Tottenham Hotspur are set to launch a January transfer bid for highly-rated Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Patrick Herrmann, according to The Sun.
The north London club are going through a squad revamp under new coach Andre Villas-Boas, with the Portuguese head coach looking to add young prospects to his contingent.
The White Hart Lane side are believed to be one of the Premier League clubs that will look to add further players in the new year, with the Bundesliga star on a number of managers’ wishlist.
Herrmann played a key role in leading Mönchengladbach to third place in the German top flight last season against the odds, with the side qualifying for the Champions League unexpectedly after being close to relegation the season before.
The box-to-box midfielder has represented Germany from under-16 to under-21 level; he has played six times for the under 21s.
Herrmann has an eye for goal and has scored 10 goals for Mönchengladbach in 56 games since making his first-team debut for the club in 2010.
It is believed that Inter are also keen on the young German, with Herrmann valued at around £7.5 million.
Mönchengladbach have lost some of their key players since impressing last term, with Dante and Marco Reus joining Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the summer respectively.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
It is thought that a move to one of the major European leagues would be too good an opportunity to turn down for Herrmann, while the club are realistic that a move to a bigger club cannot be avoided.
Spurs are still looking to bolster their midfield options after Luka Modric left for Real Madrid in the summer.
Everton striker Victor Anichebe is desperate to break his derby duck against Liverpool on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Nigerian striker has yet to score against Liverpool and insists that derby day goals are the benchmark of any good Goodison forward.
Despite suffering a head injury last time out against QPR, Anichebe is expected to start against Liverpool as Steven Pienaar’s dismissal means that David Moyes will have to re-shuffle his side’s attacking options.
Despite high hopes of breaking his personal hoodoo against Liverpool in the 219th Merseyside derby, Anichebe has less selfish hopes of seeing the Blues pick up three points as Everton look to remain in the top four.
“I was thinking about the fact that I haven’t scored against Liverpool recently,” the Everton striker told the Liverpool Echo.
“I really want to change that – it would mean a lot to me.
“Scoring is always nice no matter who it’s against but against Liverpool would be extra special.
“It’d be nice for me and the fans. Jela has done it and many of Everton’s best centre forwards over the years can say they’ve done it.
“More important though is that we win.
“That’d be perfect for us,” he added.
Anichebe has netted on four occasions this season, two coming in the Premier League and is hoping goals in the derby will help his claims for more first team action.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Everton fans are still waiting to hear whether influential midfielder Marouane Fellaini is going to be fit for the clash on Sunday.
Liverpool’s decision to remain at Anfield is one that makes economic sense according to the club’s managing director, Ian Ayre, with the club deciding to increase the capacity of their own ground instead of moving to a new stadium.
He claims that moving to a new stadium would cost £300million, a cost which would not justify building a brand new stadium with only 15,000 more seats than Anfield.
It will come as relief to the club’s long-suffering fans that the club now has a clear direction for the future; and that extra money will be raised for potential new signings to take the club back into contention for major honours.
Many of the club’s supporters struggled with the concept of leaving their traditional home; a move which was supported by Hicks and Gillett in their turbulent tenure at the club.
The unpopular pair wasted £50million into planning of a new stadium, money which the new owners, FSG, have been forced to write off
Liverpool’s £150 million investment in Anfield will please the traditionalists, considering the ground is the only which the club has ever had; however there are still a number of drawbacks in remaining at the site.
The economic benefits of staying have been well-publicised, but the club needs to address the on-going housing situation around the ground if it wants to increase the capacity.
The club still needs to purchase houses around the stadium and consequently demolish them in order to take the ground’s capacity to 60,000; with reports claiming that Ian Ayre would be happy to fork out more than market value for the properties.
In addition, staying at Anfield means the club cannot walk away from the long-standing logistical problems which include; poor parking, poor public transport and traffic chaos on match days.
Staying at the site and not moving to Stanley Park also makes it more difficult for the club’s out of town fans to bring money to the club; with a brand new stadium possibly making the club more commercially viable in appealing to the global market.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Despite Ayre’s announcement, there is still a large degree of uncertainty surrounding the stadium expansion; as the planning application is not due to be submitted until next summer and consultations with residents have yet to begin.
Staying at Anfield may be a money-saver in the short-term, but it remains to be seen whether the decision will be thought of as a shrewd move or a missed opportunity.
The first few months of 2012 didn’t look too favourably upon Newcastle United striker Demba Ba. After suffering a demoralising exit from the African Cup of Nations, Ba mustered a solitary goal in the remaining four months of the season, as he was forced to live in the shadow of his shiny new strike partner.
However, since the beginning of the new Premier League campaign, Ba has rediscovered his elusive shooting boots and begun trading blows with Robin van Persie at the top of the goalscoring charts. It seems that every time he finds the back of net the tabloids force him closer to the exit at St. James’ Park, but would a transfer to the reported destination of Liverpool really benefit either party?
There’s no denying that Demba Ba is idolised on Tyneside and has far exceeded the expectations placed upon him since joining from West Ham, despite the fact his clinical nature in front of goal nearly spared the Hammers from relegation. Ba has even helped fill the void exposed by the departure of talisman Andy Carroll as the club re-established their place on the European stage.
Many fans will question why Ba would consider destabilising what appears to be an ideal set-up at Newcastle. Alongside the mutual affection with the supporters, he is surrounded by a gifted array of team-mates, many of whom also speak French and share the same religious beliefs.
Yet, scratch the surface and the unmistakable stench of frustration hangs in the air as manager Alan Pardew struggles to craft a winning formula that involves both his lethal Senegalese pairing. Last month Ba emerged from the bench to bag a brace and rescue a draw against Everton before publicly declaring his disappointment – via his agent – at his apparent part-time role within the team.
“Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Demba doesn’t understand the management.
“If he continues to be a substitute all season, we’ll look at other solutions.
“How could you put your best striker with full confidence on the left wing?” (Daily Mail)
Ba has been an unforeseen victim of Papiss Cisse’s success, after he was effectively made impotent on the wing in order to support his new free-scoring compatriot. This season has seen Ba return to his preferred position as the fixed point of attack, which has reopened the flood gates although it now means he is competing for a single place alongside Cisse and Shola Ameobi. Ba clearly likes to be the focus the attention, what striker doesn’t? But would he merit such a status at Liverpool?
For better or worse Brendan Rodgers’ strike force currently consists solely of Luis Suarez. As much as it pains me to say it, Suarez is one of the most gifted players in the league. His movement off the ball is surpassed only when he finds the ball at his feet and as Burnley defender Kevin Long pointed out on Twitter, the man could nutmeg a mermaid. His brilliance has forced new signing Fabio Borini onto the wing, hindering the Italian much in the same way that Ba was last season.
However, neither Suarez nor Borini are notorious for their prolific nature in front of goal. Ba is natural finisher, a player who harbours a similar degree of strength and aerial presence as Andy Carroll coupled with a greater potential to conform to new tiki-taka tactics on display at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers will surely be deliberating a potential move in January alongside a number of other candidates, but he is unlikely to be able to offer a path straight into the first-team.
If Liverpool can’t offer a distinguished spot in their starting XI, what can they offer? Both teams are currently enjoying/enduring life in the Europa League and neither side are likely to achieve Champions League qualification this time around. As obnoxious as it sounds, Liverpool are perhaps more willing to present Ba with the significant pay rise that the striker has been desperately chasing.
Pardew has reportedly told Ba that contract discussions will not happen until the summer, which also means that his £7m release clause will remain in effect. However, despite his infamous injury troubles, Ba will no doubt feel aggrieved that his manager has been rewarded for his efforts with a new long-term deal and he has not.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
At 27 years of age Ba is entering his physical prime and will perhaps have one eye on that ‘career defining’ big move. His reputation as a player that can fashion goals out of thin air will always prove a desirable trait and one that Brendan Rodgers could well perceive as invaluable.
However, it strikes me that this is simply another typical ‘power play’ episode, which we witness at clubs on a regular basis. Unlike with Ashley Cole and Theo Walcott, Ba’s contract doesn’t expire until 2014, which means the club still hold all the cards. Pardew will be reluctant to let his prime source of goals leave, especially to a league rival but you can guarantee that head scout Graham Carr has already earmarked a portfolio of exciting replacements.
Join me on Twitter @theunusedsub where the antics of Manuel Neuer failed to help Bayern Munich preserve their unbeaten start to the season
Norwich defender Sebastien Bassong is confident that his side can achieve a positive result in their weekend clash with Manchester United.
The Premier League clubs will meet on Saturday, with both carrying good form into the encounter.
United have been free-scoring of late, with summer arrival Robin van Persie netting eight league goals already for his new team.
Norwich on the other hand have been solid defensively, keeping clean sheets in their last two matches and beating Arsenal at home.
Bassong believes that his side have nothing to fear as they host the Red Devils and must continue with their current game plan:
“We don’t have to focus on them too much, just on ourselves and doing the best game we can then we will see what happens.” He is quoted by SkySports.
“Manchester United can scare some people before the game has started, but I am sure it will not be the case with us.”
“Our defensive performances have been spot on, but that is because the team have been playing all together – we have been tight from the front to the goalkeeper.
“We just have to keep that going and with a bit of luck, maybe we can do something.
“When you are solid at the back, you will always get a chance to score.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Although he did admit that United have star names that they must deal with:
“Van Persie has great touch, great quality on the ball. Even if he does not have time he can score goals, he can smell the football and knows where to go, just like Rooney, they know where to move on the pitch. They are high-level players.
“It will be really hard to stop them, but I think we can do it.”
Sammy Ameobi has spoken of his agony after seeing his effort on goal hit the post late on in Newcastle’s dramatic 4-3 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
With the score level at 3-3, the 2nd half substitute had the chance to put the Magpies in front for the fourth time and perhaps seal victory at the ground of the Premier League leaders for the first time since 1972.
But the 20-year-old’s shot struck David De Gea’s post, with United’s Spanish goalkeeper beaten.
“I just cut in and hit it – I scuffed it a little bit, and it rolled on to the post,” Ameobi told The Shields Gazette.
“I was just hoping it went in, but it didn’t.
“I was anxious to play my part. I got my chance, which I’m grateful for, but we just couldn’t nick a win or a point.”
And Ameobi said the players were “devastated” at the final whistle after Javier Hernandez had been left free to slot home an injury-time winner for the Red Devils.
“It was unfortunate that towards the end, our defending wasn’t 100 per cent. It was just unfortunate, really.
“Everyone was devastated in the changing room, just as much as all the fans.
“They gave us great support, and it was unfortunate we conceded,” he added.
“Obviously, we played great football, and the goals came from good running and good passing into the box.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“But we conceded some bad goals as well.
“Had it not been for that, we could have come away with three points.”
Arsenal will hope that they can open 2013 with the same verve and style that they finished off with in 2012. They managed to smash 7 goals past Newcastle even if the 7-3 score line didn’t necessarily reflect how close the game was for long spells.
They will be full of confidence as they managed to pick off the Magpies as they wilted late on while the star of the show on Saturday will certainly take centre stage again.
This being former Southampton star Theo Walcott who is grabbing all the headlines at the moment with Gunners fans urging Arsene Wenger to sign him up.
He will be hoping to make his first start against the Saints since leaving them in January 2006 and will be making an emotional return to St. Mary’s.
Walcott only made a substitute appearance for 15 minutes in the 6-1 demolition job at the Emirates the last time these two teams met and he will be expecting to be initiating a similar result with his goals this time round from a striking position.
The Saints currently find themselves in the relegation zone but have not struggled for goals since returning to the Premier League. It is more a problem at the other end procuring clean sheets.
At the Britannia stadium last time out this summarized their fortunes so far this season as they dazzled in attack and looked good value for all three points against 10 men Stoke but could not see out the job in the 3-3 draw.
Southampton are expected to shuffle the pack but still expect to be without club captain Adam Lallana. Adkins could decide to recall several key men, such as playmaker Gaston Ramirez.
Per Mertesacker could be available after illness for the trip to St Mary’s. Rosicky made the bench against Newcastle so won’t be far off full time contention either. Andre Santos (stomach muscle) and midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) have started light training but won’t feature here.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Arsenal have scored six goals twice in their last six meetings with Southampton and the Saints will be desperate to avoid another morale sapping rout here.
Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Arsenal
Check the odds ahead of the game at St. Mary’s with William Hill here
You can also Get a Free £25 Bet on the game by clicking here
AC Milan are readying bids for Newcastle duo Tim Krul and Davide Santon, according to reports from The Mirror.
The Italians are keen to strengthen their squad, following the departures of a number of first-team players, and have set their sights on the Premier League pair.
Their interest in Santon has been longstanding, with the San Siro side keen to bring him back to Italy following a successful period at St James’ Park.
It is unclear as to whether the player himself is looking to move on, but he could be tempted by the prospect of Champions League football.
Santon was on the books at Milan’s local rivals Inter before switching to the Magpies, but this has not deterred them from considering a move.
They are also believed to be monitoring the situation of goalkeeper Krul, with the Dutchman viewed as a candidate to be the club’s long-term number one.
The 24-year-old is under contract until 2017, but Milan are confident that they can lure him away.
However, they are unlikely to move for the stopper until the summer.
Meanwhile, manager Alan Pardew is set to ask wantaway defender Fabricio Coloccini to remain at the club until at least this summer.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
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 Argentine is keen to return to his homeland for personal reasons, and has reportedly asked the club to release him from his contract.
Tottenham Hotspur wide man David Bentley has joined former club Blackburn Rovers on loan until the end of the season as reported by Sky Sports.
Bentley has failed to establish himself at White Hart Lane since his £15million move in 2008 from Rovers and is not in Andre Villas-Boas’ squad for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old will be looking to rediscover the sort of form that earned him seven England caps and that big money move back to North London while he was Ewood Park.
Failed loan spells at Birmingham City, West Ham and Russian outfit FC Rostov have not helped Bentley’s career as he was tipped to become the next David Beckham when he first came on the scene.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Rovers are more than happy to bring Bentley back to the North West and with Michael Appleton’s side now moving in the right direction up the league, a permanent deal could be offered if the England international succeeds.
Paul Lambert has hailed Gabby Agbonlahor’s renewed enthusiasm for the game as a reason why he will be a huge factor in Villa’s run in.
Agbonlahor let his head go down when he went through a barren spell at the end of last season and the start of the new campaign, but he is buzzing again after bagging four times since January.
Lambert said: “I think he has been excellent.
“I think he’s loving his football at the minute, is scoring quite regularly at the moment and when Gabby gets a run at you, there are not many people going to catch him.”
Lambert is not short of pacy options up front, although Darren Bent remains out of the frame for whatever reason at the moment, and the Villa boss highlighted Agbonlahor as one of the reasons why he remains optimitsic about the club’s chances for the rest of this season and beyond.
“He is playing extremely well at the minute and if we can keep him, Charles N’Zogbia, Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann fit, we’ve got loads of options up front,” he added.
“The one thing that was lacking in his game was goals. His stats from that point of view up to the West Brom game weren’t great.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“But what he does bring is genuine pace to the game and a threat. He has added goals and that’s why he is enjoying it. He looks sharp in training.”