Leeds manager Neil Warnock is in the hunt for a new midfielder and has identified Tottenham’s Jermaine Jenas as a target reports Sky Sports.
The Spurs midfielder is understood to be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane since the summer arrival of Andre Villas-Boas, having featured just once this season as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with West Brom.
A proposed move to Sunderland fell through for Jenas during the transfer window, so a drop down to the Championship may be the only way to play regular first team football, with the loan window still open.
The 29-year-old saw a year long loan spell at Aston Villa wrecked by an achilles injury, but the former Newcastle man is now fit and eager for first team action.
Leeds are in the hunt for a central midfielder having lost the services of David Norris, Michael Brown and Paul Green to injury.
Warnock told the Yorkshire Evening Post : “We are looking all over for a midfield player to join us before the weekend.
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“We’ve asked about a couple of midfield players and we should know soon because we need someone in there. We’re looking at what there is around.”
The 34-year-old centre-back has been a fantastic servant to the club during his 17 years playing for the first-team, but he’s increasingly starting to resemble a player out of his depth and old Father Time appears to be catching up with. Of course, his knowledge of the game and willingness to learn make him an ideal candidate for a big coaching future at the club, but in terms of the impact that he can have out on the pitch, his name on the teamsheet is now met with as many groans as it is cheers and it may time for the side to move on without him.
We cannot underestimate what a good player Carragher has been for the club and during Liverpool’s run to the 2005 Champions League final, he was quite simply a colossus against the likes of Barcelona and Juventus before another exceptional display in the final against heavy favourites AC Milan. The commitment with which he plays is without peer, but that alone isn’t enough to warrant a first-team place, particuarly in light of Daniel Agger’s recent injury.
While the Dane doesn’t look like he’s going to be out for as long as first feared, with his representative Per Steffensen telling jp.dk: “There is good news. He has not torn ligaments. He has a small rupture behind the knee and it has swollen and sore but once the swelling goes down he can train again” Carragher is the next logical player in the pecking order, simply because of his experience, although Sebastian Coates’ selection against Manchester City to counter their strength from set-pieces did indicate that it’s a lot closer than previously assumed.
It’s not like Carragher has ever relied on pace and that now, shorn of it he is all of a sudden a much worse player, it’s that his body simply isn’t as quick as his mind anymore and he can’t get himself into as good starting positions like he used to. He looks more easily rattled than he was in the past, which is inevitable when you are in and out of the side like he is these days.
The only way to see whether he’s up to the mark still is to give him a concerted run in the side, but after such a poor start to the season, with the side still chasing a first league win of the campaign, can they afford to grant him this sort of opportunity? He did little to show during a nervy performance in the Europa League against Young Boys that he should be given one and it looks like he struggles with the sort of movement in and around the box that he used to cope with so well.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told reporters last week: “For me this is the hardest part of my job – he(Carragher) is the hardest part of my job, because every day of his life he comes in and he gives his all. He works himself to a standstill every day of his life. And guys like that I want to put in the team when it matters. The Europa League matters of course, but every player wants to play in the Premier League on Sunday. And that is the most difficult decision I have as the manager of Liverpool – seeing him every day give his life to the club as hard as he does and then not being able to give him a shirt in the starting 11 at the weekend. I heard these stories about him kicking the ball long up the pitch, but this is one of the best technical players we have – left foot, right foot, touch on the ball, reading of the game, tactical intelligence, he has it all. I think he can play on, there is no doubt.”
The argument is not whether he could play on, but rather should he play on; after all, why did the club fork out the best part of £7m on a player with a burgeoning reputation within the game like Coates if they had no intention of playing him when situations like the one with Agger’s injury arose?
This is far from a cry for him to retire, he’s not quite at the embarrassing levels that forced Gary Neville into the Sky Sports studios just yet, but his involvement has to be reserved for games where the side feels they can pick up a result with or without him in the side. The thought of him playing against Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea in his current state is not the most palatable and he should be regarded as fourth-choice now and for all we know, maybe he already is.
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He still has a valuable role to play at the club, teaching the next generation and passing n his experience; he’s a role model, someone to look up to, a player that has got every last inch of talent out of his body and had an exceptional career doing it, but we shouldn’t let our acknowledgement of the player he once was distort our view of the player he now unfortunately is. That may sound harsh to some, but take the emotion away and from a purely footballing perspective, he simply doesn’t have all that much to contribute anymore out on the pitch.
The convincing nature of Everton’s victory over Swansea was not the most surprising aspect of last weekend’s lunchtime fixture. Instead, the biggest jaw-dropping moment arrived when the audience were reminded that Victor Anichebe had never been out on loan during his seemingly extensive career. Anichebe has long been hailed as one of the most promising products of the club’s fabled academy, so why hasn’t David Moyes gifted him the freedom to learn his trade elsewhere?
Unfortunately the main reason undoubtedly surrounds the Nigerian’s woeful injury record, with knees like Ledley King’s it goes without saying that he’s spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch. His lengthy spells on the sidelines are unfortunately a common and familiar theme at the club, which means Moyes is always reluctant to allow any transfers – even on loan – that will see his squad depleted further.
You may be surprised to hear that Anichebe is a current record holder with the Toffees, although you’ll be less surprised to learn it’s for the most appearances made as a substitute. He seems incapable of escaping the void that exists on the fringes of the first-team, destined to fall further down the pecking order as Moyes continues to strengthen his frontline.
A loan stint at Hull was a genuine possibility back in 2009 before Moyes pulled the plug when he realised he would be unable to bring in reinforcements. Anichebe made his frustration and disappointment very public, which further restricted his already limited number of appearances. Fast forward to the present day though and his career finally appears to be sparking into life, aided by the current injury status of Nikica Jelavić and the recent departures of both Louis Saha and Tim Cahill.
It’s remarkable to think Anichebe is still considered an ‘exciting prospect’ in the Everton side despite the fact he’s 24 years old. His performances still echo that sense of youthful exuberance, as he constantly badgers defenders and chases every loose ball. There are very rare glimpses of a player capable of emulating Didier Drogba, before that image is tainted by the naivety of a ‘boy’ who has never enjoyed a prolonged run of games in the starting XI.
His development is in stark contrast to Steven Caulker, who emerged from the shadows to announce himself as talented youngster, thanks largely to a season-long loan spell at Swansea. His quickly established himself in a team taking their first steps in the top flight, which will have undoubtedly helped him mature as both a footballer and a person. His new found confidence and experience has persuaded Andre Villas-Boas to keep him at Tottenham this season and even if he is unable to break through into the first-team, he will have plenty of suitors lined up ready to make an offer.
Perhaps there is evidence that Moyes is keen to avoid repeating such mistakes with the next batch of promising youngsters. Many fans believe that this could be the breakthrough year for Ross Barkley, who recently joined Sheffield Wednesday on a month’s loan. The England U’21 international has already scored his first goal for The Owls and should flourish playing amongst the significant crowds that grace Hillsborough every week. Watch this space as he is due to return in October.
Anichebe will hope he can continue to imitate team-mate Marouane Fellaini’s ability to impose himself in the final third of the pitch. The fact that he has spoken of his desire to remain injury-free this season highlights his eagerness to finally make an impression on the Premier league. I for one hope the club can learn from his stop-start career and finally reap the rewards of a player they’ve left lingering in the background for far too long.
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Theo Walcott will not be able to play in Arsenal’s match against Norwich on Saturday, but it is hoped he will return for the QPR game the week after, the Mirror reports.
Walcott suffered a horrific injury playing for England in their World Cup qualifier against San Marino last Friday, where he was clobbered by the San Marino goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini. The 23 year-old had had difficulty breathing after the incident, and had to stay in hospital overnight, where it was discovered he had a bruised lung. It was announced earlier this week that Walcott would not be able to take part for England, who beat San Marino 5-0, in their World Cup qualifier against Poland.
However, the Mirror reports that Walcott is now recovering. He is expected to start training again later in the week after getting the all-clear.
Walcott hopes to take part In Arsenal’s game against QPR on Saturday week.
England manager Roy Hodgson criticised San Marino’s goalkeeper for the incident after Friday’s qualifier saying: “If I described the challenge as being reckless I would be being kind. It was a very fierce challenge. I don’t believe there was any malice. But it put a dampener on the evening.” He also said of Simoncini: “you’re lucky to have him on the pitch for the rest of the game and not to have conceded a penalty.”
Walcott scored one of Arsenal’s goals in their last fixture, a 3-1 victory against West Ham. It has been rumoured that Walcott may leave the club, with talks over signing a new contract still continuing.
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Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger has indicated that he may use Theo Walcott in a central-striking position following his Capital One Cup heroics.
The England international netted a wonderful hat-trick as the Gunners came back from 4-0 down to beat Reading.
The 23-year-old grabbed the Londoners first goal, before adding the equaliser in the dying moments of normal time. He then went on to complete his triple in closing stages of extra time to help his side to their 7-5 victory.
As a result of his performance, Wenger has confessed that he may now play Walcott in his preferred central role:
“I always said he will be striker.” Wenger is quoted as saying by The Metro.
“He’s a good finisher now. He knows where to be on the rebounds.
“That is the quality of a striker you can’t give to someone, they either have it or they don’t.
Walcott’s immediate future appears to be in some doubt, with the player rumoured to be unwilling to renew his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
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After his heroics, Wenger admitted that he wants a speedy resolution to the attacker’s future:
“I want to keep him, and I think aside from the contract talks, you have to give him credit for the way he is committed to the team, and for the way he behaves.”
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has stated that the club have no desire to sell Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Togolese striker has struggled to establish himself in the first-team set-up following his permanent arrival from Manchester City during the summer.
This has led to reports that the 28-year-old may leave the London club in January, but Villas-Boas insists that he will be staying and that he is also a key part of the squad:
“Certainly there is no interest in selling or loaning Adebayor.” He told SkySports.
“We brought him in this season, unfortunately for him it hasn’t been working out in terms of injuries.
“We have full belief in Adebayor, he is one of the greatest strikers in the world.
“Sooner or later he is going to be back in the squad.”
Adebayor spent last season on loan at White Hart Lane and was impressive.
However, this term he has been overlooked on multiple occasions in favour of Jermain Defoe, who has enjoyed a fine start to the campaign.
The North Londoners take on FC Maribor in the Europa League this evening in a game that the Portuguese manager insists they must win:
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“Even though a defeat against Maribor doesn’t mathematically disqualify us, it is a game we have to win. We are in this competition to win it.”
Adebayor is rumoured to be in line to start the game, as are midfield duo Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore.
Manchester City are set to raid Serie B outfit Sassuolo for striker Domenico Berardi, according to talkSPORT.
The 18-year-old has attracted the attention of the Premier League champions after netting three goals in ten appearances so far this season.
Roberto Mancini is said to be a long-term admirer of the front-man and could attempt to beat the reported interest of city rivals United by making a winter bid.
As well as the Red Devils, Italian giants AS Roma are believed to monitoring the situation.
Despite playing in the second tier, the teenager is widely thought of as a genuine emerging talent by the many areas of the media in his home nation.
His performances have helped the team to top spot in their division, with 34 points from their opening fixtures.
Although he has a wealth of attacking options, Mancini feels that Berardi could add something to his squad in the not too distant future.
In the short-term he could be loaned back to his current team in order to continue his development.
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Since taking control of the Citizens, the Italian manager has made multiple transfer raids on clubs in his home nation.
The likes of Mario Balotelli, Patrick Vieira, Aleksandar, David Pizarro, Maicon and Matija Nastasic have all arrived from teams within Italy during Mancini’s tenure.
Over the last six years there have not been many highlights for Charlton Athletic fans to cheer, that was before the arrival of Chris Powell.
Powell was appointed manager of Charlton in January 2011 after the sacking of Phil Parkinson with the club lingering in League 1.
The previous five years had seen a stable Premier League side lose their long and trusted manager Alan Curbishley, which subsequently resulted in not only relegation to the Championship but to the third tier of English football.
During the turbulence of these dark years, managers had come and gone, Iain Dowie, Les Reed, Alan Pardew and Phil Parkinson, none of which were able to leave any brightness at the club.
The club was a sinking ship, that was until the club had appointed former player and fan favourite Chris Powell as manager. On his arrival he was instantly given the royal treatment with fans finally believing the club was in the right hands – the Messiah was back.
Powell got off to a flier winning his first three games in charge, installing a feel good factor around the Valley once again.
However it wouldn’t have fit in with the Charlton tradition if things were just going to run smoothly and so the side went on a run of 11 games where they were unable to pick up a single victory, resulting in a 13th place finish. A potential play-off push was turned into mid-table mediocrity. Around some sections of fans there were murmurings that maybe Powell wasn’t the right man to take the Addicts back up the football league after all.
During the course of the summer Powell showed his true colours in transforming the club from top to bottom. All the dead wood was removed, 15 players were released as Powell looked to create his own side which saw no fewer than 19 new arrivals for the beginning of the 2011/12 season, which ultimately ended in success.
The signings he delivered were shrewd, young players who had delivered in League 1 the season before and were hungry to do so once again. Normally when a team takes on so many new faces there is always a gelling phase, credit where credit is due and under Chris Powell he created a squad which instantly gelled together as if the team has been playing with each other for years.
The team were playing nicely on the pitch, the fans were flocking back to the Valley as the atmosphere and expectancy levels once again rose. Powell had done what he promised as fans sung, ‘We’ve got our Charlton back.’
To a true football fan it doesn’t matter which league your club is in, especially if you win the league. On the 5th May 2012, the final game of the season, a packed Valley came to see Powell and the rest of the team lift the League 1 trophy.
Powell had returned and conquered becoming a hero once again earning him the nickname ‘Sir Chris.’ From his fist pumping celebrations to his now familiar trademark jump out of the tunnel after a victory, the sight of which fills Charlton fans with joy.
Leading into this season expectancy levels were high. In a much quieter pre-season it was evident that Powell was happy with his squad. Initially I thought this could have been naïve as Charlton were entering a league where they would become a smaller fish in a bigger pond.
The motto ‘In Sir Chris we shall trust’ really should be believed as the former chairman of the PFA, he used his powers to bring in the strength needed for a long season in the likes of Ricardo Fuller.
There is always going to be sections of fans that will never be pleased and would you believe it fans this season have already been claiming it is time for Chris to leave once again.
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No one is perfect including Powell, at times he shows tactically he needs to learn as substitutes are left far too late in games, where the incoming player has very little chance to stamp his authority on the match and change a losing position into a match saving one.
The main aim for Charlton this season is surely survival and with 19 games gone the South Londoners are twelve points away from the drop zone and surely only looking up.
For the time being Powell has the Charlton fans on board as ‘Chrissy Powell’s red and white army’ continues to plod on.
Blackpool manager Michael Appleton has told Liverpool that they must increase their offer if they want to sign Thomas Ince.
The Reds are reportedly negotiating a deal to bring the England U-21 international back to the club, after letting him leave for £250,000 just 18 months ago.
His impressive form this term, in which he has netted 13 Championship goals for the Seasiders, has alerted Brendan Rodgers, who is keen to strengthen his attacking options.
It’s thought that the Merseysiders are willing to offer £4m for the winger, but this figure falls short of the club’s valuation, according to Appleton:
“As far as I’m aware I think there’s been a conversation between Karl (Oyston) and Liverpool regarding an offer but, as far as I’m aware, it’s way below the type of money we’d expect for someone of Tom’s talent,” he told Sporting Life.
“Obviously the chairman keeps me informed but I think it was just an initial conversation between himself and Liverpool and there was a figure used but obviously it’s way below, like I say.”
Appleton went on to claim that Ince, son of former Liverpool and Manchester United midfielder Paul, will be used despite the uncertainty, and that there are no guarantees he’ll leave:
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“He’ll continue to play as long as we hold his registration,
“I wouldn’t say I’m resigned to losing him just yet though. There’s still a lot of work that we feel has to be done before anything like that happens.”
Reading manager Brian McDermott has distanced himself from a move for Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.
The Royals are believed to be on the lookout for reinforcements this month, with a forward player said to be a top target.
A meagre tally of only 23 goals has contributed to the club’s haul of just 13 points, which leaves them level with QPR at the foot of the table.
With Welbeck behind the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez in the pecking order at Old Trafford, it has been speculated that he may be able to leave on a temporary deal.
However, McDermott dismissed these rumours, claiming that there has been no approach made and that it is likely to remain that way:
“I can’t see Sir Alex Ferguson sending Danny out to any club. I don’t know where this has came from, it’s got nothing to do with me.” He is quoted by The Metro.
“Welbeck’s a great player and I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson thinks he’s a great player too. Everyone in the country thinks that.”
Although he has ruled out a move for Welbeck, McDermott is hoping to add to the arrivals of Hope Akpan and Daniel Carrico, who have moved to the Madejski Stadium this month:
“We’re still looking for an experienced player and if we can find one who has played some games in the division that would be good for us,
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“It’s never easy to find a player like that, but it’s definitely on the agenda.”