As reported by The Daily Mail, West Ham United are interested in signing Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-yueng.
What’s the story?
The Irons’ central midfield area has been a problem all season for both Slaven Bilic and David Moyes. If they’re to climb the English Premier League table then it’s an issue that Moyes must address in next month’s January transfer window.
One player said to be interesting the new West Ham boss is South Korean international Ki Sung-yueng, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
That’s according to The Daily Mail, who report that the 28-year-old is open to a move away having only made 10 Premier League appearances for Swansea this term so far.
Is he the right man to turn around West Ham’s midfield fortunes?
What does he offer?
Arguably what the Hammers have lacked in midfield this season is composure and the ability to retain possession under pressure, a problem that Ki Sung-yueng can undoubtedly solve.
Calm with the ball, he also has excellent technical and passing ability, offering a link between defence and attack that is currently absent in David Moyes’ starting eleven. He likes a tackle too and can sit in front of the Hammers defence, offering more protection than the options available right now.
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With plenty of experience for Celtic, Swansea and South Korea, he appears to be a great fit for a club like West Ham, especially if available for a budget price due to his contract expiring, although he is still rated at £6.3m by Transfermarkt.
Manchester United and Chelsea’s hopes of completing a deal for Edinson Cavani have received a blow, as Napoli boss Rafael Benitez declared his intention to keep the striker.
The prolific Uruguayan has been linked with a big money move to one of Europe’s elite clubs this summer, after impressing for a number of years in Serie A.
Both Chelsea and United have been linked with a move for his signature of late, with Jose Mourinho and David Moyes said to rate him highly.
However, Napoli are reportedly unwilling to allow their talisman to leave the San Paolo, and have held firm by declaring that only a release clause-triggering bid of £54million will be enough to force through a deal.
But, the Premier League pair are believed to be far from keen to match such a sum, and were hopeful that the Italians would reduce the quoted figure.
Benitez – who was in charge of Chelsea for much of 2012/13 – says that he wants Cavani to stay, and that Napoli are in no hurry to sell.
“Neither me or the president want Cavani to leave because he’s a really important player for us,” he told Sky Sports.
“Clearly, there is a clause that you can’t control, but we want him to stay to score many goals and to continue growing with Napoli.
“He found success and fame with this team and he can stay for another year with supporters who love him.
“Napoli don’t need the money. Should he leave, it will be for his clause, and it’s a really high sum.
“But our intention is that he will stay. The president’s intention is to strengthen the team and Cavani is our most important player.
“I don’t know if he has had any offers, but I know there is a clause and anyone who wants him will have to pay it.”
Is Edinson Cavani really worth £54m?
Tell us what you think below!
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During Manchester United’s opening game of last season, alarm bells started ringing.
United led West Brom 1-0 at the Hawthorns, courtesy of an early Wayne Rooney strike, and looked in cruise control. Until a speculative effort from Shane Long slipped under the hands of United’s new number 1, and then from nowhere West Brom had pulled themselves level.
Welcome to English football David De Gea.
United went on to win the game 2-1, but all the talk after the game, from press, pundits and fans, was how was this young Spaniard going to replace legendary goalkeeper Edwin Van der sar?
De Gea looked nervous on crosses and somewhat lightweight. West Brom could sense it, the fans could sense it, and even Ferguson was chewing his Wrigleys faster than usual on the touchline.
After all, it was his decision to gamble £18 million on the 20-year-old Spaniard, who had impressed during his time at Atletico Madrid.
The West Brom error seemed to stick with De Gea for some time. Errors followed in the Champions league against Benfica and Basel, and the Spaniard had to pick the ball out of his net six times as United were mauled 6-1 by rivals Manchester City in October.
However, De Gea still found he had the backing of his manager, as Ferguson fumed there was an ‘agenda’ against his young goalkeeper. He told reporters last September:
“There’s obviously an agenda on De Gea. We’ve experienced that in the press for some reason. They seem desperate for the boy to fail.
“That’s the impression I get and I don’t understand it. It’s nothing to do with his age. They never did that with Petr Cech.”
Things were going to get worse before they got better for the young goalkeeper.
Perhaps the most glaring error of all came during the New Years Eve fixture at home to Blackburn Rovers, as De Gea wished Fergie a happy 70th birthday in the worst possible fashion, by getting brutally out muscled from a corner to allow Grant Hanley to bundle home a Blackburn winner.
It seemed Ferguson’s patience had finally run out, and Anders Lindergaard was drafted in as De Gea took his place on the substitutes bench.
At this point De Gea’s dream of being mentioned in the same breath as Edwin Van der Sar, had turned into the nightmare of being mentioned in the same breath as Massimo Taibi, until an injury to Lindegaard saw him re instated. He has not looked back.
De Gea went on to record nine clean sheets in his next 18 games, and produced a man of the match performance in the 3-3 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A spectacular late save from a Juan Mata free kick was described by many as the save of the season.
De Gea ended the season with a 78% save percentage, which was in fact the highest of the 2011/2012 Premier League season. It begs the question as to whether De Gea was to blame for United’s defensive frailties in the early part of the season, or whether he was let down by his defenders on too many occassions.
United seemed to miss the physical presence of Vidic last season on some occasions more than others. They ended the season with their second best defensive record in Premier league history, but had days where they looked especially vulnerable.
They conceded three goals at Chelsea, three at Newcastle, three at home to Blackburn, another three at home to Atletico Bilbao, and of course six at home to Manchester City.
And David De Gea proved his worth on several occassions, making several fine and crucial saves during the second half of the season.
Ferguson’s ‘agenda’ comments are perhaps not entirely inaccurate. There was always going to be a bedding in period for De Gea, as there is with any foreign player.
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The £18million price tag and the fact he was replacing a legend in Edwin Van Der Sar, was an exceptionally heavy burden to carry for a 20-year-old during his first few months in a foreign country.
Rival fans wanted him to fail, and the cruel world of goalkeeping meant every error was greeted with ironic cheers, and chants of ‘dodgy keeper’.
The statistics show that De Gea proved his worth in the second half of the season. With a year behind him, now is the time for Dea Gea to show everyone he is the “outstanding replacement for Edwin Van Der Sar” that his manager told everyone he would be.
You also feel he can only benefit from the return of Nemaja Vidic, and the opportunity to play behind a consistent centre back pairing. Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones seemed to alternate on a weekly basis last season.
Everything seems in place for De Gea to build on the promise he showed in the second half of last season. The 2012/2013 season, is the time for the real David De Gea to stand up.
Manchester United and Paul Pogba have both improved in terms of their big-game performances in recent weeks, with the 3-2 win at Manchester City and the 2-1 Wembley win over Tottenham the highlights.
Their respective form against the lesser sides still needs work and there is weight in the argument that they are causally linked but one more major performance – against Chelsea in the FA Cup final later this month – would make this season into a success.
Nevertheless, the Daily Record have reported that Pogba – valued at £81m by Transfermarkt – is attracting interest from French giants Paris Saint-Germain over a summer bid.
That continued inconsistency from the French playmaker may well convince Mourinho to part company with him when the window opens.
The links have drawn a mixed reviews from United fans, with some happy to sell him at the price but others not willing to give up on their most expensive signing…
Arsenal being linked with signing a defensive midfielder for an entire summer before opting for a tricky ‘No.10’ has almost become a running joke in itself.
Unfortunately for Gunners fans, Arsene Wenger has avoided the issue of recruiting an enforcer year after year, and is at risk of doing so again thanks to the emergence of Francis Coquelin. If Arsenal are to win the title, a new defensive midfielder must be the top of their priorities to avoid any risk of Mathieu Flamini wearing an Arsenal shirt within 100 miles of a football pitch again!
Here are FIVE possible options that Arsenal could pursue…
William Carvalho
Fresh from a brilliant tournament with the Portuguese Under 21s, Carvalho is one of the younger options open to Wenger.
The 6ft. 2″ defensive midfield player can also cover in central defence, which would add extra depth if Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker were to suffer with injuries once more.
Hard in the tackle and already playing like someone far beyond his 23-years-of-age, Carvalho would be the ideal base to Arsenal’s extremely talented midfield. Carvalho’s age also means he fits perfectly with Wenger’s blueprint for signings.
John Obi Mikel
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Having spent the majority of his career with London rivals Chelsea, Mikel is unlikely to be a popular option for anyone at the Emirates Stadium.
The Nigerian has developed the sort of experience in his time at Stamford Bridge that puts him far ahead of Coquelin, whilst his role in Chelsea’s run to the Champions League glory cannot be underestimated.
Still only 28, Mikel has several years left at the top and his calm approach to midfield play would work nicely to control the tempo of games and cover for potential counter attacks.
Javi Martinez
As a Spaniard working under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich it is hard to see why you would want to transfer clubs. However, the offer of more money and a greater challenge may be enough for Arsenal to lure Martinez to England.
The guarantee of minutes would be a huge attraction and Martinez could be a magnificent signing for Arsenal. 26-years-old, the ex-Athletic Bilbao ace could feasibly have a decade left at the top of his game and would be a real game-changing capture for the Gunners.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Links with Schneiderlin have been going on for over 12 months now and the Saints man is still a very popular option among Arsenal fans.
Some have displayed concerns about his ability on the ball and questioned if he is capable of playing as a controlling man in a deeper position, but his signing would still provide an elite option capable of playing as a defensive midfielder.
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The Frenchman will not leave the south coast cheaply, but he would be worth every penny.
Thiago Motta
Despite nearing his 33rd birthday, Motta continues to prove himself as a top quality defensive midfielder.
The former Barcelona and Inter Milan man is currently at PSG and, due to his age, would surely be available at a cut price if Arsenal were to make a move for the Italy international. Wenger would have to go against his usual age protocol for this signing, but the short-term impact is likely to push Arsenal onto the next level.
Manchester City star Yaya Toure believes his side will have to be at their “very best” to get past Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday.
City’s chances of defending the Premier League title appear all but over despite their victory in the Manchester derby last time out as they trail their city rivals Manchester United by 12 points, leaving the FA Cup as their only realistic chance of landing silverware this season.
Toure, who helped City secure the trophy in 2011, is desperate to secure the FA Cup title but feels his side will have to be on top form to see off semi-final opponents Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.
“All we can do is do everything in our power to win the game both individually and as a team,” Toure told the official Manchester City website.
“We have a really tough challenge because Chelsea are a very good team and they have some fantastic players and to beat them we will have to be at our very best.
“We were faced with a similar challenge against Manchester United in 2011 and it was because we fought so hard and played really well that we beat them – the same is required on Sunday and we can’t leave the pitch with any regrets.
“I’m very focused on what we have to do and the whole team is and if we win, we will have done so because we deserve it.
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“Wembley is a very special place for me and I have some great memories from our last FA Cup run, particularly the semi-final and final for obvious reasons so I hope I can experience more great moments this season.”
Leeds fans have been reacting to the news that Stuart Dallas will miss the rest of the season through injury, and he might want to stay off social media for a few days.
Leeds were beaten once again on Saturday as Norwich got a 2-1 win on home soil, and the bad news keeps coming as Stuart Dallas is the next Leeds player to suffer a serious injury.
Performances like Saturday, where goals from Wes Hoolahan and Josh Murphy sent Leeds home with nothing, have come all too often since Paul Heckingbottom took over.
While it certainly isn’t the sole cause of the club’s torrid run, the absurd amount of injuries has definitely played a part.
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Stuart Dallas will now miss the rest of the season, as Phil Hay from the Yorkshire Evening Post reported the Northern Irishman has a tear in his hamstring.
Dallas is a hard worker, but he hasn’t exactly had a good season, managing just two league goals in 29 appearances.
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The 27 year-old was moved to full back during the defensive crisis, but didn’t impress in that role either.
Fans have been mercilessly mocking the injury news on Twitter, and some of the best reactions can be found below…
Arsenal’s title hopes dissipated at the last minute, despite an impressive run of form since the turn of the year, with Arsene Wenger’s men having to wait another year for their chance of becoming English champions again.
The Gunners are expected to freshen things up in their squad this summer, with the North London club sure to be keeping a close eye on the Copa America.
Although the likes of Alexis Sanchez and David Ospina will be competing in the tournament, the competition in Chile will also provide an excellent scouting opportunity for the Emirates Stadium outfit.
With that in mind, here are three potential new additions for the Gunners that are set to star at the Copa America…
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Sergio Romero
Despite the solid showings of Ospina this season, there is still a train of thought that Arsenal are lacking a truly top-drawer goalkeeper and that they may be tempted to add a stopper in the upcoming transfer window.
Argentina’s Sergio Romero has become his nation’s number one and showed at last summer’s World Cup that he is an accomplished shot-stopper and a commanding presence.
With the South American out of contract this summer and looking increasingly likely to leave Sampdoria, Arsenal could well have a bargain on their hands.
Experienced and able, Romero’s addition would freshen things up for the Gunners and add an international-quality custodian to their ranks.
Charles Aranguiz
Arsenal were accredited with a tentative interest in the gifted Chilean midfielder earlier this year and the Copa America will be an excellent opportunity for the Gunners to run the rule over him once more.
Aranguiz impressed in the World Cup with his work-rate and neat passing, with his style of play certainly fitting into the mould of an Arsenal player.
With the Chilean playing his club football in Brazil, a move to Europe and the Premier League would surely appeal.
With Sanchez already at the Emirates Stadium, Aranguiz would fit in nicely at Arsenal and give them more dynamism and energy in the centre of the pitch.
Lucas Biglia
Francis Coquelin’s emergence this season as a designated defensive midfielder has allowed Arsenal’s attacking players more freedom, with the Frenchman the player that the North Londoners have been crying out for over recent campaigns.
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Despite the former Charlton loanee’s skillset, there is still an argument that the Gunners need another defensive midfielder.
With Tomas Rosicky, Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta all ageing and their importance to the club waning, a deep-lying midfielder in his prime would be a welcome addition.
Biglia has impressed in a Lazio team pushing for Champions League qualification and his battling qualities would see him offer a combativeness that has been missing in the Arsenal boiler room.
Playing him alongside Coquelin or offering an alternative to the Frenchman would give Wenger options in the heart of his team.
One win and just five points in their last 13 Premier League matches paints a gut wrenching picture for Stoke’s supporters. With the club now on high alert after slipping to within three points of the relegation zone the pressure is firmly on manager Tony Pulis to escort his side to safety. Sadly for the Potters it’s difficult to see where their next victory will come from. Manchester United descend from their throne at the top for a visit to the Britannia Stadium and even with home advantage on their side they will undoubtedly be classed as underdogs. And rightly so after a dismaying home display last week in which they more or less relinquished the game to Aston Villa without so much as a whimper. That isn’t the Stoke we’ve all come to dread playing against and Pulis has a monumental task on his hands to dig them out of this rut.
Unfortunately for Stoke they come up against a United side spoiling after their derby defeat at home to Manchester City on Monday. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men lost out to their local adversaries for the second season running at Old Trafford but despite losing the battle they can solace in the knowledge that they are close to winning the war. The loss only put a minor dent in the Red Devils’ lead at the top-flight summit with their advantage now standing at 12-points. That should rise to 15 once again with City contesting an FA Cup semi final and United recording eight victories in their last nine meetings with the Potters. One more and their title grip with grow even firmer.
Team News
Matthew Etherington (back) and defender Marc Wilson (back/hamstring) will be assessed before kick-off by Stoke after being forced off in last weeks clash with Aston Villa. Glenn Whelan is back in training and could feature.
Ashley Young hurt his ankle in Monday’s Manchester derby with City and is out for two weeks. Captain Nemanja Vidic (calf) was back in training on Friday, while Jonny Evans is available after missing the last two games with a hamstring strain.
What the managers said…
“We have got targets. He was one that was mentioned, but whether we do any business or not we shall have to see. We have been monitoring four or five players in Europe and if our staff are watching players, then it’s important I follow it up. I went abroad Sunday when it was cold and I got covered in snow, which is why I’m feeling the way I am.” Tony Pulis dismissed speculation over his future at Stoke (This is Staffordshire)
“If you look at our history over the years we always make it difficult for ourselves. The supporters are hanging on the edge of their seats every year. It is a 12-point lead, we go to Stoke at the weekend and we will have a go.” Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United won’t succumb to complacency (BBC Sport)
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Pre-Match Statistic: Manchester United have netted 27 Premier League goals in the opening 30 minutes of games – Stoke have managed just 28 all season.
Prediction: Stoke City 0-2 Manchester United
Make your bets ahead of the showdown at the Britannia Stadium by clicking on the banner below
Tottenham Hotspur’s proposed transfer activity this summer has been centred around potential outgoings, but the club need to strengthen.
Over the last few years, manager Mauricio Pochettino has helped transform the North London outfit into genuine trophy challengers.
However, they continue to fall short following failed Premier League title bids in the previous two seasons.
Spurs were well positioned to claim their first piece of silverware in a decade after reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
It was not to be, though, as the team were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United at Wembley, despite taking the lead through Dele Alli.
With the club due to move into a new stadium this summer, they could couple it with a statement signing that would boost their midfield.
James Rodriguez – valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt – has been linked with a switch to the Premier League numerous times, and after his performance against parent club Real Madrid in Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final first leg, Tottenham should take notice.
Despite losing the tie 2-1, the Colombian international performed well for the Bavarians, and provided the assist for Joshua Kimmich’s goal.
Out of all the Bayern players on the pitch, Rodriguez provided more key passes than anyone else and also committed the joint-most tackles alongside Thiago Alcantara.
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With the future of Mousa Dembele uncertain, Tottenham could do with a player of Rodriguez’s calibre who can contribute with attacking moves, as well as break up play in the middle of the park.