Manchester United winger Nani could make a shock transfer to Real Madrid, according to Talk Sport.
The 25 year old still has two years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, and whilst his club remain confident of him renewing his current deal, Real Madrid could pounce on United’s lack of urgency and try to persuade the Portuguese star to come to the Bernabeu.
The supposed bid is reported to be in the region of £19 million, and could be accelerated as Nani’s agent is also the agent of Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The earlier summer signing of Shinji Kagawa could leave Nani out of the Manchester United starting eleven, and a move to join his fellow countrymen in the Spanish capital could suit the Portuguese starlet.
However, money laden Russian team Anzi Makhachkala are also said to be interested in Nani, and a significant wage increase will be used to tempt him to make the move.
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Nani has scored 37 times for the Red Devils since joining from Sporting Lisbon 5 years ago, having been bought to compliment Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. Now, the pair could be reunited in the La Liga champions squad.
England are set to be without Darren Bent and Micah Richards for their Euro 2012 qualifying fixtures against Wales on Tuesday, but in-form striker Wayne Rooney has shaken off a knock and should play.
The Manchester United forward has started the 2011-12 season at a blistering pace, and despite scoring twice against Bulgaria on Friday, picked up a slight injury.
However, manager Fabio Capello has confirmed that the hitman should be fit and able to play at Wembley against the Welsh side.
“Rooney has a problem with his foot but I think he should be okay for Tuesday. It’s a different part of his foot. His big toe. It’s nothing, I think but we will have to wait for a minimum of 24 hours,” the Italian coach told Sky Sports.
Rooney confirmed his availability also after seeking medical advice from England’s physio.
“I landed on it in the second half. The physio has looked at it and said it’s fine,” he told The Sun.
No such luck has favoured Richards or Bent, who have both been sent back to their clubs after being determined as not able to feature on Tuesday.
Aston Villa attacker Bent has a groin problem that meant he struggled to train ahead of the game, and director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking has confirmed that the striker has returned to the Midlands club.
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Richards has also returned to Eastlands, as he is suffering from a hamstring injury. Chris Smalling is expected to continue at right-back for The Three Lions, with Phil Jagielka offering cover if needed.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard may be in line for a starting place in the centre of midfield after watching the Bulgaria game from the bench. Gareth Barry and Scott Parker were given the nod over the 33-year-old on Friday, but with both one booking away from suspension, Fabio Capello is set to turn to the Stamford Bridge man.
Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has admitted that he desperately needs to bring in striking reinforcements in January and has Jay Bothroyd, Robbie Keane and Ryan Babel on his wish list.
“The board understands the situation and there are a few names we’ve talked about that could enhance the team.” McLeish said.
“Loan or permanent? There are both options and we are not going to kill the club by paying excessive money, which can happen in the January window.”
“We need, quite simply, to score more goals. To finish ninth, with the amount of goals we scored last season, was unbelievable.”
It is thought that Birmingham’s number one target is Cardiff City and England striker Jay Bothroyd who has scored an impressive 15 goals already this season. Bothroyd has previously played in the Premiership for Coventry, Blackburn and Charlton, but his reputation and fiery temper meant that he failed to settle that any of these clubs. McLeish is thought to be ready to take a risk on the 28 year-old and is ready to offer around £5 million.
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Robbie Keane has been linked with many clubs in January after Spurs announced that they were prepared to listen to offers for the player. Birmingham will have to fight it out with West Ham, Everton and Wolves if they are to secure the Irishman’s services.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has stated that there has been no further progression over a possible move for Robin van Persie and the sale of existing strikers at the club is not expected.
The Premier League champions have been linked with a move for the Dutch marksman, who is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in less than a year and is reluctant to sign a new deal.
Despite this the Italian trainer does not want to speculate over a possible move, and does not intend to sell a number of fringe players.
“Van Persie? He is an Arsenal player and I don’t want to disrespect Arsene Wenger,” Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.
“We have four strikers and we will start the preseason in five days, it’s unlikely there will be major changes in such a short time.
“The same goes for Dzeko, his farewell is not expected The interest of Juventus for him? It will be difficult that Edin goes away.
“Kolarov? I myself wanted him at City, he is a great player. If it depends on me, he would remain at the City. I’d love to have him again in the next season but I cannot impose myself on his will.
“Tevez will remain here unless he wants to change team,” Mancini concluded.
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Right at the start of the summer, one of the biggest priorities for the transfer window among both fans and pundits was for Liverpool to get rid of the dead-wood in the squad. Relics from mainly the Roy Hodgson era, but also some left over from Rafa Benitez ’s time too, it was believed that by removing these players from the squad we could rid ourselves of a number of players who were taking up a sizeable chunk of our wage bill. Although Milan Jovanovic and Paul Konchesky have left the club, there are a number of players not considered good enough for the squad, still at the club with 20 days left in the transfer window:
Christian Poulsen – Although there was a rumour in the Danish press a couple of weeks ago linking the midfielder with a move to FC Copenhagen, Poulsen’s agent denied the rumours and stated Poulsen’s intention of staying on Merseyside. Poulsen himself in recent day has stated his intention to stay:
“I have been really happy and I want to play, that’s my goal for the future. I am happy there with my family, it’s a good club and they treat me really well. I hope I can change my situation and play more. I haven’t heard anything from Liverpool; I am trying to be fit for the new season. So I think they want me at the club and I am happy to be there and unless they tell me something different, I am a Liverpool player for the coming season.”
The Dane has been poor in pre-season, as he was the entire of the last campaign, but there seems to be an unwillingness on his part to move away to get more first team football. His lack of pace means he can’t cope with the Premier League, and it looks as if that unless he has a change of heart, he is content to pick up his wages despite being behind Lucas Leiva and Jay Spearing in the pecking order.
Joe Cole – The obvious reason why Joe has been a hard man to shift this summer is because of his sizeable wages. With Stewart Downing, Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt ahead of him for a starting berth on the wings, and Gerrard, Aquilani, Meireles and Henderson ahead of him in the attacking midfield role, Cole will be sitting on the bench for the most part this season.
QPR and West Ham have been rumoured to be interested in a loan move but the Reds are looking for a permanent move to offload the player’s sizeable wages. In addition, Tottenham have also been tipped as potential suitors but Joe would have to take a sizeable wage cut to fit to Spurs’s wage structure. We will have to hope that Luka Modric moves to Chelsea and Harry turns to Joe for a quick purchase on the final day of the transfer window.
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Nabil El Zhar – After returning from his loan spell at PAOK Salonika last season, the Moroccan has been relegated to reserve team football as the Reds try to find him a new club. He has started a few games for Rodolfo Borrell’s side to keep his fitness up but there has been very little talk about the 24 year old’s departure from the club. Perhaps, like Jovanovic, they could give the player dispensation to find a new club?
Philipp Degen – The perennially injured full back, and a poor defender to boot, spent last season on loan at Stuttgart where he didn’t really have a very successful time. Started on the right wing against Galatasaray in a friendly, but it was the last time we have seen Degen anywhere near the first team. Hopefully a move to a lower Bundesliga club or a return to Switzerland can be arranged before the end of the window.
Article courtesy of David Tully at Live4Liverpool
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Having been first taken to Upton Park by my Dad for my fifth birthday to watch a 6-0 mauling of Sunderland, with Kevin Keen bagging a hat-trick if memory serves me correctly, I can count myself as a West Ham fan of nearly 20 years. When given the task of naming my West Ham dream team, I decided to try and keep it to players I have seen play in the famous Claret-and-Blue of the Hammers, with a couple of notable exceptions! So this dream team comes with the warning that, although many West Ham legends have been missed out, they have not been forgotten, and are only omitted due to the fact I never had the privilege of seeing them play! If you think I am just a whipper-snapper who doesn’t know he was born, then feel free to put your West Ham dream team in the comments box below! So without further delay, here is my West Ham dream team;
Click on image below to see the West Ham DREAM team
Serge Aurier has come under fire from Tottenham Hotspur fans numerous times this season.
The 25-year-old was brought in by manager Mauricio Pochettino from Paris Saint-Germain last year as a replacement for Kyle Walker.
Initially, the Ivory Coast international impressed, but in recent matches, he has become quite the liability.
Against Manchester City in Spurs’ humbling 3-1 defeat at Wembley, Aurier played a part in the defensive frailties that led to Pep Guardiola’s side nabbing a penalty.
On Wednesday night, the right-back committed another crime on the pitch as he gave away a penalty to Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Just a matter of moments after Harry Kane put the visitors ahead, Aurier clipped the heels of Jose Izquierdo in the box.
Pascal Gross netted from the spot to restrict Tottenham to just a point, which keeps them fourth in the Premier League table, eight points above Chelsea.
As well as giving away a penalty, Aurier made just one clearance and committed one tackle throughout the entire 90 minutes.
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In fact, Lucas Moura made more tackles than the Ivorian, who needs to sharpen up his game in order to eradicate the regular clumsiness being shown on the field.
So far this season, Aurier has started 23 games in all competitions, including 16 in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford last night gives the North London outfit an excellent chance of retaining the FA Cup this season, while good league form has Arsene Wenger’s side sitting pretty in the top four.
Although some of the Emirates Stadium faithful will feel aggrieved at the lack of a title push and a potential exit from the Champions League at the hands of a modest Monaco side, there are other promising signs of progress in North London.
Arguably the most pleasing thing for Wenger this term will be the fact that two young stars that have patiently waited for a chance to impress have been given that opportunity and excelled.
In midfield Francis Coquelin has been recalled from a loan stint at Charlton and shown that he has the attributes to be an essential member of the Gunners’ side.
Meanwhile, with Mathieu Debuchy’s injury having Wenger weighing up his other options at right-back, Hector Bellerin has stepped into the breach and shown that he is certainly not out of his depth.
The development and evolution of these two young stars will be a fillet for Wenger, who has proven himself over the years as a manager capable of breeding young talent in the Premier League.
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However, with the Gunners starting to spend big on the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, the balance of being able to rely on young players from the academy is a desirable aspect also.
Bellerin has started nine Premier League games this season and been very consistent; so much so that the youngster has a shot at being the North London club’s first choice at right-back.
With the 19-year-old Spaniard’s only other senior football a handful of games for Watford last season, opposition wingers would have been rubbing their hands when Bellerin’s name was initially on the Gunners teamsheet.
However, the forward-thinking full-back has shown maturity beyond his years and slotted into the team’s back four seamlessly.
Coquelin’s ability to command the Arsenal midfield has been even more impressive, with the 23-year-old Frenchman looking like one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders this season.
Recalled from a loan in The Championship to cover for the glut of injuries in the Arsenal midfield, most would have expected the Laval-born man to make a few appearances before leaving the club this summer after his contract expired.
However, Coquelin has provided the balance in the Arsenal side that has been missing since the days of Patrick Vieira; a determined, physical and dynamic enforcer in front of the team’s defence that has allowed the attacking elements of the team to stream forward at will.
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The Frenchman’s statistics in relation to successful tackles and interceptions have been mightily impressive in the 13 appearances he has made, with Coquelin earning himself a new deal at the Emirates Stadium in the process.
There is no doubt that Arsenal need to spend big this summer again if they are to keep pace with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
That said, Coquelin and Bellerin have shown that they have exciting futures at the club and highlight the importance of giving youth team graduates a chance on the biggest stage.
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Nicklas Bendtner needs to take a step down and get his career back on track, according to Hamburg Sporting Director Frank Arnesen.
The idea of playing at one of Europe’s big, glamour clubs was too much to resist for the Danish striker, even if he’s only started three games for Juventus. Bendtner’s time at Arsenal wasn’t filled with spells of prolific excellence in front of goal, either. When once he was out of the line-up for an extended period of time in 2010, the Legend of Bendtner was created, allowing Arsenal supporters to value him far higher than his actual worth. In fairness, it was during a spell where Andrey Arshavin was chosen as the team’s centre-forward, flanked by players like Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri, so the demand for a natural striker, even if it was only Bendtner, was understandable.
The young striker was never able to build on arguably his finest moment in the red of Arsenal, scoring the winner in the North London Derby immediately after coming on as a sub. There was a sense of entitlement about Bendtner; one that stretched far beyond comments about him being one of Europe’s best forwards. There was very little work ethic about his game, possibly based on the assumption that he was deserving of a place in the starting XI and that the team were fortunate to have him leading the line.
But Arsenal didn’t want him, and nor did Sunderland and now Juventus. Taking it down a notch is one of the few obvious avenues left for the forward to explore, where there is still sure to be a large queue of clubs around Europe keen on his services.
It’s hard work and the desire to play football as well. It’s not just about landing at a club in Europe, no matter their stature, and expecting the best. Bendtner has looked very good for the majority of games he’s played for the Danish national side, which is more than enough to suggest there is a good player in there. Yet it’s the attitude of the modern youngster which holds him back; the image he wants to portray that he’s made it in the game and that everyone else seems to misunderstand him.
Yes, maybe he should have left Arsenal a few seasons ago. Bendtner is a player of international quality and with the experience of having played at the highest level of club football. But has he ever looked like a player who belongs at the pinnacle of the European game bar a few promising moments?
Borussia Dortmund were rumoured to have come close to signing the forward last summer and could once again line up Bendtner as one of the players to replace Robert Lewandowski’s production at Signal Iduna Park. However, will Bendtner grab the opportunity with both hands and count himself fortunate that he’s once again landed at one of Europe’s top clubs? Will he thrive under the prospect of silverware in Jurgen Klopp’s side? Will he show a little more willingness to perform well in Dortmund’s pressing game?
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You never get the sense that Bendtner is of the maturity to accept when he’s doing things wrong. He won’t accept that a step down is best for his career and longevity in the game. As always, it’s everyone else’s fault – not his.
Manchester United ensured rivals Manchester City would not be celebrating a title win at their expense on Saturday, producing a huge derby comeback to win 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.
Finding themselves two goals down at the interval after goals from Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan, Jose Mourinho’s side rallied after the break to score through Paul Pogba twice, eventually securing the winner thanks to defender Chris Smalling.
No-one typified United’s comeback more than Smalling who had a particularly poor first half before finding the winning mentality to inspire the derby victory.
Fans were impressed with that turnaround, respecting the way he managed to put initial mistakes behind him to play such a pivotal role in such an important match.
The title may be beyond them this season but supporters will be hoping they can keep winning in the tail-end of the season to secure second place and head into the summer with as much positivity as possible.
They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Smalling’s Saturday display…