According to The Sun, Liverpool could land Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira this summer, with Emre Can moving in the opposite direction.
Can will be out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season, and the German midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the Italian champions.
During the negotiations, Liverpool have reportedly been made aware that Khedira could be available at the end of the campaign.
The World Cup winner recently hinted that he would be open to a move to the Premier League, and it is certainly worth noting that his current Juventus deal expires next summer.
According to The Sun, Liverpool are seriously considering a move for Khedira as they look to boost their squad for the 2018-19 campaign.
Khedira, who has won league titles in Germany, Spain and Italy, is also believed to be a transfer target for Manchester United.
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The Liverpool fans have been reacting to the transfer report, and it would be fair to say that they are split when it comes to whether the German would be a good signing.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be found below:
Louis van Gaal and co. have had a busy few days. Manchester United recently snagged the signatures of right-back Matteo Darmian, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Morgan Schneiderlin, following the early summer deal for Memphis Depay, to truly get their transfer plans going.
Red Devils fans are understandably excited that Van Gaal is finally getting more aggressive in obtaining his transfer targets and beginning to rebuild after a 2014/15 capaign which, although finished with the desired result, was a little underwhelming. To help see how big of an impact each player will have on the squad this season, here are Manchester United’s summer signings so far, ordered from least to most impressive according to Football FanCast:
4. Bastian Schweinsteiger
The German captain has an impressive CV, with eight Bundesliga championships and over 100 assists in 500 appearances for Bayern Munich. There’s no doubt he knows how to win. However, he is approaching his 31st birthday and has been slowed by injury recently, making him a short-term signing instead of the long-term investment United need.
3. Matteo Darmian
The 25-year-old right-back arrives at Old Trafford on a four-year contract ready to contest Antonio Valencia for a starting spot. Darmian registered a career-best five goals and four assists for Torino last season, and was also in Italy’s World Cup squad last summer. Despite his slim frame, he led Torino with 2.6 tackles per game, and hopefully he will be able to compete physically in the Premier League.
2. Memphis Depay
United’s first summer signing fulfilled a major need: goalscoring. As a winger, Depay has impressive speed and dribbling skills, as well as long-range shooting (57 percent of his shots were from outside the box last season). But the 28-goal PSV star also played as a striker for the Netherlands, scoring three goals in 17 international showings, and Van Gaal plans to test him up top alongside Wayne Rooney.
1. Morgan Schneiderlin
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Schneiderlin enjoyed a stunning 2014/15 season in which he started 28 out of the 30 games he played for Southampton and maintained an 89.3% pass success rate, while leading the Saints midfielders in interceptions. The Frenchman scored a career-best five goals and notched one assist, but had a stellar defensive contribution as well with 3.7 tackles per Premier League game, more than any United player.
Let’s chalk this one off as pure speculation, because if it were true, Real Madrid need to take a long walk and think about what they’re doing. Actually, that can be applied to Tottenham, too. Daniel Levy has maintained that Gareth Bale is not for sale at any price, even the reported £85 million – a figure that sprung up this past weekend. At that price, Tottenham would be insane to turn it down.
I get it, Tottenham are trying to maintain a reputation against the ‘bullies’ in European football. Levy wouldn’t want to shake from his position, even when it’s Real Madrid at the other end of the line. But in what world could any club turn down £85 million and come off looking like the lesser of two teams?
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The biggest point from all this is that Gareth Bale isn’t worth £85million. To Tottenham, yes, he’s worth probably double that. But a club’s own value and need for a player doesn’t always translate to the market. Is it worth bringing up the discussion as to whether Bale is an equal to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi? It’s been done to death at this point.
A big team from the Premier League could call Swansea this summer and demand to know their value of Michu. “£30 million,” they’d probably reply. Ok, fair enough. He scored bags of goals and helped them win the League Cup. On the open market, however, and in terms of everyone else’s value, he’s simply not worth that.
Gareth Bale has more than carried Tottenham this season, only enhancing his reputation in England and further promoting his talent as either a rising star or a readymade superstar, depending on who you ask. This isn’t to debunk his qualities, as even regular English pundits have him down as the complete package in world football, with some even daring to suggest that he’s better than Ronaldo. There’s something about Bale doing in it a lesser team that seems to legitimise that argument.
It shouldn’t matter what Tottenham’s plans are for the immediate future with Bale, because if Real Madrid or any other team offer a figure in or around £85 million, you tear their hand off and take it. Does that mean Tottenham will have lost the war? No, in fact they’ve probably won it. Because at no other point will another bid close to that number come in, largely because, as I’m suggesting, he isn’t worth it.
So where do Tottenham go from there? Actually maybe it should be where do Real Madrid go from here.
A bid of £40million could reportedly get you Luis Suarez. Depending on what your stance is, some would say Suarez had the better season, regardless of personal awards. What about players in the mould of Mesut Ozil? In that title-winning season with Madrid, Ozil bagged 20 assists in all competitions and set himself up as one of the team’s most important players. He arrived for £15million from Werder Bremen; his contract situation is irrelevant. Marco Reus joined Dortmund for €17million last summer and contributed in 22 goals this season to Bale’s 25 (goals and assists). Then there are names like Edinson Cavani, Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze, James Rodriguez, who have either gone or could go for far less than £85million. Again, depending on who you ask, some of those names are better than Bale.
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So about Tottenham. With numbers so ridiculous that there can be only one answer, the matter is open as to whether Spurs want to be a team who rely heavily on one player or a team who have three or four game changers who could comfortably replace and outdo the contributions of Bale. The argument about Champions League football could come up, but James Rodriguez, Cavani and Radamel Falcao won’t or haven’t be involved in the Champions League this season or next season. With that sort of money, this Tottenham team can be transformed in the way some of the bigger teams in Europe have been, but obviously with a calculated approach and the knowledge that there isn’t a bottomless pit of cash.
Throwing around transfer figures like that, as they have been in the Spanish press, just reaffirms Real Madrid’s absolute desire in capturing Bale. It was much easier to assume that the La Liga club would never reach a fee so lofty for Bale, as other than Ronaldo, there is enough evidence to show that the selling club doesn’t always get what they want. But if this is what it’s come to – and you really have to hope football hasn’t gone this mad – then Tottenham simply need to cut ties and accept what is a once-in-a-lifetime offer.
Liverpool are potentially interested in German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and will make a move for him in January according to Mirror Football.
Reds no.1 Pepe Reina has made a number of high-profile errors in the first three games of the new Premier League season, and as such Brendan Rodgers is thought to be considering bolstering his options in goal.
The young stopper has impressed for Borussia Monchengladbach, and was unlucky not to be included in Germany’s Euro 2012 squad after making his international debut earlier in the year.
Tottenham and Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the youngster in the past, and Liverpool are said to be considering selling Reina and investing in the Monchengladbach prospect.
Rodgers is believed to have also considered a move for Birmingham’s Jack Butland, but views the England international as too expensive given his lack of first-team experience at the highest level.
By Gareth McKnight
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Everton fans are mercilessly bashing Yannick Bolasie, after the winger put in yet another woeful performance against Southampton on Saturday.
Yannick Bolasie’s Everton career has been pretty miserable so far, and it’s probably best he stay off social media for a while after Saturday’s showing.
The 28 year-old winger was an exciting addition when he joined the Toffees, but he has barely had a chance to showcase his dazzling skill set due to a lengthy injury layoff.
Since returning to the side this year, the DR Congo international has made virtually no impact in the final third, not something fans expect from a £25million signing.
Bolasie’s only goal of the season was a consolation strike in the 3-1 loss to Manchester City, and he struggled massively in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton.
The 28 year-old was hauled off after 45 minutes, having managed just 19 touches in the first half, completing zero dribbles, one cross, and just five passes.
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If fans were annoyed by his lack of end product before, they certainly aren’t pulling any punches about a £25m winger completed just five passes in 45 minutes, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
One deal is done and dusted, with plenty more action to occur for Manchester United over the coming weeks and months. But there could be as many players going out as there is coming in. Without realising it, have we seen some Manchester United players play their final game at Old Trafford?
There is a massive air of uncertainty surrounding David De Gea’s future at Manchester United. Rumours have been rife for months that Real Madrid are interested, and De Gea is willing to go. Team mate Juan Mata is unsure over de Gea’s future, as is the boss.
Louis Van Gaal addressed the situation: “He is Spanish and his girlfriend is Spanish and he can go to another great club, so it is difficult for him to decide.
“David De Gea shall not leave us so easily because we are a great club and he wants to participate.”
This is the first real indication Van Gaal has given that De Gea’s time as a Manchester United player is up. When Real come calling, it is hard to turn down. But could De Gea handle the pressure? Or will he even get the minutes ahead of Iker Casillas?
Radamel Falcao looks more certain to leave Manchester United. Based on the fact his contract is a season long loan deal with the option to buy, but the price tag is up in the air. At the beginning of the season, it was thought to be around £43million, but with Monaco in a financial situation with Financial Fair Play, it could be dropped.
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Even if his fee came at a cut price, it would not be enough to justify his season. Just four goals to his name is not enough for a world class striker, and you cannot just throw money at a player who will not deliver.
Or else, you take the risk and hope it pays off. As they share the same agent, it had been said that Falcao’s United future had to be linked with De Gea’s. Falcao waved off fans, presumably for the last time, as he was subbed off for another player who could be leaving.
That player being Robin Van Persie. He walked into the team in the first half of the season, despite suffering from a ‘World Cup hangover’ – seeing as he played under Van Gaal then, you can see why he was chosen. But with injuries, and an improved team performance since he hadn’t been able to play, things haven’t looked so good in the second half.
Louis Van Gaal also needs to be realistic. Van Persie, while he is still a good forward, and should be commended for his season despite his hardships, is at an age where the clock is ticking on his career. Rumour has it Juventus are interested in the Dutchman.
It just hasn’t been Angel Di Maria’s season, but the dream isn’t over just yet. He may not have many goals, but he has plenty of assists (second behind Fabregas for the season), and his recent comments suggest he is determined to prove himself at his new club. He has admitted he has struggled to adapt to English football, but he wants to become “part of the history of Manchester United.”
With a hefty price tag – the most expensive in English football – it’s easy to see why he wants to stick it out and prove himself. Fleeing off to PSG would put di Maria in the history books as a huge waste of money.
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He didn’t feature in the game, nor did he even make the bench, which gives a pretty clear indication that Jonny Evans will be playing elsewhere come August. The six match ban brought an incredible run of form for Manchester United, and highlighted how weak a link Evans is at the back. V
an Gaal has given more opportunities to younger players who have shown potential, while helping to push Evans out the door.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is set to axe at least 12 players from his squad this summer as he looks to rebuild for next season according to The Times.
Mancini is not happy with a number of players’ effort levels this season as the Citizens surrendered their Premier League crown to their nearest and dearest without so much as a fight.
Equally poor performances and results in the Champions League has taught the Italian boss a thing or two about a number of his players and he won’t be pulling any punches when it comes to letting players go.
Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko, Scott Sinclair, Jack Rodwell and Alexander Kolarov are among the dozen players that Mancini is looking to move on in order to bring in fresh blood to make a fist of success next season.
Uruguayan Edinson Cavani is top of City’s wish list to replace the departing players and reports suggest a deal could be on the verge of completion.
The new FFP rules will prevent City from a 2011-esque spending spree but an overhaul of the squad is just the start of the Etihad club’s long term plans.
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Joey Barton has revealed that he only wants to play for Marseille, as The Daily Mail state that the midfielder has offered to tear up his contract at Loftus Road.
The controversial battler is serving a 12-match ban after being dismissed for violent conduct in the R’s final game of last season against his former club Manchester City, and as such Mark Hughes is thought to want to sell him.
After training with Fleetwood Town, Barton has expressed his desire to move to the Ligue 1 side, who have been accredited with an interest in a loan move for the midfielder.
Barton has told his Twitter followers that he wants a switch to the Stade Velodrome side to be wrapped-up before the close of the transfer window.
“Marseille won again as well. Allez les Marseillais. Maybe I’ll see you all this week?” he stated on the social networking site.
“I am hopeful that things will be sorted out soon. Other clubs are in but I only want to play in Marseille. This is the place for me.
“Hopefully QPR and Marseille can finalise the deal in the next few days. My heart is already in the Velodrome,” he expressed.
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Kevin Friend has been appointed to officiate Manchester United and Arsenal’s Premier League clash this weekend, which could well end up being the last time Arsene Wenger faces the Red Devils and one of his most bitter rivals in Jose Mourinho.
And Friend has proved himself a referee of curious contradictions this season, at least compared to the rest of the 20 referees to work in the Premier League throughout 2017/18. Ranking in the bottom two for fouls per game, fouls per tackle and yellow cards per game, at first glance Friend is the kind of referee who allows physical challenges, wants the game to flow and shies away from making controversial decisions.
But that only represents a false sense of security for Arsenal and United, because Friend has awarded a staggering eight penalties during his 18 top flight outings this season. In fact, if the two referees to officiate one game apiece are taken out of the equation, he averages the most penalties per match of any Premier League official. Indeed, it seems that while Friend is usually prepared to let plenty go, different rules apply inside the penalty box.
Arsenal and United must be aware of that this weekend, but Friend has another statistical quirk that should breed confidence into the Old Trafford camp. It’s no secret that United often get the rub of the green from referees when playing on their own patch – well, that effect could be doubled or tripled this weekend, because no Premier League referee this season has a higher home win bias than Friend’s 61%.
Worrying news for the north Londoners, who also have a mixed record when Friend is in charge. While he oversaw their 2-0 win over Brighton back in October without awarding the Gunners a single yellow card, he was also in charge for the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth. For United, meanwhile, this will be their first Premier League clash this season with Friend donning the whistle.
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Tottenham will not break into the top four this season, but should be competing once again in the continent’s second best tournament next term.
It doesn’t sound like a great campaign until you factor in the obstacles Spurs have had to face. New manager Mauricio Pochettino has had to familiarise himself with the squad and work out a viable formation.
This has not been easy considering that a number of key roles lack players who have the necessary ability to do the job right. It has been expected for a long time now that Pochettino will be dumping as many underachieving players as he can this summer in order to free up money for important signings.
Fortunately there have been a few very capable players this season that the club must hold onto and here are five of them…
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Harry Kane
No list of Tottenham’s most important players would be complete without a mention for Spurs wonder kid Harry Kane.
The 21-year-old has lit up the league this season by scoring 20 goals, becoming Spurs’ main striker and game changer. Kane has a bright future ahead of him, just as long as this spectacular year doesn’t turn out to be fluke.
If he really is that good then offers from the richest clubs in Europe will come flooding in and may already be on their way but Tottenham must do everything they can to convince him to stay put.
Hugo Lloris
A goalkeeper of Lloris’ quality was always going to be the club’s first choice between the sticks, so when he signed back in 2012 it was no surprise that long term keeper Brad Friedel was forced out.
Now in his third season, having been one of the Premier League’s best, there are rumours circulating that the Frenchman could be poached by a number of different clubs in the summer.
Lloris has made numerous important and impressive saves to keep Spurs in European contention and they’ll certainly need him once again next season if they want to break into the top four.
Christian Eriksen
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Christian Eriksen has had his ups and downs this season but when he has been on form then he is a vital cog in Spurs’ midfield.
The 23-year-old joined Spurs in 2013, and this season he has found the net 10 times – making him the squad’s joint second most prolific player.
The Dane still isn’t the finished article but given more time he can mature into a great attacking midfielder, and Spurs will want him in their ranks when that occurs.
Nacer Chadli
Like Eriksen, Nacer Chadli has scored 10 league goals for Spurs but he has gone one better and provided five assists, which is three more than the Dane.
Chadli only scored one league goal last season, so his improvement this campaign has been significant and is perhaps in part down to the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino.
The winger has made over 30 appearances in what has been a period of transition for the club, who are hoping that next year’s squad will return much stronger.
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Pochettino will have decided which of his players deserve to stay this summer and Chadli has proven he is definitely one of them.
Danny Rose
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Since joining Tottenham back in 2007 Danny Rose has been loaned out four times.
But in the last two seasons under both Tim Sherwood and Mauricio Pochettino, Rose has found himself featuring heavily at White Hart Lane.
Though at only 24-years-old, the left-back has drawn attention from big spenders Manchester City, who would like to add him to their ageing squad, but Spurs will reportedly ignore all offers.
Rose signed a new 5-year-deal last year that should keep him at White Hart Lane until 2019, which by then may finally see Spurs regularly competing in the Champions League as planned.