Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill is keen on bringing former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill to the Stadium of Light on loan in January according to Sky Sports.
The New York Red Bulls star enjoyed eight successful years in the Premier League with the Toffee’s before being shipped off to the MLS.
The former Millwall midfielder had hoped for a return to Goodison Park on loan during the January transfer window but will settle for a move to the North East with O’Neill extremely interested.
Cahill was somewhat of a goal machine for Everton but Marouane Fellaini has certainly taken over his position now so a loan move to Sunderland would see far more game time for the Australian international.
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With the MLS out of action for a few months the likes of Cahill, Thierry Henry, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane are all set for two month loan spells in the Premier League.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down a need to spend big during the January transfer window.
The Frenchman has been urged by the club’s fans to bring in top players in a bid to boost their Premier League fortunes after a stuttering start to the season.
With club announcing new sponsorship deals and having received substantial fees from transfers, it is believed that money is in place to draft in fresh faces.
However, Wenger feels that additions are not needed and that he has a strong enough squad to compete:
“It has become more difficult for one simple reason: We have a good squad.” He is quoted by The Mirror.
“I know we swim against the stream a bit because people don’t believe that. I say we have a very good squad.”
The Gunners have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks, including the likes of Wilfried Zaha and David Villa.
Although Wenger admitted that he needs to strengthen his squad, he hinted that arrivals will have to wait until Theo Walcott’s contract situation is resolved and key players have returned from injury:
“We have some improvements to make and we know exactly where. In January it is difficult to find the players that are really better and can give something special to the squad.
“The number is right. We have a good balance.
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“We are working very hard. First of all we want to sort out the injuries we have, and we are trying very hard to close the deal with (Theo) Walcott.
“Once we have done that, we will certainly do something else. At the moment I cannot tell you more.”
Arsene Wenger has spoken out about drug testing and his concerns that anti-doping tests are not strict enough in football.
The Arsenal boss believes that the Anti-Doping system is flawed in football because it is not strict or thorough enough which enables players to escape detection, according to The Sun.
“I don’t think we do enough. It is difficult to believe you have 740 players at the World Cup with zero problems,” he said.
“UEFA’s doping control do not take blood, they only take urine. I have asked many times for that to change.”
John Fahey, president of the World Anti-Doping agency has backed Wenger on his opinion. He believes that footballers should be tested more regularly for EPO-a blood boosting drug. Fahey believes that by introducing biological passports for sports stars like in cycling and tennis, that it will eliminate drug issues. Biological passports will show up any changes in body chemistry.
“I saw some examples recently in tennis, where senior players were saying they were not tested terribly regularly. I would say tennis can do more, as can football,” said Fahey.
“I simply say this about football — they are not testing enough for EPO. They can do more and we encourage them to do more.
“While testing is a good deterrent factor and may be an effective way of catching people, I would argue the athlete biological passport is a very effective tool. Why isn’t football using it?”
In response, a spokesman for the FA reiterated their drug testing policy and reassured that everything was working as it should be. The FA run their own extensive drug testing programme and confirmed in a press release that they: “operate one of the largest and most comprehensive drug testing and education programmes in the world. This includes both urine and blood tests, while the FA regularly tests for EPO. We also conduct blood testing for Human Growth Hormone and run a blood-profiling programme.”
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FIFA have confirmed that they will be collecting blood and urine specimens to start building biological profiles of all the participants in the Confederations Cup and World Cup 2014.
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When Liverpool sacked Kenny Dalglish last summer and brought in Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers as replacement I think everyone in the football world was a little shocked, even the fans were a little concerned that Rodgers wasn’t the best choice of manager to replace King Kenny at that time.
The Merseyside club struggled in the Premier League last season and they finished eighth which was their lowest league position since 1994. Even though they won the League Cup and got to the final of The FA cup, their poor league form led to the sacking of Dalglish when the season finished. Rodgers was unveiled as the new manager at Anfield on the June 1st after meeting with Liverpool owners to establish a long-term plan at the club and he has wasted no time in putting that into action.
His long term plan is to:
Buy two or three players over the next few transfer windows to avoid one big spend this summer, enabling Liverpool to recover some of their financial losses Dedicate more focus on developing the youth team so they don’t have to spend huge amounts strengthening the squad Introduce a different tactical approach and style of play which leaves no weaknesses within the team – he is a fan of fast-paced football and a tika-taka type of play and feels he can introduce this at Anfield Rebuild the defence Introduce younger players to the starting XI
Over the last eight months there has definitely been a visible change in the way Liverpool have played. They have suffered injury problems but yet they have still managed to keep in good form and they have definitely played better this year than under Dalglish. They are currently seventh in the league and if the results go in their favour they could still very much be in the race for European football next season.
One of the biggest changes fans will have noticed is Liverpool’s performances against the clubs lower down the table and results have improved immensely compared to last season. They achieved high scoring results against Norwich (5-2), Fulham (4-0), Wigan, QPR and Sunderland (3-0) and there was a distinct change in attitude of the players in these games – they are no longer playing assuming they are going to win – instead they play for the three points.
He bought young fresh talent in the form of Nuri Sahin, Fabio Borini, Oussama Assaidi, Samed Yesil, Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Phillipe Coutinho who are all under the age of 24, and introduced academy product Raheem Sterling to the squad this season which has rejuvenated the tired look that Liverpool possessed last year. The young players are all fast paced which fits into Rodgers proposed change in style of play with extra attention to the attacking aspect of their game.
The Reds boss admits he spent more than he wanted to in the last two transfer windows and admitted even though it was a necessity he doesn’t want to spend that amount again. He has been given £20million to spend this summer and a fair bit of that will be strengthening up the defence after club legend Jamie Carragher retires in May.
In doing some research on whether fans thought Brendan Rodgers could achieve success in the next 2-3 years with his long-term vision, I asked Simon Donegan, a long term fan of The Reds what he thought.
“Rodgers can do it, but will the fans give him time? The old Liverpool had it right throughout the club at all levels. The last few managers have spent too much.
“The future is with the youth and money is needed to extend the ground. Clubs like City, Chelsea and Manchester United will not be allowed to operate with their debts the way they are, if UEFA get their way.
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“It is important we get that right again. Brendan has got to get a squad that believes in him and will play for him. There is still some deadwood to move out. I am going to have to be patient because he still has a lot to learn.”
Brendan Rodgers has been one of the most discussed managers in football this season and it is easy to see why. They might not be winning every game and they still have some way to go but Rodgers has certainly made a difference this year. If he continues with his philosophy then it’s easy to see Anfield rocking again in the coming years.
Callum McManaman is struggling with an ankle injury ahead of the Norwich game and faces a race against time to be fit.
McManaman initially picked up the injury during the FA Cup victory over Everton at Goodison Park and was also forced off during the victory against Newcastle last time out.
Boss Roberto Martinez has now revealed he is a big doubt for the crucial clash against the Canaries this weekend and he will be monitored over the next couple of days.
“Callum’s been carrying an injury to his ankle, which caused him to be substituted against both Newcastle and Everton,” Martinez told reporters.
“Our major concern now is making sure he’s fully fit and able to take to the field against Norwich.
“He hasn’t trained with the rest of the team yet, and the next 48 hours will be crucial.”
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Latics are three points adrift of safety going into the game and Martinez can ill afford any more injury problems at a crucial stage of the season.
Swansea’s Michael Laudrup and Cardiff boss Malky Mackay have played down being linked to the Everton job to replace David Moyes.
Both managers are thought to be in Everton’s radar to replace Moyes, who will take over as Manchester United manager from July.
Blues owner Bill Kenwright says he will take his time to find a suitable replacement for Moyes but several big names are thought to be in the frame, including Swansea boss Laudrup and Cardiff’s Mackay.
Both managers have had impressive seasons, Laudrup leading the Swans to Capital One Cup glory and Mackay securing the Championship title with the Bluebirds.
However, the pair have insisted they want to continue the good work they have each done at their respective clubs next term.
Laudrup, 48, said: “It’s always flattering when you’re being connected with clubs. After a great season with Swansea, we know have a very important next year.”
Mackay, meanwhile, admitted it was nice to be linked but is looking forward to the challenge of being in charge of Cardiff in the top flight.
“It’s certainly very flattering to be linked to such a job like that but I’ve got something that we’ve built and we’re really looking forward to coming into the Premier League,” he said.
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“I’ve got an awful lot of hard work over the summer.”
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has his sights set on three more big name summer signings as he attempts to build a squad capable of challenging for the top four, reports the Sunday Mirror.
The club are hoping to clinch a £22million double signing from Dutch giants Ajax, with Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld and Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen emerging as the clubs prime transfer targets.
Rodgers is also eyeing a move for Chelsea full back Ryan Bertrand, who he believes he can tempt to Anfield having previously worked with the player at both Chelsea and Reading.
However the Eriksen deal currently looks the most likely, with Ajax manager Ronald De Boer admitting the club will not stand in the midfielder’s way should they receive a satisfactory offer for the £15million rated midfielder.
De Boer said: “I would want nothing more than having Christian with us for a few more years.
“But we realise that the interest in this kind of player is huge. And I can also understand that he wants to make another step in his career. I can’t stop him.”
“If Liverpool go back to really good possession play, it can be a success for Christian. But it does mean that their entire way of playing has to change. It is up to Christian what he wants. If he feels good going to Liverpool anyway, then it is up to him.”
Alderweireld meanwhile has rejected the chance to discuss personal terms with Norwich City after the club had a £7million offer accepted – leaving the door open for a move to Liverpool.
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“I am keeping all my options open,” said Alderweireld. “I am not rushing out the door. The whole picture of my next club has to be perfect. With every offer I am receiving this summer, I look at the pros and cons. The total package of my next club has to be right for me.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on midfielder Mesut Ozil following his side’s weekend win over Stoke.
The German international was key in the 3-1 victory, laying on assists for all of the goals.
Ozil has settled well at the Emirates Stadium following his £42.5m deadline day arrival from Real Madrid and earned much applause from fans and pundits.
Wenger is now convinced that the impish playmaker can help his side make a real push for the Premier League title this term and that he will continue to improve over the coming weeks:
“He gave a lift to everyone at the club. He will be the point of our team work, team play,” he told The Mirror.
“He will get better when he fully integrates into the pace of the game. It is not just him, the whole team. We look solid. My job here is to make everyone happy, hopefully they are happy at the moment.
“When you play against Stoke you don’t expect to score from three set-pieces, it shows how important [Ozil’s] delivery is.
“He’s a player, when you look at his numbers, the assists are not a coincidence, they are a reality of his game. He is a great player.
“Football is football, good players make good passes, bad players make bad passes. Same in England. He has good pace as well, he plays a lot focusing on passing but he can create.
“We are in position (at the top) where we can focus on improvement in a stable environment. Mathematically everyone is together in the table.”
Ozil set up goals for Aaron Ramsey, Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna against Stoke, all of which came as the result of set pieces.
The 24-year-old arrived in North London after seeing his role at Real called into question following the arrivals of Isco and Gareth Bale at the Bernabeu.
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Tottenham’s critics have been fast to cast doubt over the effectiveness of their striking options. Blunt and toothless, Spurs have failed as yet to score the goals to really emphasise their dominance in possession over the majority of sides they have faced.
£26m man Roberto Soldado has failed to really recapture the form that saw him become such a coveted name last summer and some have been quick to talk up a move for Manchester United favourite Javier Hernandez in the January window.
A move which in my opinion is as ridiculous as it is unlikely.
Chicharito has found himself well down the pecking order at the Premier League club and for a player of his undoubted class United may well see fit to cash in on him come January. The Mexican has already voiced his concerns, citing the lack of playing opportunity as a genuine concern going forward. He made the following comments to Mexican TV station Deportes Telemundo recently:
“I strive for that [to start more games], I am working towards that – earning a spot as a starter. I know that my performance on the pitch will allow me to achieve that goal someday either here [in Manchester] or elsewhere for any other club.”
He went on to mention the intense competition that exists at Manchester United:
“I just need to be given more opportunities to showcase what I can do, because all of us want to be able to contribute our part so this team can win championships.”
“The competition inside the team has always been really healthy and I think that helps the team a lot, because there are so many quality players that every one of them wants to earn a starting spot.”
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Hernandez’ loyalty is as admirable as it is unsurprising, a firm favourite who would appear to love the club as much as they love him. However, there always comes a point when a player needs to consider their own careers above all else, and unless the situation drastically changes the Mexican may well look towards pastures anew.
Hernandez would make an excellent signing for a top club, an accomplished finisher whose goal poaching and ability to turn a game for United has almost become legendary. His stats tally with this, and a goal conversion rate of 25% easily eclipses Van Persie’s at 20.6% for the last couple of seasons. Similarly a goal every 114 minutes make him the most deadly of all United’s attacking options, and to many it is shocking that he finds himself in the position that he does at present.
Taking all this into consideration I still cannot see the point of Spurs shelling out for Javier Hernandez. Likely to cost in the region of £20m he would represent a significant outlay and possibly prevent the club from bolstering themselves in more pressing areas like at wing-back.
Where would Hernandez fit in if at all?
Spurs already have two excellent poachers at the club in Defoe and Soldado, the latter already costing a then club record fee. The reality is that Hernandez wouldn’t offering anything too dissimilar to what they already have, Adebayor is the change-up striker that they crave and I think his re-introduction could be as influential as a new signing.
People have been too quick to criticise the Spurs strike-force this season. Attributing a lack of goals to the strikers alone is lazy, clearly the issue has been as much supply as proficiency in front of goal. Feeding a £26m man with what one or two half chances a game just isn’t good enough for a club with the ambitions of Spurs.
Spurs were unsurprisingly linked with Hernandez before they got Soldado, but his capture simply means this transfer is no longer a feasible one. His apparent availability has just allowed certain journalists to reel out the same rumours that were doing the rounds many months ago. They just aren’t realistic anymore.
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In my view United would be mad to sell Chicharito, because he is the closest thing they have to a genuine poacher and therefore an important option for Moyes this term.
The papers seem transfixed with his apparent January departure, and if this is the case he could well be the signing of the window for whichever club he ends up at. Logic would heavily suggest this wont be Spurs and I would be incredibly surprised if they did rekindle their interest in the Mexican international.
Do you agree that Hernandez would be an unnecessary addition to Spurs?
Chris Hughton breathed a sigh of a relief as he saw his Norwich City side respond perfectly to their 5-1 loss to Liverpool with a 2-0 victory away at West Brom.
Gary Hooper netted his fifth goal of the season in the 13th minute when he converted Leroy Fer’s lay-off from 18 yards. Later in the match as West Brom pushed for an equaliser, Fer made sure of all three points in the 89th minute with a goal of his own after a Norwich counter attack.
West Brom will be kicking themselves after enjoying the better of play for most of the game but were denied time and again by John Ruddy in the visitors’ goal.
Both Victor Anichebe and Youssouf Mulumbu were denied impressively by the England goalkeeper in the first-half, leaving Clarke with no option other than to introduce strikers Shane Long and Saido Berahino at half-time to strengthen his side’s chances of finding an equaliser.
But the Baggies were left frustrated again in the second-half, and even had a penalty shout waved away by referee Mark Clattenburg when Stephane Sessegnon’s effort was blocked on the line by what looked like Martin Olsson’s hand.
Sessegnon spurned another chance soon after when his effort was denied by Ruddy’s legs before Shane Long’s volley was straight at the Norwich keeper.
Chris Brunt and Mulumbu both failed to find the net with late efforts as the Baggies cranked up the pressure, but Hughton’s men broke free from their own half and midfielder Fer slotted past Boaz Myhil to ensure Norwich ended the day in 13th and four points clear of the drop-zone.
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West Brom have won just one of their last nine top-flight outings and find themselves just two points above the relegation zone after a strong start to their campaign.
Look back at our minute-by-minute commentary of the match here.