Fulham boss Martin Jol is reportedly interested in signing Ipswich Town’s transfer-listed winger Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.
Tractor Boys chief Mick McCarthy revealed last month that the 22-year-old, who has scored eight goals in 70 games since joining the club from Arsenal and has a year remaining on his current deal, could leave on a free transfer as he looks to free up some space on the Portman Road wage bill for a summer squad rebuilding job.
It is being suggested that Jol will make a move to give Emmanuel-Thomas a chance to prove himself in the Premier League, with a reported Craven Cottage source claiming that the Dutch tactician has already discussed a summer transfer for the player.
The source was quoted in the East Anglian Daily Times as saying: “Fulham like the look of Jay and are considering making a move, although they would not be prepared to pay a fee.
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“He has been in and out of the Ipswich team but, with the extra finances clubs like Fulham have from being in the Premier League, they would be prepared to take a chance on a player who they feel can turn a game.”
Cardiff are set to make moves for Al Ain star Jires Kembo and West Brom’s Peter Odemwingie, according to reports from the Daily Mail.
Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay has made adding creativity in wide positions his priority before the transfer window slams shut in just over a week’s time, and sees the duo as ideal solutions.
Odemwingie is believed to have little future at the Hawthorns, with his relationship with the club still strained following his January antics – where he attempted to force a move to QPR.
The 32-year-old has also slipped down the pecking order under Steve Clarke of late, who has drafted in a number of fresh attacking players.
Although Odemwingie is a controversial character, Mackay believes that his Premier League experience could be vital in keeping Cardiff in the top tier.
Meanwhile, Kembo – who plays for Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates – could also be keen to make a summer move.
The former France U-21 international only moved to the Middle East last year, but could be persuaded to make a return to Europe already.
Kembo has also been linked with a return to Ligue 1, but Mackay is hopeful that the lure of Premier League football could be enough to convince him to switch to South Wales.
Cardiff fans, would this pair increase your chances of safety?
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Jermain Defoe could be on his way out of Tottenham this January, after receiving a whopping £5million-a-year offer to play Major League Soccer, according to the Daily Mirror.
Toronto FC have been busy putting together a stunning offer, which includes £90,000 a week in salary, as they look to tempt the England forward with a move away from White Hart Lane.
They are set to face competition from Queens Park Rangers however, with Harry Redknapp still keen to bring the 31-year-old to West London to aid his sides promotion push.
Defoe has struggled for regular first team football at White Hart Lane since the signing of £26million forward Roberto Soldado in the summer.
The former West Ham and Portsmouth man has mostly been restricted to appearances in the Capital One Cup and Europa League, but has still managed a very respectable eight goals in 13 appearances so far this season.
Meanwhile, Andre Villas-Boas is said to be monitoring £15million rated Corinthians striker Pato, as he looks to increase competion for places up front in January.
Defoe may yet be pushed further down the pecking order following the reintroduction of Emmanuel Adebayor , who was frozen out following a bust up with AVB over the summer.
However the former Arsenal man is set to be reintroduced to the first team, meaning Defoe is likely to find his game time even more restricted.
Defoe is set to consider the stunning offer from Canada, as former teammate and Toronto boss Ryan Nelsen admitted his interest.
“He is one of the most natural goal-scorers I have ever come across,” Nelsen said.
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“Always out training, always trying to score. To get a guy like Defoe for MLS, I cannot think of many that are more suited – I think if you ask most Premier League teams, they would take Defoe.
“It would be incredible. I call him and text him all the time. Him playing in Toronto would be phenomenal.”
Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood believes that Roberto Soldado will soon reverse his woeful run of form.
The 28-year-old striker was signed from Valencia last summer in a then club record £26m deal and was widely tipped to be the man to provide the goalscoring threat from a central attacking role that Spurs had been missing for some time.
However, despite having a good record in Spain, Soldado has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Even though he has been a regular starter for much of the season, the front-man has managed just five goals, with only one coming from open play.
This has led to rumours that Sherwood is growing frustrated with his displays, talk that has been further fuelled by Emmanuel Adebayor’s emergence as the club’s top forward.
However, the Spurs chief feels that Soldado will soon get the goal he needs – which will be his first of 2014 – and that the floodgates will open when he is at full confidence:
“We’re waiting for him to take one and then hopefully the confidence will start flooding back for him,” he is quoted by the Daily Star.
“He’s getting the opportunities to score but he just needs to take one.
“He’s fine, he trains well and he’s a good lad who works hard.
“Yes, he puts them away in training, but as I say it’s all about scoring on the big stage and we know he can do it, we’ve seen him do it over the years so hopefully he’ll finish one soon.
“Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later that he puts one in the net.
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“He just needs to take one. It happens, strikers have a lull at times and Robbie needs to get out of this one.”
Everton could see their loan move for Monaco forward Lacina Traore scuppered, after an injury to Radamel Falcao, according to the Express.
Traore was expected to complete a loan move to Goodison Park after being granted a work permit, but a knee injury to Falcao means Monaco may now opt to keep hold of the striker.
Traore only completed his transfer from Anzhi Makhachkala during this transfer window, but the French club had always planned to loan him out for the remainder of the season.
West Ham were amongst those believed to be interested, but it appeared Everton won the race for his signature.
But with Falcao expected to be sidelined for several months, Monaco are reconsidering their options.
A statement on Monaco’s website revealed the club are still waiting on the outcome of tests to know the full extent of the Colombian’s injury.
It read: “Radamel Falcao took a blow to the left knee. We must await further tests in the coming days to determine the exact nature of the injury.”
Everton are likely to find out in the next 48 hours whether Traore will be allowed to join them as initially planned.
If not, Roberto Martinez will be forced to hunt for an alternative with just eight days of the transfer window remaining.
Click below to see Arsenal, Fulham and Everton in action this weekend!
Angel Di Maria hasn’t given this one up, at least not without a fight.
This season it was expected that the Argentine would drop out of the Real Madrid lineup and find a place on the bench, or, worst case scenario – for Madrid especially – he would have simply been sold before the closure of last summer’s transfer window.
He didn’t have a place in the starting XI, it seemed. Gareth Bale’s transfer fee alone makes him a feature in the team if available – and if he’s not performing, something, without pointing fingers, will intervene.
Di Maria wasn’t sold last year, when it appeared he, not Mesut Ozil, would be moving to Arsenal. Carlo Ancelotti insisted that the Argentine be retained, citing the need for balance and, obviously, a wide player who can stay wide if instructed. Di Maria found fortune in Bale’s injury and lack of fitness. Bar Luka Modric, it’s difficult to think of a player who was better in the white of Madrid during the first half of the season than the Argentine winger.
Following the winter break and a steady run of form from Bale, it would have been expected that Di Maria would finally drop out of the team. Not only did Ancelotti keep him in the starting XI, he used him in an unusual but nevertheless highly effective role in the centre of midfield.
The Italian coach’s tweak to the system has been to the overall benefit of the team. Instead of working with a two-man pivot and three just ahead, Ancelotti has dropped Di Maria into the midfield alongside Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric, where he’s flourished.
That, however, hasn’t stopped him from working the flanks. Against Barcelona at the Bernabeu, Di Maria moved onto Ronaldo’s left hand side, with the Portuguese moving centrally, and tore through the unprotected Barca defence. Neymar came in for particular criticism due to his disinterest in tracking runners.
That Clasico was arguably Di Maria’s finest performance of the season, a season which has been without doubt his best since moving to Spain.
In the absence of Ronaldo, it has been Di Maria who has looked the leader of this Real Madrid attack, not, as expected, Gareth Bale. Against Almeria this past weekend, Di Maria sounded off three shots at goal – one, a stunning effort which thundered off the crossbar – before eventually opening the scoring with his fourth attempt in the 28th minute. His most audacious effort, though, came with an in-swinging shot from a corner. And upon second viewing, it was undoubtedly a shot at goal.
Di Maria has finally stepped up to become the consistent attacking threat that his price-tag and undeniable talent has been demanding. In the past, his good performances would be punctuated with acts of petulance, play acting and all round dips in form. This season, it’s as if he’s been woken up by the threat of the newcomer Bale; an effort to prove to Madrid just what they would be giving up if they go ahead with a sale in the summer.
Monaco have been the name most regularly linked, but like the wastefulness of Radamel Falcao’s talents in an arena without spectators, Di Maria should be a top target for teams with a higher standing in European football than the recently promoted Ligue 1 side.
Manchester United’s rebuild will kick into gear this summer, with a complete overhaul of the squad expected. Juan Mata has already been added, but Di Maria is a far more natural fit on the right side of attack.
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Not only is Di Maria in fantastic form for Real Madrid, he’s also exactly what Man United are in need of: a good winger; a spectacular winger, even; but importantly an effective winger.
What a marker of intent it would be for United if they were to swoop for a player of this calibre, showing not only their ability to get deals done for players of Di Maria’s stature, but also that they understand how to properly rebuild a squad with pieces that are necessary and that work with those who are to be retained for next season.
United could be in danger of repeating the mistakes of last summer. The flirtation from Toni Kroos could simply be an act to kick his current employers into offering what he feels he deserves in the way of a new contract. With Di Maria, there appears to be a far easier route to landing an established world-class player, and one who will make the current United team far better.
Ross Barkley believes that he can step into the void to be left in the England set-up by the potential losses of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
The Liverpool and Chelsea pair have been ever-present for the Three Lions for the best part of 15 years, and have widely been lauded as two of the country’s best ever midfielders.
However, the latter looks likely to head out of the action at the age of 36, while the England captain, two years his junior, is rumoured to be also be considering his role as he looks to prolong his club career.
With the pair having been so influential, there is naturally some worry among the fans that there are a lack of replacements coming through, but Barkley – who was impressive in a dismal Wold Cup campaign – says that he, and other youngsters, can push on and fill their boots:
“I want them [Gerrard and Lampard] to carry on, but it’s their decision. I hope they do stay on, but if they don’t it’s up to the young lads to step up.” He is quoted by talkSPORT.
“I believe I can do that. I believe in myself and I’m confident. This tournament has been a big disappointment but I’ll learn from it and it will help me in the future.
“You’ve got to have these type of things to learn from. I think I’ve benefitted from this tournament, and I think all the young lads will have done. We didn’t do well on the pitch but being around all the experienced players has been good for me.
“We’ve got young lads coming through who are showing what they can in the Premier League week in, week out so we have to do that at international level and hopefully we’ll be ready for the Euros.
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“In two years’ time we’ve got to be confident we can do well in that tournament.”
The hope will be that Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers will finally tame Mario Balotelli and bring the best out of the Italian for an entire season. That hope was held in the past by Manchester City and AC Milan, both aware of the undoubted talent in the striker but unable to convince themselves that the headache was worth a reward that wasn’t guaranteed.
Though Balotelli has a good record in front of goal for Milan, the club have made no secret of their intention to sell this summer. Liverpool’s bid and interest has come late– and that’s if we’re to believe Rodgers’ statement that Balotelli was “categorically” no on the agenda. That they’ve been unrivalled in their advances for Balotelli should be an indicator as to how volatile the forward can be. There is upside, obviously. But few clubs have deemed him worth the gamble.
Whichever way you cut it, £16 million is a bargain fee for a striker with so much experience, potential and current ability. Balotelli’s baggage is well known and that wackiness and unpredictable nature looks set to be warmly welcomed back to the Premier League. If Liverpool and Rodgers strike gold, they’ll easily be able to forget the goals that have been lost following Luis Suarez’s departure to Barcelona. Yes, the style of play is different; Suarez is a livewire that looks to control the game from all areas of the pitch, whereas Balotelli can appear subdued for the majority before providing a match-winner in spectacular fashion.
There is nothing that really needs to be said about Balotelli acclimatising to the Premier League. Regardless of whether he’s been involved in English football before, Balotelli is that rare breed of footballer that can seamlessly slot into any league, no matter its reputation; his unwavering confidence in his own abilities providing the platform for him to succeed.
It’s been clear that Liverpool have needed another striker since Suarez’s sale became a talking point during the World Cup. I’m not for following the line of thinking that dictates that in order to compete successfully in the Champions League you need a wide assortment of strikers. There are plenty of top clubs who compete in UEFA’s premier club competition with far less than four senior strikers.
But Liverpool only have Daniel Sturridge to turn to this summer. There’s a lot of romance attached to Rickie Lambert’s move from Southampton to Anfield, but the 32-year-old is not good enough by a long way to play anything more than a reliever.
Liverpool are simply taking advantage of the availability of a striker that can offer far, far more than, say, Wilfried Bony. The Swansea forward isn’t the headache (and understatement, of course) the Italian can be, but his talents fall well short of what Balotelli can produce. The fees, with Swansea now open to negotiating Bony’s sale, would be in the same ballpark.
Liverpool can also find a lot of comfort in Balotelli’s age. Having recently turned 24, Balotelli has the kind of sell-on value that will see the club recoup their £16 million investment. Naturally the club will need a buyer if that situation comes to pass, but for arguments sake, there should be no worry about recording a future loss in their signing of the striker.
With Balotelli, it doesn’t appear as straightforward as simply having a troubled forward find a manager who can guide him away from his current controversial nature. Balotelli is naturally the kind of person who likes the attention, whether it be in his post-match interviews or his driving of camouflaged Bentleys. Top managers at three major European clubs have been unable to force the Italian to mature; there is no guarantee Rodgers will finally be able to do so.
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But at only £16 million and the upside so rewarding, there is no obvious danger in Liverpool completing a deal for Balotelli.
Unless he changes his ways, sooner or later the biggest clubs around Europe will collectively decide that they’ve had enough. Fortunately for the Italian international, that time hasn’t come yet.
We all mull through transfer rumours every day, be it reading a newspaper on the train home, on the iPad while grazing over a bowl of cereal, or a quick gander at Sky Sports News before bedtime. But we all know that the vast majority of them are complete nonsense, dreamed up by some overworked journalist scared they’re about to get the sack from the Daily Mail.But every now and then, should one be able to comb the wealth of misinformation in front of them, a transfer rumour eventually proves true.And with that in mind, here’s FIVE January window-based rumours involving Arsenal that we at Football FanCast think might actually happen.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON ARSENE WENGER TO OPEN UP A CAN OFÂCOLD, HARDÂTRANSFERÂRUMOURS [/ffc-gallery]
FABIAN SCHAR
Football – Argentina v Switzerland – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Second Round – Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil – 1/7/14Argentina’s Lionel Messi in action with Switzerland’s Fabian ScharMandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason CairnduffLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Arsenal desperately need another centre-back in January and FC Basel prodigy Fabian Schar fits the bill perfectly.
Not only was the 22 year-old statistically the best defender in the Champions League last season:
…followed up this term with an equally impressive performance against Liverpool in Group B:
But a January move away from St. Jakob-Park now seems inevitable, with the Swiss international’s contract entering its final six months and a new deal unlikely after Schar’s revelation that he ‘needs a team with important prospects’.
Wenger will reportedly be given £20million this January, so the £10million-rated defender more than fits into his budget. Here’s a clip of Schar in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/ZpiVFCUXbz0?rel=0
But Arsenal are by no means the 6 foot 1 defender’s only suitors; he’s been linked with a variety of clubs, ranging from Barcelona to Tottenham and several in Serie A, over the last 18 months.
WINSTON REID
Football – West Ham United v Sampdoria – Pre Season Friendly – Upton Park – 14/15 – 9/8/14Winston Reid – West Ham UnitedMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’BrienEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
In a similar vein to Fabian Schar, if Arsene Wenger’s looking for a quick fix at centre-back this January, he’ll likely turn to West Ham’s Winston Reid.
The 26 year-old may not be the most talented footballer to ever grace the Emirates, but a master of the nuts and bolts of the defensive trade, his simple-yet-effective style could be the perfect counterbalance to Arsenal’s more flamboyant philosophy. Think a modern day, equally as awkward and elbowy Martin Keown.
Here’s a clip of the New Zealand skipper in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/vhYZjrgfBsA?rel=0
Furthermore, Reid’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and Hammers co-owner David Sullivan has revealed that the centre-back wants European football.
It was first assumed the 6 foot 3 defender’s Upton Park future would resultantly depend on where the Irons finish this season, but The Times claim he’s now been given a transfer ultimatum:
If Reid doesn’t pen his new £60k contract by mid-January, he’ll reportedly be sold, but Manchester United are strongly linked too:
William Carvalho
Admittedly, Arsenal spending anywhere above the £20million mark on a single player in January seems a little hard to believe.
But Arsene Wenger told BeIN sport he wants to sign a physical midfielder back in September:
And there’s been some interesting developments regarding well-known Gunners target William Carvalho since the north London side’s alleged deadline day bid for the Sporting Lisbon enforcer:
First of all, the 22 year-old’s improved contract, alleged in September, is yet to materialise, following prior reports that he had actively rejected a new deal.
Secondly, the Portugal international claimed in October that a move to the Premier League or La Liga will happen ‘sooner or later’.
And thirdly, Sporting are on the verge of striking a deal to take the full rights of all their third-party owned players, including Carvalho, meaning the debt-ridden club will receive the maximum profits from selling the midfielder in January and Arsenal won’t have to deal with any complicated legal issues.
Is that enough to suggest Arsenal will pounce in the New Year? Perhaps not, but it significantly increases the likelihood of Carvalho leaving between now and next season. Here’s a clip of the Portuguese prodigy in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/Dld9uMC2jyE?rel=0
JOEL CAMPBELL
After netting this absolute stunner against Manchester United during a year-long loan with Olympiacos last season:
And also scoring for Costa Rica at the World Cup:
//www.youtube.com/embed/WCvkYIxupkY?rel=0
Many expected young winger-forward Joel Campbell to be thurst into first team action at the Emirates this season.
Unfortunately however, he’s amassed just 37 minutes in the Premier League, in no small part due to Wenger splashing out around £50million on forward duo Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez during the summer.
Although the South American has dismissed reports he’s unhappy at Arsenal via a video interview on his personal website:
//www.youtube.com/embed/D5mbmQs5_ek?rel=0
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…the 22 year-old’s agent claims he wanted to join either Serie A or Roma during the summer:
Still struggling for game time, a Serie A switch could be rekindled, whilst Everton have also been thrown into the mix:
But having refused to rule one out earlier this month, it seems Arsene Wenger would be keener on a loan deal than letting Campbell leave permanently.
YOHAN CABAYE
Football – France v Honduras – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group E – Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil – 15/6/14Yohan Cabaye – FranceMandatory Credit: Action Images / Andrew CouldridgeEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Not much about this transfer rumour makes sense; the last thing Arsenal need is another slender-built holding player and Yohan Cabaye has denied reports that he’ll leave PSG in January.
Yet, in the crazily paradoxical mind of Arsene Wenger, you can see this deal actually happening. The Gunners gaffer clearly likes his deep-lying playmakers of the Mikel Arteta mould and the former Newcastle star, who bagged 17 goals in 79 Premier League appearances for the Toon, fits the bill perfectly, famed for his cultured feet and occasionally gritty defending. Here’s a clip of Cabaye in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/y7WFUWe5x_w?rel=0
He’s also French, a nationality which always sits well with the Emirates boss, and despite proclaiming his loyalty to the Parisians, for now, the 28 year-old will undoubtedly be sounding out offers in January after making just six starts in all competitions this season.
Would Arsenal fans be particularly pleased with this transfer? Probably not, but that’s never stopped Wenger before.
They say the January window is never an ideal time forÂPremier LeagueÂclubs to make signings – but that depends on whether you’re looking in the right places.Take these FIVE bosman-bound stars for example, all highly talented, none Âin need of a zimmer-frame and due to their contract situations, likely available for an absolute pittance when the transfer market reopens.It’s something Mike Ashley should particularly bear in mind – his penny-pinching ways have undoubtedlyÂcontributed to Newcastle’s troubled league position this season of 18th, but those entering the January window with just six months on their contract represent fantastic value for money.And just in case the Magpies owner is short on a few ideas, here’s FIVE bosman-bound bargains he should consider signing in the new year.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON ANDRE-PIERRE GIGNAC TO REVEAL
Football – Olympique Marseille v Arsenal – UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday One Group F – Stade Velodrome, Marseille, France – 18/9/13Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker and Andre-Pierre Gignac of Marseille in actionMandatory Credit: Action Images / Alex MortonLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
[/ffc-gallery]
ANDRE-PIERRE GIGNAC
Newcastle fans have rightly become disillusioned with their club’s Ligue 1-orentated transfer policy – it’s certainly thrown up a few red herrings over the last few years.
But the Magpies desperately need some added firepower in the final third, and Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, still yet to pen a new contract at Stade Velodrome, represents one of the coming January window’s best value-for-money bargains.
Goals haven’t always come easy for the 28 year-old; having struggled with weight issues throughout his career, he’s often greeted by away supporters with the chant ‘Un Big Mac, pour Gignac”.
But over the last few seasons the Frenchman’s really got his act together in front of goal, as shown below:
And that’s backed up by a strong start to the current campaign, witnessing Gignac rise to the top of Ligue 1’s scoring charts:
A new deal is looking increasingly unlikely – despite Marseille currently enjoying a five point cushion at the top of the French table, a number of their key players appear to be jumping ship, including fellow contract rebel Andre Ayew.
But the Magpies could face stiff competition for his signature in January, with Arsenal also strongly linked in the tabloids:
Here’s a look at the 6 foot 1 striker’s top five goals:
//www.youtube.com/embed/Uj-12t4Rcgg?rel=0
EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR
Football – Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool – Barclays Premier League – White Hart Lane – 31/8/14Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor looks dejectedMandatory Credit: Action Images / Paul ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further de
A bosman-bound striking option a little closer to home comes in the form of Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor.
A huge source of debate even amongst the Lilywhites fanbase, it’s no secret that a questionable attitude has prevented the 30 year-old from reaching his full potential.
But he’s more than proven in the Premier League, amassing 95 goals in 220 appearances throughout spells with Arsenal, Manchester City and the White Hart Lane outfit – including an impressive return of eleven in 21 last season. Here’s a look at the Togo international in action:
Having found the net just once in seven Premier League outings this season however and Spurs likely to test the waters for another front-man in January, particularly Schalke assassin Klaas-Jan Huntelaar:
The north Londoners would be prepared to part company with the 6 foot 3 striker, especially considering he’s one of the club’s biggest earners at an incredible £170k per week, still subsidised by Manchester City.
Wage demands could prove to be a huge problem for the Magpies too, but at this point, avenues for Adebayor to continue his Premier League career are relatively limited.
STEPHANE MBIA
Stephane Mbia’s first Premier League stint was a resounding failure, as part of the expensively-assembled QPR side that failed to beat the drop under Harry Redknapp in 2013.
But that disappointing spell is sharply juxtaposed by a prior stint with Marseille where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2010, and a year-long loan with Sevilla last season, bagging the Europa League title, before joining the Spanish side permanently this summer.
He played an important role in that continental campaign by netting twice in eight appearances – including this last-minute header to send Los Palanganos to the final:
//www.youtube.com/embed/qJUCz3lvim4?rel=0
A defensive midfielder measuring in at 6 foot 2, the Cameroon international is famed for his powerful presence and consistency on the ball, as shown in the statistics below:
Incredibly, Mbia’s found three goals already this season, matching his entire La Liga output from last term. All have followed the same template of a dead-ball being converted via his head, such as this stoppage time equaliser against Rijeka:
Despite joining Sevilla just a matter of months ago, the La Liga outfit only offered the 28 year-old a one-year deal. That could make him available in January if the price is right, and Mbia would boost Alan Pardew’s options in both defence and midfield, having regularly featured as a centre-back during his Marseille days.
Currently enjoying some of the best form of his career however, it seems more than likely Sevilla will tie him down to a long-term deal sooner rather than later.
SHAUN MALONEY
Football – Scotland v Nigeria – International Friendly – Craven Cottage, London, England – 28/5/14Scotland’s Shaun MaloneyMandatory Credit: Action Images / Matthew ChildsEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Wigan Athletic maestro Shaun Maloney may be no spring chicken at the ripe old age of 31, but he still has a lot to offer Premier League sides – especially those at the wrong end of the table.
Indeed, the Scotland international claimed an impressive six goals and nine assists during his last Premier League campaign despite the Latics dropping out of the top flight, including this incredible free kick against QPR:
//www.youtube.com/embed/8_8N4-gskX4?rel=0
Maloney can play on either flank or as a No.10 and comes with a creative, fluid presence – something the Magpies have desperately lacked in the final third this season.
He’s struggled with injures in the Championship, making just five appearances last season despite a positive return of three goals and one assist.
But he’s enjoying a positive start to the current campaign, as shown below:
Maloney also netted this tidy finish past Poland in midweek:
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With his contract winding down and Wigan currently finding themselves just a place above the relegation zone, they’ll be prepared to sell the veteran playmaker in January, rather than risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season.
Admittedly however, his resale value will be minimal, which could put off Mike Ashley.
MICHAEL CARRICK
A distinct possibility, or a naive pipe-dream?
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United career could well be brought to an end next summer, according to the Express, as his contract reaches its expiration – although conflicting rumours claim a one-year contract extension in the offing:
Injury has seen the 33 year-old miss the entirety of the current campaign, but having amassed 440 Premier League appearances throughout spells with West Ham, Spurs and the Red Devils – as well as 31 caps for England – there’s no doubting his credentials as a top flight playmaker.
Indeed, he’s claimed five Premier League titles and a Champions League at Old Trafford and only eighteen months ago won United’s Players’ Player of the Year award. Here’s his highlights from the 2012/13 campaign:
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A son of Tyne and Wear and having played for Wallsend Boys in his younger years – the same club that produced Steve Bruce, Alan Shearer, Lee Clark, Peter Beardsley and Steven Taylor to name a few – Carrick might feel it’s the right time in his career to represent his boyhood side.
Newcastle have a knack of welcoming prodigal sons back with open arms too – but the England international’s Champions League-level wages could be a stumbling block.