After
a good run on Sky Sports' Super 6, I have decided to share a few of my
predictions. I'll give the outcomes and the reasons why I have chose
them.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea
0-2
What's your prediction?
Tom Ince, one of the Championship's most
highly rated players, still continues to stun teams with his deft
touches and classy finishes. With clubs in the Premier League and
throughout Europe already expressing interest, it brings in to question:
when will the time be right for the 21-year old winger to move on from
the seaside?
Despite the youngster having been at the epicentre of a lot of transfer speculation this summer, the England U-21 still remains a Blackpool player having seen teams such as newly promoted Cardiff City and André Villas-Boas' Tottenham try and swoop in for the young Englishman.
Last season, Ince impressed heavily by scoring 18 goals for the Seasiders and the Blackpool player has shown no signs of stopping there as he has made an impressive start to the 2013-2014 Championship campaign. Ince has scored 6 goals from 11 starts this season, a run of form that has seen more clubs interested in securing the 21-year olds signature.
With other teams being mentioned in the Tom Ince saga, such as a newly renovated Everton side at the hands of Roberto Martinez and an influenced French legion at Newcastle United, it is not going to be easy to lure the youngster away from Bloomfield road.
Blackpool currently lie fourth in the Championship this season and although the Seasiders are desperate to hold onto their star player, a move in the near future to the Premier League looks inevitable if the youngster wants to continue his progress to improve as a complete player.
However, teams may have a slight problem in trying to attract Ince junior to their club as his future may lie in the hands of Blackpool manager, role model and father, Paul Ince who will want the best deal in the progress for his son's future.
Along with the ever-growing interest from Premier League clubs, Italian sides such as Napoli, Juventus and Inter Milan are expressing an interest in Blackpool's hot prospect.
Ince's current contract at Blackpool expires at the end of the season and Blackpool will need to act fast to get the best deal that they can for the youngster, or even think about a possible contract extension. If not, with the winger being under 24 years of age, he could possibly leave Bloomfield Road for a minimal compensation fee.
Despite the youngster having been at the epicentre of a lot of transfer speculation this summer, the England U-21 still remains a Blackpool player having seen teams such as newly promoted Cardiff City and André Villas-Boas' Tottenham try and swoop in for the young Englishman.
Last season, Ince impressed heavily by scoring 18 goals for the Seasiders and the Blackpool player has shown no signs of stopping there as he has made an impressive start to the 2013-2014 Championship campaign. Ince has scored 6 goals from 11 starts this season, a run of form that has seen more clubs interested in securing the 21-year olds signature.
With other teams being mentioned in the Tom Ince saga, such as a newly renovated Everton side at the hands of Roberto Martinez and an influenced French legion at Newcastle United, it is not going to be easy to lure the youngster away from Bloomfield road.
Blackpool currently lie fourth in the Championship this season and although the Seasiders are desperate to hold onto their star player, a move in the near future to the Premier League looks inevitable if the youngster wants to continue his progress to improve as a complete player.
However, teams may have a slight problem in trying to attract Ince junior to their club as his future may lie in the hands of Blackpool manager, role model and father, Paul Ince who will want the best deal in the progress for his son's future.
Along with the ever-growing interest from Premier League clubs, Italian sides such as Napoli, Juventus and Inter Milan are expressing an interest in Blackpool's hot prospect.
Ince's current contract at Blackpool expires at the end of the season and Blackpool will need to act fast to get the best deal that they can for the youngster, or even think about a possible contract extension. If not, with the winger being under 24 years of age, he could possibly leave Bloomfield Road for a minimal compensation fee.
Soccer
Belgian Stars Continue to Ignite the Premier League With Their Tantalising Skills
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International football has always been dominated by South American teams, such as Brazil and Argentina, and they have produced some of the best players in the history of football. However, the past few years have seen European teams that weren't of high quality grow in class, dominance and reputation. Spain and the Netherlands have experienced a golden age, producing two squads of world-class players, and have been dominating International competitions for over six years.
Soccer
Arsenal 0 - 2 Chelsea: Chelsea Fringe Players Step Up To Beat Gunners
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The tie of the round saw José Mourinho and his Chelsea side travel to the Emirates Stadium and play high flying Arsenal in the Capital One Cup. Both teams fielded a mixture of starting 11 and back up players, but the Portuguese manager will be the most pleased with the performance from his side.
Cesc Fabregas has sometimes been described as being an anarchic player. Tonight, Fabregas stood out in a chaotic match at BalaÃdos, playing a major part in Barça’s first goal, scored by Alexis Sanchez in the ninth minute, before scoring the second and third early in the second half as Tata Martino’s men beat Luis Enrique’s Celta 0-3.
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino is vying to bring Victor Wanyama's brother, Parma midfielder McDonald Mariga, to the St Marys Stadium in January.
GISTS
Wolfsburg on the Hunt for Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa and Chelsea's Kevin De Bruyne
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German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg are monitoring the availability of Kevin De Bruyne and Shinji Kagawa, of Chelsea and Manchester United respectively, and are ready to make moves for both players if the opportunity arises in January.
UEFA have dished out the 'dirt' on CSKA Moscow and ordered them to close a section of their ground for a European game, against Bayern Munich in November, for the abuse directed at Yaya Toure a couple of weeks ago.
RACING
Indian Grand Prix: Young one Sebastian Vettel is FOUR-time world champion
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SEBASTIAN VETTEL became the youngest-ever four-time F1 world champion at the Indian Grand Prix yesterday.
PAUL JAMES is making history – and it couldn’t be more perfectly timed.
Worcester Wolves have made their best start to a BBL season at the same time as moving into their new home.
James, who looks sure to be named BBL Coach of the Month, has presided over seven wins in a row to add to the buzz around the club.
He said: “Moving to the 2,000-seat University of Worcester Arena brought added pressure. It was crucial I put a competitive team on court which people wanted to see.
“It has been a wonderful start and everybody involved with the club has risen to the challenge and bought into what we are trying to achieve.
“The support we get from the local community and the partnership with the University of Worcester has been a brilliant factor.
“You can’t win the league in the first month, but you can certainly lose it and so I’m delighted about where we are right now.”
Into the last eight of the BBL Cup and top of the table, the next landmark for the England coach will be a first trophy for Wolves.
“The supporters have been waiting a long time for any kind of day out,” said James.
“Last season we were strong, but this season we have more quality, physical presence and we’re mentally stronger as a group now.
“We will continue to put the hard work in and hopefully give the fans their special day.”
Chelsea, just 48 hours after an exhilarating win against Manchester City in the Premier League, travel few miles up north as they face Arsenal in the 4th round of the Capital One Cup.
DATE & TIME: October 29, 2013 at 15:45 EDT; October 29, 2013 at 19:45 GMT; October 29, 2013 at 20:45 BST; October 29, 2013 at 20:45 WAT; October 29, 2013 at 21:45 CAT; October 29, 2013 at 22:45 EAT; October 30, 2013 at 01:15 IST.
VENUE: Emirates Stadium, London, United Kingdom.
TV/STREAMING NEWS: The match will be telecast live on Setanta Sports Australia in Australia, SuperSport3 Africa in African sub-continent, beIN Sport Play in Canada, ESPN + Sur in Colombia, Al Jazeera Sport HD1/HD6 in Egypt, beIN Sport 1 in France, SportDigital in Germany, Ten Action in India, Ten Action in Indian sub-continent, Canal +1/HD/30 in Spain, Al Jazeera Sport HD1/HD6 in UAE, Sky Sports 1/HD in UK and beIN Sport in USA.
The game is also available online on Chelsea TV, Sky Go in UK and beIN Sport Play in USA.
The game is also available online on Chelsea TV, Sky Go in UK and beIN Sport Play in USA.
ARSENAL FC SQUAD NEWS: Mathieu Flamini is out with a groin injury. Yaya Sanogo, Abou Diaby, Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are the long term absentees for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta serves his one-match suspension for the red card on Saturday. Gedion Zelalem is also doubtful. Wenger is expected to field a young squad.
Predicted Starting XI: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermalaen, Monreal, Ramsey, Wilshere, Gnabry, Rosicky, Cazorla, Bendtner.
Predicted Starting XI: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermalaen, Monreal, Ramsey, Wilshere, Gnabry, Rosicky, Cazorla, Bendtner.
CHELSEA FC SQUAD NEWS: Marco van Ginkel is the only casualty. Jose Mourinho has an otherwise full squad to choose from. Tomas Kalas, having taken part in a couple of U-21 games is match-fit as well. Mourinho is expected to make a string of changes in the starting line-up as Chelsea play just 48 hours after a crucial Premier League tie against Manchester City. A couple of youths are bound to get a look-in. It should be noted Lewis Baker was previously on the bench against Swindon Town during the 3rd round tie.
Predicted Starting XI: Cech, Azpilicueta, Kalas, Luiz, Bertrand, Essien, Baker, Willian, Mata, KDB, Ba.
Predicted Starting XI: Cech, Azpilicueta, Kalas, Luiz, Bertrand, Essien, Baker, Willian, Mata, KDB, Ba.
REFEREE: Philip Dowd.
TACTICAL OVERVIEW: Arsenal love to play the ball around & tend to drop deep when the opponent has the possession, denying them space to shoot or move the ball forward. Wenger has tried to implement a counter-attacking tactic when Arsenal tend to attack through the wings. Sherry has explained the nitty-gritties of Arsenals’s gameplay in his scouting report.
FUN TRIVIA:
- Mourinho is set to make his 200th appearance as Chelsea manager tonight.
- Chelsea have lost only four of their last 23 meetings with Arsenal in all competitions (W13, D6, L4).
- Juan Mata has 3 goals and 2 assists in 4 appearances against Arsenal in all competitions.
- Chelsea have won the last 3 League Cup ties against Arsenal, including the 2007 final.
IN A NUTSHELL: The Capital One Cup presents opportunities for Chelsea to try out some of the promising youngsters in match situations, as well as to challenge for a trophy. This competition definitely has lost some of its glory as most of the big clubs look to give their youth players a run_in with the big boys. However, the fact that the tie is a London derby against a nemesis whom we have had absorbing contests with, over the last few seasons, just takes the excitement a notch higher. Once the teams come out of the tunnel, it is gonna be all business. Bring on the League Cup!
DAVID MOYES has told Brazilian flop Anderson he can leave Manchester United.
The midfielder is not part of Moyes's plans and will be sold in the next transfer window.
Old Trafford bosses are desperate to get him off the wage bill - and Starsport understands United will listen to offers in the region of £8m for the 25-year-old.
He has made just two starts this season and four appearances in total after finding himself out of favour in the new regime.
A club source said: "Anderson isn't up to the standards required. He just hasn't fulfiled his potential. If someone makes a decent bid for him in January he will be sold."
His departure will free up his £60,000-a-week wages and help Moyes sign a top midfielder next summer.
Anderson joined United in 2007 from Porto for £27m. He was hailed as one of the brightest young talents in Europe and tipped to be a huge success .
But a string of injuries, inconsistent form and a questionable off-field attitude resulting in fitness problems have seen him fail to fulfil his promise.
Chart represents Chelsea’s strategy against City. Has nothing to do with Arsenal, and is just the starting page of my notes.
GISTS
Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher loses over £100k after restaurant plans collapse
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LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher has lost over £100,000 after two city centre restaurants he had backed collapsed.
With the FA celebrating their 150th anniversary, so many years of change and hard work to better the sport threatens to be overshadowed by the problems still existing in the modern game - most notably with officiating.
GISTS
Say sorry! Real Madrid demand Sepp Blatter apologises for mocking Cristiano Ronaldo
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HATED Fifa boss Sepp Blatter has sparked a row with Cristiano Ronaldo - over the Real Madrid superstar's hairstyle!
Each year, pundits and fans try to use their acute intuition to predict who are going to be the breakout stars and surprises of the season ahead. Inevitably, as many Fantasy Football picks have attested too, people rarely make the right choices. Few fans would have anticipated how well these players have started this campaign.
1. GK - Rogério Ceni
Brazilian goalkeeper Rogério Ceni is a unique talent, the man has scored 111 goals with his gloves on. The São Paulo keeper has scored an incredible amount of free-kicks and has beaten his opposite number on many occasions. He just needs to make sure he sprints back to his own goal before the other team kick-off. A proper legend of Brazilian football.
2. DEF - Siniša Mihajlovic
Siniša Mihajlovic, a legendary free-kick taker for club and country. The left-back, sometimes centre-half, took the set-pieces for Yugoslavia and a range of top Italian clubs including Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter Milan. His sweeping left-foot efforts are a pleasure to behold and he is regarded as one of the greatest free-kick takers to grace the field. Watch the clip to see how beautiful the Serbian gaffer's left boot was at finding the corners from dead ball situations.
3. DEF - Roberto Carlos
The former Real Madrid man has scored some screamers throughout his career and is definitely a candidate to smash one from distance. His twinkle toes run up, then a power up and then a missile is sent towards their goalkeeper. Any keepers with butter fingers aren't going to have a chance.
4. MID - David Beckham
We all know he can bend it and David Beckham is one of the best free-kick takers to grace the pitch.
His supreme technique and attention to detail when whipping a ball round a wall into the net of a trembling goalkeeper is a pure art form, something which he's painted over and over again.
He did it consistently on the world stage under pressure, which makes him one of the top candidates to step up to a ball just outside the 18-yard box.
His performance against Greece and his injury-time free-kick to send England to the World Cup back in 2001 still raises goose bumps.
5. FWD - Cristiano Ronaldo
The living legend, Cristiano Ronaldo has modernised how top players take free-kicks.
Portuguese Ronaldo hits the ball at a certain angle and with the help of the design of the modern sphere, he is able to create dip on a thunderous shot with minimal back-lift.
Real Madrid's Ronaldo has mastered the art and even has Gareth Bale copying his technique.
FIFA have released their 23-man shortlist for this year's edition of the Ballon d'Or. Yes, nowadays this is a FIFA institution rather than a France Football institution, so theoretically a player playing outside of Europe can win it, too. I'd mock the theoretical part, but FIFA did award a World Cup to Qatar, so you never know.
In the three years since FIFA took over the running of the award (and UEFA created the Best Player in Europe Award to continue feeling equally important), there's only been one winner: Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo has placed second each of the last two years with Xavi andAndrés Iniesta coming in third once each. In 2010, those two shared the podium behind Messi. Messi won it in 2009 as well (Cristiano second, Xavi third). So basically, all the podiums have been shared between those four guys and it's all become a bit boring. You have to go back to 2008 to find a new name (Fernando Torres, in third) and to 2007 to find a non Spain-based winner (Kaká with AC Milan). But maybe this year there will be a change, just like there was a changing of the guard in the Champions League and the European football landscape in general (at least it felt like one).
Here are this year's nominees:
Gareth Bale, Edinson Cavani, Radamel Falcao, Eden Hazard, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Andrés Iniesta, Philipp Lahm, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Neymar, Mesut Özil, Andrea Pirlo, Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Luis Suárez, Thiago Silva, Yaya Touré, Robin van Persie, Xavi
It'd be tough to argue with any of these choices. Even Neuer makes it as the token goalkeeper and Thiago Silva and Philipp Lahm make it as defenders. See, defensive players are players, too! Thanks for inspiring the next generation of classy, ball-playing defenders, FIFA!
Eden Hazard pops up as the lone Chelsea representative. A Chelsea player has never won this award (although Gullitt, Weah, and Shevchenko all won it before coming to Chelsea); the closest they've come is when Frank Lampard finished a distant second to Ronaldinho in 2005. No shame in that and no shame in Hazard's eventual loss to whomever, either.
Things are a bit more interesting on the coaching side of the deal. Did you know there was a coaching award? I didn't. Apparently it started three years ago as well, with Mourinho winning the first one and placing third and second in the two years since (Guardiola and Del Bosque were the other two winners).
Here are this year's nominees:
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Paris Saint-Germain FC/Real Madrid CF), Rafael BenÃtez (Spain/Chelsea FC/SSC Napoli), Antonio Conte (Italy/Juventus), Vicente Del Bosque (Spain/Spain national team), Sir Alex Ferguson (Scotland/Manchester United FC former coach), Jupp Heynckes (Germany/FC Bayern München former coach), Jürgen Klopp (Germany/Borussia Dortmund), José Mourinho (Portugal/Real Madrid CF/Chelsea FC), Luiz Felipe Scolari (Brazil/Brazil national team), Arsène Wenger (France/Arsenal FC).
You'd think this one would have to go to Heynckes or perhaps to Sir Alex as some sort of lifetime achievement. But does FIFA even give out awards to non-Spanish or Spain-based players and managers? I guess we'll find out in December.
Let us not forget that Zola's men provided Sky Sports with one of the most memorable matches of all time last season - Watford vs. Leicester in the second leg of the play-offs. 'Do not scratch your eyes' was the phrase coined by the Sky Sports commentator that day and to a large extent it defines Watford's mode of play. In the final minute of injury time, Leicester's Anthony Knockaert missed a penalty, forcing Almunia to make a smart double save. Moments later, Watford scored on the counter attack through Troy Deeney in tremendous fashion, securing Watford a place at Wembley.
BOXING
Boxing: Kell Brook threatens Vyacheslav Senchenko with revenge for Ricky Hatton defeat
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KELL BROOK has vowed to demolish the man who ended Ricky Hatton's hopes of a successful ring return last year.
Brook meets former WBA welterweight champion Vyacheslav Senchenko at Sheffield's Motorpoint Arena tomorrow.
And the winner gets a crack at the IBF belt.
That title chance, coupled with the prospect of revenge for Hatton's defeat, has left Brook saying: "Every British fan will want me to beat him."
The winner meets the victor of next month's bout between Devon Alexander and Shawn Porter.
Brook said: "I don't need any motivation for this fight. Ricky was a hero to us all and wanted to succeed in his comeback, but Senchenko ruined all that."
AMERICAN FOOTBALL
NFL: San Francisco 42 - Jacksonville 10: Jags fail in bid to hit 'home' run at Wembley
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THE Jacksonville Jaguars are the hot tip to relocate to London - but Wembley was hardly a happy home last night.
According to reports from Italy and Sky Sports Italia, Fiorentina's 25 year old Colombian winger Juan Guillermo Cuadrado has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal as they look to improve on their attacking options.
Juan Cuadrado who has just arrived in Fiorentina on a permanent transfer after being on loan last year, has had an outstanding start to the season, with 3 goals and 2 assists so far. Cuadrado is known for being a highly versatile player. His favoured position is on the right wing but Cuadrado can play all positions on the right hand side, even as a right back. He has also shown that he's capable of playing on the left side, scoring 2 goals as a left winger in Fiorentina against Chievo. He is also a decent right back, and good defensively as well. His stamina is one of the things which makes him such a great player as he races down the flanks non-stop during every game.
Cuadrado joined Fiorentina from Udinese this and is a tricky winger with great dribbling abilities, extreme pace and is a good crosser, and a excellent finisher as well.
Reports claim that an initial bid from Arsenal was rejected but the apparent interest from Arsenal should be quite serious as Arsenal's transfer fixer Dick Law was accompanied by Cuadrado's agent Alessandro Lucci during Fiorentina's game against Chievo, and Dick Law was most likely not disappointed with Cuadrado's two fine goals.
Colombian national Juan Cuadrado who has 20 caps for Colombia to his name and will most likely be a part of Colombia's squad in Brazil next summer, would certainly add some more offensive options for Arsenal on the wing, and would add a great amount of quality as well.
Despite Fiorentina having paid only £4m for Cuadrado this summer, it is most likely that his price tag will be around £20 million
My team of the week from the Premier League after week 9. The formation is a 4-3-3.
Feel free to share your thoughts.
Feel free to share your thoughts.
1. Goalkeeper: Tim Howard
A tough choice between David Marshall who played a fantastic game for Cardiff and Wojciech Szczesny who saved Arsenal as their lead was threatened by Palace. However, Tim Howard just edges them and gets the place. Howard made an absolutely incredible save on a penalty and made a string of fabulous saves as the Toffees beat Aston Villa away.
2. Defender: Bacary Sagna
An absolutely immense performance by Bacary Sagna offensively as well as defensively gives him a spot on the team of the week. A string of key tackles and interceptions as well as completing a stunning 88% of his passes. He's back in form.
3. Defender: Phil Jagielka
A classy performance by Phil Jagielka who recorded an incredible 14 clearances, five tackles and four interceptions. A highly impressive performance by Jagielka who has formed a wonderful partnership with the forever young Frenchman Sylvain Distin who was extremely close to getting the other spot on the team.
4. Defender: Martin Skrtel
An outstanding performance by Skrtel who is in the form of his life at the moment. He led the Liverpool back four effectively and recorded an incredible four interceptions, 11 clearances and three blocks. Also, his passing accuracy was a stunning 89%.
5. Defender: Leighton Baines
Yet another brilliant performance by probably the best left back in the country, Everton's Leighton Baines. Roberto Martinez has claimed that he wants Everton to become a top four team and to do that one of the most important things may be not letting Leighton Baines go.
6. Midfielder: Steven Gerrard
Another fantastic performance by the Liverpool captain. Ran the show as he pulled the strings in Liverpool's 4-1 victory against West Bromwich. Got an assist and a pass completion of 87%, and pretty much showed that he is a "top top player".
7. Midfielder: Ramires
Top class performance by Ramires who was tireless in the midfield for Chelsea against Manchester City. His performance had it all. Great passing, neat dribbling, great in the defensive play and participated a lot in Chelsea's build up play as the Blues got a late victory.
8. Midfielder: Jay Rodriguez
How good are Southampton? Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and now Jay Rodriguez. Top class performance by the team and Rodriguez who got a great goal as well as an assist. Also got close a couple of times with a bicycle-kick going just wide, as well as a great run which could have been a stunning solo goal had it not been for Stekeelenburg's save.
9. Forward: Wayne Rooney
Where would Manchester United be without Wayne Rooney? Another brilliant performance by Rooney, who shows his heart and passion for the club every game. He set up Robin van Persie's goal before scoring the equaliser with a stunning header. Great performance from Rooney which helped United get an extremely important victory.
10. Forward: Fernando Torres
Where has this Fernando Torres been the last two years? Yes, it wasn't perfect and yes he made a big miss, but he showed glimpses of the old Torres as he made a great performance securing Chelsea the victory against Manchester City. Set up Andre Schürrle for the first goal of the game with a wonderful assist, and hit the crossbar with a thrilling effort. Secured Chelsea the victory in the final moments of the game after some bad communication between Joe Hart and Matija Nastasic.
11. Forward: Luis Suarez
Hate him or love him, this guy is a genius and arguably the best player in the Premier League. Luis Suarez got a hattrick in Liverpool's 4-1 dismantling of West Bromwich and showed just how good he is. The first, a thrilling solo effort nutmegging Jonas Olsson before finishing it calmly, the second a wonderful header and the third another header from a free kick. Six goals in four matches. Incredible.
Soccer
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City: Fernando Torres Inspires Chelsea Victory
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In a weekend where all the title challengers won their respective games, all eyes were on Chelsea and Manchester City, two teams who are widely regarded as favourites for the title.
AS Roma are enjoying a fantastic season start in Serie A with nine wins in the same amount of matches. With French manager Rudi Garcia at the helm of the team, AS Roma have been the most pleasant surprise in the Italian football competition so far.
Their midfield line has been absolutely brilliant this term and there is one footballer that is attracting the attention of several foreign top teams: Miralem Pjanic.
The Italian media have been claiming over the last couple of days that Manchester United are ready to make a bid for Pjanic already during the next transfer window. The press are stating that the Red Devils will offer AS Roma somewhere around £25.6 million in order to convince them to release one of their most important players.
AS Roma’s board wanted to start from scratch this season after last campaign’s embarrassing results. They sold several players, brought in a quality and ambitious manager and have tried to maintain those players they believed to be important to achieve great things this term and Pjanic was one of them.
The Bosnian midfielder has been playing at a great level this season and his influence in the team’s midfield is notorious. Side-by-side with De Rossi, Strootman and Ljajic, he is part of what probably is one of the best midfield line in Serie A and maybe even in Europe.
Pjanic is a very versatile midfielder, but it is probably when acting as a deep lying playmaker that his performances are the best. He has awesome dribbling skills and his passing accuracy is phenomenal. He is very creative and very competent when it comes to scoring or creating chances from free kicks and he works a lot for the team.
Manchester United are experiencing several problems in the centre of the midfield and not even the arrival of Marouane Fellaini was able to solve the lack of creativity in that area of the field.
Pjanic allegedly refused several offers over last summer’s transfer window and he would probably not have an easy time making a decision if confronted with an eventual offer should AS Roma continue the fantastic run of results they have achieved so far. Manchester United would surely have to redouble their efforts in order to convince the Bosnian player to go to Old Trafford.
GISTS
Chelsea leading Arsenal, Man Utd and City in chase of Robert Lewandowski
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CHELSEA are the best-placed Premier League team to sign Robert Lewandowski - but Bayern Munich are still in pole position to snap him up.
AC Milan striker Stephen El Shaarawy burst on the scene last year netting 16 league goals for the Serie A outfit. He was linked with several moves to top clubs around Europe in the summer, but one never transpired and he remained with the Italian giants. Now, the Daily Star reports that Liverpool are poised to make a move for the exciting youngster.
There are a host of players who will be worryingly pressurising their clubs about a new contract, with next summer marking the end of their current deals.
A FAT pay-off and some brotherly love could help Sheffield land big-name winger Rico Fata, 33.
The Steelers already have Fata’s younger brother Drew, 30, on their roster.
And they are hoping they can team up the pair – even if they have to wait until after Christmas.
Rico is back home in Canada after being released by top-flight Finnish club Helsinki, cushioned by a £75,000 pay-off for the remaining time on his contract.The Steelers hope that will tempt him to take a big wage cut to link up with Drew for the first time in their careers.
Rico was a first round draft pick for Calgary as a teenager and went on to play 230 NHL games.
He’s spent the last six years in Germany, Switzerland and Finland.
Steelers’ boss Doug Christiansen is in America after his father’s death but spokesman David Simms said: “If he fancies six months with his brother then of course we are very interested.”
