Paper Talk: Rooney favours Blues move

Wayne Rooney plans to join Chelsea if he quits Old Trafford, Thiago Alcantara is nearing a move to Man United, while Fulham want Scott Parker.

• Jose Mourinho has been given the green light to launch a major spending spree after Chelsea signed a staggering £300million deal with adidas.
• Wayne Rooney will decide his Manchester United future in crunch talks with David Moyes next week.
• Aston Villa could be forced to give £4million in golden handshakes to get rid of three big names.
• Southampton are a step nearer to pulling off a £10million swoop for Victor Wanyama.
• Steve Bruce has won the fight to keep prize asset James Chester out of the clutches of Aston Villa and Newcastle.
• West Ham have put nearly £12million worth of talent up for sale to bankroll their signing of Andy Carroll.
• Charles N'Zogbia's chances of a dream move abroad have been wrecked by a freak holiday injury.
• Roberto Martinez is ready to make his first Everton signing with a £4.5million swoop for Bruno Ecuele Manga.
• Paolo Di Canio wants to give striker Jozy Altidore another crack at the Premier League.
• Lee Clark has put a £3million price tag on Birmingham winger Nathan Redmond.
• Liverpool will have to pay £6million to land Sporting Lisbon's Spanish winger Diego Capel.
• Brian McDermott has been given the green light to sign his Reading old boys Noel Hunt and Matt Mills.

• Wayne Rooney to sign for before 3rd September 2013 - Sign For Before 1st September: Chelsea 7/2

• Wayne Rooney will meet David Moyes to decide his Manchester United future next week with both Chelsea and Arsenal ready to offer him a way out
• Thiago Alcantara is poised to seal a £15million switch to Manchester United.
• Sunderland hardman Lee Cattermole will become the biggest casualty of Paolo Di Canio's clear-out.
• Curtis Davies' £2.5million move to Hull from Birmingham is in doubt because the Tigers want a loan fee for Jack Hobbs.
• Southampton last night moved a step closer to completing a £10million deal for Celtic ace Victor Wanyama.
• Fulham boss Martin Jol will fight QPR for Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker.
• Rafa Benitez began his reign at Napoli and immediately set his sights on Luis Suarez.

• Wayne Rooney wants to join Chelsea if he quits Manchester United this summer.
• Thiago Alcantara has decided to turn his back on Barcelona and join Manchester United to rescue his World Cup dream.
• Santi Cazorla is convinced Arsenal will challenge for the Premier League title next season if they can get Gonzalo Higuain on board.
• Schalke have targeted a move for Fulham full-back Sascha Riether - just a month after the Cottagers wrapped up a permament deal for the German defender.
• Sunderland lead the race for Jozy Altidore, who has also been watched by Fulham, Southampton, Cardiff, Norwich and Celtic.
• Luis Alberto believes he can become the latest in a line of Spaniards to be a huge success at Liverpool.

• Wayne Rooney is ready to snub Arsenal and leave Manchester United for Chelsea this summer.
• Manchester United have triggered the £17million release clause in Thiago Alcantara's contract.

• Alan Pardew fears his top players will want to leave Newcastle after Joe Kinnear's radio rant

Manchester United transfer news: Rooney to Chelsea; Lewandowski move back on?

A select round-up of transfer news relating to Manchester United, including Wayne Rooney, Robert Lewandowski and Thiago Alcantara.

Reports this morning suggest that Wayne Rooney’s Manchester United future hinges on whether or not David Moyes will refute his predecessor’s claims that the England striker requested a transfer at the end of last season.
Rooney continues to deny the claims, made by Sir Alex Ferguson following his final game at Old Trafford. And it appears that Moyes’ first role as United manager may be to decide who to back – his player, or the man who recommended him for the job.
Reports also suggest that should no back-tracking take place, Rooney prefers a move to Chelsea over Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho is said to have been informed of the player’s choice, although he is currently eying the potential capture of either Edinson Cavani or Hulk.
Talks between Moyes and Rooney are set to take place next week. So expect many new and re-hashed stories before an official announcement is made.
Should Rooney leave, he could be replaced by Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski. Yes, that story is back – with United said to believe they can still tempt the Polish international away from Germany despite his desire to move to Bayern Munich.
With that transfer seemingly impossible for at least 12 months, Moyes is said to be considering a move for Lewandowski should a swoop for Cristiano Ronaldo be unsuccessful.
Although the reality is that neither player is likely to pull on the red of United next season – no matter how much fans would love them to.
The club also look set to miss out on Marco van Ginkel, with Chelsea reportedly agreeing a fee with his current club Vitesse Arnhem.
Previous stories suggested that United were looking to hijack the Blues’ deal for the midfielder.  But they appear far more likely to secure another coveted young player in the form of Thiago Alcantara.
Spanish media are picking up English reports this morning, claiming that a deal for the 22-year-old Barcelona player is all but done.
There have been countless stories in recent days, each escalating the likelihood that United will finally bring in a midfielder of the calibre to take them forward both domestically and in Europe.

The Ballad of Ryan Giggs

A regular in the ranks,
The general leading his troops into battle,
Sir Ryan Giggs is a Red Devil
From the earliest beginnings of 1990
To forever.
The iconic number 11 has become
A face of the past, the present and the future.
As he once jammed down he left flank
Disregard to human nature.
A goal that defined a career
An FA Cup extra-time winner in ’99,
Single-handedly destroyed Gunners fans,
Leaving nearly every defender behind.
For him it’s mission possible,
Securing the fabled treble, and enough medals worthy of a King
His next destination?
United, eternal glory.
Silky smooth play with that pop star face,
Who could forget that mane on his chest
An the roars of a lion.
Ryan Giggs, is Manchester United.
Put him in the 18, the lad won’t miss
As the gem of a left foot drives onwards.
One touch and he’s gone, a globetrotter during his days
Round the keeper he goes,
Further etching his name into football history.
The phrase coined Beck it like Beckham
Should have been Grind it like Giggsy.
United’s in his veins, both the ball and the blood
Flow through the Welshman.
The day we first saw him at the age of 17,
He stunned as far as the eyes could see
With pace, and precision mesmerizing
All, A Red Devil through and through.
Giggsy goes down, as the best to never appear in a World Cup
But he’s carried on the spirit of United
Raising trophies has become a yearly occurrence
With wings alongside our beloved crest
Chelsea, Arsenal, and City alike,
Struggle to keep up with his will to fight
And the questions continue to arise as he races the grim-reaper
Lad, are you falling behind?
To a living legend who nears 39.

Arsenal Latest: La Liga Expert Amazed With Real’s Decision To Allow Higuain And Cazorla Talks Trophies

Arsenal are on the verge of signing their first player this transfer window and as hoped by many critics, he is not some 17 year old French kid. Wenger had been really serious regarding this transfer window and now with Gonzalo Higuain edging closer to the Emirates move; their team is going to get a real boost.

While the manager and the fans of the London club can be absolutely jubilant, because Higuain is certainly one of the best strikers in the world, questions have arisen from some quarters on Real’s decision to let go of Higuain. Terry Gibson, who has played for Manchester United and Spurs and now works as a La Liga expert, has recently stated in an interview with Talksport

“Arsenal are getting a very good player. I’m amazed Real Madrid are considering selling him.  “He’s 25 years old, so he’s only going to get better. He’s been a great player for Real Madrid. Sometimes clubs and supporters get bored with the same strikers. I don’t see any reason why Higuain would leave. If Arsenal could get him for under £20million then that’s a steal.”

From 2007 until now, Higuain has featured in 187 league matches for Madrid scoring 107 goals. This speaks volumes when we take into consideration the fact that any striker playing for Madrid had to play as a second fiddle to Ronaldo and Higuain was no different. Moreover, his Gametime was divided with Benzema and there were practically no occasions when both these players were present on the field simultaneously.

Thus it can be safely concluded that while Arsenal would be a huge benefactor with the transfer of Higuain, more if they can wrap the deal within £20m, Real would have to make things work again even if they successfully get Suarez or Cavani. As it looks from here, the only thing that has triggered his move out of Real is the boredom of the supporters and the club hierarchy!

In other good news for the Arsenal fans, Santi Cazorla, Arsenal’s standout performer of this season, has stressed that he is pretty confident that the team would challenge for trophies next season and most importantly the Premier League. In a recent interview the Spaniard has stated:

‘When the team doesn’t win and we don’t get the results we want, the collective confidence does drop a little and that is natural. Now we have put in a spectacular run-in and you can see the difference in mentality,’ Cazorla said in the July edition of the official Arsenal magazine.
‘We have great players. I am sure next season we will be a better team and improve. Next season we hope we can be even better and win trophies and the supporters can enjoy it, that is what Arsenal really wants.’

The midfielder continued to talk about the radical managerial changes in the Premier league as the top three teams have all undergone some serious changes this season. Cazorla believes his former boss Manuel Pellegrini will add value to Man City and he expects nothing less from the Premier league’s top three.

The Spain international added: “I do not think it influences too much. The most radical change is at Manchester United because Ferguson has been there for so long. It will be a little difficult at the start for a new manager, but I don’t think it influences too much in terms of being and advantage for other teams. There are great managers at those clubs and I am sure it will be just as difficult

If the Cristiano Ronaldo pursuit falters, is Robert Lewandowski 'plan B'?

Dennis Grombkowski

Robert Lewandowski is a wonderful player, however, Manchester United don't need him.

•  Share (1)
•  Tweet (6)
• 3 Comments

Here's what is becoming seemingly clear as of late in regards to summer transfer priorities for Manchester United: above all, they desire a dramatic reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo -- and beyond that, closing Thiago Alcantara has become of massive importance. And what if the club can't land Ronnie (there are definitely some cynics who don't believe in the feasibility of this, but all evidence points to United's desire for their former great -- whether this can happen or not)? Well, according to Mark Ogden of the Daily Telegraph -- yeah, that lad who used to piss off Sir Alex Ferguson due to having the audacity of being accurate with his reporting -- Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski is essentially a 'plan B.'

Undoubtedly, Lewandowski is one of the top six-seven No.9's in the world. In addition, he's only 24-years-old and he perhaps could be had at a cut-rate because he only has a year left on his current contract with the UEFA Champions League's runners-up. However, United have a No.9 that is arguably better than the Poland international in Robin van Persie and this is a player brought in last summer that ended up being a (or the) key player in winning the title this season. In addition, they also have a mercurial and former world-class talent in Wayne Rooney who would love that role -- although he could be sold this summer -- while the club still has other wonderful young striker talents like Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) and Danny Welbeck.

At this point, it's difficult to say with certainty on what will happen with Ronaldo. United's summer activity, though, is likely to be heavily influenced by this and also by Rooney's uncertain situation. Lewandowski, too, clearly desires a move to Bayern. However, according to Ogden's report, it's possible that United is his preferred choice abroad if Dortmund won't sell to their rivals.

As previously mentioned, United don't need any help in their strike force. Even if Rooney departed, this would simply open up more deserving opportunities for Chicharito and Welbeck in behind the world-class van Persie. Even if Lewandowski arrived, how would United accommodate them both? Rotation isn't the answer for two world-class players and their abilities would not compliment each other in Europe -- sure, perhaps they could combine together in a 4-4-2 in England while overwhelming a handful of opponents, however, the team's shape would be vulnerable in 'big games.'

If we hadn't acquired van Persie last summer, and if our new talisman hadn't been so instrumental in us winning back the title this season from Manchester City, the possibility of a Lewandowski move would make great sense. But it doesn't now because the context has changed. If United can't land Ronaldo, they'd be best leaving the pursuit of another goalscorer alone unless it was a versatile attacking-midfielder.

Zaha needs time to settle at Manchester United, says Freedman

The former Crystal Palace winger will link up with his new team for the first time next month as he looks to hit the ground running in his debut Premier League season

Former Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman believes Manchester United must allow new signing Wilfried Zaha time to settle if he is to establish himself at Old Trafford.

Zaha joined United from Palace in January before returning to Selhurst Park on loan and has been one of the most sought-after talents in the country after helping fire his boyhood club into the Premier League via the play-offs.

TRANSFER TALK
11/8	Crystal Palace are 11/8 with BetVictor to stay up next season

Goal revealed on Thursday that David Moyes is yet to decide whether to make the 20-year-old part of his first team plans or loan him out, with West Ham registering their interest in taking him on loan.

But Freedman, under whom Zaha established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the Championship, has backed the Ivory Coast-born winger to make his mark on Old Trafford if he is given the time to do so.

"It took him eight games to establish himself in the Palace first team and eight to 10 games later he was the best player," the Scot told reporters.

"I have no doubt he will take time to settle in but when he does he will show the talent that he has.

"I know his character and he won’t be fazed, David Moyes will see that day-in and day-out."

Zaha scored six goals and provided 10 assists for the Eagles last season, before scoring twice in the play-off semi-final against Brighton and winning the deciding penalty in the final against Watford.

Arsenal & Chelsea fight for sign Wayne Rooney from Man United [Star & Mirror]

The red top are back on top form on Saturday in England as the Star and the Mirror both splash Wayne Rooney’s face on their backpages.
The gossip is straightforward: both Arsenal and Chelsea want to sign the Manchester United striker this summer.
According to David Maddock in the Mirror:
Wayne Rooney will meet David Moyes to decide his Manchester United future next week, with both Chelsea and Arsenal ready to offer him a way out… Rooney and his ­representatives cannot speak with other clubs unless United announce he is available for transfer, but Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger would love to have him aboard.
David Woods in the Star has a slightly different angle, with the hack claiming to know what Wayne Rooney is thinking.
Wayne Rooney wants to join Chelsea if he quits Manchester United this summer. Starsport can reveal representatives of the United ace have told Jose Mourinho Rooney would love to work with him. Arsenal are also looking at putting a package together to land the England striker, who would command wages of around £250,000 a week.
Noticeably, the rumours linking Rooney with a move away from Old Trafford comes just 48 hours after Arsenals’ second biggest shareholder Alisher Usmanov told CNBC about his wish for the Gunners sign the Manchester United striker this summer.
Copies of the back pages of the Star and the Mirror on Saturday can be seen below.

Ferdinand questions England future

June 22, 2013 « Rose in contention as Harrington shines in Cromwell | Tottenham closing in on Paulinho deal »

Rio Ferdinand believes English football is lacking a recognisable DNA, as he has cast doubts over the future of a national team that has failed to win a major trophy in 47 years.
Debate rages on England's international future after the under-21s' poor showing in this summer's European Championship finals in Israel, where Stuart Pearce's side failed to collect a point in their three group games.
Now Manchester United defender Ferdinand has suggested the mindset of English football needs to be altered before the national team can challenge for major trophies once more.
"If you watch Italy, Holland, Spain or Germany playing at youth level, you would know who they are without looking at their shirts," Ferdinand told Sky Sports. "There is an identity with those teams. They have a DNA of the way to play.
"We don't have that. When we won the World Cup in 1966, we didn't copy anyone else. We played the way England play. It was our style and our identity. Have we kept it? I don't think so.
"It is all right saying you have some of the best players in the world but you have to put them together and play within a system that works."
Ferdinand has backed the Football Association's ambitious new training centre at St Georges' Park as a step in the right direction for the future, but he suggests the methods used to coach young players needs to be modified if a corner is to be turned.
"The question I would ask is; are these coaches telling young kids to pass it to someone who already has a man marking them?" asked the centre-back who played 81 times for his country before his controversial retirement from international duty earlier this year.
"Are they saying 'he has to learn how to deal with it?' I don't know if we are. You give it to a young Spanish, Dutch, Italian, German kid, he will keep that ball until there is someone to pass it to.
"He won't just kick it away and say 'you shouldn't have passed it to me'. That is the way they are brought up."

The PFA Facebook page for Javier Hernandez is a huge success with fans say Digital Sports Group

Digital Sports Group today announced that The PFA Facebook fan page of Javier Hernandez has broken the 20% daily growth barrier making it the fastest growing Javier Hernandez page on Facebook. The Facebook page along with Javier Hernandez player profile on football.co.uk provide the only online location of the official PFA biography, lifetime stats, news and high resolution gallery.

• 

Digital Sports Group

All of us here at Digital Sports Group are proud we've had the opportunity to work with The PFA to give the fans a fantastic and unique fan resource for Javier Hernandez.

(PRWEB UK) 22 June 2013

Digital Sports Group today announced that The PFA Facebook fan page of Javier Hernandez has broken the 20% daily growth barrier making it the fastest growing Javier Hernandez page on Facebook. The Facebook page has become a thriving hub for the Manchester United striker since its launch and now boasts a vibrant and rapidly growing community of fans. The Facebook page along with Javier Hernandez player profile on football.co.uk provide the only online location of the official PFA biography, lifetime stats, news and high resolution gallery.
Javier Hernandez is a talented young striker who plays for Manchester United.
A relative unknown outside his native Mexico when the Red Devils secured his signature in April 2010, the diminutive forward was a revelation in his debut season in the Premier League - ending the campaign as first-choice, serial match-winner and Fans’ Player of the Year as United won the title and reached the final of the UEFA Champions League - and he continued to score goals at a prodigious rate even during an injury-hit second season in Manchester.
Lightning quick, prodigiously hard-working and lethal in front of goal, Chicharito’s style of play and exuberant approach to the game made him an immediate fan favourite with the Old Trafford faithful.
A product of the youth academy at his hometown club Chivas Guadalajara, the youngster – nicknamed ‘the Little Pea’ - endured a relatively slow start to his professional career but hit a rich vein of scoring form in 2009-10, winning Forward of the Year and Golden Boot honours in the Mexican top flight and prompting United to sign him before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where his reputation was further enhanced by goalscoring displays against France and Argentina.
Chicharito made his debut for the national side against Bolivia in February 2010 and has since amassed 38 caps, scoring a phenomenal 25 goals, the most recent of those coming in his last appearance, against the United States in June 2012.
Head of Operations at DSG, Matthew Tait had this to say: “Javier Hernandez really has no shortage of fans after his performances for Manchester United this season and we can see that by the success of his PFA Facebook page.”
“All of us here at Digital Sports Group are proud we've had the opportunity to work with The PFA to give the fans a fantastic and unique fan resource for Javier Hernandez.”
DSG became the official digital partner of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) earlier this year and have since launched a number of Player Profile fan pages on social media site Facebook as well as providing official player pages on their football news site football.co.uk.

Transfer news: Rooney in talks, Spurs get Paulinho

• 

about 2 hours ago  - Saturday, 22 June 2013, 08:39

Wayne Rooney will meet David Moyes to decide his Manchester United future next week, with both Chelsea and Arsenal ready to offer him a way out, The Mirror reports.
Rooney is still hurt and angered by former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s public ­declarations that the England star asked for a transfer at the end of last season. The striker vehemently refutes the claim. He wants new United boss Moyes to tell him that the situation was caused by a misunderstanding, and that he is still wanted at Old Trafford.
If that agreement fails to materialise – as seems likely – Rooney will accept that he will leave. It is understood that Fergie recommended this summer is the best time to sell. The player has two years left on his current deal and turns 28 in October, and his asking price will dramatically reduce in 12 months’ time.
***
Tottenham Hotspur are believed to have agreed a deal of more than £15 million to sign the highly-rated Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, The Telegraph reports.
The move, if it is completed, would represent a significant coup for Spurs as they attempt to strengthen to challenge for honours next season.
Paulinho is starring in Brazil’s Confederations Cup campaign and has become a key player for coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, scoring in the recent friendly against England.
The 24-year-old has been tracked by Andre Villas-Boas for some time and the Spurs head coach is pushing hard to improve his squad ahead of the forthcoming campaign.
***
These are decisive days for the possible passage of Stevan Jovetic to Juventus. The agent of the Montenegro attacker is in Milan to meet Juventus. Fali Ramadani has organized a summit with Beppe Marotta to take stock of the negotiations with Fiorentina, which is asking for €30 million for the player. The agreement between Juventus and Jovetic has already been reached.
Juve are in a hurry to close the deal because Conte wants to have all players for the start of training camp, set for 10 to 24 July at Chatillon. For his part, Jovetic has already chosen the Bianconeri and Ramadani could find a way to convince Fiorentina.
***
All done in Naples for the transfer of Dries Mertens. The Belgian midfielder Saturday will be in town to have a medical and sign the contract.
***
Given the difficulties in arriving at Nainggolan, Inter is thinking about another midfielder Miralem Pjanic. The Nerazzurri could propose to the Roma defender Ranocchia in exchange.

Premier crown stays in Manchester

while in season 2011-12 Manchester City had claimed the Premier League title for the first time in their club history, last month Manchester United returned to their usual self and attained their 20th championship − a remarkable record.
United did it in great style and made sure of the top position with five matches still to play.

2012-13 Premier League results

Times of Malta Premium

This article is part of our premium content. Subscribe to gain access to our premium content. Your subscription will also enable you to view all of the week's e-paper editions (both Times of Malta and The Sunday Times of Malta), view exclusive content, have full access to our newspaper archive to download editions from 1930 to today, and access the website in full from overseas. All of this will also be available to you from our tablet app.
Already have an account? Sign in here.

Paul Pogba – A Defining Season With Juve, And A Missed Oppurtunity For Man United

When Paul Pogba joined Juventus at the start of the season, not many would have anticipated just how well he would fit into the Italian Champion’s side.

At just 18 years old, the youngster signed a pre-contract with The Old Lady around March 2012-much to Sir Alex Ferguson’s disappointment. Having failed to convince the French teenager to extend his contract, Manchester United had to settle for some training compensation from FIFA, having brought him to English football from Le Harve in 2009.

Ferguson has always rated the youngster, speaking highly of him in the press and his desire to keep him at Old Trafford perhaps shows just how much potential the boy has. Although only seven appearances for United, there did seem to be something special there. With a great physique, power and strength, and striking an imposing figure in the midfield, the 20 year old seemed to have all the traits to become a strong midfielder-comfortable both going forward and defending.

This has been backed up by his impressive start to life in Serie A, although not always a stick-on for a start, with his first goals already scored in the first half of the season against Napoli, and the match winning performance and goal against Bologna where without the 19 year old free transfer, Juventus looked shabby. Two spectacular goals against Udinese in a 4-0 thrashing in January this year also helped the youngster stand out.

Of course, after performances like these, the usual press frenzy followed in Italy, claiming he is the next Patrick Viera and that he could be the future of the Juventus midfield. Managing to shine in a midfield which has talents such as Andrea Pirlo-who is still, easily, one of the best passers and creators in the Italian game, and the dogged and determined Claudio Marchisio who is Juventus through and through, is a great achievement so early on in his Juve career. As well as Arturo Vidal, of course.

Against Nordsjaelland in the Champion’s League Group E clash back in November, Pogba replaced Vidal to great cheers from the Juventus crowd. Such popularity can only spur the youngster on, surely, and if performances continue to be as encouraging and positive as they have been, then who knows? 2013 also saw Pogba made his debut for the French National side in a World Cup Qualifier against Georgia, playing the full 90 minutes and looking extremely comfortable and at home in the French Jersey.

As a result of this defining season in Italy, the transfer rumours we are all accustomed to have arisen, with talk of interest from England to the sum of £17m. This interest has been quashed by the Frenchman, claiming his future lies in Turin with the Old Lady. Not too bad for a player deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United. Although a breakthrough season for Pogba, his career can still be steered in many a direction.

Of course, Pogba can maintain this form and reach the potential he is showing, and lead Juventus to dominate Italian football and Europe, ridding the Italian giants of the match-fixing scandal that has contaminated their name. Or, get them to a level of dominance in Italy, then sign for Real Madrid or Barcelona in an outrageously lucrative deal, all this whilst dragging France back to becoming a major threat in world football again and stamping his name on the game forever as one of the all-time greatest midfielders ever to have graced the game, being mentioned in the same breaths as Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta and the likes. Or, he could be a decent player, then fade gradually into obscurity and insignificance, to be selected for type-specific games and make little or no impact on them, then be loaned out in a classic Italian Football style to some newly-promoted side and become a bit of a favourite for them, ultimately resulting in a free transfer to said club on a three to five-year deal, only to see out half of it then sign for a mid-table team who are punching above their weight. This seems unlikely, but we have seen it before with incredibly gifted players making their mark in only one or two seasons. Especially in Italy.

Anything can happen, but it appears Pogba is on course to be a truly class act at Juventus. Deciding to leave Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson cannot be an easy decision for a young footballer, but on this occasion it seems like a very astute move. If the performances and popularity can last, then both France and Juventus could well have a world class midfielder on their hands.

The season hasn't even started yet but I'm missing retired Man United boss Fergie already

Manchester United Transfer News: Man U Must Outflank Everton for Leighton Baines

Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Manchester United blew away the competition last season as it won the EPL with 89 points, which was 11 points clear of second-place Manchester City. The Red Devils are always looking to get better, though, and acquiring left-back Leighton Baines from Everton would help immensely in that regard.

Baines has been a rumored Manchester United target for quite some time, but the Red Devils figure to be met with some resistance. According to Mirror Football, Everton is prepared to make Baines the team's highest-paid player to ensure that he doesn't leave The Toffees.
While Baines is certainly deserving of that distinction and would surely appreciate the raise, there has to be some desire within him to win. Everton had a respectable EPL season as it finished sixth, but with manager David Moyes leaving Goodison Park to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, Baines may have even more interest in Manchester United.
Baines excelled in six seasons under Moyes as he played stellar defense and netted 22 goals in 246 appearances, which is nothing to sneeze at for a defender. He would provide an instant boost to Manchester United's back line and would give it a fantastic amount of depth as well.

Although the Red Devils still have a revitalized Patrice Evra in place, he is 32 years old and won't last forever. If push comes to shove, Moyes can make some moves defensively in order to ensure that the best four defenders are on the field regularly.
According to David Anderson of Mirror Football, however, Everton is willing to pay Baines £65,000 per week in order to stay. He has two years remaining on a deal that pays him £44,000 per week, so Everton clearly isn't messing around when it comes to keeping one of its most important players.

Should Manchester United acquire Leighton Baines?

Yes, he would be a huge addition to the squad. No, he wouldn't be a significant factor. No, he would be a great acquisition, but he is too costly. Submit Vote vote to see results

Money is rarely an option for Manchester United, though, which means that the Red Devils would likely be more than willing to match Everton's offer as well. In the end, it may come down to comfort level for Baines. He has played at Everton for the past several years, but the fact that Moyes is now the boss at Manchester United changes things.
Baines already knows that he can be productive in Moyes' system, and he would obviously have far more talent around him at Manchester United. The security blanket known as goalkeeper Tim Howard would no longer be present, but David De Gea is an excellent netminder in his own right and should be able to cover the few miscues that Baines might make.
New Everton manager Roberto Martinez fully realizes how important Baines is to his success at Goodison Park, though. According to Anderson, Martinez wants to reward the players who have thrived at Everton and believes that Baines is very much a part of that select group of players.

It's very important and it's a case of rewarding players, who have been phenomenal for the football club. I think Leighton is in that category.
For Leighton, as the top performer he has been in the last few years, it is important that we reward his work and make sure that he can look forward to kicking on to the next chapter of his career with Everton.

Baines has a tough decision on his hands, but if Manchester United matches Everton's offer, then it will probably be a bit easier. The 28-year-old Baines has room to grow, but it's possible that he has reached his ceiling with Everton.
Manchester United has a lot to offer—and the Red Devils need to make sure that Baines is cognizant of that when he ultimately makes his choice.

How can Man United let this lethal Champions League marksman go?*

Bebe - the stunning stats

By talkSPORT magazine | Saturday, June 22, 2013

7 4 1

 

According to reports Man United could be about to lose Bebe, with the Portuguese striker believed to be keen on returning to his homeland by signing for Sporting Lisbon, which would mean the departure of perhaps the Champions League's most lethal marksman.

The 22-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2010, in a £7m move which saw him leave Vitoria Guimaraes, before he had actually kicked a ball in a competitive fixture for the club.

Having scored five times in six friendly fixtures for the Primera Liga side, Sir Alex Ferguson simply had to splash out and bring him to the Red Devils, where he would have a more fitting stage to display the full extent of his talents.

Despite displaying incredible self belief – Bebe was quoted as saying “I am going to be a brilliant player for Manchester United” - he has been unable to dislodge the likes of Wayne Rooney and more recently Robin van Persie from the United attack.

However, last season he focused his powers on inspiring Rio Ave to a sixth-placed finish in the notoriously tough Portuguese league, with a return of one goal in 12 appearances.

But it is in the Champions League where Bebe has truly excelled. Incredibly, Bebe has converted 100% of his shot (yes, shot), on Europe's grandest stage, scoring a goal every 27 minutes when coming on as a sub against Bursapor.

Some people ask why Man United spent £7m on Bebe, but we ask, how could they let him go?

Wayne's World: Exit-bound Rooney has options

GettyImagesWayne Rooney is set for crunch talks with United manager David Moyes.

Wayne Rooney's future at Manchester United could be decided in a matter of days with England's media - The Sun, Daily Mail, The Telegraph and the Mirror - all running stories hinting at the possibility that 27-year-old could be heading out of Old Trafford. The Sun and the Mirror are both suggesting that no decision will be made until United manager David Moyes has the chance to talk to the England international, while The Telegraph is claiming Rooney is sounding out Chelsea as a possible destination. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail is reporting that rumoured incoming Real Madrid boss - Carlo Ancelotti - is targeting the former Everton striker as the perfect player to lead his new era at the Bernabeu. But should Rooney leave the Premier League champions, then The Telegraph Is claiming that Moyes will make an audacious bid for Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. And should that bid fail, the former Everton manager will turn his eye to Dortmund and their Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.

Scott Parker could be on his way out of Tottenham according to the Mirror. The 32-year-old is wanted by both Queens Park Rangers and Fulham, but would only be able to leave should Spurs secure Brazilian starlet Paulinho. Sunderland are also maintaining an interest in the former West Ham, Chelsea and Newcastle midfielder.

According to the Daily Star, manager Paolo Di Canio is said to be interested in joining the race for United States international Jozy Altidore. The AZ Alkmaar striker has been in strong form of late, scoring 17 goals in his first season in Holland. The 23-year-old's international recent strike-rate is even better, scoring in each of the US' last four matches. However, Fulham, Southampton, Celtic, Norwich and Cardiff are all said to be monitoring the striker.

Southampton look to be winning the race for Celtic's highly-rated midfielder Victor Wanyama. The 21-year-old has been watched by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, but the Saints have stolen a march on their rivals, the Daily Star reporting the club are set to secure the Kenyan international's signature with a £10 million bid.

And finally, Manchester City's Gareth Barry is expected to remain at the club - despite being told he can leave this summer. According to The Telegraph, Barry's representatives are looking for options outside the Etihad but the England international is insisting he wants to stay and fight for his spot.

Embracing Wigan - "The Unfashionable Derby"

Richard Heathcote

After initially being disappointed at the prospect of the Crew facing Wigan next month, the author thought better of it.

•  Share
•  Tweet (3)
• + Comments

I had been initially dismissive of the idea that the Crew were hosting Wigan next month. I was uncharitable to a club without the long and successful history of their North-Western Neighbors such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, or Manchester City, but I missed the obvious. The Crew and Wigan share a lot in common.

The Region - Both Wigan and Columbus lie in the industrial heartland of their respective countries. The long dormant factories litter the American rust best of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. In England, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Lancashire have seen the decline of traditional occupations such as shipping, mining, and factory work disappear.

The Team -Both sides are short on big names. The Crew have Federico Higuain, the older brother of Gonzalo, as the creator, but rely on a workman like group to get results. Likewise, Wigan doesn't rely on stars and will likely lose some of the talent they have after this year's relegation. Shaun Maloney may be the biggest name after two stints at Celtic, but Ivorian Arouna Koné is the offensive focal point.

The Manager - Roberto Martinez cuts a heroic figure for Wigan as he helmed the team through several close calls with relegation. His international profile was high enough that he works for ESPN as a studio analyst and left Wigan after they were relegated this year. Former Burnley and Bolton head man Owen Coyle replaces him. His style could be identified as dour.

The Crew likewise can look back at the tenure of Sigi Schmid who rebuilt the team into a league champion. His replacement, Robert Warzycha, retooled an aging team, but much of the flair of Schmid's teams is gone. Warzycha's teams are defense first and often grind out results.

The Stadium - Both stadiums opened in 1999 and seat up to 25,000 for soccer events while sharing space for other events. Columbus Crew Stadium hosts more than Crew games as concerts and football games bring in revenue. The DW Stadium is home to Wigan Athletic, but also the Wigan Warriors rugby club.

The Ownership - Two men stand out here. Lamar Hunt brought soccer to Columbus when no one else would. There were over 10,000 season ticket deposits in 1994 and Mr. Hunt took the leap of faith that Ohio was soccer country. Lamar Hunt and now his children have been steadfast in their support of the team, if a bit thrifty at times.

Dave Whelan likewise bought Wigan when they were losing traction in the third division back in 1995. An influx of funds reversed their fortunes and fans started to return to the team. Wigan climbed up the league ladder and made it to the Premier League for the first time in 2005.

"The Unfashionable Derby" - Earlier I referred to a quip made at the expense of Columbus. It was actually a foreign reporter who was travelling from Washington D.C. to Columbus calling it “an all together less fashionable part of the United States”. Much like Wigan doesn't have the glamour of London. Commenter Lockstep took the quote to it's logical conclusion, the Crew and Wigan are set to play in "The Unfashionable Derby". It may not look good on a billboard promoting the game, but to diehard fans, the phrase fits.

Under-20 World Cup: Ones to Watch - Includes current and former Manchester United men and Arsenal target

Whilst the Under 20 World Cup in Turkey may not be at the top of everyone’s viewing list, it should prove to be an interesting tournament with many high profile players taking part all looking to follow in the footsteps of Xavi, Juan Roman Riquelme, Oscar and Dani Alves in lifting the trophy this summer. Past Golden Ball winners for Player of the Tournament include Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Robert Prosinecki and Seydou Keita. But which players are in contention for the crown this year?
Paul Pogba – France: Easily the biggest name at the tournament, Les Bleus captain Pogba comes into the competition off the back of a breakout season for the 20 year-old having made 37 appearances in total with title winning Juventus. Considered one of the planet’s best youngsters can the midfielder cope with the pressure of the armband and the expectation of his country? He will have to keep his temper in check and not react to targeting like in Italy when he spat at an opponent after being hit in the face. With players like Kondogbia and Thauvin around him France have a real chance at the title this summer.
Gerard Deulofeu – Spain: Deulofeu is exciting. Combining pace and trickery to deadly effect, the Attacker netted 18 times for Barcelona B last season. Hailed as the new Messi by Los Culés the youngster won’t be starting for the first team next year with Neymar joining but he has been moved up to the first team. The Girona teenager does know how to win though already boasting 2 Euro Under-19 titles and the 2012 Golden Player Award.
Nicolás López – Uruguay: Despite wanting a move away from his club side AS Roma, López arrives in Turkey as a threat to all defences he will face. A tricky forward with a wondrous left foot, Nico has 7 goals in 10 appearances so far for Under-20 side and will be looking to impress watching scouts as he longs for more playing time than the 6 appearances he made for the Giallorossi in the 2012/13 Serie A season. Likely to be paired up front with Gonzalo Mastriani, Lopez should certainly end the competition with some goals and assists if Uruguay turn up in form.
Ángelo Henríquez – Chile: Staying with the South American theme, next on the list is the 5”10 Manchester United striker. Although he didn’t get much chance to show what he can do on loan at Wigan, Henríquez is a star man in this Chile side which also features Bryan Rabello of Sevilla and Chelsea’s Cristian Cuevas in midfield. Don’t be surprised to see him at the top of the scoring charts after group games against Iraq, Egypt and England.
Best of the rest:
Josip Radošević – Croatia: Signed by Napoli for a total of €3,000,000 the defensive midfielder will look to lead his side to the top of Group F.
Luis Gil – America: Livewire midfielder that will have a tough time in a group containing Spain and France but has experience belying his young age.
Yaya Sanogo – France: The Arsenal new boy will be the tip of France’s attack and has a great chance of being top scorer if the French manage to avoid implosion like previous tournaments.
James Ward-Prowse – England: Arguably the Three Lions most talented player in Turkey, Ward-Prowse will look to use his skills to dominate opposition midfields.
Bruma – Portugal: The lively winger will look to use his pace to exploit poor defending, though his Portugal side may struggle.
Mavroudis Bougaidis – Greece: Extremely athletic centre back, Bougaidis has a lot of experience of international football and this could prove important in the tournament.

Players stuck in limbo: Nani, Kaka and more stars wandering the transfer desert

talkSPORT look at some of the stars that appear to be stuck in limbo this summer

By talkSPORT magazine | Saturday, June 22, 2013

0 10 0

 

Transfers are often far from straight forward. Some players find themselves in a situation where they are on the fringes at their present club, but finding it difficult to attract a buyer.

With that that in mind, talkSPORT look at the players stuck in limbo, featuring Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal stars, and many more...

Name: Johan Djourou
Club: Arsenal

Swiss international Johan Djourou has been deemed persona non grata at the Emirates for a while now, and was sent out on loan to Hannover for the 2012/13 season. The Swiss international doesn't look likely to be given a second chance with the Gunners, but the London side are said to be struggling to find a buyer for him, despite his admission that he would like to stay in Germany.

Name: Nani
Club: Manchester United

Mr Inconsistency himself, Luis Nani is entering the final year of his Manchester United contract, yet buyers for the Portuguese winger have not been forthcoming. The player has admitted that a move to Portugal doesn't look viable and that he could yet stay at Old Trafford, but it's hard to see David Moyes carrying him in a crucial debut season for the new manager.

Name: John Guidetti
Club: Manchester City

Remember him? Once talked up as the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester City's John Guidetti has had a nightmare of a time since 2012, when a problem with a virus followed by a string of injuries de-railed the progress he was making in a loan spell with Feyenoord. This year, he has been with City's reserves, and while links with Sunderland in particular fail to go away, as it stands, his future remains a mystery.

Name: Bojan Krkic
Club: Barcelona

Once considered to be potentially even better than Lionel Messi, striker Bojan Krkic hasn't quite matched up to that billing in recent seasons. The Catalan was sent to Roma in a complicated move in 2011, with Barcelona obliged to buy him back in the summer of 2013 if the Italian side decided against paying a significant additional fee to make the deal permanent. It proved ambitious on Barca's behalf, as he flattered to deceive in Rome, before being sent on a further loan to Milan, who have also decided against signing him. As a result, Barcelona are now set to pay Roma €13m for a player they don't want, leaving the youngster in a precarious position to say the least.

Name: Kaka
Club: Real Madrid

Almost as soon as the ink was dry on Ricardo Kaka's then record move to Real Madrid in 2009, the Brazilian was directed towards the Bernabeu exit. The main problem for Madrid is that they're desperate to recover some of the cash they blew on the attacker, but age and poor form means suitors aren't willing to pay what the Spaniards had hoped for. A return to Brazil is now most likely, but whether any teams from his home nation can match Madrid's evaluation is a different question.

Which of these stars do you expect to be put out of their transfer misery this summer? Let us know below...