Manchester United target Kevin Strootman could be on his way out of PSV after the Dutch club have made a move to replace the midfielder, according to talkSPORT.
Rumours surfaced earlier this year that Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in 22 year old Strootman after impressive displays for both club and country. However, these reports were quashed by PSV, stating that the player is neither ready or available for a move to Old Trafford.
However, reports in Holland are suggesting that the youngster could be on his way to the Premier League after Eindhoven publicised their interest in Elfsborg midfielder Oscar Hiljemark.
While it is thought that the Dutch giants will attempt to rebuff any incoming bids for Strootman this January, a £14 million offer may convince them to part with one of their star players.
Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to bolster his midfield this winter, after choosing to focus on improving other areas of the team over summer. It is thought that Robin Van Persie and Alexander Buttner joining the club, may entice compatriot Strootman to move to Old Trafford.
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AC Milan are also said to be interested in the Dutch star. However, PSV will not entertain any offers until their target, Hiljemark is part of the squad at the Philips Arena.
The absence of Philippe Coutinho was not heavily felt during Liverpool’s campaign last season following the playmaker’s move to January.
Mohamed Salah swiftly became the club’s most important player, and the scintillating attacking performances from the Egyptian alongside Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane overshadowed Coutinho’s exit.
Without the 26-year-old, the Merseyside outfit managed to secure a top-four finish and reach the Champions League final, where they were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid in Kiev.
It is fair to suggest that the fans have not hugely missed the midfielder, but they were reminded of his quality on Sunday evening during Brazil’s opening Group E match against Switzerland.
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The attack-minded star curled the ball into the top corner from outside the box to put Brazil ahead, and Liverpool fans began to reminisce.
The club are yet to buy a replacement for the Brazilian star, but numerous targets have been touted in the media, including Lyon’s Nabil Fekir, whose proposed move to Anfield recently collapsed.
Many clubs go through a period where injury strikes their squad, which can be detrimental to their objectives for the season.
In this case, Aston Villa are currently going through that turmoil and it has occurred at a dangerous period as they try to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
As it stands, Steve Bruce’s side are third in the Championship, four points adrift of the top two after failing to win their last two fixtures.
This weekend, the Midlands outfit will take on Sheffield Wednesday on away soil, but they have received some bad news ahead of the contest.
It appears that Lewis Grabban and Axel Tuanzebe could be added to the growing injury list.
Ahmed Elmohamady, Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah are currently on the treatment table.
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Understandably, fans were left exasperated by the latest injury update, particularly as it seems as though this weekend’s match could come too soon for Grealish and Adomah.
One of the summer’s big transfer sagas appears to have reached its climax a little earlier than expected, with Adam Lallana having completed his long awaited switch from Southampton to Liverpool.
The England international was the subject of numerous offers from the Reds before he jetted off to the World Cup, but the Saints held firm in a bid to keep their captain. However, Lallana is understood to have made it clear last week that he wanted to follow Rickie Lambert to Anfield and now a contract has been sealed.
The 26-year-old is the Merseysiders’ third summer acquisition after the aforementioned striker and German youngster Emre Can, but Brendan Rodgers’ spending is unlikely to stop there. The Northern Irishman is known to be targeting a number of other players as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of a season in the Champions League, and here are six names he may turn to…
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Lazar Markovic
What do Liverpool need? That’s right, more goals! Well Brendan Rodgers seems to think so after targeting Benfica’s talented youngster Markovic. The Serbian winger was one of the stars of the Lisbon side’s run to the Europa League Final last term, and also netted five goals to help them clinch the Portuguese title despite being in competition with a number of stars at the Estadio da Luz.
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Able to operate on either flank and known for his ability to cut inside, the 20-year-old appears to be the ideal player for Rodgers’ set-up, and could link well with Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Or maybe he could the start of a post-Luis Suarez era at Anfield…
Alexis Sanchez
With Chile now out of the World Cup, the wheels could be set in motion to lure Sanchez to Anfield. The Barcelona attacker was one of the stars of the tournament for his country, with his all energy displays and eye for goal having helped to secure memorable victories before hosts Brazil ended their summer via penalty-kicks.
Despite his impressive showings, Barca are rumoured to be willing to sell the 25-year-old for around £30m, which has attracted the attention of Liverpool. Luis Suarez may be heading in the opposite direction, which could well open up the possibility of a stunning swap deal, and from this video we think he could fill the Uruguayan’s boots.
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Dejan Lovren
Among the wealth of attacking names being linked with Liverpool, there is actually a defender being memtioned. Lovren appears to be the Reds’ top target to bolster their backline, with the Croatian having been impressive for Southampton – who are rapidly becoming the Reds’ feeder team.
With 50 goals conceded last season, the Merseysiders know they must tighten up if they are to have any chance of ending their lengthy wait for a league title, and Lovren could be a good long-term successor to Daniel Agger – who looks likely to be leaving before the new season starts. To give Liverpool further encouragement, the silky centre-back is understood to have requested a transfer…
Lovren was also decent against them last season…
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Divock Origi
19-years-old and one of the World Cup’s stars, there is much attention being directed towards young Origi at the moment. His late strike against Russia helped Belgium make the last 16 in Brazil and has prompted talk that Liverpool, as well as Spurs, are tracking his signature.
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Reports in France suggest that the Reds have agreed a deal with both Lille and the player, but Origi will not be seen at Anfield for at least 12 months with a loan back to the Ligue 1 side on the cards.
Keylor Navas
Two goalkeepers have really caught the eye at the World Cup, one is Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico, the other Costa Rica’s Navas. To be fair to Liverpool, their scouting of the stopper appears to be a little more thorough than catching his games on the TV, with Brendan Rodgers believed to have been tracking him since the back end of last season.
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Levante are aware that they may be unable to keep their man after his performances in recent weeks, which could well open up the possibility of an £8m deal. With Simon Mignolet having shown signs of struggling last season, Navas could well keep him on his toes, or even steal the starting berth from the Belgian.
He also kept a certain Lionel Messi quiet recently…
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Alberto Moreno
Like the Adam Lallana saga, Moreno’s move to Liverpool appeared to be stalling over a reluctance to match his asking price. Just a few weeks ago the Spaniard was reported to have had his tickets and suitcase ready for a trip to Merseyside for a medical ahead of a £16m move, but this talk was knocked back amid speculation that Sevilla have upped their asking price to around £20m.
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The trail went cold initially, but now Brendan Rodgers’ side are believed to be making fresh overtures towards the talented left-back. With bags of energy and decent attacking ability, Moreno could be the solution to a problem that has been constant for Reds managers since the days of John Arne Riise.
Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is confident that he can handle the expectations of the nation when he next pulls on an England shirt.
The midfielder has been out of action for the last 14 months, spending a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
However, Wilshere made his competitive return against QPR on Saturday his first start for the senior side since May 2011
The England international lasted 60 minutes for his comeback match and is aware that there will already be talk of an international call up.
England take on Sweden in an international friendly on November 14th. He knows the pressures that come with playing for the Three Lions, but he was in buoyant mood when talking about when he next gets the chance to represent his country.
The Gunners ace went on to tell the Independent: “Football is like that, especially with England. You become a better player when you are injured; you become a world beater when you are injured.
“When you come back, there is an expectation, but I can deal with it.”
The player has not lost sight of how difficult it was to be away from the centre stage and playing in Premier League games at the Emirates. He went onto mention how he was just delighted to back and playing in an Arsenal shirt.
“Just for now, I am happy to be back. I am happy to be out there and healthy again. I was just running round smiling – that feeling was amazing,” he added.
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Wilshere is expected to be rested for Arsenal’s midweek Capital One Cup fixture against Reading as Arsene Wenger looks to ease him back into first team action.
Liverpool should not consider making a move for Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech if he becomes available following the acquisition of Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen.
What’s the word?
Unai Emery secured his second summer signing of the window on Tuesday when Leno finalised a move from the Bundesliga.
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In our recent poll, the majority of Arsenal fans expressed a desire for the club to prioritise signing a new keeper, and they got their wish.
Liverpool are also believed to be on the hunt for a new shot-stopper following Loris Karius’s horror show in the Champions League final.
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Numerous names have been linked to the position, but so far, the Reds have not got a deal over the line.
Even though Petr Cech was recently handed the number one jersey for the 2018-19 season, there is an argument that the current first choice will drop down the pecking order now that Leno is in town.
Why shouldn’t Liverpool take advantage?
There is no denying that Cech remains one of the best keepers in the Premier League.
The 36-year-old has a winning mentality having won four league titles at his former club Chelsea.
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However, there were moments of concern last season when he made blunders in between the sticks.
It would not make sense for Liverpool to move for a keeper that Arsenal do not see worthy as first choice – if that indeed becomes the case.
The Reds require a world-class stopper, but they should target a younger figure rather than someone who is nearing the closing stages of his career.
It’s been a difficult season for Ander Herrera, albeit through no real fault of his own. The Spain international emerged as Jose Mourinho’s unlikely midfield general last season, but has found himself further down the pecking order this term – chiefly behind summer signing Nemanja Matic.
However, Herrera produced a fantastic performance against Yeovil in the FA Cup last week, reminding everybody of what he brings to this United side with a gorgeous goal and the most tackles of any Red Devils player.
With that in mind, we asked United fans earlier today whether the 28-year-old deserves to keep his place in the starting XI for the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur this evening and according to our poll, 66% of Red Devils supporters do think he should start at Wembley tonight.
So, United fans, how would you line up Mourinho’s side to make sure it includes Herrera? Let us know by commenting below…
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Appearing as a substitute in Sevilla’s 4-1 victory over Espanyol at the weekend, Ivan Rakitic delivered another impressive performance and notched his 12th La Liga goal of the season.
With the Croatian’s contract expiring in 2015 and discussions yet to produce a new deal, competition is likely to be fierce for the signature of one of European football’s hottest properties. From the Premier League, Liverpool and Manchester United should be preparing to do battle in the summer over the Croatian attacking midfielder.
Sevilla President Jose Castro has recently rubbished rumours linking Rakitic with a move to Real Madrid and would be loathe to lose his club captain having sold Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo last summer. Speculation unsurprisngly intensified in the wake of the Croatian’s performance in the club’s recent victory over Madrid and that outrageous flick over Pepe.
Having recorded ten assists so far, Rakitic is one of only four in La Liga this season to have recorded double figure totals for both goals and assists. Sevilla’s captain was named Player of the Month for January and the time is now for the Croatian to establish himself at one of Europe’s elite sides.
Available for an affordable fee, Liverpool and United should be the Premier League sides most desperately jostling for the player’s signature. Both clubs would surely be viewed as attractive propositions and each would benefit enormously from the potential addition of the playmaker to their ranks.
Considering Liverpool’s free scoring nature, it may seem odd to suggest that the Merseysiders are in need of any more attacking talent. Whilst the ‘SAS’ partnership of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez has delivered beyond all reasonable expectations, the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling have all pitched in with crucial goals. Brendan Rodgers has been able to seamlessly switch between numerous formations and still maintain his side’s goalscoring threat.
But beyond the usual suspects, Liverpool’s depth of options in an attacking sense have flattered to deceive. The likes of Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Victor Moses have all failed to make an impact in their time at Anfield.
Without the hardships of European football, Liverpool have been fortunate to avoid injuries to any of their key attacking personnel. But with Champions League football beckoning, Rodgers will know that squad strengthening in the summer will be required.
Having been utilised in several central midfield roles, Rakitic possesses the talent and versatility to flourish at Anfield. A confident passer who regularly shows for the ball and is physically strong, the Croatian could effortlessly slot into any of Rodgers’ formations. The signing of the Sevilla captain would significantly strengthen Liverpool’s attacking options and provide valuable competition for the likes of Coutinho and Henderson.
Unlike their free-scoring adversaries, United have been far more inconsistent in the final third. Injury has deprived David Moyes of the services of star striker Robin Van Persie for much of the season. Juan Mata has flourished recently when deployed in his favoured central role, but too often United have unsuccessfully focused their efforts from the wide areas.
With Shinji Kagawa seemingly unable to convince Moyes of his merits as a playmaker, the Red Devils’ creativity through the middle is limited beyond the club’s record signing. Tom Cleverley has failed to make any real impact in the final third and Marouane Fellaini has struggled to convince since making the move to Old Trafford.
A midfielder in Rakitic’s mould is desperately required at Old Trafford. Averaging 2.3 key passes per match according to Who Scored, the Croatian would provide a much needed goal threat and incisive presence from any of the central positions. Moyes should be considering the Croatian as one of many that United should move for in a summer rebuild.
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Out of the Premier League’s elite, Liverpool and United are the clubs that would benefit most from the potential signing of Rakitic. Unsurprisingly, they have both been linked with moves throughout the course of the season.
At the end of the day, Sevilla’s captain could quite possibly choose to extend his contract at the club or make the move to either Atletico Madrid, Barcelona or Real. But if Rakitic decides that the Premier League is his next destination, Liverpool and United should be jostling to head the queue for his signature.
AC Milan are preparing a January bid for Manchester United winger Nani, according to Metro.
The Portugal international’s future at Old Trafford has been in question for some time now, with the attacker having 18 months left on his current contract and showing no hint of extending his deal with the Premier League side.
Zenit St Petersburg were said to have had a bid accepted in the summer, however a deal to move to Russia fell through due to Nani extortionate wage demands.
With United eager to avoid losing Nani on the cheap as his contract runs down, a January sale will be considered by Sir Alex Ferguson.
With Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and others taking precedence in the Red Devils first team, United seem to be well covered out wide, and may well consider parting with Nani.
The Premier League side are keen to recoup around £20 million for the tricky star, however it is believed that Milan will not meet this price tag.
The Serie A side are going through a rebuilding phase after seeing a number of senior first-team players either sold or released in the summer, and a number of new faces brought to the San Siro.
However, Massimiliano Allegri’s men have started this term poorly, and are already out of touch with league leaders and champions Juventus.
Milan will test United’s resolve in January however, and are thought to be willing to offer £12 million for the star.
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If a deal cannot be concluded in the new year, Milan may well wait it out and bid again come the summer.
Chris Hughton led Brighton and Hove Albion to an impressive 15th-place finish in their first-ever Premier League season, and he will be determined to progress and will be aiming even higher next term.
While the Seagulls ended the 2017/18 campaign seven points above the relegation zone, they were also only nine points adrift of eighth-place Everton, and the south coast outfit should be confident of bridging that gap if they can bring the right players to the Amex Stadium before the transfer window slams shut on August 9th.
Hughton, whose £5m move for Paddy McNair should be hijacked by one of their top flight rivals, has already got his summer business underway following the arrival of Florin Andone from Deportivo La Coruna and Leon Balogun from Mainz upon the expiry of his contract with the German club.
The 59-year-old boss has enjoyed good success with players from the Bundesliga – just look at how well Pascal Gross did last season – and while Germany is likely to be a target for new faces once again, the former Newcastle United and Norwich City gaffer will be searching Europe-wide for the right additions.
Here are three players Brighton must sign to ensure they gatecrash the Top 8 party in 2018/19…
While Brighton have both Bruno Saltor and Ezequiel Schelotto who can play at right-back, the Seagulls may well need a new player in that position this summer given the former is 37 years of age, and the latter often appears to be more comfortable from an attacking point of view than defensively.
Signing West Ham outcast Byram could be the answer, with the 24-year-old surely on his way out of the London Stadium after the Irons signed Ryan Fredericks on Tuesday.
The former Leeds United man has never really had the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular starting XI spot for a number of different reasons, but if he could get the form back he showed for the Yorkshire outfit previously he would be a great addition for the Seagulls.
Brighton reaped great success from the signing of Pascal Gross from the Bundesliga last summer, and they should look to repeat the trick with Wolfsburg’s Guivalogui this time around.
The strong defensive midfielder enjoyed an impressive 2017/18 campaign for the German side, the 27-year-old highlighting his good work in his team’s defensive third by making 66 interceptions and winning 65 tackles, while he will suit Hughton’s style of play too seeing as he had a passing accuracy of 85.2%, all as per WhoScored.com.
The 6ft 2in Frenchman would certainly bring some more steel to this Seagulls’ side, and provide protection for the likes of Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk at the heart of the backline.
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Brighton may have the likes of Glenn Murray, Tomer Hemed, Sam Baldock, Jurgen Locadia and new boy Andone in their ranks, but you can’t help but feel that if they added a quality centre-forward they would make real progress next season.
Step forward Nils Petersen – a Germany international who made his nation’s preliminary squad for the 2018 World Cup, but eventually missed out on the final 23-man selection.
Nevertheless, the 6ft 2in tall Freiburg striker enjoyed a brilliant 2017/18 campaign with 15 goals in 32 Bundesliga outings, while he also showed his leadership skills by captaining his team on a number of occasions too.