Manchester United can move a step closer to ensuring they end the Premier League season in second position when they host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, and Red Devils fans are desperate for Jose Mourinho to start Anthony Martial alongside Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in attack.
Having started the campaign as a regular in the starting XI under the Portuguese manager, the 5ft 11in forward has found first-team minutes harder to come by following the arrival of Sanchez from the Gunners during the January transfer window, with reports from Spain suggesting the France international could be sold and replaced with Gareth Bale in the summer.
The Old Trafford faithful want to see the 22-year-old get an opportunity to impress in what is going to be Arsene Wenger’s final trip to the Theatre of Dreams as manager of the north London outfit.
Man United supporters have been quick to have their say on Martial via social media, and while one said “Martial needs to start today”, another said “start Martial, Alexis and Lukaku together”.
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As reported by BBC Sport this afternoon, Chelsea’s Petr Cech has been ‘given permission’ to talk to other clubs regarding a potential summer move.
The Czech international is undoubtedly one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history, boasting four league titles, the 2012 Champions League title and 332 appearances as the Blues No.1, and at 32 years of age is still firmly within his goalkeeping prime.
But he’ll be leaving Stamford Bridge in the coming transfer window after losing his starting berth to the prodigious Thibaut Courtois.
Arsenal and Liverpool are considered to be his likeliest suitors; but Jose Mourinho revealed last weekend his reluctance to let Cech leave for another Premier League side – as reported by The Guardian.
That could rule both English clubs out of the equation, amid rumours Cech’s already held talks with Turkish outfit Besiktas.
But fear not Liverpool fans, for Football Fancast is here to help. Using our god-given powers of transfer know-how, we’ve listed FIVE alternative goalkeepers the Reds could turn to this summer.
NOBERTO NETO
According to reports from The Daily Mail last week, Liverpool have been running the rule over Fiorentina’s Noberto Neto for some time.
The 25 year-old has emerged as one of the most consistent No.1s in Serie A since joining the Florence outfit from Atletico Paranaense in summer 2011, this season claiming nine clean sheets and making 46 saves in 27 league starts.
Perhaps most appealingly to Liverpool, the Brazilian is set to leave Viola on a free transfer this summer – as Fiorentina revealed in an official club statement during the January transfer window.
But if there’s one predominant concern, it’s Neto’s limited exposure to English, international or Champions League football – although he did reach the semi-finals of the Europa League this season.
Liverpool aren’t the only interested party, however; The Metro have alleged Arsenal and Juventus to be also courting his signature.
BERND LENO
Primarily considered an Arsenal target, but with a release clause of just £13million, Liverpool would be wise to enter the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno too.
The 23 year-old has served as the Bundesliga outfit’s No.1 for the past four seasons, amassing 164 appearances in all competitions, and particularly impressed in the Champions League’s group stages earlier this year.
Domestically too, he’s been in fantastic form, claiming the second-most clean sheets of any goalkeeper in the German top flight, 15, after Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, 19.
Germany have produced an outrageous number of high quality goalkeepers over the last few years and Leno is yet another. He also boasts the record as the youngest goalie to ever feature in the Champions League, aged 19 back in 2011.
That suggests a bright future ahead for the 6 foot 3 shot-stopper – but as aforementioned, Arsenal are considered the front-runners for his signature.
KEYLOR NAVAS
Keylor Navas signed for Real Madrid in a €10million deal only last summer following his World Cup heroics for Costa Rica, playing an intrinsic role in their march to the tournament’s quarter-finals.
But he’s since made just ten appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos, with public consensus firmly on the side of veteran No.1 Iker Casillas, including only five starts in La Liga.
If the European champions launch a swoop for Manchester United’s David De Gea this summer as widely expected, the 28 year-old could find himself plummeting even further down the Bernabeu pecking order.
No doubt, Navas is a sensationally talented goalkeeper; last term he claimed La Liga’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, having made the most saves of any ‘keeper in the division – an incredible 141 – for former club Levante.
Should Real’s move for De Gea come into fruition, Navas might be keen to jump ship – in fact, The Metro have already alleged such a scenario. Earlier this season, however, the 6 foot 1 shot-stopper stated his intentions to continue fighting for a starting berth in the Spanish capital.
ASMIR BEGOVIC
In terms of goalkeepers with Premier League-proven pedigree who are realistically available this summer, Asmir Begovic tops the list.
He’s shown a remarkable consistency as Stoke City’s No.1 over the last five seasons, in that time winning the club’s Young Player of the Year, Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year (twice) and Supporters’ Club Player of the Year awards.
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With just a year remaining on his Potters contract and discussions over a new deal yet to get underway, Stoke could be forced to cash in on the Bosnian international this summer.
In fact, manager Mark Hughes has dropped the 27 year-old from Stoke’s last two matchday squads, facing Swansea and Spurs, in favour of prodigious understudy Jack Butland – suggesting Stoke could already be preparing for life without him.
According to reports from the Stoke Sentinel, Begovic will be made available for just £8million this summer – but Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked by the tabloids in recent weeks.
SAMIR HANDANOVIC
Head and shoulders above the rest in Serie A this season, Samir Handanovic looks set to claim his third spot in the division’s Team of the Year.
That’s in no small part due to him keeping eleven clean sheets and making 71 saves in his 34 league outings for Inter Milan, ranking him fourth and seventh throughout the Italian top flight in each category respectively.
The 30 year-old also lays claim to the rather incredible feat of saving six consecutive penalties for the San Siro outfit and boasts considerable experience at the top end of the game, with 35 appearances in continental competitions and 75 caps for Slovenia under his belt already.
And although Inter Milan now find themselves privy to the fortunes of owner Erick Thorhir, they could still be forced to cash in on Handanovic this summer; his contract is set to expire in 2016, and Nerazzurri need to balance their books to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
The Metro value him at around the £16million mark, but also moot Manchester United as his likeliest suitors.
With Manchester City and Chelsea both set to strengthen their squads this summer, in a bid to win back the Premier League title, Manchester United boss David Moyes will be looking to add to his new team too, in order to stay ahead of the chasing pack. United’s old rivals Liverpool will also be looking to buy some players in the summer, as Brendan Rodgers sets his sights on the top 4.
But both clubs will be looking to sell some unwanted players too, to free up some wages and space for the incoming arrivals. But which Premier League stars could be available this summer, and for a bargain too? Forget Rooney and Suarez, here are players that could be available on the cheap.
Click on Jose Enrique to unveil the 10 bargains that could be available from Manchester United and Liverpool
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Manchester City and David Silva have failed to come to an agreement over a contract extension due to the player’s wage demands, The Daily Mail state.
The Spanish playmaker has been a key man for the Etihad Stadium outfit since moving from Valencia two years ago, and now has two years remaining on his current deal with the Premier League champions.
As such Roberto Mancini is eager to tie his talented attacking midfielder down to a new deal, and discussion have been ongoing.
However, Silva is eager to be paid the same as the top earners at the club, with Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez both earning in the £200,000 a week bracket.
However, with Fifa’s Financial Fairplay regulations starting to take an effect on the game, City are reluctant to increase Silva’s wages so much and as such a deal is now in jeopardy.
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According to The Sun, Manchester City are willing to sell John Stones in this summer’s transfer window.
The centre-back is behind Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, and has really struggled for football in recent weeks.
There is no doubting that the 23-year-old is a fine talent, however, and it is thought that Arsenal and Liverpool are both monitoring developments surrounding a player that is sure to travel with the England squad for the 2018 World Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur are yet to be linked, but with Toby Alderweireld expected to leave the London club this summer, the Spurs fans think that they have the answer.
Indeed, a number have called for their club to propose a swap deal – Stones for Alderweireld – in this summer’s transfer window.
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That said, the Manchester Evening News believe that there is no chance of Stones, who is valued at £45m by transfermarkt.co.uk, leaving the Premier League champions this summer.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Tottenham’s win at Everton on the final day of the season was a positive end to a somewhat inconsistent campaign that ensured they finished an unlikely fifth place in the Premier League table.
Defeats for both Liverpool and Southampton saw Spurs grab the first Europa League space leaving them just a tantalising six points behind the Champions League spaces and surely with a feeling of what might have been.
It does however reflect a decent first season at White Hart Lane for Mauricio Pochettino, whose young squad have shown plenty of potential while falling just short of the top four.
There’s sure to be plenty of transfer activity over the next few months as the manager looks to strengthen his pack in order to make a proper assault on the Champions League places next term, and they may be able to do just that should they manage to sign the right players.
Central defence is one are Spurs are keen on reinforcing over the summer, and they have already signalled their intention by agreeing a deal with Cologne for Kevin Wimmer.
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But that might not be the only centre-half they sign this summer, with reports suggesting the club have a firm interest in Southampton defender Toby Alderweireld.
There is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Belgian who has spent the season on-loan at St Mary’s from Atletico Madrid, and given the way he has performed this season; he is a player Tottenham should be going all out to sign.
The 26-year-old has had a superb campaign down on the South Coast and has been an instrumental part of Southampton’s impressive defence record.
The Saints finished the season with 12 clean sheets, and the second least goals against with 33, just one more than champions Chelsea.
And Alderwiereld is one man who can take plenty of credit for that achievement. He’s proved himself to be a top class defender and most importantly has shown he can cut it in the Premier League.
If Spurs can bring him to North London, they will not only be getting a solid defender who is comfortable on the ball, but a versatile one who can play both at right-back and centre half.
And given his history at playing alongside Jan Vertonghen at both Ajax and Belgium, there is certainly the potential for the countrymen to form a great partnership at the heart of the Tottenham defence next season.
Atletico are yet to decide whether they want to keep the defender or not, but with Spurs interested; they could accept as little as £10m. In today’s market and having seen first hand what he can offer; that really is a bargain and a no-brainer for Spurs.
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Unsurprisingly there appears to be a great deal of competition for Alderweireld, with Manchester City, Chelsea and of course Southampton all linked with a move.
But having spoken of his desire to play alongside Vertonghen once again, he has dropped a massive hint that he could favour a switch to Spurs, and is certainly a player that will improve the team and help their push for Champions League qualification.
It starts now. 344 days after Sergio Agüero etched his name into Manchester City folklore the now ex-Champions of England are now back to square one. Manchester United’s slaughtering of Aston Villa on Monday had the same effect on City’s slim hopes of successfully defending the Premier League crown that now rests in the hands of their fiercest rivals. So, the quest to conquer United begins once again for Roberto Mancini. However, there are some short-term goals for the Italian to achieve with cementing a second placed finish the highest priority. Last weekends meek surrender at Tottenham left them just five points clear of third-placed Arsenal and Mancini will demand his team respond in devastating fashion when West Ham come to the Etihad Stadium.
The Hammers have hit form at the right time with a five-match unbeaten run aiding them in securing their Premier League status for next year. Last weekends win over Wigan was impressive in itself and followed draws against Manchester United and Liverpool. Sam Allardyce and his troops now have their ambitions fixed on a finishing the season strongly and doing so in the top-half.
On a separate note both sides will pay a special tribute to Marc-Vivien Foe, who passed away 10 years ago after collapsing on the pitch while representing Cameroon at the Confederations Cup. Foe played for City and West Ham in two separate spells and supporters will engage in an applause during the 23rd minute – the midfielders squad number.
Team News
Manchester City still have doubts over David Silva’s fitness after he missed the defeat at Tottenham with an ankle injury. James Milner (hamstring) is another facing a race against time to return to full health, while Sergio Agüero is pushing for a start.
West Ham are without defenders James Tomkins (calf) and George McCartney (knee) but are hopeful Mark Noble will be fit enough to start after stepping up his return from a shoulder problem with another cameo appearance against Wigan. Joe Cole is also pushing for a place in the Hammers’ first XI.
What the managers said…
“It doesn’t change this. They deserve to win this title because they won a lot of games in a row. The crucial moment was when we played QPR, Liverpool, Southampton. That moment we had big problems with our players injured. We lost key points. United have more attitude than us, as a club, as a team.” Roberto Mancini insists Man City’s confidence hasn’t been punctured after losing the Premier League title (Independent)
“You’re always chasing the master and he has been the master for so long – it is difficult to sustain success against him. Whenever he has a challenge, he may lose out once, but he comes back with flying colours. He’s had it with Chelsea and before that Arsenal. If they win the FA Cup and they finish second, it’s a very good season. When you win the league for the first time in so many (44) years it is very difficult to win it the second time round – no matter how much money you spend.” Sam Allardyce insists Man City will struggle to win the league while Sir Alex Ferguson is still at United (Daily Mail)
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Pre-match Statistic: Manchester City have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League meetings with West Ham, winning seven.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 West Ham United
Make your bets ahead of the showdown at the Etihad Stadium by clicking on the banner below
Jonjo Shelvey is surely up there with the most frustrating players in the Premier League. Unquestionably talented, yet not consistent or disciplined enough to even hold down a guaranteed starting spot in a Newcastle side that has spent the season fighting off relegation.
But when the England international’s in the mood, he can have a telling impact on any given game, which is exactly what happened on Sunday as his free kick into the box was flicked on twice and eventually found an unmarked Matt Ritchie, who drilled past David De Gea for the only goal of the afternoon as the Magpies recorded a shock 1-0 win over the Premier League’s second-place side.
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We all know about Shelvey’s technical ability, which was evident in his delivery into United’s box, but what was most impressive about the 25-year-old’s performance was how he showed real effort off the ball as well, making the most tackles and the second-most interceptions of any Newcastle player, alongside completing the most passes and having the most touches.
Amid a disturbing dearth of quality in England’s engine room, Shelvey has a real chance of making England’s World Cup squad if he can consistently replicate this level of performance – and most importantly, industriousness of the ball – between now and at the end of the season.
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But do you think the six-cap international will be included in Southgate’s squad? Let us know by voting below…
Petr Cech has not been on his best form for Arsenal this season, as the hands of time begin to catch up with the former Chelsea man.
However, Arsene Wenger’s attempts to reinforce his defence by replacing him with David Ospina have not been the smoothest either, as the Colombian international rushed out of his goal to allow Antoine Griezmann to net a crucial away goal for Atletico Madrid at the Emirates on Thursday.
That leaves Arsene Wenger with a big decision to make ahead of Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Jose Mourinho and Manchester United for one final time as Arsenal boss.
That’s what we’re asking you; should Wenger plump for Ospina – valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt – or Cech between the sticks for the game against United?
Let us know by voting in the poll below and keep your eyes peeled for the results ahead of kick off on Sunday…
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It’s been quite a few weeks for young Raheem Sterling. While many 20-year-old are worrying about, jobs, money and exams, the Liverpool starlet is fighting against a £100,000-per-week salary, calling on thousands of Kopites to sing his name and taking drugs in his living room…
Well, these are the latest rumours, and Brendan Rodgers has responded by claiming that he will sit down with his player to talk about what’s going on. Okay, Sterling has been spotted using Nitrous Oxide – a legal high – in his own home, but as a professional footballer it hardly sends out the right message, and the timing is woeful in light of the headlines he’s attracting anyway.
But let’s step away from the moral debate and look at the ‘banter’ on Twitter. Sterling’s name is pretty popular on social media right now, and it seems that he’s getting quite a hard time from fans poking fun…
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