Chelsea are trailing AC Milan’s Alexandre Pato according to the Mirror with a cash-plus-player deal being mooted.
Manager Andre Villas-Boas is set to try and persuade Blues owner Roman Abramovich to try and sign the Brazilian forward.
A £30 million-player-plus-cash deal is in the pipeline for the player who has been tracked by Chelsea for the last three years.
Villas-Boas see’s the striker as the perfect foil for Fernando Torres and believes their partnership could fire the club to Champions League success.
Chelsea are understood to be willing to offer £20 million plus either Nicolas Anelka or Salomon Kalou in exchange for Pato’s services.
It’s thought that Milan are prepared to let the Brazilian go if they can secure the signature of Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli.
However they may ask Chelsea for more money if they do go ahead with a move for Balotelli who has admitted he wants a move away from City.
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.
Pato scored 14 goals in 25 appearances last season at the San Siro despite being afflicted by minor injures all year losing his place in the national team to Neymar in the process.
However the 21-year-old has plenty of Champions League experience for a player of his age and fits the profile of the type of player Villas-Boas wants at Stamford Bridge.
Gerard Houllier’s rivalry with Sir Alex Ferguson resumes as Aston Villa make the trip to Manchester United on Tuesday.
Frenchman Houllier has overseen Premier League victories over the Red Devils manager on five occasions, all of which came during his tenure as Liverpool boss from 1998 to 2004.
It is a record bettered only by Houllier’s compatriot Arsene Wenger, who has led Arsenal to nine league wins against Ferguson’s side, the most of any manager.
But while Houllier’s personal record against the most successful team in Premier League history is solid, Villa’s is anything but. The Midlands club have claimed a solitary win from their last 30 league clashes against United.
It is a dismal record that Houllier’s men were on the verge of improving when the sides last met, only for them to throw away a two-goal lead in the final 10 minutes as United limped away from Villa Park with a 2-2 draw in November.
After overcoming recent struggles that resulted in a brief stint in the relegation zone, Villa have recorded three straight victories in all competitions and will take growing belief with them to Old Trafford.
The forward combination of Gabriel Agbonlahor and new signing Darren Bent will be integral if they are to claim the unlikely three points, particularly given that Agbonlahor has been a constant source of goals against the Red Devils – the speedy striker has netted four of his side’s past eight goals against Ferguson’s men.
However, table-topping United are a daunting prospect at home, where they have won their last eight league games.
Undefeated in the league this season and sitting five points clear of second-place Arsenal, Ferguson’s side are primed to claim their 12th title under the long-serving Scotsman since the inauguration of the Premier League in 1993.
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.
They will be heavy favourites to account for Villa, but may need to get by with a makeshift defence, as Rafael (concussion) and Rio Ferdinand (groin) are both in doubt.
Midfielder Michael Carrick may return following an ankle injury, while Patrice Evra will return to boost Ferguson’s dwindling defensive stocks after missing Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Southampton because of a family bereavement.
Houllier will have the majority of his squad to choose from for the trip to the North West, with Fabian Delph and Stephen Ireland, both battling knee problems, the only absentees.
Jack Wilshere is no longer being considered as a possible player for Team GB at the Olympics, according to The Daily Mail.
The Arsenal midfielder is on the road to recovery after missing the entire 2011-12 season through injury, and it is expected that Wilshere will be in training in Gunners pre-season.
Stuart Peace has previously stated that he was considering Wilshere as a potential player to represented the amalgamated team this summer in the London Games.
However, it is now thought that Pearce has succumbed to pressure from club boss Arsene Wenger, and has not included Wilshere in his 35-man Team GB initial shortlist.
The likes of David Beckham and Craig Bellamy have all but been confirmed to be ready to compete, however the remaining players to represent Great Britain are yet to be seen.
Wilshere exclusion will mean that he can focus on getting fit and ready for 2012-13 in north London.
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.
Wesley Sneijder’s move to Manchester United is back on according to The Mirror if the player will accept a restructured pay-deal.
The Dutchman has been linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer, as Sir Alex Ferguson wants him to replace retired star Paul Scholes.
Inter Milan have now paved the way for Sneijder to swap Serie A for the Premier League after accepting, in principle, a £30 million-plus offer made at the weekend.
It’s understood that Sneijder has been given permission by Inter to talk to United officials although a stumbling block could be the players wages.
Given the tax favourable status in Italy the Dutchman isn’t keen on taking a pay cut although he would still earn around £190,000-a-week, which stretches out of United’s pay structure.
It is thought compromise could be reached with the English Champions prepared to offer a large wage supplemented by bonuses and signing-on-fees that would spread over the length of the contract.
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.
Talks between Ferguson and chief executive David Gill have taken place regarding the salary package that wouldn’t go beyond United’s structure.
Sneijder’s agent is set to fly into London before the weekend to discuss the transfer and if all goes to plan the club are hoping to have him training with the squad before the new season kicks off.
There wasn’t much love lost between Tottenham and Newcastle in their Premier League encounter at White Hart Lane this week. Joey Barton was at the centre of many unrepeatable chants from the Spurs fans, while Younes Kaboul was dismissed for his ill-advised headbutt. However, it seems that two players did get up close and personal, as here’s Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes whispering sweet nothings to Newcastle’s Andy Carroll, but what is the Spurs ‘keeper saying?
Leave your suggestions below…
[divider]
This week you can win a copy of FIFA 11!
FIFA 11 reinvents player authenticity – on and off the ball – for every player and at every position on the pitch with Personality+, an all-new feature that sees individual abilities reflected in game, enabling clear differentiation for every player.
For the FootballFanCast.com Caption Competition Terms and Conditions click here
[divider]
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.
Check out our Caption Competition Gallery for some inspiration and to see the winners so far.
Last week’s winner: gazmans – click here to see all entries
For all of his prowess in the transfer market, Arsene Wenger has also made his fair share of mistakes in the past, with some questionable signings scattered throughout his 16 year reign at Arsenal.
The current Arsenal playing squad is seen by many to expose some underperforming individuals that illustrate some of these poor dealings. Players such as Marouanne Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci have played hardly any part at all in the last season, having both joined in the summer of 2010.
Then there are those who have come through The Gunners’ academy and youth setups. The likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Johan Djourou and Henri Lansbury, have all had more than their fair share of opportunities in the first team, and it’s time Wenger became more ruthless and showed some of these underperformers the door.
At times in the past season, Arsenal’s lack of strength in depth was brought into question. January saw the emergency 2 month loan of club legend Thierry Henry from New York Red Bulls, while Nicklas Bendtner stayed on loan at Sunderland and Carlos Vela at Real Sociedad. Maybe Wenger realises these players aren’t up to scratch, and sees their 34 year old former club captain more likely to bring success to the Emirates.
A lack of ruthlessness by Arsene Wenger is something that Arsenal fans, by now, must be all too familiar with and prove to be an immense source of frustration. Not only in the transfer market, but also in an inability to wave goodbye to those who have shown the do not cut the mustard at the Arsenal.
By becoming more assertive, Wenger’s side will inevitably reap the rewards. Clearing out some of the underperformers and bringing in those more worthy of a shot at the first team brings greater levels of competitiveness and those who are underperforming in the first team will have a greater run for their money, rather than being called up regardless of poor form because there simply isn’t anyone better. For example, Thomas Vermaelen’s poor form this season was not met by being dropped from the team, as neither Djourou nor Squillaci could provide any improvement following Per Mertesacker’s injury.
This is not the first time a clearout has been called for at the end of a season. Last summer, a clearout never happened, and talk surrounding the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri occupied the Arsenal board and manager for three months, resulting in a poor start ot the season.
This year, players have already stated their intention to leave the club. Midfielder Denilson has already expressed his desire to stay in Brazil with Sao Paolo, and Real Sociedad seem intent on keeping Carlos Vela. With this being the case, Wenger needs to be ruthless in pushing players out. They aren’t content on staying with Arsenal and, in most cases, have already shown they do not have enough quality to improve the current Gunners team and turn them into contenders for major trophies.
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.
Amidst all the speculation and contract negotiations in trying to keep Robin Van Persie with the club, Arsenal should also look to be more ruthless and terminate the contracts of those players who have scarcely contributed despite their chances.
Does Wenger need to be more ruthless or do these players deserve another chance? Let me know: @ultimate_dav
Manchester United is a team in transition. The summer arrivals of David de Gea, Ashley Young and Phil Jones indicate a real shift in focus from Sir Alex Ferguson. But whilst the United ship is firmly set on course for a new era under Fergie, one player is getting left behind.
Defender Jonny Evans has made 84 appearances for United since his debut in September 2007 and the 23-year-old was long seen as the successor to the established pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The departures of fellow defenders John O’Shea and Wes Brown to Sunderland may have given some hope to Evans but unfortunately the capture of Jones and tying Chris Smalling to a new five-year deal seems to have pushed Evans back down the pecking order once again.
The defender has said this week he is happy to fight for his place at United despite the intense competition for places. Ferguson is also an obvious admirer of Evans’ talents as he has worked his way up the youth ranks at Old Trafford and may want him to stay as he can act as cover across the back four but Evans must now look elsewhere to establish himself as a formidable Premier League defender.
Evans didn’t enjoy the most successful of campaigns last season. Despite picking up another league winners medal, Evans struggled for form and missed out on a place in United’s Champions League final squad. He made 13 league appearances for United but his season was slightly soured when he was also involved in a bad (but completely unintentional) challenge with Stuart Holden that earned Evans a straight red card and left Bolton’s Holden out for six months.
The £16 million deal to bring relatively inexperienced Jones to Old Trafford and Smalling’s new contract seem to line up the pair as the replacements for the current partnership of Vidic and Ferdinand. Hopefully Evans wasn’t watching the U21 European Championships this summer where despite England’s failure, Jones and Smalling shone as a partnership at the back. And despite the pair being lined up as replacements in the long term, Ferdinand and Vidic still look a way off both leaving United after another successful league winning campaign. This is all good news for Fergie and United but not Evans.
A possible move away from Old Trafford may still be on the cards for Evans and if he does leave, there could be plenty of suitors for the defender. Wolves, Sunderland and Tottenham are all rumoured to have shown an interest though Wolves and Sunderland have already purchased defensive cover this summer. As an agile and calm defender Evans definitely possess the skills to ply his trade in the Premier League.
Despite enjoying a mixed season and not being a first-choice starter Evans still managed 21 appearances for United last year, a stat that might give him hope that his future could still be in Manchester. At 23 he is nowhere past his best and should have many more years in football ahead of him. But Evans must now decide whether he is happy as a squad player at United or ready to break in the starting eleven elsewhere.
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.
If you want to read more of my bite size, 160 character views and thoughts follow me on Twitter @jennyk5
The circus that is the January transfer window is coming to a Premier League club near you. Whatever my thoughts are on the window, they can be put aside for the excitement the month of January gives. This one is like no other. Players have declared they are leaving, and it looks like most clubs will do business. Clubs are looking to move players on to finance bringing in new players. Without a doubt it will be exciting for everyone. We look at 10 players that are set to leave their clubs and either move to the Premier League or stay in it. Some of these players have expressed their intentions to leave their clubs and some have had little chance to show what they can do. Here is our 10 most wanted of the January transfer window….
Click on image below to see the TOP TEN
[divider]
[divider]
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.
Like what you read? Follow me on twitter
Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of Juventus v Man City and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!
Selhurst Park greeted two and a half thousand Cardiff City supporters including Lord Neil Kinnock, lifelong passionate Cardiff City supporter who had gone to his first match with his father and grandfather as a very young boy.
The former labour party leader’s grandson was the Bluebirds mascot for the match – there was a symmetry to that and to the whole day. This was new manager Malky Mackay and his team laying to rest the ghost of the former team by matching their achievements and reaching the championship play-offs.
The City fans, some of them in fancy dress, gathered in jovial spirit -every man woman and child believed that this time City were going to do it by their own hand.
The game kicked off and immediately City showed their intentions. Gunnarsson linking up with Lawrence down the left who floated a tricky cross into the box where Palace ‘keeper Lewis Price collected it confidently. A minute later he was in action again parrying away a powerfully struck, long range shot from Lawrence. The ball fell to Joe Mason tight on the near post but before he could tuck it away. Price had scrambled to his feet and palmed it behind for a City corner.
It was all Bluebirds until 13 minutes when a misunderstanding in midfield gave the ball to Darren Ambrose who slotted the ball cleverly through to Wilfried Zaha -the winger was clean through on goal, a moment of ‘Marshall madness’ ensued! He charged out to get the ball but Zaha keeping his composure tucked the ball neatly through Marshall with two back tracking defenders helpless to do anything other than to look on as it went into a gaping net. It was a rare mistake from the big Scottish ‘keeper, this season he has been the Bluebirds most improved player.
Groans from the City faithful were quickly changed to cheers. Today we were determined to cheer, come what may, we’d all vowed, players and supporters alike we weren’t going down lightly we were taking our shot at going up fighting!
City continued to dominate and Palace had little to offer, happy to knock the ball about at the back, City instigated attack after attack at the Palace defence. The final ball was lacking again but the spirit, passion and determination that had been missing from the side was now in evidence – it was surely only a matter of time before Cardiff were level?
I could see a young ‘Smurf’ high on his dads shoulders, he was shouting out instructions to the team and trying to rally and lead the supporters chants, clearly he had an unquestionable belief and as a man standing next to me said “Who are any of us to doubt a Smurf!” We were one nil down but there was an amazing carnival atmosphere, it was pouring with rain we were wet, cold and losing but we didn’t care.
The second half started the same way the first had ended – all Cardiff. Palace defending deeply, the Bluebirds harassing, hounding, confounding the Palace defensive line, Miller came close to scoring whistling an angled shot across a floundering Price’s goal. Then 52 minutes into the game, Mason going down the right side was brought down resulting in a yellow card and a free kick near the corner post to Cardiff. Whittingham stepped up to take it – what came next was sublime! Whittingham spotting Price was ill-prepared and poorly positioned, whipped the ball in with a wicked curling shot that passed everyone without taking any deflection straight into the far corner of the net. Everyone connected with Cardiff City be it on the pitch, in the dugout or in the stands -screamed and danced with exuberance.
Dougie Freedman who had history with Cardiff after making inflammatory comments on the eve of the Carling Cup Semi Final between the two teams saying that Cardiff fans were scared (a comment he later withdrew saying he had been misquoted), nevertheless wanted revenge for that Carling Cup defeat, made an immediate change taking off Sean Scannell for Antonio Pedroza.
It was to be in vain, on 61 minutes The Bluebirds took the lead. The constant pressure played off thanks to a long Aron Gunnersson throw-in, level with the corner flag, club captain Mark Hudson met it nodding it down and back to Don Cowie on the edge of the box. Cowie connected with the ball sweetly hitting it on the volley with near flawless technique and the ball flew through a mass of bodies into the bottom hand corner of the net. There was mass scream of “YES!” in the Bluebird end, quickly followed by dancing and hugging. The Smurf threw his hat into the air for it to never been seen again, a chant of Eddie Mays Barmy army went up – in my exuberance I hit notes Sir Tom Jones would have been proud of! It was at that point my voice went and I know I wasn’t alone.
Cardiff City were now playing excellent football, the style and quality we all know the team is capable of. Better still it was with passion, belief, heart, conviction and flair! All of which had been lacking during the run of depressing draws which had threatened to blight the season but was all in the past now and those draws depressing as they had seemed at the time had counted to get us into the play-off positions we were now comfortably sitting in, with the knowledge that the current Cardiff squad are big game players, ask Liverpool!
City were cruising, Palace were a one man team. Only goal scorer Zaha having anything that caused any concern and his surges down the wings were dealt with easily, Whittingham playing in his favoured forward left midfield position was immense, the dominant force in the centre. In the 89th minute Bluebird legend Robert Earnshaw came on to be part of the play off party – it seemed right and fitting that when the final whistle blew a link with past glories (Earnshaw was part of the squad that had been promoted into the championship) was on the pitch.
I said at the beginning it was a day for symmetry, of full circles – Malky Makay has led a squad he had to build practically from scratch from slim pickings, thanks to a tight budget and an unyielding loan market, and he has not only matched the achievements of former Bluebird manager Dave Jones reaching the playoffs, he has trumped them with the Carling Cup Final appearance, an appearance which provided a day of magic and excitement that along with the 2008 FA Cup appearance will live in the hearts and minds of all Cardiff City supporters for the rest of their days.
The final results filtered through to us and confirmed it’s Thursday night May the 3rd and West Ham at Cardiff City Stadium, then on to Upton Park on Bank Holiday Monday the 7th of May for the return leg.
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.
Cardiff City go into those play-off games with no pressure, all expectations exceeded, it’s the first time in recent seasons that’s been the case and they also have the knowledge they are the equals of anyone, West ham be afraid be very afraid!
The play off final it’s self is On May 19th Eddie May’s birthday, seems meant, written in the stars it’s our year.
Liverpool have seemingly been linked with every winger in Europe in the past week as the media try to second guess Kenny Dalglish. A deal for Downing is looking most likely; especially with reports suggesting that the winger is set to put a transfer request in so to force a summer move.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of blogs that include why Charlie Adam would be a good signing; the pros and cons of Stewart Downing, while rival managers cannot second guess Kenny Dalglish.
We also look at the best Liverpool articles around the web this week.
*
Time for Liverpool to get their finger out in the transfer market?
The pros and cons of a Liverpool deal
To those who think Liverpool shouldn’t sign him, think again
Liverpool’s transfer activity and player development (Hybrid Moneyball)
Time to give Liverpool newbie a break
The seven signings by Kenny Dalglish this summer?
Trying to decipher Kenny’s transfer plans at Liverpool
Udinese star set to snub Arsenal for Liverpool
*Best of WEB*
Why Managers will find it hard to second guess King Kenny – Live4Liverpool
Time is a luxury Liverpool do not have – Our Kop
Why I Fear For Jordan Henderson – The Tomkins Times
Damien Comolli can work successfully with Kenny Dalglish despite previous problems with Martin Jol – Anfield Opinion
Why FSG are wise to invest in the future, but should never overlook quick success – This is Anfield
How the Reds maybe able to get £20M MORE to spend – Live4Liverpool
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.
Click on Mikel Arteta’s lady to unveil our WAG XI of the season