All posts by h79snht.top

The summer window may have closed but we at Football FanCast are already looking forward to the January spending spree.

And it appears that Arsenal, despite just coming to the end of the most lucrative window in the club’s history, are also looking forward to the market reopening in 2015.

Indeed, the Gunners took a step towards Premier League title contention with the signings of Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers, David Ospina, Mathieu Debuchy and Danny Welbeck, but further recruitment is needed if the north London side are to compete with Chelsea and Manchester City at the league’s summit.

Subsequently, the tabloids are already filled with rumours of potential January acquisitions at the Emirates, so being the lovely bunch we are, we’ve listed FIVE of them

So without further ado, here’s the FIVE January deals already being eyed by Arsenal.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON ARSENE WENGER TO REVEAL ALL

[/ffc-gallery]

[ffcvideo file=”TopFiveVideosoftheWeek” type=”mp4″]

WILLIAM CARVALHO

Arsenal’s midfield has lacked top level physicality ever since Alex Song departed for Barcelona in summer 2012.

This is no great secret – but the good news for Gunners fans is that Arsene Wenger appears to be finally coming to the same conclusion, as he revealed in an interview with beIN SPORT yesterday afternoon:

And it’s believed the physical midfielder in question could be Sporting Lisbon hotshot William Carvalho, who was linked with an Emirates move throughout the summer and again by the Independent after the transfer window had closed:

The 22 year-old has emerged as one of European football’s hottest youngsters after breaking through to the Sporting first team last season, eventually muscling his way into Portugal’s World Cup squad. Here’s his stats from Brazil 2014:

Carvalho measures in at 6 foot 2, comes with an imposing physique and is famed for his simple-yet-effective style. Here’s a look at the midfielder in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/A8jRQbn1LzE?rel=0

The holding midfielder comes with a £35million release clause, which is almost certainly too rich for Wenger’s blood. But the Portugal international rejected new terms at Estadio Jose Alvalade earlier this month, and resultantly, the Metro believe the Primeira Liga could eventually settle at £24million.

ADRIEN RABIOT

Another, significantly cheaper, holding midfield option known to be on Arsenal’s radar (making it significantly more likely than a bank-breaking bid for William Carvalho) is PSG prodigy Adrien Rabiot:

The 19 year-old, who once spent a season at Manchester City’s academy, is highly-rated in the French capital and amassed 34 appearances in all competitions last season, producing three goals. Here’s a look at his stats from Ligue 1:

And a gander of Rabiot in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/88HpUceQvFo

But the floppy-haired playmaker has continually rejected contract extensions at PSG, citing a lack of assurances over his first team role.

And with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, a January departure is looking increasingly likely – PSG want at least a small return for bringing the teenager to the attention of the European elite.

That includes Arsenal, but in truth, there’s a host of clubs lining up for the France U21’s signature:

PEDRO

Arsenal have already raided Barcelona once this summer with their £35million capture of Alexis Sanchez, but the north London club are reportedly prepared to follow up in January by swooping for former Catalans team-mate Pedro:

As the headline suggests, the two-time Champions League winner remains disillusioned at the Nou Camp after being continually linked with Manchester United and Liverpool throughout last season. He’s yet to play a full ninety minutes under new manager Luis Enrique and is concerned that he’ll be forced into a bit-part role when Luis Suarez returns from his four-month suspension.

The 27 year-old winger-forward has been part of the Nou Camp tapestry for some time; he’s won eight major honours with Barca since his 2008 debut and in that time has amassed 102 goals in just over 300 appearances. Pedro was also part of the Spain side that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship, further highlighting his pedigree.

Here’s a look at the Roja star’s Top Ten goals:

//www.youtube.com/embed/YO3qqjzFJxQ?rel=0

A tenacious forward with fantastic stamina and a potent eye for goal, Pedro would certainly be an impressive addition to Arsenal’s forward line.

But Liverpool remain equally keen after coming close to signing the Spaniard in the summer and will be hell-bent on adding Champions League quality to their squad.

PACO ALCACER

Arsenal may have splashed out £16million on Danny Welbeck in the final hours of summer deadline day but their forward line still lacks potency and depth, following an injury to Olivier Giroud that will see him sidelined until the new year at the earliest.

And according to The Express and The Metro, the Gunners are planning to remedy their striking woes with a January swoop for Valencia starlet Paco Alcacer:

The 21 year-old’s stock has continually soared since muscling his way into Los Che’s first team last season, with Vincente del Bosque using the international break to hand him his competitive debut as a Spain senior.

Indeed, Alcacer has been nothing short of potent over the last twelve months, as shown below:

Most appealingly, the 5 foot 11 striker’s contract currently includes a £15million release clause, leading one Spanish publication to dub him ‘the bargain of Europe’.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

But Chelsea have also been strongly linked by the tabloids, whilst The Express claim Valencia are planning a pay-rise that will see Alcacer’s buy-out fee jump up to around £25million.

If Arsenal can convince the Spaniard to delay until January however, they could unearth a real transfer gem. Here’s a look at Alcacer in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/RCKK3deKD2w?rel=0

WINSTON REID

After selling Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona in the summer and with Mathieu Debuchy and Kieran Gibbs both sidelined through injury, Arsenal are a few bodies short in defence.

Thus, by the time the winter window arrives, Arsene Wenger could feel compelled to revive his interest in an old target – West Ham centre-back Winston Reid, who was linked with an Emirates switch last January and on summer deadline day:

The 26 year-old has shown remarkable consistency since the East Londoners returned to the Premier League in 2012, claiming the Hammer of the Year award the twelve months later. Here’s a look at the 6 foot 3 defender in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/vhYZjrgfBsA?rel=0

He was in prominent form at the start of last season before the New Zealand skipper was sidelined with an ankle injury, which prevented Arsenal’s reported interest from materialising into an official offer. Here’s his stats from the campaign:

By no great coincidence, West Ham’s league form plummeted in his absence, and although Reid may be no world beater, he’s a reliable, incredibly athletic centre-back who would fit the natural hierarchy of Arsenal’s squad.

Furthermore, Reid’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and a new deal is looking increasingly unlikely, with negotiations yet to get under way. That could see him arrive at the Emirates for a nominal fee.

Xherdan Shaqiri has once again put Liverpool on red alert by backtracking on his stance that he’ll be staying with Bayern Munich.

The Reds chased the Swiss ace for much of the summer after being impressed with his World Cup showings, but ultimately missed out on him as the Bavarians held firm in their stance that he was not for sale.

At 22, Shaqiri is seen as a top prospect at the Allianz Arena, but over the course of his two years at the club the winger has been an infrequent starter.

WANT MORE? >> Liverpool transfer news | Latest transfer news

But just a matter of days ago he revealed that he’s content to stay put, with battling for action in Germany his aim.

Yet now the former Basel ace has revealed that he will once again consider his options ahead of the January transfer window:

“In the summer I said that I would like to have more playing time.” He is quoted by the Daily Star.

“I sat down with the club and made my position clear.

“I accepted staying, but in the winter we need to sit again and look at the situation.

“The key to performing well is to maintain good contact with the coach and to enjoy his confidence, but it has not always been the case here.

“I need confidence and I struggle to contribute if something is amiss.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Since their reported contact with Shaqiri over the summer, Liverpool have snapped up Serbian ace Lazar Markovic, but Brendan Rodgers is rumoured to remain interested in boosting his wide attacking options.

Fill out our survey and win a pair of PUMA EvoPOWER boots as worn by Mario Balotelli, Cesc Fabregas and Marco Reus!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Sean Dyche has admirably led his Burnley side, with comfortably the league’s lowest budget, into every chance of survival, despite the bookmaker’s vast doubts.

Burley began the season as relegation favourites at just 1.25/1, and after twenty games that has drifted out to 1.55/1, they remain the primary choice.  Even now, few outside Burnley seem to honestly believe they can stay up, which appears extremely harsh on a side who have improved as the season has progressed.

The Clarets had a terrible start, gaining just four points from 10 games, but, since their first win -a 1-0 success at home to fellow strugglers Hull – they have not looked out of place in the Premier League. Thereafter a Danny Ings double secured a first away success at Stoke, before a run that incorporated beating high-flying Southampton and four credible draws. Burnley have shown great character, equalising late against Aston Villa and more recently mounting a stunning comeback to draw 2-2 at the Etihad.  The Clarets backed this up by equalising three times against Newcastle recently, with opposition manager John Carver admitting the away side deserved to win.

The contrast to their early season form is marked, with the only real disappointment being a 2-0 loss at fellow strugglers QPR. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur could only narrowly beat the Clarets, who have developed into a difficult test for the top teams.  In contrast, Burnley lost four of their first 10 games this season by two goals or more, most humiliatingly going down 4-0 at fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion. The Clarets gained just four-points across this period, but have more than tripled this return, gaining 13 points from the following 10 matches. This has seen them move from rock bottom, and five points shy of escaping the relegation zone, to being inside it only on goal difference.

Sean Dyche has been a huge part of this turnaround, through trusting his methods and backing his players, who have responded magnificently. Fellow strugglers appear to already be panicking, seen by managerial changes at West Brom and Crystal Palace, with potentially Hull City and/or Leicester set to follow this trend. In contrast, Burnley will benefit from the stability of their faith in Dyche, who deserves this chance, having magnificently guided the Clarets to promotion last season. They began the campaign fifth favourites for relegation – Burnley and Dyche enjoy defying the bookmakers.

Dyche has helped his players to find the confidence that they can perform at this level, particularly offensively, where they appeared to have major problems. In early season Burnley failed to score in six successive games in all competitions. However, the Clarets have scored 12 in their last 10 games, primarily through talismanic Danny Ings, though George Boyd has also been excellent. The attacking midfielder has scored crucial goals, such as the third and final equaliser at Newcastle recently, whilst working hard to keep his defensive discipline. Boyd ran 8.1 miles on both Boxing Day against Liverpool, and just two days later against reigning champions Manchester City, and is unmatched in this regard.

Striker Ashley Barnes has eventually settled nicely into the Premier League, taking the burden off Ings by scoring an important winning goal at home to Southampton, and equalisers at the Etihad and White Hart Lane. Moreover, Burnley striker Sam Vokes, who was vital in last season’s promotion with 20 goals before a bad injury, is only now returning to add further firepower.

In summary, Burnley’s recent performances and obvious improvement suggesting definite capabilities of Premier League survival. This has been aided by an excellent manager in Sean Dyche, an improved attacking threat and players continuously gaining confidence that allows them to match the division’s best teams. The Clarets now face fellow strugglers QPR, Crystal Palace at West Brom at Turf Moor and also travel to Sunderland. By replicating their current performance levels Burnley can gain the necessary results to climb comfortably out of the drop zone. The momentum is very much with the Clarets, so you’d appear foolish to write them off anytime soon, no matter what the bookmakers might tell you.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Reports from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo are suggesting that the Alexis Sanchez and Arsenal honeymoon is edging towards a messy end. Although the truth in suggestions that he’s worried about the club’s Premier League position, his role in the XI and Santi Cazorla’s emergence as the darling of the Emirates Stadium is unclear, there are now worries growing.

Alexis has been, without doubt, the key man in the Gunners’ XI this term, but his reaction to some losses, and even wins, has been a little alarming. The South American’s face after the dramatic Champions League victory against Anderlecht was one of frustration, but this could be, perhaps, a bi-product of his fierce will to win.

Regardless of what is going on, Arsenal must keep Sanchez… and here are FIVE reasons why!

Arsenal’s main man

A glance at the stats really does say it all… In terms of goals and assists, Sanchez wipes the floor with all his major competitors in the Gunners’ squad, registering a superior efforts on goal and accuracy rating, while creating far more chances for team-mates. Only Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is better in terms of beating his man one-on-one – which is an easier task on the wing – while 31 tackles shows he’s adept ant defending from the front in a high-pressing system.

Determination

Arsenal have often been criticised for lacking leaders and having a soft underbelly, but Sanchez is very much a player away from that mould. The 26-year-old’s game is all about action, pressing and fighting for every scrap, and his tendency to chase down lost causes is often infectious in the Arsenal team. Remove him from the equation, and where would the Londoners be this season? Lower than fifth, probably!

Star quality

As well as being a scrapper and a battler, Sanchez is also a pretty decent footballer! His hard-work is matched by silky skills, finishing ability and neat passing (he played for Barcelona, after all), and Gunners fans have witnessed what he can do on more than a few occasions since his arrival, which was made all the sweeter as he rejected rivals Liverpool.

Losing him would lead to ‘selling club’ worries

Over the years Arsenal have developed a reputation as a selling club. Robin van Persie left for Manchester United, Thierry Henry to Barcelona, Bacary Sagna, Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Adebayor have gone to Manchester City… big blows there! However, with the Emirates Stadium debt now no longer the issue it was – hence the big fee paid for Sanchez over the summer – the time to offload key men for sizable profits may be in the past, so letting the fulcrum of the side head off would be, perhaps, even worse than the aforementioned deals.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Rivals could pick him up…

Leading on from the last point, rival teams could move for Sanchez. Manchester has been an area of the country north London stars have headed in recent times, and with both City and United financially strong, there is a potential risk that they could weigh in for a player of Alexis’ quality. There have been no official links as of yet, but football is a funny game and proven Premier League quality is always in demand at the top end…

Tottenham Hotspurs certainly know how to develop future stars, with young Harry Kane looking to be the latest “real-deal.”

The 21-year-old has been plastered all over the newspapers and on TV in the last few months, with many clubs across Europe keeping an eye on his progress. Everyone is familiar with the story of Gareth Bale. Played amazing at Tottenham, helped them shoot up the table, got sold for a record fee and Spurs haven’t been as good since. The bosses at White Hart Lane need to make sure they do not cash in on the situation and sell Kane too early. So have they learnt their lesson?

Kane has been the undoubted star and surprise package of this season’s Premier League and it seems like nothing can stop “Hurricane.” The nice thing is though it is clear he just wants to play football and at any level he can. Despite having made his debut for England on Friday night (and scoring) he still wants to join the England U21 team during the summer.

[ffc-gal cat=”tottenham” no=”5″]

Last time Tottenham had a superstar in their midst they sold him to the tune of £86million. At the moment the future is bright for Tottenham Hotspur. Mauricio Pochettino is proving to be a great manager, the players are building as individuals and a squad and they are in the middle of planning a new 56,000 seater stadium but should Tottenham fans get used to seeing their main stars leave for bigger and better things?

The big problem seems to be money. It always comes down to money. There is currently a big debate over what Harry Kane will spend his summer doing. Tottenham have a big summer tour planned away in Australia but the young striker wants to play for England U21s. Spurs are keen for him to play in Australia because it will mean more money for him but it could be the worst decision they make.

If Spurs tell Kane to join them in Australia rather than join England than they may live to regret it. It would certainly not show any learning from the Bale sale. While I think it is clear they will want to keep Kane’s talents for as long as possible they need to think about how best to deal with the situation. It is great to see a young star so desperate to play for his country, but it could have been so easy for him to say no to playing for the U21s now he has started to be noticed by Roy Hodgson for the Seniors but he didn’t and Tottenham should really respect that.

If they don’t respect it, they may just lose Kane whether they want to or not because they might have learnt that selling your best player and not replacing him will not work, but they haven’t learnt that sometimes money is not the best answer.

Kane wants to play football, and Tottenham need to appreciate that.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

//embed.scribblelive.com/Embed/v7.aspx?Id=1163928&ThemeId=22054

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

Manchester United are set to join Liverpool in the chase for Arsenal contract rebel Theo Walcott, according to reports from the Mirror.

Despite his contract expiring in the summer of 2016, Walcott has yet to start negotiations with the Gunners hierarchy over a new deal.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Liverpool transfer news

The England winger has struggled for a first-team role since returning from a long-term knee injury he picked up at the beginning of 2014, and is reluctant to sign a new deal unless he is guaranteed a pay-rise and regular playing time.

The 26-year-old ‘s situation has alerted Liverpool and Man United, with champions Manchester City supposedly also keen on his services.

But despite his lack of first-team football, Walcott was still called up for the England squad to face Lithuania in a Euro 2016 Qualifier on Friday and a friendly with Italy next week.

And Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson claims that unless Walcott can play on a regular basis, then his national team place could be in real jeopardy.

He said: “That’s the thing about football, isn’t it? If you’re not careful, there’s always someone behind you waiting to take your place. It’s a dog eat dog world, a bit.

“It is an important few months for him. He’s been concentrating on training. We’ve enjoyed having him back. You can see he likes to be with England and enjoys that aspect of his professional football career.

“But he’s got to satisfy a few of his critics and, if you like, make certain a) he stays fit and b) gets his place back as one of the first names on the Arsenal team sheet. When he does that, he might be pushing for a first name on the England team sheet.

“Every time, sometimes through no fault of your own… you can be injured. But then suddenly your position, which had looked very secure, suddenly six months down the line is not so secure. That’s something all footballers learn to live with.

“With England, he’s always been a very good servant. He’s been with me in my three years without necessarily playing the main figure. He’s always been there in the background.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Whenever we thought we could use him, he’s got injured again.”

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

The two stand-out fixtures from this weekend’s Premier League games are Arsenal vs. Chelsea and Southampton vs. Tottenham. Arsenal bout with Chelsea is the main source of focus, but just because we want to cling to the belief that there’s still a title race to be had. In actual fact, Southampton hosting Spurs is definitely the bigger game.

Realistically, Chelsea won’t lose the title from here. They’ve been so far ahead for so long, and last weekend really needed to go against them if Arsenal were to have any chance. It was never just about the Gunners beating Chelsea, it was about Chelsea collapsing. And having to play Manchester United at home was a real chance for a slip up.

Sunday afternoon was a crunch time for Spurs and Southampton.

As Liverpool were sent crashing out of the FA Cup semi-final, Aston Villa booked their place in the Europa League for next season, leaving only two places available for those teams qualifying through their league position. Had Liverpool won that game to face Arsenal in the final, Liverpool, Spurs and Southampton could all have qualified as seventh place would’ve been given a spot. As it stands, only fifth and sixth will be given a Europa League berth for next term.

And so there are three teams vying for two spots, making Southampton Spurs a must-win for both these teams if they want European football for next season.

For all the talk last week of Liverpool chasing City for the final Champions League spot Liverpool are still level on points with Spurs, the team in sixth and only one point ahead of Southampton who are a further place back.

How short-term the Premier League is – last week it looked as if Liverpool were chasing a Champions League spot again after two defeats in a row. Because of City’s poor form, Liverpool looked to be closing in. But that was last week. Now they don’t look as close to City. The Reds are seven points behind them, albeit they have a game in hand.

It shows just how tight this part of the league is. Southampton and Spurs are so close to Liverpool, and a win for either of those two puts Liverpool on the back foot. They do have a game in hand though, so they still look the favourites for fifth, and if not fifth, then definitely sixth – barring something disastrous in their last six games, they should qualify alright.

And this is why Saturday becomes such a big day for the others. A draw would suit Liverpool, and Spurs would remain a point clear of Southampton. So it’s presumably a result that would please Spurs more than Saints. But it certainly wouldn’t give them any breathing space and any slip up could still see Saints make their move. Whether Spurs actually do want to play in the Europa League next season is perhaps up for debate, but finishing seventh would put them out of Europe altogether and that is surely still unacceptable.

Southampton on the other hand can go above Spurs, and at this stage of the season it could be huge psychologically as much as anything else. The pressure is on Spurs to qualify for Europe – at the start of the season fourth place was their objective. Southampton, on the other hand, have a different situation. Before the season started, we thought the depleted Saints would be sucked into a relegation battle. Now they’re on the verge of Europe, bettering even last season’s exploits. The pressure is off Southampton and is squarely on the shoulders of Spurs. So this game is just as big for the psychology of the race as it is for the race itself.

If Liverpool have fifth place sewn up then that race is for sixth place. Seventh is no good to anyone and so the pressure is on. But it’s on Spurs more that Southampton.

Saturday is a big game, make no mistake about that. If you watch only one game this weekend, maybe it should be this one, and not the one at the Emirates.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-video’ align=’center’]

[ffc-quiz ]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

Despite holding down several managerial posts across Europe during his time in the dug-out, Steve McClaren will arguably always be remembered for his failure to secure England’s seemingly inevitable qualification for Euro 2008.

Whether it be through his questionable selections as Three Lions boss, apparent inability to establish a satisfactory starting XI for England – or just because the former Middlesbrough coach will forever be known as the ‘wally with the brolly’ – the 54-year-old English manager has simply never truly restored his reputation in this country for his past shortcomings.

It therefore comes as somewhat of a shock that Steve McClaren has seemingly become the main man in the frame for the Newcastle manager’s job in the run up to the 2015/16 campaign. It was a potential appointment that no one really saw coming, as although the man in question was once considered good enough for England, very few were expecting him to re-emerge in the Premier League any time soon.

So then, have the Tynesiders made the right choice in selecting their new head coach, or is the increasingly likely appointment of Steve McClaren at St. James’ only further indication of Newcastle United’s recent demise?

[ffc-gal cat=”newcastle-united” no=”5″]

Well, to say that this potential development would go down as a rather unpopular choice for the Magpies, would certainly be something of an understatement amongst the St. James’ faithful. Yes, the former Uefa Cup finalist with Boro and one-time Eredivisie winner with FC Twente has of course had some decent experiences to look back on throughout his managerial career – but do those past achievements mean Steve McClaren deserves another shot in the Premier League? – The likely answer is, no.

Since completely failing to deliver the results for England on the international scene, the ex-Riverside regular has also had some pretty forgetful stints at a succession of different European clubs. For VfL Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forrest and on a return to FC Twente, McClaren once again fell short of his managerial requirements.

His unfortunate decision to take on a Dutch accent during his time in the Eredivisie may have made for excellent viewing for fans back home, but it was ultimately something born out of much more than mere hilarity. Steve McClaren was trying to improve his image during that time, but in launching such ill-fated behaviour during that interview, the reported new Magpies boss certainly didn’t win back a great deal of respect to say the very least.

The 54-year-old’s recent failure to see his Derby County side even reach the play-offs this term only acted as further indication that he is not yet ready to manage in the Premier League once again. Any top-flight English side would be simply mad to hire someone like McClaren at this stage in the proceedings…

That is seemingly where Newcastle United enter however. Whilst the majority of the St. James’ faithful would much likely prefer the more exciting likes of Frank de Boer or even Remi Garde to take on managerial responsibilities on Tyneside next season, it seems the Magpies ultimately have no choice but to fall upon the unfortunately labelled ‘wally with the brolly’ instead.

Because Mike Ashley’s ownership of the well supported Premier League club has seemingly made it impossible for Newcastle managers to have the final say down at St. James’, no respectable European coach is ever going to see fit to join up with the Magpies unless a significant amount of head-turning money has been placed on the table. With Newcastle remaining particularly stringent in the financial department however, such an outcome seems unlikely even at the best of times.

The St. James’ faithful will therefore be left with no choice but to accept a clear ‘yes man’ when it comes to finally replacing Alan Pardew in the dug-out, and although his name often sparks disappointment since England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 – in Steve McClaren, the Newcastle fans have exactly that.

The former Derby boss will be desperate for a chance to re-establish himself back in the Premier League, and good luck to him. As that means Mike Ashley will still act as the main decision maker behind the scenes on Tyneside however – with his notorious reputation of caring very little about the club or it’s fans – Newcastle United in general will likely suffer as a result of this potential appointment.

With last season’s rather embarrassing eight game losing streak remaining pretty hard to beat in terms of disappointment though, surely Steve McClaren can’t present anything worse than what the Magpies’ supporters have already witnessed in recent months?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

For the fans’ sake, let’s hope not…

[n5lbanner type=”generic”]

[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]

[interaction id=“none”]

Despite the departure of two invaluable players over the summer in the form of Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard, Liverpool’s transfer business in the off-season has most of the Anfield faithful entering the new campaign with positivity in mind.

Brendan Rodgers has been backed by the Merseyside club’s owners and money has been spent to bring a host of new players into the Northern Irishman’s squad with Champions League qualification once again the goal in 2015-16.

Liverpool’s goal-shy attack from last term has been bolstered by the arrivals of Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings, while James Milner has the unenviable task of replacing Gerrard in midfield.

Nathaniel Clyne’s acquisition fills the troublesome right-back role, with all-in-all most people being impressed with Liverpool’s swift moves in the transfer market this summer.

However, with Manchester United strengthening considerably this summer also and Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea looking as strong as ever, it will be a big ask for the Reds to break into the top four.

[ffc-gal cat=”liverpool” no=”5″]

One position that Rodgers may well feel like he still needs to strengthen if his side are to return to English football’s elite is at centre-half.

The former Swansea boss likes to switch up his formations and as such has used three centre-halves and a back four on countless different occasions. There is an argument to suggest that a dominant central defender would really improve Liverpool, regardless of the system deployed.

Martin Skrtel’s contract renewal was a piece of important business this summer by the Merseyside outfit, with the Slovakian continuing to be the club’s best defender and a leader of men with his never-say-die attitude and no-nonsense approach.

However, there is a feeling that the Reds are one centre-half short to make either a 3-4-3 or 4-4-2 system work.

In a back three, Emre Can has been used to good effect as a ball-playing centre-half on the right-hand side of the defensive trident.

Although the German is a midfielder by trade, the ex-Bayern Munich youngster has the capabilities to fill in at the back if he has two other centre-halves to help carry the defensive burden.

Can is not a good enough defender to be used at centre-half in a back four though and as such another defender is needed in both systems.

Mamadou Sakho is a French international and has a sizeable reputation in European football, meanwhile the fact that he is left-footed offers balance at the back for the club. But, as yet the former Paris Saint-Germain defender has not shown adequate consistency to convince that he deserves an automatic starting berth.

Other options include Kolo Toure and Tiago Ilori, who are at opposite ends of their careers and as such either too long in the tooth or too inexperienced to be trusted week-in, week-out.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Dejan Lovren at his best would be a terrific player for Liverpool, but the Croat has not showed the form at Anfield that made him such a success at Southampton.

As such, if Rodgers was to complete his summer business by landing an experienced and able central defender that could play alongside Skrtel in a back four and with Can and the Slovakian in a back three, the Reds’ hopes of finishing in the top four would be boosted significantly.

[interaction id=“none”]

It does appear likely that Liverpool will lose Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona this month.

The Reds managed to prevent the Brazilian playmaker from leaving during the summer, but all of the signs are pointing to Coutinho making the switch to Camp Nou.

Liverpool have already spent £75m on Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk this month, but the club’s supporters are desperate for more business to be completed, especially if Coutinho moves to Barcelona before the end of the month.

Riyad Mahrez is still believed to be keen on leaving Leicester City, and the 26-year-old has been in sparkling form for the Foxes this season – scoring seven times and registering eight assists in 22 Premier League appearances.

Liverpool fans have identified Mahrez, who is valued at £27m by transfermarkt.co.uk, as the perfect player to replace Coutinho.

There is no getting away from the fact that it would be a massive blow if Coutinho left Anfield, especially considering Liverpool’s brilliant form in recent weeks.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

However, it seems that the club’s supporters would accept the Brazil international seeking pastures new if in-form attacker Mahrez was the player to replace him.