Former Liverpool forward John Aldridge wants his old club to move for Radamel Falcao after offloading Luis Suarez.
The Reds agreed to sell their star man to Barcelona recently in a deal worth £75m.
Although Brendan Rodgers has now overseen major additions over the course of the past few weeks, from the £90m spent a direct replacement for Suarez has not yet been secured.
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Loic Remy was dubbed as a man to help fill the void left by the Uruguayan, but his £8.5m switch from QPR to Anfield collapsed following issues surrounding his medical.
A number of targets have been linked with moves to Merseyside, and Aldridge hopes that Rodgers opts for Monaco’s Falcao:
“I thought Remy for £8.5m was a very shrewd buy but it’s fallen through for whatever reason, so Liverpool do need another striker in my opinion should something happen,” he is quoted by the Daily Star.
“Who is out there? Falcao, they’re saying he had a horrendous season last year.
“He was a bit part of the player he was last season. If he can get back to where he was the previous season then he would be one wouldn’t he?”
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Falcao only joined Monaco last year from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £50m, but he is understood to be open to leaving the Stade Louis II after failing to settle in his new surroundings.
The Colombian missed the back end of last season and the World Cup with injury problems, but is still considered to be one of European football’s most dangerous marksmen.
//www.youtube.com/embed/xCmk96_Pfpg
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For many years, Scottish football has been considered to be one of the least competitive leagues in the world. But it has the potential to become extremely popular.
Financially, football in the country is not at its best. However, this is the perfect excuse to produce young Scottish players that can prove their doubters wrong. The most successful Scottish club is Celtic, now managed by Ronny Deila.
Each and every year, Celtic clinch the title with relative comfort. The Glasgow club have now won the Scottish title on 45 occasions, winning it in three consecutive seasons from 2012-2014 after the notable absence of Glasgow Rangers from the top tier of Scottish football. Despite struggling at the start of this season, collecting seven points from four games and occupying a relatively low 5th spot in the division, it is certain that the Hoops will be lifting their fourth consecutive league title.
Aswell as league commitments, Celtic will again have to contend with European matches. Failing to qualify for the Champions League after a 2-1 aggregate defeat at the hands of NK Maribor from Slovenia, Celtic are now in the Europa League group stages where they face Red Bull Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb and FC Astra. With the Celtic Park outfit firm favourites for the Scottish Championship, they should now concentrate on getting as far as possible in a European environment in order to put Scottish football back on the map.
Fulham had a remarkable Europa League back in 2010, reaching the final, and beating teams such as Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg along the way. If the Cottagers can do it, then why can’t a club like Celtic, a club with huge tradition and stature, do the same?
In the past, Celtic have qualified for the Champions League and caused a threat to top opposition, including grinding out stunning victories against the likes of FC Barcelona and Manchester United. When Celtic Park is at its full capacity, which it often is, the phrase ‘the crowd is the 12th man’ is an understatement, as the atmosphere for a European fixture is astonishing and frightens the opposition.
For the rest of the world to see this would prove that Scottish football is a hidden gem, and has huge potential to continue growing. Money is an issue, with the likes of Rangers who have both performed in European competitions in the past, being demoted to the third division because of tax debts, while Hearts also entered administration, which resulting them in plying their trade in the second tier of Scottish football.
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Nevertheless, Celtic will get the title sown up within no time at all, and the main target should be to focus more the Europa League, which the players will gain much needed experience from for the future.
After their impressive league standing last year, it would be wrong to speculate Roberto Martinez’ job could be under threat at Everton.But the Toffees have endured a horrendous start to the new Premier League season, as they currently lay just two points above the relegation zone with the worst goals conceded column in the division.Clearly, something has to change and some additions to the squad in January certainly wouldn’t go amiss – like always, squad depth is already proving to be a problem for the Goodison outfit this season.With that in mind, here’s a list of FIVE signings, all realistic and available to Everton in January, that could turn their fortunes around.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON MARTINEZ TO REVEAL
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FABIAN DELPH
According to the tabloids, Everton are eying a January deal for Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph:
The Toffees are already blessed with quality and mettle in the middle of the park, through the likes of Ross Barkley, Leon Osman, Gareth Barry, James McCarthy and Mo Besic, but keeping them all fit has been a real problem this season and another body could do Everton’s squad depth a world of good.
Meanwhile, the 24 year-old’s stock has soured over the last twelve months. Last term, he bagged the Supporters’ Player of the Year award at Villa Park and he impressed on his England debut in August, featuring in a 2-0 win over Switzerland.
Delph’s a real box-to-boxer, with an endless engine and the ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, perhaps epitomised best by this stunning goal against Chelsea last season:
Most appealingly, the England international’s Villians contract is up at the end of the season and appears to be holding out on a new deal. Paul Lambert is so concerned he’s flying to the US to discuss his budget with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner.
That could force the Birmingham outfit to sell in January, but as revealed above, Everton face competition from Arsenal for his signature.
Potential transfer fee:£8million-£12million
MOUSSA DEMBELE
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Another Premier League midfielder linked with a Goodison switch in recent weeks is Tottenham’s Moussa Dembele:
The Belgium international’s bounced back to first team status in recent weeks after spending much of last season of the peripheries of the squad.
But he’s never quite replicated the form that earned him a £15million move from Fulham to White Hart Lane in summer 2012. Here’s a look at Dembele in action for the Cottagers:
And with Spurs already privy to a number of like-minded industrious centre-mids, such as Paulinho, Benjamin Stambouli and Etienne Capoue, whilst Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin also remains on their radar, the Lilywhites could be convinced into selling when the transfer window reopens.
A phenomenal athlete with good technical quality and an eye for goal, the 27 year-old is certainly a natural suitor to Roberto Martinez’ progressive philosophy. And a reversion back to the more advanced role he adopted for Fulham could see Dembele return to his former best.
Whether Daniel Levy is willing to do business with a direct divisional rival midway through the season however, remains to be seen.
Potential transfer fee:£8million-£10million
CHRISTOPHER SAMBA
Everton desperately need some added cover at centre-back. John Stones has been ruled out until 2015 with an ankle injury, whilst there appears to be a rift developing between Sylvain Distin and Roberto Martinez, following the Goodison gaffer’s decision to leave the Frenchman out of his match day squad for the Merseyside derby.
How about Congo international Chris Samba? His short stay at QPR in 2013 was rather disappointing as the West London side plummeted into the Championship, but he was once regarded as one of the better centre-halves in the Premier League amid a 161-game tenure with Blackburn Rovers.
Samba measures in at 6 foot 4, offering a beastly presence, experience in the top flight and a decent contribution to the goal tally – his strike-rate was one-in-ten at Ewood Park. Here’s a look at Samba in action:
There are certainly less risky options on Everton’s radar, such as Stoke City centre-back Ryan Shawcross.
But the 30 year-old’s contract at Dynamo Moscow has reportedly entered its final year according to Transfermarkt.com, suggesting the Russian side can be convinced to sell in January.
At the same time, Samba staged a half-time walk-out after being subject to racial abuse against Torpedo Moscow back in September, and already constituting the second incident of this kind since moving to Russia in 2012, it’s likely he’ll be keen on a return to England too. His family are still based here.
Potential transfer fee:£6million-£8million (but wages could be an issue).
FABIAN SCHAR
A more youthful centre-back option for Everton to consider is FC Basel’s Fabian Schar, often linked with north London duo Arsenal and Spurs:
Statistically, the 22 year-old was the best defender in the Champions League last season, as viewable below:
And the Swiss international’s World Cup performances weren’t too bad either, making eight interceptions during two outings at Brazil 2014.
A front-footed, goalscoring defender, who once netted this incredible strike during his FC Wil days:
Schar would fit Roberto Martinez’ progressive philosophy perfectly. Here’s another look at him in action:
Like many of the names of his list, his contract is set to expire at the end of the season and a new deal looks unlikely with a plethora of European clubs circling.
There’s still time for Everton to weigh in, but recent speculation suggests Inter Milan are currently leading the race for his signature:
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Potential transfer fee:£6million-£10million.
ANDRE AYEW
Andre Ayew looks set to become one of the best value-for-money deals of the January window and Everton would be wise to get in on the act.
The Ghana international has emerged as one of the French top flight’s leading widemen over the last few years, racking up 51 goals and 18 assists in 171 appearances for L’OM. That includes this ‘rabona’ finish against Reins earlier this month:
He also enjoyed strong form at the World Cup, as detailed below:
The 24 year-old isn’t the most conventional wide man but he’s strong defensively, notoriously versatile and as shown in the video below, is outrageously good at heading for a 5 foot 9 winger:
Capable of adopting virtually any role in midfield or attack, Ayew would add quality and depth to Everton’s squad, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, will be available for a pittance in January.
But there appears to be a plethora of competition for his signature:
And his virtually-guaranteed absence whilst the 2015 African Cup of Nations takes place from January to February remains an issue.
The rumours have been speculating for a while now that Gareth Bale could be on his way out of Real Madrid after just a season and a half at The Bernabeu.
The world’s most expensive player is reportedly a target for both Manchester clubs and Chelsea. Bur Bale doesn’t come cheap and Madrid would want at least £90m – surely too much for a Premier League team now that the Financial Fair Play regulations are restricting club’s spending? Out of those apparently interested clubs, only Man City appear to be willing to splash the cash and bend the FFP rules (again).
Bale has made 55 appearances for Madrid thus far, scoring 28 goals in the process. A fine record, but nothing on the #1 player at Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo, who cost a little less. Cristiano has 23 goals in 17 games for Los Blancos so far in the current campaign.
The current European champions have essentially built a dream team in recent years, and they’ve never particularly struggled to field a strong squad. The Welshman is certainly a part of that, and so you would expect given how much it cost for Madrid to prise him away from the glamour of north London and the Premier League.
Despite perhaps a small bout of home-sickness, Gareth is surely living the dream, and would be mad to leave?
He’s playing with arguably the world’s best player week-in-week-out, and the rest of his teammates aren’t bad either. In his first season he won the Champions League, something which most players will never accomplish, and he also scored the eventual winning goal. Not bad, eh?
Madrid struggled to balance their domestic campaign along with their European success and consequently finished third. Yet currently they top La Liga and the Welshman will not want to leave Spain without a league title (something which he still doesn’t have to his name).
He’s only 25-years-old, so there’s more than enough time to spend in Spain before returning home to a side who can help him win a Premier League title as well.
For most players it is the dream career move. When Michael Owen left these shores to join Madrid he was at the top of his game with Liverpool and happy there too. Despite that he couldn’t turn down what was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Ultimately the move wasn’t a particular success for Owen who was given a bit part role. He then went on to play for Newcastle, Man United, and Stoke – not quite fulfilling the promise that his younger self showed – but he wouldn’t turn down the world’s greatest football team.
The Wales international has already surpassed Owen’s career at Madrid, but that was always going to be the case with the amount of game-time he would get compared to Owen. After all, not even Los Blancos would put the world’s most expensive player on the bench.
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Gareth is now also playing under one of the best managers in the world, something which only a move to Chelsea would possibly challenge.
He would be mad to move before spending at least three seasons with them. Then again, if someone is willing to pay even more than Madrid for him, and they accept, he has little to no choice. But as we know, Real are not a selling club by any means, and they can more than hold their own in the transfer market.
With the January window coming up in about a months time, Louis van Gaal should already be planning some extra reinforcements for his Manchester United squad.
The club have already been linked with a host of players from a wide variety of different European leagues as their manager is still keen on bolstering all aspects of his formation.
So, instead of focusing on the whole of Europe, we take at look at five La Liga stars the Red Devils should sign to ensure them a top four finish…
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CLICK ON DANI ALVES TO SEE THE FULL LIST
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Gerard Pique
Name: Gerard Pique
Age: 27
Position: Centre Back
Nationality: Spain
Club: Barcelona
Price: £20 – £25 million
Despite signing Gerard Pique from Barcelona and then selling them back, Manchester United are once again linked with a sensational move to re-sign him once again. The Spanish centre-back was part of the squad that pulled in ever major trophy during the Pep Guardiola years so his experience will be a priceless asset to Louis van Gaal.
However, he is seeing very limited playing time this season and at the age of 27, a player of his calibre will surely be keen for a more regular role at a top club. If United can negotiate a deal, he will definitely be the first name on the team sheet when Van Gaal selects his defenders.
Aymeric Laporte
Name: Aymeric Laporte
Age: 20
Position: Centre Back
Nationality: France
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Price: £25 – £30 million
Aymeric Laporte is current one of the most promising centre-backs in the world and although Louis van Gaal is looking for some experience in his very young back line, signing him will still be seen as a very good purchase.
Despite being only 20, he has started 11 out of 12 league games for his club and was also given four Champions League starts, proving to everyone that he does have what it takes. A possible link up with Phil Jones, Paddy McNair, and Tyler Blackett is surely not out of the question.
Alessio Cerci
Name: Alessio Cerci
Age: 27
Position: Attacking midfield (right)
Nationality: Italy
Club: Atletico Madrid
Price: £15 – £18 million
Alessio Cerci only joined Atletico Madrid during the summer, but has already fallen out of favour with Diego Simeone as he is said to be looking for a new club. He only featured in 80 minutes for his side out of 12 league matches as Louis van Gaal is believed to still be open for some attacking reinforcements.
Last season when he was still at Torino, he scored 13 goals and provided 10 assist in 35 starts, showing that he has enough experience to give Manchester United what they need. The La Liga side is also willing to sell him away without taking in any profits, promoting competition for his signature to rise.
Raphael Varane
Name: Raphael Varane
Age: 21
Position: Centre-back
Nationality: France
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Club: Real Madrid
Price: £28 – £32 million
Raphael Varane is another centre-back which has huge potential to become one of the best defenders in the world. At only 21, he is already seen as a vital member of the France squad, even being named captain in his last few matches.
Although he has the world at his feet, he is still unable to break into the Real Madrid starting eleven with Carlo Ancelotti always picking the defensive pairing of Sergio Ramos and Pepe. Reports suggest Manchester United are already planning a £30million bid to make him their first choice centre-back.
Dani Alves
Name: Dani Alves
Age: 31
Position: Right-back
Nationality: Brazil
Club: Barcelona
Price: £5 – £8 million
Dani Alves is a player than is bound to give Manchester United another lethal outlet when attacking from the back as he is known for his ability to constantly cause problems down the right flank. He was a top target during the summer with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all interested in his services.
Louis van Gaal only has Rafael as his main right-back, meaning that if he can acquire Alves as his back-up, then he will have a very experience squad. In addition to that, if Van Gaal continues to use his 3-5-2 formation, the Brazilian star will fit perfectly in the wing-back slot.
Brendan Rodgers is going to be a busy man this month but one of his main priorities should be signing a goalkeeper. Simon Mignolet has failed to perform in a Liverpool shirt in the Premier League this season and Rodgers has become frustrated with his inconsistent displays in between the sticks.
Liverpool will want to sign a quality goalkeeper that can slot straight into the starting eleven, adding solidarity and the ability to effectively command his area. Goalkeepers are usually available on the cheap so a potential signing should not break the bank for Liverpool, who will look to invest heavily in positions further up the pitch. However, the importance of a good goalkeeper should never be underestimated.
Here are FIVE keepers to take the number one jersey at Anfield this January…
Matthew Ryan
If Liverpool are looking to sign a long-term replacement for Simon Mignolet this January, Matthew Ryan could fit the bill. The 22-year-old has been earning rave reviews in Belgium, performing consistently well for Club Brugge.
The young Australian has been tipped to leave the Belgian league in the near future in order to develop his career in Europe further. He is currently playing for Australia in the Asia Cup but many Liverpool fans will have their doubts over whether Ryan can immediately replace Simon Mignolet this month.
Norberto Murara Neto
Reports in the Daily Star suggest Fiorentina goalkeeper Nato is the subject of a £2 million bid from Liverpool this month. The gifted 25-year-old has been identified as a possible replacement for Juventus veteran Gianluigi Buffon but Liverpool have jumped to the front of the queue in order to capture the Brazilian’s signature.
The Italian club may demand more money for a promising player that has featured 59 times for them. Again, Liverpool fans may have their reservations in signing a goalkeeper that is unproven in the Premier League.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Tipped as one of the best young goalkeeping talents in world football, ter Stegen would represent something of a coup for Liverpool as the German only joined Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer window.
The 22-year-old is believed to be unhappy with playing second fiddle to Caludio Bravo at the Nou Camp and may welcome a potential move away from the club this January. However, it is unlikely that Barcelona would let one of their goalkeepers leave permanently due to the transfer ban that has been enforced on the club. Instead, a loan deal until the end of the season would give Brendan Rodgers a short-term solution to the goalkeeping situation at Anfield and would give ter Stegen regular first team football.
Asmir Begovic
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The impressive Asmir Begovic would be an excellent signing for Liverpool in January. The Stoke City goalkeeper boasts a wealth of Premier League experience and is widely regarded as one of the best keepers in the league.
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It will take a big bid from Liverpool for Stoke to even consider selling him and Rodgers may feel that he wants to invest the money elsewhere. However, Begovic would certainly be a quality replacement for Mignolet but the goalkeeper may have higher ambitions, seeking a move to one of the European giants in the summer.
Sergio Romero
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The Sampdoria goalkeeper impressed for Argentina at the World Cup and has performed well for his club this season. His contract is up in the summer so Sampdoria may want to cash in on the 27-year-old this month.
The player has also been linked with a move to Goodison Park so Liverpool will have to move quickly if they want to sign the World Cup star. Whether the goalkeeper has the ability to become Liverpool’s long-term number one remains to be seen but he could be an effective short-term solution for Brendan Rodgers.
Luis Suarez is set for a sensational return to Liverpool, with the Uruguay international ready to feature in a charity match at Anfield later this month.
The match on March 29 has been organised by the Liverpool FC Foundation and will feature sides led by Reds legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
It has been confirmed that the now Barcelona forward will make an appearance and Brendan Rodgers has confessed that it will be great to see the tempestuous forward back on Merseyside.
“It’ll be great. We’ve kept in contact since he’s been away. He’s a top-class player. He loved his time here at Liverpool. He always wanted to come back,” Rodgers stated in a press conference.
“He’s got [commitments] internationally but he’s making every effort off his own bat to come back. It’ll be brilliant to see him and great for the supporters.
“He loved Liverpool while he was here. He’s gone to another country, but he’s certainly adored here. The supporters loved having him here.
“Every time he stepped on to a training pitch, he gave everything. He’ll probably want to win this game as well.”
Suarez was a key player in Liverpool’s title push last season, which saw the Reds finish second to Manchester City in the Premier League.
However, Rodgers’ men could not hold onto their prize asset, with Suarez now starring in Barcelona’s forward line.
He was also embroiled in a number of scandals, namely the racial abuse of Patrice Evra and biting of Branislav Ivanovic.
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Money raised from the game will go to Liverpool’s foundation, which funds community initiatives across the city.
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Footballers are a lot like cars. Some, such as Per Mertesacker, are like Range Rovers; beastly, dissonant and usually covered in mud, but not without their uses. Others, such as Alexis Sanchez, are like convertible sports cars; exciting, dangerous and expensive, but inevitably dependent on how fast they can go. And a few, such as Mesut Ozil, are like Rolls Royces – classy, timeless and always going at their own pace, yet somehow not quite as exhilarating as their reputation would suggest.
Regardless or type or model, however, every footballer and every automobile has one thing in common – depreciation. If you’re a smart man, you sell your car just before its value plummets, the insurance goes up and the doors start falling off. If you’re a smart manager, you sell your players whilst they’ve still got enough years left on their contract to pull a few bluffs around the negotiating table, and preferably before their leg joints start grinding into dust.
Fail to do so and you end up with either a metal or fleshy heap that can’t go a mile without breaking down. All of a sudden, nobody wants to buy them and you have to sell for scrap – leaving you short on finance for a better model.
At which point, I turn your attentions to Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, a player Manchester City want and Arsene Wenger is determined to keep. This weekend alone, we’ve had reports of the Gunners gaffer issuing a hands-off warning – straight out of the Football Manager textbook – to the Premier League champions and rumours of a new contract in the offing to nullify their interest.
But there’s probably never been a better time to sell Wilshere than right now. He’s got three years remaining on his current deal and comes with a virtual guarantee of England involvement whilst Roy Hodgson’s in charge. The Gunners are even lucky enough to have found an eccentric buyer desperate to add a young, British model to his otherwise aged and foreign collection, seemingly apathetic towards the potential cost.
And right now, we don’t know what kind of car Wilshere will become. At times he’s like a BMW, dynamic, elegant and efficient. On other occasions he’s a Fiat Punto; small, ordinary and unspectacular, whining about all the other cars muscling past him at the traffic lights.
We do know, however, that for a 23 year-old, Wilshere’s been patched up and repaired too many times already – particularly at the ankles. His most recent sideline stint makes it nine ankle injuries since 2009, keeping him out of action for an incredible 112 weeks and resulting in him making only 95 Premier League appearances in six years. That’s just 16 per season; low mileage, but not in a good way.
Wenger sees him as the next Bugatti Veyron, but that’s dependent on him passing an MOT. And whilst the England international’s spent the last four months at the garage getting his ankles taped up, Arsenal have gone on to record their strongest Premier League campaign for years – now almost certain to clinch third or second spot after Manchester City’s spectacular capitulation. With Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin proving so effective as a midfield trio, would Wilshere even make Arsenal’s starting Xi right now?
It makes you wonder whether the midfielder is needed at all, or if he’s just one for the collection – a Wenger snazster 1.2, whose chavy spoiler and yellow paint job overcompensates for rusty wheel arches and a tepid engine.
Only time well tell whether he’s Veyron or Volvo. But Manchester City are apparently offering £30million for a player with as much potential to regress into an old banger as he does win the 2016 Car of the Year. It’s not often the risk and reward of keeping a player outweighs that of selling to a divisional rival, but in my opinion this is certainly one of those rare occasions.
Take the money and run Arsene. Buy a better model.
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The 2014/15 campaign was a far from perfect one for Liverpool.
Struggling to cope with the departure of Luis Suarez, the continual injuries of Daniel Sturridge and the ageing decay of captain Steven Gerrard, the Reds found themselves eliminated from the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup before ending the season with a 6-1 thumping to Stoke City, leaving them in sixth place.
The Anfield outfit fanbase considerable improvements ahead of next term and that will require a strong transfer window from manager Brendan Rodgers, whose dire record in the market has come under huge scrutiny during the last few months.
So to ensure the Reds boss doesn’t make the same mistakes, we at Football Fancast have outlined the five signings that would give Liverpool the perfect summer transfer window – without delving into the realms of improbability, of course.
Would these FIVE be the ideal summer signings on Merseyside?
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ASMIR BEGOVIC
Liverpool have been linked with Championship shot-stoppers Adam Bogdan and David Marshall over the last few weeks as potential understudies to Simon Mignolet, but most at Anfield would prefer to see a goalkeeper who can truly dislodge the hap-hazard Belgium international from his No.1 berth arrive this summer.
A lack of Champions League football probably puts Chelsea’s Petr Cech out of reach, but Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic provides a realistic alternative.
The Bosnian international is well-proven in the Premier League, enjoying five sturdy campaigns as the Potters’ No.1 and in that time winning the club’s Young Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards – so there’s no doubting how highly he’s rated at the Britannia.
Begovic knows how to use his lofty 6 foot 6 frame and rarely loses his composure – which should ease some of the pressure on the Reds’ ever-chaotic defence.
With his contract set to expire at the end of next season and negotiations over a new deal yet to get underway, the tabloids believe Stoke could be forced to sell for just £8million this summer.
NATHANIEL CLYNE
Replacing England’s first choice right-back of the last eight years with potentially England’s first choice right-back of the next eight years seems like a simple enough solution on Liverpool’s part.
Veteran defender Glen Johnson will leave Anfield upon the expiration of his contract this summer and Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne has been billed as his likely replacement.
In addition to muscling his way into regular Three Lions reckoning, the 24 year-old has just ended an impressive season at St. Mary’s, averaging 3.3 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 0.8 successful dribbles per match as part of a Saints defence who boast the second-healthiest goals conceded column in the Premier League after title-winners Chelsea.
An athletic defender with quality on the ball and real tenacity off it, the former Crystal Palace youngster suits Liverpool’s style of play under Brendan Rodgers perfectly.
Clyne’s contract at Southampton will expire at the end of next season and without a new deal in sight it’s looking increasingly likely Ronald Koeman’s outfit will have to sell this summer.
Liverpool launched a £10million bid last month which was flatly rejected, however, and recent reports claim Brendan Rodgers is reluctant to increase his offer.
MATEO KOVACIC
Liverpool need a talismanic replacement for MLS-bound skipper Steven Gerrard and their preferred choice appears to be Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
The former Dynamo Zagreb youngster has continually impressed since his Serie A debut in 2013, this season bagging five goals and three assists in 35 league outings whilst averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.8 chances created and 2.6 successful dribbles per match.
He’s proved himself equally adept at No.10 and as a deep-lying midfielder, whilst 20 caps for the Croatian national team at just 21 years of age further underlines Kovacic’s enormous potential.
According to The Express, Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with the prodigious playmaker but are still yet to confirm a price with Inter Milan, having seen their previous £15million bid rejected.
ROBERTO FIRMINO
Liverpool have been linked with Hoffenheim star Roberto Firmino for some time and will be expected to revive their interest again this summer after another strong campaign from the versatile attacker.
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The 23 year-old boasts 23 goals and 21 assists in his last 66 Bundesliga appearances, in that time proving potent in a variety of roles across the midfield and the front-line. This term, he also averaged an impressive 2.9 shots, 2.1 created chances and 4.2 dribbles per match.
That’s seen Firmino ascend to starting status within the Brazil national team fold, netting twice in five appearances since his debut in October.
Resultantly, however, some new suitors have recently emerged on the scene. Along with Liverpool, Manchester City are reportedly considering a £20million bid.
CARLOS TEVEZ
Carlos Tevez may be 31 years of age but he’s still proving himself to be one of the best in the business, firing Juventus to consecutive Serie A titles and this season’s Champions League final.
Liverpool have been linked with the Argentina international and although he don’t fit the usual criteria of the FSG model, he could well be the direct replacement for Luis Suarez Liverpool failed to find in the transfer market last summer, boasting a similar blend of flair, netting prowess and tenacity.
Furthermore, Tevez is more than proven in the Premier League. He won three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League title throughout his spells with West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City, amassing a haul of 84 goals in 202 league outings.
With his contract set to expire in 2016 and Juve linked to a host of replacement front-men, including Gonzalo Higuain and Edinson Cavani alongside new signing Paulo Dybala, the feisty South American will likely leave Turin on the cheap this summer.
A disappointing season for Everton ended in similar fashion on Sunday as they were beaten one-nil by Tottenham in their final Premier League game.
Three defeats from four in May capped ensured they finished in the bottom of half of the table, with last season’s flirtation with a top-four spot a distant memory.
Qualifying for the Europa League may well have been to blame for their disappointing domestic form, and having failed to qualify for next season’s competition; much more is expected from Roberto Martinez’s side.
The Spaniard certainly needs to strengthen his squad over the summer in order to break into the top seven once more, but perhaps their most important task is hanging onto their star players who are once again attracting the attention of England’s biggest clubs.
While some have enjoyed impressive campaigns, others at times have been fairly inconsistent, but if they are to have any chance of challenging for Europe again come next term, they have to keep hold of these five…
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Seamus Coleman
One player Everton appear to have a big task in retaining over the summer is their Irish defender Seamus Coleman.
Since his arrival at the club six years ago for just £60,000, Coleman has developed into arguably the best right-back in the Premier League proving hugely effective in both attack and defence, netting 12 goals over the past two seasons.
His performances have seen him linked with a move to Manchester United on numerous occasions over the past 12 months, but reports this month suggest Chelsea could be in line to sign the 26-year-old in a £20m deal.
Everton will be keen to hang onto him, and rightly so, but now might be the time for Coleman to move on as he pursues Champions League football.
John Stones
Another of Everton’s defenders who has been linked with a summer switch to Chelsea is 20-year centre half John Stones.
Despite injury problems this season, when fit Stones has been one of the players of the year at Goodison Park putting in some outstanding performances that highlight his potential and have shown he is set for a bright future at the top level.
He looks a ready made replacement for Chelsea captain John Terry, and could be the centre of a big money bid from the Blues in the coming months.
Manchester City are also interested in the youngster as they look to bolster their defence, and Stones is also seen as someone who could help boost the club’s quota of home-grown talent.
There’s no doubt he will end up at a top club at some point in his career, but Everton will be hoping they can hold onto him for a couple more seasons yet.
Kevin Mirallas
Everton’s Kevin Mirallas celebrates scoring his sides’ second goal during the Barclays Premier League match at White Hart Lane, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday April 7, 2013. See PA Story SOCCER Tottenham. Photo credit should read: Stephen Pond/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Maximum 45 images during a match. No video emulation or promotion as ‘live’. No use in games, competitions, merchandise, betting or single club/player services. No use with unofficial audio,
It’s been an up and down season for Belgian midfielder Kevin Mirallas, but he has proved his worth once more with 11 goals this season in all competitions making him the club’s second top scorer.
After an impressive start to the season, he was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham, and with the next transfer window almost upon us he is another that is sure to attract attention from sides competing in Europe.
Despite rumours that the 27-year-old was keen to be playing in the Champions League, Mirallas has recently revealed he is happy at Everton which provides them with plenty of hope that he won’t be off anywhere this summer.
Ross Barkley
Toffees midfielder Ross Barkley has failed to live up to the high expectations this season with a number of below par performances, but that hasn’t stopped one of the country’s brightest young talents becoming another star to be linked with both Chelsea and Manchester City.
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The England international caught the eye as Everton finished fifth last season, but has seen his performances dip substantially this campaign.
He has however been touted as a possible £50m signing for one of the league’s top two clubs, and is still regarded as someone with a huge amount of potential.
Thankfully for Everton, remaining at Goodison Park will probably be the best idea for Barkley at this early stage in his career, and they should have no problem ensuring he is still at the club come September.
Romelu Lukaku
Everton’s star man this season has once again been their prolific striker Romelu Lukaku who has netted 20 times during another impressive campaign.
The 22-year old continues to go from strength to strength since his arrival from Chelsea last summer, but the big worry for Everton is that he will soon push for a move to a bigger club playing Champions League football.
There would be no shortage of takers for the Belgian; with Wolfsburg one of the sides strongly linked with a £33m move for the forward, but for Everton’s sake it’s imperative he remains at the club next season as it’s hard to envisage them having any success without him.