half which saw several clear-cut chances crafted to leave Oldham unfortunate not to secure their first home win of the season.

But Dickov would be a fool to believe he will retain backing if results at Boundary Park fail to drastically improve. The whispers in the stands are becoming more audible. The pressure is now firmly on Dickov. The statistics make for depressing reading. What is unnerving is that Dickov ranks as the fourth worst manager in the history of Oldham Athletic.

It is surprising, then, that he is still in charge of the first team. More short term is the basic truth that he has not won enough games (two victories from 18 games). Home form during Dickov’s tenure has been insipid (16 victories in 50). Fans’ frustration is certainly not unfounded. He has failed to move the club forward.

Perhaps Dickov can hide behind the new season factor. Ok, but one win from nine games this season is hardly inspiring and is not going to dispel doubts about his ability. Goals are scarce, but then he can now shield himself with the excuse that the team is still “gelling” following the arrival of Matt Derbyshire, Jose Baxter (a player that excites supporters) and Reece Wabara. How many excuses, Paul? The team is at perfect health, experienced players now inhabit positions that were last term filled by young heads, and still the performances results are lacking.

Is he the man to lead this club up the league? On the damning evidence that has been published on the internet forums the unfortunate answer is ‘no’. Now is the time when Dickov must prove to the fans that he can inspire and motivate, that he can coach the attacking football he once promised and affect games from the touchline. Afterall, the current group of players is talented and some harbor realistic ambitions of playing at a higher level.

On the surface this squad does not reflect what the budget is said to be. But at League One is it accurate to say that success is very much a limited commodity when the resources are fairly minimal? Probably not, especially when one looks at the start Tranmere Rovers have made under the crafty stewardship of Ronnie Moore.

Many Football League experts predicted Stevenage would struggle after selling players in the summer. They, like Tranmere, remain unbeaten this season. Dean Smith’s Walsall, hardly a big-spending force in England’s third tier, lurk outside the top six.. Greg Abbot’s Carlisle United will continue to be competitive and linger in the upper reaches of the league.

Ronnie Moore had a season as Oldham manager some years ago and how those who disliked his style of football would take him back at Boundary Park. True, Moore is very much from the direct approach school, but he is a man who knows how to manage a squad of players and essentially win football matches.

They have begun the season in a blistering fashion, not only picking up victories but subduing their opposition with their ruthless attacking play. Since Moore’s return to Prenton Park towards the latter stages of last season, his record could not be in further contrast to Dickov’s. Moore’s 21 league games contains fewer losses than what Dickov has won (three and four respectively). Brutal statistics lie behind that ominous writing on the wall.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Mark Robins will look for one win that will bring life to Coventry’s faltering season. Paul Dickov will look for one goal, one special goal that will spark a recovery in his – and the club’s – fortunes.

You can follow me on Twitter @CraigOAFC

[ad_pod id=’writer-2′ align=’right’]