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With Jose Mourinho looking to stamp his mark upon Real Madrid, he is almost certain to bring in a draft of big-name players in order to dethrone Spanish champions Barcelona. The Spanish and English press are already working in overdrive, suggesting that the ‘Special One’ is looking to sign the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole. The anticipated summer influx at the Bernabeu will undoubtedly cast doubt over the futures of several current Real Madrid players. With Premier League clubs looking to bolster their squads this summer, they could do far worse than look to Madrid for reinforcements. The following five players are all expected to leave Spain this summer.

Lassana Diarra

A familiar name to fans of English football, the little man known as ‘Lass’ could be set for a return to English shores. Despite an impressive first campaign at the Bernabeu, the former Chelsea man frequently found himself out of favour at Real Madrid last season and may be surplus to requirements this summer.

The tough-tackling midfielder would find himself welcome at a number of Premier League sides this summer. Manchester United, bereft of the steel provided by the injured Owen Hargreaves, would greatly benefit from Diarra’s drive and tenacity. Arsenal, a side considered to be to ‘too soft’, could do far worse than re-signing the Frenchman to strengthen their midfield. Either way, Diarra is likely to be a sought-after commodity this summer.

Royston Drenthe

Having seen his career stall at the Bernabeu, former Dutch U21 international Royston Drenthe is likely to leave Real Madrid before the start of next season. The 24-year-old, who can competently perform at both left-back and left-midfield, has been used sparingly at the club, featuring just 28 times in La Liga over the course of the last two seasons.

Despite an impressive start to his Real Madrid career, Drenthe’s form and development has dipped, with the player failing to build upon the promise that he showed at former club Feyenoord. Indeed the Dutch ace struggled with anxiety issues having been booed by his own fans during the club’s 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna two seasons ago. Royston Drenthe has been rumoured to have been offered as a makeweight in Real Madrid’s bid to sign hotly coveted winger Angel di Maria, thus suggesting that his Bernabeu future is non-existent. Juventus are also thought to be keeping tabs on the 24-year-old.

Guti

The frequently-controversial Guti looks set to seek pastures new this summer. A product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, the attacking midfielder is thought to have played his last game for the club, with Jose Mourinho informing Spanish newspaper AS that “Guti, for me, is out. I read his statements and for me that is what counts. He said goodbye to the fans and left the field”.

Rumours have suggested that Guti may be heading for the rainy climes of northwest England, with Blackburn Rovers thought to have made a tentative offer for the midfielder. Guti may relish the opportunity to link up with former team-mate and close friend Michel Salgado at Ewood Park, as well as the chance to work under Sam Allardyce, a man who facilitated the Indian summers of Youri Djorkaeff, Fernando Hierro and Jay-Jay Okocha. Should he decline a move to Ewood Park, Guti will have no shortage of suitors, as Galatasaray and Zenit St. Petersburg are both thought to be interested in the 33-year-old.

Raul

Raul’s status as Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer does not look like it will be enough to save him from the Bernabeu axe this summer. Having scored an astonishing 324 goals for the capital club, the curtain may be about to fall on the Spaniard’s glorious 16-year career at Real Madrid. Stories emerging from Spanish newspaper AS suggest that the club are considering a termination of his contract one year early, thus allowing him to move on this summer for free.

Though no Real Madrid officials have commented on such conjecture, Jose Mourinho said of Raul that, “He is a player I have always admired, but the decision whether or not he plays rests with (Real sports director Jorge) Valdano.” Although the 32-year-old is set to enter the twilight of his career, his pedigree is unquestionable and he has a lot to offer for prospective clubs. Likely to be available on a free, many managers could do a lot worse than taking a punt on such a distinguished individual.

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Rafael van der Vaart

Set to feature heavily for the Dutch national side this summer, versatile midfielder Rafael van der Vaart would be a quality acquisition for any side looking to boost their creative options. The versatile schemer, who can operate in a variety of roles in the attacking third, has not enjoyed a happy time at the Bernabeu since his move from German side Hamburg in 2008. Following the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini last summer, the Dutch international was informed that he would not be a part of the now-departed manager’s plans for that season, with his diminished squad status highlighted by his failure to receive a squad number. However, Van der Vaart admirably managed to force his way back into manager’s plans, impressively ending the season with seven goals in 30 outings for Los Blancos.

Despite his Real Madrid re-emergence, the former Ajax man’s Spanish future looks to be in doubt. Compatriot and close friend Arjen Robben recently said of van der Vaart that “He has told me that, if Bayern were to ask him to come, he would cycle to Munich just to get a contract here”, adding “Rafael told me that Bayern is a great club when we were playing together at Real Madrid.” In spite of van der Vaart’s admiration for the German side, the player has been heavily linked with potential moves to both Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford this summer.

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Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt has stated that he is not happy on the bench, as manager Kenny Dalglish has preferred other players in his starting XI in recent fixtures.

The Netherlands international has been an important man for the Anfield club since signing from Feyenoord in 2006, but has only started four out of the eight Liverpool games this season.

With the forward used to playing, he has aired his frustration at having to spend half his time on the sidelines.

“I’m disappointed to be out of the team,” he told The Daily Mail.

“From childhood, I’ve always been disappointed when I’m not in the team because I’m desperate to be involved and make a good contribution.

“But it also makes me very determined too. I need to continue to prove myself, train as hard as possible and, when I do play, make sure my performance is of a high standard,” he stated.

Despite wanting to play, Kuyt admits that a more competitive squad can only be good for the Merseyside team.

“Competition is tough now but it’s brilliant for the club that there are so many players to choose from now, top-class international players.

“The players realise at the end of the day you need more than 11 good players to be successful,” he concluded.

Liverpool travel to Goodison Park for the Merseyside derby on Saturday, with Kuyt hoping to play his part in an away win.

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Bolton manager Owen Coyle could hand on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.

With chances at Chelsea limited, Sturridge completed a deadline-day move to fellow English Premier League outfit Bolton until the end of the season.

The former Manchester City player has struggled to make an impact behind Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou at Stamford Bridge.

And with the arrival of Fernando Torres from Liverpool for 50 million pounds – a British record transfer fee – Sturridge was likely to find himself pushed even further down the pecking order.

But Coyle is adamant a successful spell in the Bolton team will help the 21-year-old force his way back into the plans of Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.

“We’re absolutely delighted to bring him to the football club,” Coyle said.

“He has attributes in abundance and I’m very excited to see him in a Bolton shirt.”

“Daniel is capable of playing in the Chelsea team and this move can give him the platform to go and show everybody what he has in his locker.”

“He has pace, he’s a goalscorer and he has terrific technique. Would I like to sign him permanently? Yes. But I don’t think I’ll be able to sign him permanently because of how well he will do while he’s here.”

For Sturridge, the promise of regular action was all he needed to hear before agreeing to Bolton move.

“It’s difficult for all young players not to play regularly,” Sturridge said.

“Owen Coyle wanted me to come here to play first-team football. As soon as he said those words I was straight down the motorway to sort everything out.”

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Sturridge could make his debut when Bolton host Wolves in the English Premier League on Wednesday.

Defender Gary Cahill and midfielder Stuart Holden will be recalled to the starting line-up after being rested for the 0-0 FA Cup draw against Wigan on Saturday.

Midfielder Chung-Yong Lee has returned from Asia Cup duty but faces a fitness test.

Juventus are ready to turn their attention to Liverpool forward Luis Suarez after seeing their attempts to sign Robin van Persie thwarted, Mirror Football report.

The Italian champions are in the market for a new world-class striker this summer, and have already failed in an attempt to sign Napoli’s Edinson Cavani.

The Bianconeri have been one of a number of sides tracking Arsenal attacker Van Persie after the Netherlands international spurned a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, but are being priced out of a move for the current PFA Player of the Year.

Juve are thought to be ready to take a step back in their approaches for Van Persie and will instead contact Liverpool to gauge the availability of Suarez.

The Uruguay international has had a controversial period in England since his January 2011 move from Ajax, with the South American spending eight matches on the sidelines due to a racism scandal last season.

Liverpool are keen to hold onto their talented forward, but their resolve will be tested by the wealthy Serie holders.

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By Gareth McKnight

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The internet’s all abuzz with hyperbole and hype concerning the performance of one of Arsenal ’s recent signings. Anybody who doubted the credentials of a certain Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will surely be forced to change their tune upon viewing his performance for the England U21’s against Israel.

England were trailing by a goal to nil at half-time, before Stuart Pearce introduced the 17-year-old into the proceedings. It’s fair to say that he changed the game, chalking up 3 assists and winning a penalty as the Three Lions went on to win the game 4-1. To have such a positive effect on a game at such a young age will no doubt have pundits sitting up and taking note.

We’ve heard tale of his wonderful performances in a Southampton shirt, but this could well go down as the game where he announced himself on a ‘grander’ stage.

What’s impressive about Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t just his absurd, matchless pace, but also his decision making process. Whilst Theo Walcott is still subjected to claims that he has no ‘footballing brain’ and that all too often he makes the wrong decision, Oxlade-Chamberlain has demonstrated on numerous occasions, that he’s an extremely effective player.

He seems to have a natural ability to cross the ball (see his first assist from the England-Israel game) and this in combination with his pace, will surely be an asset for the Gunners over the coming seasons. But is he ready to make the step-up into the first team just yet?

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One thing’s clear: Arsenal have lacked a player who can deliver a decent cross for quite some time. Walcott’s crossing is much too sporadic, Arshavin doesn’t float too many balls into the area and the Arsenal full-backs aren’t much better (except, perhaps Bacary Sagna). The likes of Robin Van Persie and Marouane Chamakh could no doubt benefit from Oxlade-Chamberlain’s deliveries.

The reverse of this argument is that Arsenal don’t really cross, because the strikers at the club aren’t renowned for their aerial prowess. The Gunners aren’t a team that score too many headers outside of set-pieces. I’d argue that this is something that they should be looking to add to their game. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability in this regard is something that should be encourage and utilised, not neglected.

For the time being, I’m sure we’ll mostly be seeing Alex ply his trade for Arsenal in the Carling Cup and perhaps in the early rounds of the FA Cup. This could well be a good occasion for the Gunners to attempt a different style of game play. Would it be so bad to see players bust a gut to get into the box as Oxlade-Chamberlain whips in a cross? This could well be the ‘Plan B’ that every pundit and his dog claims the Gunners lack.

Read more of Harry Cloke’s articles at This is Futbol

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We have passed the half way point of the season, the title race is starting to heat up and the dog fight to avoid relegation is becoming more and more intense with every passing game. There are still four months left of the season to unfold in front of us but due to the PFA’s flawed player of the year award, it is already time to start considering the player of the season in late January.

Firstly it must be argued what a ridiculous decision it was to stage the awards in April, essentially turning the award into a “player of the first half of the season” accolade. Last year’s award, which went to Wayne Rooney, would have surely been handed to Didier Drogba, Premier League top goal scorer and League winner, had the voting taken place at the appropriate juncture.

The last few years has seen an obvious candidate (or two) stand above the sea of Premier League players. Last year, as mentioned before, was a toss up between Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney. Both played phenomenally and had the best goal scoring campaigns of their careers. The 2009/10 award was more of a lifetime achievement award to Ryan Giggs, but could have easily been given to Nemanja Vidic, Steven Gerrard or Fernando Torres. While no one came close to Cristiano Ronaldo in the two years preceding Giggs’ success.

This season however has seen no front-runner for the award; several players have had good seasons. However no one has quite reached the levels of the previous winners and nominees for the award, while big name stars and obvious candidates for the award pre-season have had severely disappointing campaigns thus far. Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Fernando Torres and Joe Cole are amongst the guilty parties. But who are the most likely nominees? Three nominees will be announced in April, with the winner being announced a few days later.

Nemanja Vidic – has been the most prominent reason Manchester United are still (somehow) unbeaten. He has been an absolute rock at the back, winning every personal duel that has been presented to him. His performances against Arsenal, Bolton and more recently Tottenham Hotspur have been the highlights of fantastic campaign. The big Serbian seems to have relished the honour of being made captain by Sir Alex and has even saved United at the other end, by netting the equalising goal against Aston Villa to salvage another unlikely away point.

Carlos Tevez – since Berbatov’s elevation to a degree of form, thus cushioning Wayne Rooney’s miserable season. No club has been so reliant on one player as Manchester City. Tevez continues to demonstrate, that Ferguson was devastatingly wrong to let him go. With fourteen goals in the league this season, at least twenty-five at the end of the season looks more than likely. Without Carlito City would be nowhere near where they lie currently. He has even managed to fit in a transfer request during an eventful six months at Eastlands, Mario Balotelli may have been correct in saying that Wayne Rooney isn’t the best striker in Manchester. Currently no one sits above Carlos Tevez for that honour.

Samir Nasri – wrongly or rightly accused of being the Enfant Terrible of French football, left out of the World Cup squad and accused of the traitorous deed of sitting in Thierry Henry’s seat on the French national side’s coach. This has been Nasri’s breakout season for both club and country, with fourteen goals in all competitions for Arsenal and being crowned French Footballer of the year by the influential French Football magazine. Nasri can already bank on the vote of Rio Ferdinand who tweeted his love of Nasri, whilst French legend Zinedine Zidane gushed that Nasri “represents our national side’s biggest hope.”

Charlie Adam – Blackpool have gone from being written off as no hopers to everybody’s second favourite Premier League side. They have refused to back down on their footballing ethos, playing some of the Leagues most attractive football and the Scot Charlie Adam has been the ideologue behind it all. He is fast becoming one of the league’s most in demand midfielders and no disrespect to Blackpool but it surely won’t be too long till he’s playing at an even higher level. It would be for the good of the game if he resisted any overtures in the January transfer window and stayed at Blackpool, especially for Clubs such as Aston Villa and Birmingham. Ian Holloway believes he’s good enough to play for Man United, he might be right.

Gareth Bale – for three weeks in late October and early November, Gareth Bale was the “unofficial best player in the world.” Or that’s how it seemed, everyone was lining up to wax lyrical about the mercurial Welshman and while the furore has slightly died down, (at least until he returns to Milan) Bale has continued to have a remarkable season at the lane. An old school mixture of raw pace and power has seen Bale progress into the upper stratospheres of the game. Whilst not quite as good as Messi or Ronaldo, (sorry Patrick Barclay) Bale is certainly on his way to that level.

Rafael Van Der Vaart – already the signing of the year, Tottenham’s bargain bin Dutchman has taken the Premier League by storm. With nine goals in the league and six assists to his name, Van Der Vaart has taken no time to settle. His introduction into the league has seen a reinvigoration of the playmaker role, Redknapp has given the Dutchman a free reign to go out and create as he sees fit. Bought for £8 million from Real Madrid after a torrid few years at the Bernabeu, Van Der Vaart has proven himself at the top level, not only performing in the Premier League but also being central to Spur’s Champion’s League Progress. Not bad for someone worth three times less than James Milner.

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All six deserve to be nominated and in their own way all deserve to win, unfortunately only three will fight it out for the prestigious award. My prediction? Samir Nasri to be the first Arsenal player in seven years to win the award, closely followed by Carlos Tevez and Nemanja Vidic respectively.

Read more from Lee Wilson at ‘This Is Futbol’

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As France haplessly limp out of this summer’s European Championships, scarcely putting up a fight against the Spanish, Les Blues are yet again deemed a failure by their compatriots. The man at the helm, Laurent Blanc had seemingly turned the fortunes of his nation before the ill-fated journey to Ukraine.  An unbeaten run stretching way back to last year; Blanc seemed to have catapulted the side he once played for, back to its world beating proficiencies.  However, after a performance against their neighbours from the south in the last 8, that seemed both lethargic and reluctant, Les Tricolores have reverted back to square un.

With Blanc now facing the unenviable wrath of the French media, Daniel Levy has his eyes set on the former Inter defender to take the hot seat at White Hart Lane, if reports are to be believed. A three horse race is ensuing between Andre Villas-Boas, Ralf Rangnick and the aforementioned Blanc. If ‘Larry White’ (as Blanc was affectionately known as by supporters of Man United) gallops over the finish line first questions will surely need to be answered by Levy and co. in regards to the appointment. To put a coach who has had only 3 years in domestic management, in charge of one of the most pre-eminent teams in Europe is certainly a risk. Spurs fans will remember the last time a Frenchman had the reigns in North London; Jacques Santini and his 13 games in charge of the club was an unmitigated disaster. Unfortunately for Tottenham fans, the notable comparisons between Santini and Blanc are verging on the uncanny; the two Frenchmen were former players who both spent time at Saint-Etienne and Montpellier. Both coached their respective French sides to Ligue 1 titles, both winning manager of the year for their achievements.  Santini and Blanc both managed the French national team and took them to quarter finals of European Championships. Spurs will certainly be hoping that the comparisons firmly halt there, as Santini’s reign at White Hart Lane was almost laughable. He could not speak a word of English, fell out with Sporting Director at the time Frank Arneson and quit after 13 games. The concerning similarities for Blanc is that he too will be working under a sporting director and his English is fairly basic. Surely Levy is not blind enough to overlook the obvious connections, between one of the worst managers the club have ever had and the man that is second favourite for the current vacancy.

Positives are untraceable when perhaps unjustly comparing Blanc to Santini. The former played in the English league for two years so is aware of the style and pace of the Premier League, despite his comedic lack of it when protecting the net at Old Trafford. Blanc is also renowned for his leadership qualities, having been nicknamed Le President by Marseille fans in 1999. His professional career has helped him gain plaudits in his homeland and fits of praise on the continent. However, the echoes of previous managerial disasters at Spurs are just too much to look past. After all, Santini was no also-ran in his days across the channel. He almost single-handedly elevated Lyon to the stature of greatest team in their country over a period of three years. Maybe Levy feels a risk is necessary to shake things up at Tottenham. Blanc may be the only current candidate prepared to work with a sporting director. However, whilst soliciting a move for the current French national coach on his form prior to the European Championships is certainly justified, a more experienced coach with anglicised tendencies may be more efficient long term.

Spurs fans what do you think? Would you be happy with Blanc at WHL? Go Tête à Tête with me on Twitter. @mattpegg1

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Bob Bradley has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the USA following their Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico in June.The announcement came after a meeting at the Home DepotCentre in California, between USA Soccer Federation (USSF) president Sunil Gulati,CEO Dan Flynn and Bradley on Thursday.Bradley guided the US to the last 16 of the FIFA WorldCup in South Africa last year, but they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Mexico in theGold Cup final on June 25.The US also lost to Mexico in the 2009 Gold Cup finalwith Bradley at the helm.”We want to thank Bob Bradley for his service anddedication to U.S. Soccer during the past five years,” Gulati said.”During his time as the head coach of our men’snational team he led the team to a number of accomplishments, but we felt nowwas the right time for us to make a change.””It is always hard to make these decisions,especially when it involves someone we respect as much as Bob. We wish him thebest in his future endeavours.”The USSF will make a further announcement on Friday.Bradley, 53, took over as head coach of the USA inJanuary of 2007.He led the team to victory in the Gold Cup later thatyear and secured a passage to the 2010 World Cup, topping their CONCACAF qualifyinggroup in the process.They also finished first in Group C at the World Cupfinals, ahead of England and Slovenia, before losing to Ghana in the round of16 on June 26.Bradley had been contracted until the 2014 World Cup inBrazil.

There’s been a fair amount of rumours flying around this winter concerning Andrey Arshavin’s future at Arsenal. The little Russian has gradually become a target for the Emirates boo-boys, after a string of lacklustre performances this season. With this being said, one has to ask, has Arshavin’s time at the North London club finally run out?

The Gunners forward has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this January with Juventus, and newly, Zenit St. Petersburg said to be highly keen on the Russian’s services. Arshavin’s agent, Dennis Latcher, recently stated that a move to Turin is not out of the question this winter, but remains optimistic that his client will be an Arsenal player until at least the end of the season. Speaking to Russian online publication Lifesports.ru, Latcher said:

‘There’s a possibility of Andrey Arshavin’s move to Juventus, but there are two things that can prevent this deal. First, Arsenal can win the Premier League this year. The gold medal of the English league is a dream of any footballer. Second is the financial ability of Juve as Arsenal are demanding no less than $26 million (£17m) to release Arshavin. It’s difficult for me to comment on certain items because he is a player who still has two-and-half-years on his contract with Arsenal and there are no formal offers.’

Latcher finished off by saying:

‘In any case, I think it’s just speculation. Juventus could have taken Arshavin two-and-a-half years ago, but they didn’t want to. The player is happy in London. There could also be possibilities to move in January but, I repeat, we are talking about a player under contract and for which currently there is nothing concrete.’

Taking all this into account, it seems very unclear as to where Arshavin’s long-term future lies. However, the diminutive forward is highly likely to stay at Arsenal until the summer, after Wenger declared his admiration for the Russian playmaker. However, due to his inconsistency and growing unpopularity amongst the Arsenal fans this season, I decided to conduct a poll on Gunnersphere.com. I asked the simple question to my readers: Has Arshavin’s time at Arsenal run out? Yes or no.

The outcome of this poll was extremely close. Results showed that 57% of votes cast  believe that Arshavin’s time has indeed run out at the Emirates. However, 43% of voters still consider the Russian to have a future as an Arsenal player. As you can see the difference is marginal, and clearly shows that fans are split on the matter. In my opinion, I believe Arshavin still has something to offer to the North London club. Ok, he hasn’t been on form this season and at times appears lazy, but when he’s on his game, he is clearly one of Arsenal’s best players.

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Arshavin simply needs to show more desire and heart to get the Arsenal boo-boys off his back. If he can do this, then this will all be forgotten instantaneously. Nonetheless, the jury remains out on the matter.

Read more of Tony’s articles at the excellent ‘Gunnersphere’

Manchester City are thought to want to sign Bologna’s star playmaker Gaston Ramirez this summer, and the star’s agent has confirmed that the Premier League champions have been in touch.

The Uruguay international has impressed for the Serie A side over the last number of seasons, with a move to a bigger club seemingly on the cards for some time now.

However, City will not be the only club interested in purchasing Ramirez, as confirmed by the South American midfielder’s agent Pablo Betancourt.

“Juventus and Manchester City have contacted me but there is especially an interesting offer from Wolfsburg and also another one from an important Spanish club,” The Guardian report the representative as saying.

“I think considering all the offers, the possibility that he could leave this summer could happen.”

It is believed that a fee in the region of £15 million will be needed to pry the 21-year-old away from the Italian team, and Roberto Mancini has recently admitted that he admires Ramirez.

“He is a good, young player with great potential. In attack, though, we are OK,” he told reporters.

Ramirez looks certain for a move to a bigger club this summer, and his versatility could bolster City’s options in attacking midfield and on the flanks.

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By Gareth McKnight

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