Newcastle fans have been discussing making a surprise swoop for Jermain Defoe, and fans are completely split on a move for the former England international.
Newcastle are on the hunt for some more firepower up front this summer, so should they make a bargain swoop for Defoe?
The Chronicle list the 35 year-old as a possible target for this summer, and his age and lack of playing time at Bournemouth could make him available for a bargain price.
The Magpies have been linked with a move for Bournemouth’s Josh King, but a deal for the Norwegian would be a lot more expensive and could even mean Matt Ritchie, a fan favourite, heads the other way.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255847″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Newcastle’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]
Defoe wouldn’t be the first choice number nine Rafael Benitez is looking for, but he could operate as a “super sub”.
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Many fans feel they need a minimum of two new strikers this summer, as Aleksandar Mitrovic will almost certainly leave and Dwight Gayle and Joselu simply aren’t Premier League standard.
Fans are split on a move for Defoe, as it seems plenty haven’t forgotten about the fact he spent two years at Sunderland, where he was a fan favourite. The slight majority are leaning in favour of making a shock swoop for the 57-cap striker though, and you can find the full poll results down below…
Unsurprisingly, this morning’s back pages have been dominated by the news that Rafael Benitez is set to exit Liverpool after six years at the Merseyside club. Following a season of unrest and disappointment, the club’s board are thought to have offered the Spaniard a lucrative severance package in order to entice Benitez to depart Anfield just one year into a five-year contract. Although Benitez has been a divisive figure amongst Reds fans for some time, there does not appear to be a definitively clear cut replacement to fill the shoes of the former Valencia manager. The following five candidates are all thought to be in the running to fill the soon-to-be-vacant Anfield hot-seat:
Martin O’Neill
The bookmakers favourite, Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill is the man thought to be in pole position to become the next Liverpool manager. The 58-year-old has admirably led his side to sixth place for the past seasons, but having failed to break into the top four in his four years at Villa Park, O’Neill may feel that he has taken the club as far as he can. A move to Liverpool would represent an upwards career move for the Northern Irishman, who may relish the task of returning Liverpool to the summit of English football after 20 years without a league title.
Warring words with Benitez in the summer of 2008 over the Anfield side’s (failed) pursuit of then-Villa skipper Gareth Barry do not seem to have quelled suggestions that O’Neill will eventually move to Merseyside. Despite rumours of strained relations with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner, the American owner recently told the Birmingham Mail that “Liverpool are not taking Martin O’Neill away from Aston Villa as far as I’m concerned.” Would Lerner be able to prevent his manager from resisting the advances of Liverpool should the Anfield side come knocking?
Roy Hodgson
Responsible for the remarkable turnaround in Fulham’s fortunes since the end of 2007, it is no surprise to hear Roy Hodgson mentioned as a replacement for Rafael Benitez. Within 3 seasons, Hodgson has saved Fulham from relegation and taken the unfancied west London side to a Europa League final. The vastly experienced 62-year-old, who was recently named LMA Manager of the Year, has fuelled conjecture that he would be receptive to a switch to Merseyside, having told BBC Sport that, “If the day comes when a so-called big club wants me and I’m available, I’d be happy to do it.”
The only major doubts over Hodgson that persist concern his age; at 62, Hodgson is no spring chicken and the club are likely to seek a manager who can commit to the club for at least five years. However, should Hodgson be able to mirror the career longevity of Sir Alex Ferguson, this will become an insignificant issue.
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Jurgen Klinsmann
This summer will not mark the first time that former Spurs legend Jurgen Klinsmann has been touted for the Liverpool hot-seat. The Anfield side’s American owners first angered the club’s fans after news leaked in early 2008 that the pair had secretly attempted to woo Klinsmann to Merseyside behind Benitez’s back. Shortly afterwards Klinsmann was named as manager of Bayern Munich, with the German side’s official website later revealing that “There was a detailed proposal made to Jurgen by Liverpool.”
Despite leading the German national team to third place in the 2006 World Cup, reservations exist over Klinsmann’s managerial abilities. Klinsmann’s one attempt at club management (Bayern Munich) dismally failed, and his success with Germany is frequently attributed to the work of his assistant (and current Germany coach) Joachim Loew.
Kenny Dalglish
Affectionately referred to as ‘King Kenny’ by Liverpool fans, bookmakers are suggesting that the former Scotland international may take up the Anfield reins for the second time in his distinguished career. Voted number one in the ‘100 Players Who Shook the Kop’, Dalglish is a bona fide Liverpool legend. Recently brought back to the club in an ambassadorial role, Dalgish won three league titles in his first stint as Liverpool manager between 1985 and 1991.
Strongly tipped to fill the hot-seat in an interim capacity, many have questioned whether or not Dalglish will be able to manage in the modern game. Dalglish, who also won the league title with Blackburn Rovers in 1995, last managed at the top level at Celtic in 2000. Critics have also warned Dalglish about the prospect of tarnishing his Anfield reputation, having seen former midfielder Graeme Souness taint his relationship with the club’s fans after a torrid spell as Liverpool manager in the early ‘90s. Having said that, Dalglish is a smart man who knows and loves the club like no other, and would therefore be a great contender to steady the ‘sinking ship’.
Guus Hiddink
Despite having accepted an offer to coach the Turkish national side from the end of June, bookmakers still believe that Dutchman Guus Hiddink could be offered the chance to replace Rafael Benitez. Following an incredibly distinguished career at both club and international level, Hiddink would be a popular choice amongst Liverpool fans. The outgoing Russia manager led Dutch side PSV Eindhoven to six domestic league titles and one European Cup, as well as infamously guiding minnows South Korea to fourth place at the 2002 World Cup.
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Hiddink capably showed his capacity to manage in the Premier League, having taking Chelsea to within one kick of the Champions League final during 2008/09, with the Dutchman’s ability to galvanise a squad that ‘failed’ under Luiz Felipe Scolari impressively demonstrating his stellar man-management credentials. Hiddink is one of the most respected coaches in world football and would be a superb candidate to replace Rafael Benitez.
Who would you most like to see replace Rafa Benitez, should there be a parting of the ways?
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Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas had admitted that he is frustrated in constantly being a substitute for Spain at the World Cup. So does a player who is unquestionably so talented deserve to be starting?
Despite Arsenal having a disappointing season, Fabregas was in exceptional form scoring 20 goals and finishing the season as their top scorer. That is a remarkable feat and to score 20 goals from midfield takes some doing, as a result he has outscored every midfielder in the Spanish squad. However the Spanish team with the quality it has it capable of scoring a lot of goals with or without Fabregas in the team, so although his achievement this season was exceptional, it isn’t something which Spain need badly at the moment.
Fabregas has accepted his role as a substitute with good grace, despite his frustrations. He has said on the matter:
“I will not say ‘I’m angry or I don’t care about not playing, I will go through my anger by doing my best on the training ground and proving that I’m ready to do my job.”
He added: “I don’t have any regrets. I do not play as much as I want but it’s normal that the coach chooses the others. There is a lot of quality here and everybody deserves to play. It’s normal that I want to play more, right? Football is my life and I have been fighting all season to be here and help the team with my best.”
Clearly he is hungry to make an impact and he could end up having a similar effect as he did on Spain’s Euro 2008 campaign where he came off the bench to make telling contributions. Such as scoring the winning penalty against Italy in the quarter-finals and providing two assists in their victory over Russia in the semis. Eventually his hard work paid off and he was named in the starting XI for the final and ended up in the ‘Team of the Tournament’. So as long as Fabregas can remain patient and bide his time he will get rewarded for it, as he always seems to show his quality when he is a substitute for Spain. Against Honduras in their last game he was a goal-line clearance away from scoring a goal with his first touch after coming on.
There is no question that out of all the Spanish midfielders Fabregas provides the most drive from midfield and is the most capable of scoring a goal. However this seemingly isn’t enough to get him in the team with the Barcelona trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets along with Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso as the preferred four in midfield. What’s interesting about this is that with Fabregas being linked with a move to Barcelona he would be replacing one of the three at club level. Given Pep Guardiola interest in recruiting Cesc this summer he must clearly believe that Fabregas can make more of a telling contribution and if that is the case, then wouldn’t the same apply at international level?
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It’s truly a testament to how strong the Spanish side that a player like Cesc Fabregas cannot get in the starting XI when he would easily walk into the starting line-up of any club in the world. At the moment though this Spanish side is playing really well but as soon as a midfielder has a bad game then Fabregas will get his chance and if he takes it he can cement his places in the XI. For now if he just keeps up the same attitude that he has shown then he will get what he wants in the end.
The long-running saga of Mario Balotelli's proposed transfer from Inter Milan looks set to continue after the teenager's agent claimed a host of clubs were interested in signing his client.
The 19-year-old has been interesting both Manchester City and Manchester United but Mino Raiola says there are several other teams in the running to clinch Balotelli's signature.
"I have had contact with a few teams," he said.
"The papers keep talking about Man Utd and Man City. I will keep the names of the others to myself.
"Are Chelsea keen? Why not?"
Asked when Balotelli's future was likely to be resolved, Raiola added: "Monday? No, every day in the transfer market is decisive."
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The Italy Under-21 international has scored 22 goals in 40 starts and 33 substitute appearances for Inter since making his debut in December 2007.
However, he has endured a mixed relationship with the Inter fans and fell out with former boss Jose Mourinho several times last term.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has backed goalkeeper Paul Robinson's decision to retire from international football.
The 30-year-old was called up for England's friendly with Hungary, but decided against accepting the call and instead backed out of international duty altogether.
Allardyce commented:"For the time being, England will miss him. They missed him the World Cup because he should have gone there.
"He feels that if he isn't going to be number one, then he doesn't feel the need to be travelling with England.
"You'd have to ask him if he'd come back if guaranteed the number one spot, but I would presume so.
"Certainly at this moment in time, though, he doesn't feel that's the case. He feels that he should be number one and has always felt that way.
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"As my player, I support him because I see him week in, week out and know how well he has performed.
"It's a big decision he's made, but I understand it."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Earlier this week City finally got their man, agreeing a deal with Villa to sign James Milner. The England international will join the Eastlands revolution with Stephen Ireland moving in the opposite direction in a package reportedly worth £26 million. Milner is one of the most accomplished midfielders of his age in the Premier League although many would question the fee paid for him. Arsene Wenger would arguably be one of those having repeatedly criticised the overstated value of English players, opting instead to scout promising youngsters and sharpen their skills. It is a patient approach but one which has recently found favour with old foe Sir Alex Ferguson. In view of this transfer is their methodology the practical way forward?
The former Newcastle and Leeds man grew frustrated at his own protracted transfer saga this week, urging Manchester City to complete the deal. They duly obliged taking their summer spending spree to well over £100 million, although Milner’s singing is expected to have completed their transfer activity. Roberto Mancini is pleased to have secured the services of the rising England star who is committed, energetic, has an excellent work rate and is technically strong. Aston Villa fans would concur with those superlatives as Milner received a standing ovation when he was substituted in his final game for the club on Saturday. He signed off with a powerfully accurate left-foot shot to score Villa’s third goal of the game in their routine victory over West Ham.
It was the display of a consummate professional who has received rave reviews since featuring on Newcastle United’s left wing. His departure to Villa in 2008 was too much for former Magpies boss, Kevin Keegan who promptly resigned. The player flourished at Villa particularly after moving to the centre of midfield. It was in this position that Milner could exhibit his full range of passing, shooting accuracy, dynamism and not be exposed for a lack of pace. However, it was his reputation as a utility man which first impelled Fabio Capello to introduce him to the England squad. He was once used as a wing back and mainly played on the right wing at the World Cup. Fellow Italian Mancini has also expressed his delight that Milner can play in a range of roles. It will be interesting to witness how his skills will be used in Manchester City’s extensive team.
Cynics may baulk at the fee paid for a utility midfielder but all the top clubs in the country would have arguably welcomed a player of his talent. Yet the fee paid for Milner and the extent of City’s transfer spending is only sustainable for a club with an estimated wealth 60 times that of Chelsea. The absence of any other serious bidders in this exhaustive deal supports Wenger’s established view that domestic talent is over-valued in England when young foreign players have comparably better technique, skill and quality on the ball. It is a dilemma that Wenger believes will only intensify due to the Premier League’s new 25-man squad rule which he has described as “a disaster.” Part of his critique is the stipulation that 8 of this number must be ‘home grown’ which he believes will inevitably put a greater premium and therefore price on English talent.
Wenger has found an unlikely ally in Sir Alex Ferguson who this week attacked “kamikaze spending.” His comments could only have been intended for his neighbours who seem to be progressively annoying him. Having been linked with Milner earlier this summer, a feature of Manchester United’s transfer policy has been using their substantial scouting networks to sign gifted but unheralded foreigners such as Bebe. PL managers will soon adopt the role of chancellors and finance ministers, each seeking to boast about their own financial responsibility. After Milner’s transfer to City clubs like Arsenal and United will be looking to produce top domestic and foreign talent rather than expensively acquire it.
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Click on image below to see the gallery of Mario Balotelli’s stunning girlfriend
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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is hopeful that striker Darren Bent will be given a run of games in the England national team.
The 26-year-old was an unused substitute for England's 4-0 win over Bulgaria on Friday evening, with Bruce hoping for better for his star goal-getter.
He told the Sunderland Echo:"When the final World Cup squad came out, he was bitterly disappointed at missing out after doing so well last season. Everyone at the club had to try and pick him up a bit.
"But if he gets a proper chance, who knows? I said all along that I'd have taken him to the World Cup, but I would say that, wouldn't I?
"What is important is that he gets his opportunity, that he gets a proper crack of the whip, because there's no point bringing him if you're not going to give him a real chance to make an impact.
"And I think when you look at his goalscoring record, not just at Sunderland but down the years, he genuinely deserves it.
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"He's a natural goalscorer and I think he has the capacity to score at any level.
"Those are the sort of players you want in any squad and I think it's about time that people started looking at his strengths rather than his weaknesses."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Are you a football fanatic and bursting for an opportunity to support your Local team? Well here’s your chance! To celebrate their new sponsorship of the Football League from the beginning of the 2010/11 season, npower are giving away 5 pairs of tickets to 5 lucky home team supporters.
The npower Football League ‘the home of real fans’, has set up a new initiative to help football clubs with community projects. The 72 clubs will have access to the Community Fund of over £2 million, to deliver community initiatives in their local area.
Fans will also be rewarded for switching their gas and electricity supply to npower and paying by direct debit. For ‘real fans’ npower has launched Football Saver* for new customers – It’s guaranteed 7% cheaper than standard rates until 30th September 2011 plus you get a £45 voucher to spend at your local Football League club shop, say for example towards a new shirt for the season. To take advantage of the offer call 0800 975 6613** quoting N570P, offer closes 31st December 2010.
As part of the three year sponsorship agreement npower will also become the new title sponsor of The Football League Community Cup. The annual six-a-side competition is for teams of mixed Under-11’s and Under-13 girls played in towns and cities throughout the country, culminating in finals played at Wembley Stadium before the end of season npower Play-Off Finals.
The All-Important Competition:
We have 5 pairs of tickets up for grabs for Home Fans to 10 fantastic npower Football League games that are taking place on Tuesday 28th September:
Derby County v. Middlesbrough Portsmouth v. Bristol City Watford v. Swansea City Brighton and Hove Albion v. Brentford Peterborough United v. Notts. County Gillingham v. Southend United Bristol Rovers v. Tranmere Rovers Lincoln City v. Burton Albion Torquay United v. Aldershot Town Wycombe Wanderers v. Barnet
*
If you want to try your luck and be in for a chance to win a pair of tickets to support your team on their home ground, then look no further. You and one lucky friend could be in for an exciting day, so why not enter here!
Simply answer the following question:
How many clubs are in the npower Football League?
A) 71
B) 72
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C) 73
Email your answer along with the game you would like to watch to [email protected] or leave in the comments section below!
The competition closes on Monday 27th September so make sure you get your answers in now!
Marseille head coach Didier Deschamps believes that Hatem Ben Arfa could still join Newcastle United on a permanent basis, despite his loan spell being ruined by serious injury.
The 23-year-old France international winger suffered a broken leg in the 2-1 weekend defeat at Manchester City and is facing several months on the sidelines as a result.
However, Deschamps still thinks that Ben Arfa's long-term future could still lie at St James' Park.
He told the French media:"The injury is a shame because he had just started to get his bearings with Newcastle.
"Now we'll have to wait until the end of the season to see what happens.
"There is an option for Newcastle to purchase him, bound to a number of matches. He won't play them, obviously, but we'll have to see what Newcastle do.
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"There would be no problem for me in him returning to Marseille, but I don't think it's too much in his own plans."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson paid tribute to captain Steven Gerrard after the England midfielder netted a superb hat-trick in the 3-1 Europa League win over Napoli.
Gerrard scored three times in the final 14 minutes at Anfield, having been brought on as a half-time substitute with the Reds a goal behind.
Hodgson beamed:"It was outstanding.
"In the first half we hadn't played that badly and were unlucky to be a goal down to an error which was punished.
"His entry on to the field was a catalyst, it galvanised the crowd and the team and the way he scored the first goal epitomised the energy and the spirit the team showed in the second half.
"We owe a big debt of gratitude to him, but he will be the first to join me in saying the whole team in the second half gave a good performance.
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"I thought tonight was a real leader's performance – the first goal was not a pretty goal.
"That was a captain's goal, the goal of a guy who wanted to get his team back in the game even at the risk of injury. That is certainly appreciated by me and my staff."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email