All posts by h79snht.top

Before the often highly anticipated January transfer window opened, Slaven Bilic’s West Ham outfit were seemingly expecting to play out a rather uneventful winter spending period.

Yet although the Hammers were initially hoping to conclude most of their upcoming business over the summer, it seems that particular decision has been overturned with the recent capture of Sam Byram this week. The former Leeds right-back could potentially be destined for big things in the Premier League, with West Ham likely benefiting from securing his signature.

However, as former Nigerian international Emmanuel Emenike has also reportedly been linked with a possible move to the Boleyn Ground this month, it seems the Hammers aren’t quite willing to end the January transfer period without further strengthening their squad at Upton Park.

[ffc-gal cat=”west-ham” no=”5″]

But does this potential deal simply represent a last-minute panic move for Slaven Bilic’s side this January, or could Emmanuel Emenike genuinely help keep the good times flowing at West Ham in 2015/16?

As the 28-year-old striker is largely expected to be joining the Hammers on loan until the end of the current campaign, with the possibility of him moving to West Ham permanently if all goes well this season, then surely this particular deal must go down as a rather promising one for the Upton Park faithful.

Emenike clearly knows how to find the back of the net in style based on his previous goal-scoring form in the Turkish Süper Lig and the Russian game respectively. The former Spartak Moscow and Fenerbahçe man looks set on ending his current spell in Abu Dhabi with Al Ain FC, where he has registered a decent scoring rate already, and could become Slaven Bilic’s second major signing at Upton Park this January, albeit on a temporary basis.

The Hammers boss likely knows all about Emenike’s game from his time spent in the Besiktas dug-out last season, which can only signal further promising news for the Hammers throughout the remainder of the campaign.

Via his powerful presence inside the final third, impressive ability to hold-up possession in tight areas, and clear prowess when it comes to sending the ball home in one-on-one situations, this is a player who could easily aid West Ham in a position that certainly needs a little attention this January.

Andy Carroll has recently been ruled out with a frustrating hamstring injury, Diafra Sakho has also failed to experience a great deal of game time this term on the back of his own respective fitness concerns, and as Mauro Zarate looks closer to leaving for Italy, it seems Slaven Bilic simply must sign a new front-man this winter.

WANT MORE? >> West Ham transfer news | Latest transfer news

For all his hard work and determination inside the final third, Nikica Jelavic will seemingly never be considered an adequate first choice option for the Hammers either, and as Enner Valencia has also struggled to play the lone striker role for Bilic this term, perhaps West Ham would have found themselves in slight trouble this term without some added strength among the club’s often changeable striking department.

With Emmanuel Emenike in the first team this January, however, the Boleyn Ground faithful will likely see enough goals fly in to keep their club relatively stable as the rest of the season progresses. Then, when the summer transfer window eventually comes back around, the Upton Park hierarchy can finally begin launching some long-term moves in the transfer market once again.

The upcoming move to the Olympic Stadium will obviously be massive for West Ham United. It therefore remains important to keep the club in as strong a shape as possible in the run up to such an significant change in the East End.

So with the often reliable goal-scoring exploits of Emmanuel Emenike finally on board at Upton Park, Hammers supporters far and wide have every reason to be satisfied with their club’s latest January transfer activity this season.

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

Southampton, like many mid-table sides, have been incredibly inconsistent for much of this Premier League season.

After a run of six games unbeaten, the Saints are now without a win in three matches and look like they will struggle to make it into the Europa League places as the form of teams around them continues to improve.

Another season of comparative disappointment may see Saints’ best players look to move on once more, but the club has, unfortunately, had to become used to seeing their star names picked off by the bigger clubs.

Adam Lallana, Morgan Schneiderlin and Luke Shaw have all been taken away by perceived bigger clubs, whilst Southampton have had to restock their squad like a discount store on Black Friday each summer.

Ronald Koeman faces the prospect of another summer of unrest as, despite the lessened hype, his squad is at risk of being picked apart like a Roberto Martinez defence.

So, could losing these FIVE be the killer blow to Southampton?

Virgil van Dijk

Few players have looked as assured defensively as Van Dijk this season. Playing alongside the calming experience of Jose Fonte can only have helped the former Celtic man to settle in to the Premier League, but he looks ready for whatever the opposition can throw at him.

The Dutchman is still only 24 and surely is a target for bigger clubs around Europe.

Southampton have one of the Premier League’s meanest defences and Van Dijk’s partnership with Fonte is crucial to that

Fraser Forster

As Manchester United worry if Real Madrid will come for David de Gea again and Liverpool look to replace the flimsy Simon Mignolet, Forster must be a wanted man in the board rooms of the biggest clubs.

His brilliant form after his return from injury caught the eye of many pundits, but the disappointment of his recent mistakes is sure to be a concern for both Forster and Koeman.

Against both Bournemouth and Chelsea Forster was at fault for goals and these crucial mistakes could be very hurtful to any potential move this summer.

Sadio Mane

Mane has fallen out of favour at St Mary’s of late, after a blistering start to the campaign.

Koeman has preferred to pair Shane Long and Charlie Austin in the front line and Mane has not found the net since the 6-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Capital One Cup back in December.

The Senegalese striker has only found the net three times in the league this season and, if Southampton choose to sell, the potential fee will have significantly decreased.

Victor Wanyama

Wanyama has been the constant in the Southampton midfield, considering Davis’ changing roles in the side, as the Kenyan provides a screen in front of the defence.

Of late, Wanyama has been partnered with Oriol Romeu and been integral to the midfield solidity. The powerful defensive midfield is like a brick wall in front of the formidable Southampton defensive pairing and has been aided by Romeu’s ability on the ball when they look to build centrally.

Quality defensive midfielders are hot property and Wanyama may well be a target for several of the bigger clubs around Europe who are short of a midfield enforcer. Arsenal are still in the market for support in this position and Wanyama, despite his weak passing range, could be the answer.

James Ward-Prowse

James Ward-Prowse, for all his talent, has only started 14 Premier League games this season. The youngster has struggled to fit in to the starting XI on a regular basis and has been rotated throughout the campaign.

Koeman’s 3-5-2 has limited opportunities for the set piece maestro, although other clubs will be eyeing up the midfielder this summer. His dead ball delivery is up there with the best in the league and is symbolic of his high technical standards.

Often used in a more advanced role at Saints, Ward-Prowse needs to make a position his own if he is to reach his impressive potential.

His 84% pass completion in Premier League games this season is a further testament to his vision, whilst his 1.2 key passes per game might improve if given a more prominent role in a side.

The premium on young English players will see Southampton ask big money for this youngster, but a huge offer could tempt the south coast club into a sale.

Having conceded the most goals of any side in the Premier League’s top nine this season – a whopping 37 from just 28 games – it is clear where Liverpool’s priorities will lie during the summer transfer window.

Indeed, the Reds have already sourced one defensive addition ahead of next season, acquiring Cameroon international Joel Matip from FC Schalke on a free transfer – as confirmed by BBC Sport last month. But still lacking a dependable No.1, leadership at centre-half and top-draw quality in the full-back positions, Liverpool’s rebuild at the back is by no means completed just yet.

So with the coming transfer window by no means as far away as it may seem, Football Fancast have been running the rule over FIVE potential additions we believe the Merseysiders should target during the summer in a bid to improve their ever-error-prone backline.

Would these FIVE signings see Liverpool improve defensively? Let us know by commenting below!

ASMIR BEGOVIC

I’m a firm believer that defensive confidence all stems from the goalkeeper, which is why Liverpool’s backline has been plagued by disorganised uncertainty – especially at set pieces – throughout Simon Migonlet’s three campaigns as their No.1.

So before the Reds even consider defensive recruits for the coming transfer window, it’s imperative they sign a goalkeeper who can breed assured calmness and composure throughout their back four – and Chelsea understudy Asmir Begovic fits the bill.

Indeed, the Bosnian international is well-proven in the Premier League, serving as Stoke City’s No.1 for five straight seasons – during which he won the Players’ Player of the Year Award, Supporters’ Club Player of the Year award and Player of the Year award at the Britannia – before moving to Stamford Bridge last summer.

He demonstrated his capacity to perform at a higher level during Thibaut Courtois’ injury bout earlier this season, with a number of extraordinary shot-stopping displays to stop things getting embarrassing for the fallen Premier League champions, and measuring in at 6 foot 6 offers the aerial dominance that Mignolet’s always lacked.

Demoted instantaneously upon Courtois’ return to fitness, I’m sure the 28-year-old would be prepared to move on this summer after proving himself more than capable of donning the No.1 jersey at a top club. But would the west Londoners sell to a divisional rival? That remains to be seen.

SERGE AURIER

To say Nathaniel Clyne has disappointed this season would be a bit of an overstatement. The right-back has gone about his business quietly during his debut campaign at Anfield but considering the abrupt change in management in October and Liverpool’s defensive problems all round, that is certainly understandable.

Nonetheless, Serge Aurier represents a chance to upgrade at No.2 with a defender indisputably capable of performing at Champions League level, who will almost certainly be floated on the transfer market this summer after infamously making derogatory remarks about his manager, Laurent Blanc, and a number of his PSG team-mates on camera.

Aurier-gate aside, the Ivory Coast international is a real talent, laden with the level of physicality that often sees foreign imports thrive in the Premier League. Before the scandal, he was averaging 3.9 tackles, 3.6 interceptions, 3.2 clearances and 1.2 chances per match in Ligue 1, whilst his Champions League showings earned similarly rave reviews.

A Parc de Princes departure now seems inevitable and Liverpool would be wise to capitalise on the situation – even if signing a new right-back isn’t seen as a priority come the summer transfer window. That being said, a number of Europe’s top clubs will be chasing the 23-year-old this summer.

NEVEN SUBOTIC

Liverpool have been linked with a number of centre-backs in recent months – and have even signed one already in the aforementioned Joel Matip – but when considering options for the shaky, breaky heart of their defence, it’s still difficult to look past Borussia Dortmund’s Neven Subotic.

If Jurgen Klopp is seeking additions who can help implement his philosophy on Merseyside, then he’ll struggle to find one better than the Serbian international, who not only won two Bundesliga titles under the German gaffer at Dortmund but arrived at Westfalenstadion with him from Mainz back in 2008.

The 27-year-old has spent much of his career overshadowed by World-Cup-winning centre-back partner Mats Hummels, but he’s an incredibly talented defender in his own right and particularly when it comes to matters on the ground, famed for his quick turn of pace, reading of the game and lust for last-ditch tackles.

Klopp’s presence at Anfield is already a noteworthy pull factor but in addition, a lengthy injury layoff has seen Subotic plummet down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel, with Greek international Sokratis excelling in his absence. With two years remaining on his contract come the summer transfer window, a half-decent bid could convince the Black-Yellows to sell.

JONAS HECTOR

Jonas Hector’s impressive rise with FC Koln has not gone unnoticed, now Joachim Lowe’s preferred choice of No.3 within the Germany fold and a mooted transfer target for a number of the Premier League’s top clubs – including Liverpool.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp likes his full-backs to push forward and join the attack and the Germany international certainly meets that remit, averaging the fourth-most created chances per match, 2.1, of any left-back involved in Europe’s five leading top flights this season alongside 1.1 accurate crosses and 1.1 successful dribbles.

Of course, Alberto Moreno is a similar kind of offensive influence, but the Spaniard has struggled to fulfil his defensive duties this season and overall, the pressure involved in playing consistently for the Merseysiders seems a little beyond him at this moment in time.

No doubt, however, the 25-year-old Koln ace is solid defensively too, averaging 1.8 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per match this term to help his side record the second-best goals conceded column in the Bundesliga’s bottom half.

With his contract verging upon that all-important two-year mark, a strong bid from Liverpool will likely oblige Koln to sell during the summer transfer window.

GRZEGORZ KRYCHOWIAK

As age and injuries continue to catch up with Liverpool playbreaker Lucas Leiva, Liverpool need to source a new midfield enforcer this summer and since signing for Sevilla at the start of last season, Grzegorz Krychowiak has rapidly emerged as one of the best in the business.

Indeed, the Poland international was instrumental as Unai Emery’s side claimed a second consecutive Europa League title – and fifth place finish in La Liga – last term and has continued to impress this season, averaging a division-best 4.8 interceptions per match alongside 2.4 tackles and 3.2 successful aerial duels.

A real warrior who often operates almost as a third centre-back, providing power, control and aerial dominance just in front of the back four, Liverpool’s defence would benefit immeasurably from the protection the 26-year-old provides.

The good news is that Krychowiak’s contract includes a £32million release clause, which is well within Liverpool’s financial reach. The bad news, however, is that he seems unlikely to leave Sevilla without the assurance of Champions League football, especially with Unai Emery still at the club.

There is no denying it has been a dismal season at Stamford Bridge. The curious incident of Eva Carneiro, Jose Mourinho’s sacking and unbelievable drop in form of Eden Hazard have been some of the highlights.

Despite fortunes changing since the arrival of Guus Hiddink – with Chelsea going on the longest undefeated run of any Premier League team this season – the Blues are still set for their worst top flight finish since 1996, a season in which they finished 11th.

Success has been a-plenty at the Bridge since the Abramovic’s takeover in 2003. Four Premier Leagues, four FA Cups and a Champions League are amongst the 15 trophies acquired by the Russian’s ensemble in 13 sweet years for the Londoners.

The appointment of Antonio Conte next season has been a boost for the club, and has given fans and perhaps players alike an excuse to look ahead to the following campaign with seemingly nothing to play for remaining this year.

However, after what has been a Blackburn-esque attempt at retaining their crown, it seems the current champions could still have the final say on who takes their coveted trophy from them.

Both Leicester and Tottenham visit Stamford Bridge before the end of the season in what surely will be a must win fixture for both sides, who currently sit first and second in the table respectively.

It is Spurs’ turn first, who will march across London on May 2nd and will certainly be looking for an improvement on the 0-0 played out at White Hart Lane earlier in the season. Claudio Ranieri then returns to his once home on the final day of the season, with his side having already beaten Chelsea at the King Power Stadium just before Christmas.

This leaves the Blues in a position of power, with the two clashes potentially having a huge impact on the whereabouts of the title next year, provided neither team slips up elsewhere.

Cesc Fabregas, who appeared on Monday Night Football earlier in the week was rather frank with his disdain at the thought of Spurs winning the title.

“I think Leicester will win it,” said the Spaniard. When asked if there could be another twist in what has been a turbulent season across the board, the former Arsenal man’s response was met with laughter.

“Hopefully not, I don’t want Spurs to win it! I have to be honest.”

Chelsea are likely to have more than one vested interest in Spurs not winning the title too. Claudio Ranieri remains a popular figure at the Bridge due to the success he brought to the club during his tenure. However, the Italian failed to win a Premier League title with the club and was replaced with the special one at the start of Abramovich’s second season as chairman.

Should Hiddink’s side somehow dismantle Pochettino’s charge towards the title in two weeks time – and I’m certain the Dutchman’s side will do everything in their power to do so – the question arises: what is Chelsea’s position on the final day?

Being a morally upstanding club and set of players with values greater than London rivalry, Chelsea will try to win the game. Of course they will, it would be unsporting not to. Fabregas told Carragher on Monday that the squad “owe it to the fans” to give it there all in the remaining fixtures as compensation for what has been a tough season for the Stamford Bridge faithful.

However, say Leicester travel to south London knowing a win could secure them what would be the most unforgettable of titles; does Hiddink release the hounds and aim to ruin the Foxes’ dream, or does he give his youngsters, albeit impressive, some much needed match practice before ending his second spell at the club before making way for the incoming Conte?

If that were to be the case, I for one would not be surprised to see the likes of Loftus-Cheek, Traore, Miazga and Clarke-Salter take to the field on the final day. Don’t get me wrong, these lads are certainly the future of the club, will cause the visitors plenty of problems and will be out to win the game without a doubt.

Some I’m sure would just like to see Chelsea win their final four games, regardless of the impact elsewhere, and provide a positive end to a generally negative season.

Which option the former Ajax manager takes remains to be seen and depends on both sides’ results over the next few weeks. One thing is for certain, it would become a more bearable season for the Blues if they were to stop their least favourite London neighbours from stealing away their title. Food for thought.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-poll-2′ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

After months and months of speculation, Manchester United finally announced Jose Mourinho as their new manager this morning – replacing Louis van Gaal, who was sacked on Monday.

The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan gaffer’s CV boasts three Premier League titles and two Champions League titles, but he faces quite the rebuilding job at Old Trafford.

Indeed, the current Red Devils squad lacks true star quality – evident enough through their fifth-place finish in the Premier League this season – and is geared towards LVG’s much-maligned possession-based philosophy.

However, United are almost certain to hand Mourinho an unprecedented wad of cash for the summer transfer window, with some sources speculating an eye-watering £270million budget.

But who is in the new United manager’s transfer thoughts? Who are the likeliest rumoured targets to turn up at Old Trafford this summer? Squeezing the latest rumours into one easily digestible article, here’s a list of TEN targets almost certain to be on Mourinho’s shopping list.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC

Let’s start with the obvious – Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish icon has already confirmed his departure from PSG on a free transfer, after firing them to four Ligue 1 titles with 113 goals across four campaigns, and some sources claim he’s already received a contract offer from Manchester United. Signing the veteran striker would be a huge statement of intent on the Red Devils’ part and the 34-year-old is already talking up his relationship with the Special One.

LASSANA DIARRA

Manchester United’s need for an overhaul in the middle of the park could see Jose Mourinho turn to an old ally in Lassana Diarra, who he signed during his first Chelsea spell and later managed at Real Madrid. The tough-tackling enforcer has enjoyed a renaissance this season, muscling his way back into the France squad in time for Euro 2016 after a near-six-year absence, and through a contractual clause is available on a free transfer this summer. The Red Devils have already been linked.

WILLIAN

Rumour has it Manchester United are already preparing a £60million bid for Willian and it’s not hard to see why. The industrious winger epitomised Jose Mourinho’s philosophy at Chelsea and has just come to the end of his strongest Blues campaign to date, bagging five goals and six assists in 35 Premier League outings. There’s a notable gap on the right of the Red Devils’ attack the Brazil international would more than adequately fill.

MARQUINHOS

Jose Mourinho was rivalling Manchester United in the race to sign Marquinhos during his time as Chelsea manager, suggesting both the Portuguese and the Old Trafford hierarchy will be keen on signing the PSG starlet this summer. The 22-year-old has struggled to make his mark at Parc de Princes but remains highly rated, as a versatile and athletic defender who has already experienced high-profile games. Both clubs are chasing the Brazil international again this summer but face competition from Barcelona.

JOAO MARIO

Joao Mario has found himself linked with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United in recent weeks following a strong season at Sporting Lisbon. The Portugal international is an energetic box-to-boxer who knows where the net is, notching up 14 over the last two seasons, but could set the Red Devils back as £45million through a release clause.

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN

Manchester United haven’t been directly linked with Henrikh Mkhitaryan but Chelsea reportedly launched a £46million bid for the Borussia Dortmund star last summer and the Red Devils find themselves short of pacey attackers who can play out wide. The Armenian international’s combination of scintillating speed and technical ability saw him bag eleven goals and 15 assists in the Bundesliga this season and with his contract now verging upon its final twelve months, the Black-Yellows could be forced to sell on the cheap this summer.

John Stones

Jose Mourinho was hot on John Stones’ heels during his time as Chelsea manager – launching a £37million bid last summer – and appears set to transition his interest over to the Manchester United job. The 21-year-old is one of the most exciting home-grown stars in the Premier League, boasting unique quality in possession for an English centre-half, and the Red Devils need a long-term partner to Chris Smalling. But recent reports claim he could set United back a whopping £45million.

ROMELU LUKAKU

It didn’t quite work out for him under Jose Mourinho but since leaving Chelsea in summer 2013, initially on loan, Romelu Lukaku has established himself as one of the top strikers in the Premier League. 60 goals in the last four seasons is a phenomenal return for a 23-year-old still learning his trade and the Belgium international fits the Special One’s usual profile of big-and-burly old-fashioned centre-forwards. But Everton are well aware of their star front-man’s appeal and accordingly value him at a whopping £65million.

[ad_pod id=’fifa16-wonderkids’ align=’center’]

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN

Having flourished under a manager of similar ideals in Diego Simeone, Antoine Griezmann has been aligned to Jose Mourinho continuously throughout his potent spell at Atletico Madrid. The France international can play as a winger, a support striker or a front-man and in addition to boasting 57 goals in 106 appearances for the Mattress Makers, is famed for his industrious contributions defensively. The 25-year-old’s contract is known to include a £63million release clause.

[ad_pod id=’euro-2016′ align=’center’]

PAUL POGBA

A prime target for Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and the one that somehow got away from Manchester United, Paul Pogba will undoubtedly be in the Portuguese’s transfer crosshairs this summer – even if an Old Trafford switch currently seems blindly optimistic. Indeed, the Juventus ace has established himself as one of the top central midfielders in world football, combining imposing physicality, flair on the ball and a regular supply of goals. The France international’s €100million valuation is within Manchester United’s reach but he seems unlikely to join a club who aren’t in the Champions League after reaching last season’s final with the Old Lady.

[ad_pod id=’man-united-players’ align=’center’]

The Liverpool academy players must be jumping for joy at the news that Jurgen Klopp has committed himself to Liverpool for the next six years, after signing a new contract this week.

After all, the German manager has given debuts to over a dozen youth players since arriving on Merseyside…the future looks extremely bright at Anfield.

However, despite Klopp’s penchant for giving young players a chance, the demand from fans to see big names arriving at Anfield could mean that chances are far more limited this season than last.

The task now lies at the hands of the young players, who must do all they can to impress Klopp and co. to ensure they are not left at the bottom of the depth chart.

Here are 5 Liverpool starlets to give Klopp food for thought…

Pedro Chirivella

So impressed was Jurgen Klopp as to the talents of Pedro Chirivella, the German manager handed the 19-year-old his first Premier League appearance and a new contract in March.

While Chirivella still has plenty of learning to do, his natural abilities hold much promise and Klopp is the perfect man to help the Spaniard develop into a quality top flight midfielder.

Expect Chirivella to feature in plenty of cup games for the Reds this year, as his stock continues to rise.

Kevin Stewart

Another player who Jurgen Klopp utilised on his arrival at the club, Kevin Stewart did not appear to be anywhere near good enough for the first team, before the new manager gave him the confidence to compete at the top level.

Stewart’s 11 appearances at senior level for Liverpool have been met with much praise and he was also offered a new contract by Klopp, which he duly signed in February

Allan

Since joining Liverpool in the summer of 2015, Brazilian youngster Allen has had successful loan spells in Finland and Belgium. However, the 19-year-old may now feel he is ready to make a challenge for first team football at Anfield.

Allan is a versatile midfielder who can be deployed as an attacking playmaker or box-to-box midfielder and was extremely well thought of in Brazil in both roles.

Marko Grujic

One of the most promising players to emerge from Serbia for a decade, Marko Grujic was signed by Jurgen Klopp in January after a number of elite clubs had expressed their interest in the 20-year-old.

Immediately loaned back to Red Star for the second half of the season, Grujic was in stunning form and ended the Serbian season with 6 goals, 7 assist and a spot in the SuperLiga Team of the Year.

Making his full international debut in May, Grujic is almost certainly ready for first team football and could be one of the most exciting young players to watch in the Premier Leagueover the next two seasons.

Sheyi Ojo

Another young player who has made his way into the first team thanks to Jurgen Klopp, Sheyi Ojo is arguably the most exciting of the young players on the fringes of the senior side at Anfield. At just 19. Ojo is quick, skilful and impressively confident for his age.

With plenty of competitions in the attacking positions at Anfield, Ojo may find it hard to cement a regular first team place next season, but is a reliable standby if called upon.

Pep Guardiola is making the world look on with envy during his initial Manchester City spending spree. Bringing in some big names, along with a smattering of classy youngsters, Guardiola is transforming a squad that had begun to slip into disrepair towards the final months of Manuel Pellegrini’s reign.

Nolito has arrived from Spain and Gundogan from Germany, as Guardiola flexes Manchester City’s significant financial muscle in a bid to rival Jose Mourinho’s ego-driven investment across the city.

It is surely a matter of time until Manchester City unveil another enormous signing, with the Manchester power-struggle growing in tedium by the minute. We are being ‘treated’ to a barrage of rumours from one day to the next and its beginning to grate somewhat.

However, Guardiola may swerve the obvious links to his former stars at Bayern and Barca and look towards his previous nemeses, Atletico Madrid. Simeone’s wonderfully drilled army of highly-gifted players are likely to be a target for Pep, aren’t they?

Jose Gimenez

As Koulibaly and Stones dominate the transfer talk, many football fans seem to be overlooking one of the best young defenders in European football, Jose Gimenez.

The Atleti man quickly disposed of Miranda and has formed a rock-solid partnership with talisman, Diego Godin. His game is still raw in places, as you’d expect for a 21-year-old, but he possesses all the skills to become the best in Europe, whether that be alongside Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi or Diego Godin.

A hardened tackler, Gimenez’s ability to play out from the back would need a fair bit of work if he was to play under Guardiola, but there is no reason he couldn’t flourish into a star at City.

Filipe Luis

As Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov continue to defend as if there main purpose is to entertain, Guardiola must be considering adding a more cultured, skilled, assured left-back to City’s ranks before the summer is out.

Step up, Filipe Luis. Despite a turbulent time at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, Luis has returned to the brilliant form that earned him the move to London in the first place. The Brazilian is one of the best full-backs in the game at the moment and would be a marked upgrade on either of Clichy or Kolarov.

Admittedly, Luis is coming towards the end of his peak years, but he would be a perfect signing whilst City look for a longer-term left-back successor.

Antoine Griezmann

Imagine Antoine Griezmann playing alongside Sergio Aguero.

Tantalising, isn’t it?

A European Championship golden boot has joined the other awards and medals in the Griezmann cabinets and he must be hoping to add a Premier League winners’ medal to that collection before the end of his career. The flying Frenchman’s transition to centre-forward under Simeone has been wonderful, notching 22 goals last season and quickly becoming one of Atletico’s best ever.

The release clause is sitting there, waiting to be triggered, could Griezmann be the true marquee signing of Guardiola’s summer?

Ronald Koeman’s Everton reign is yet to begin and it looks like he will start it on the back foot. As transfers struggle to go through and big name players edge towards the exit door, Koeman’s rebuilding job at Everton is becoming vaster by the day. Luckily, Koeman is just the man for the job and it’s hard to imagine a better managerial appointment for the Toffees this summer.

Having said that, Slaven Bilic and West Ham are also sniffing around for potential signings this summer and there is a real chance that the Toffees and Hammers could clash financially. It would be enticing, as the two sides who are looking to pierce the monopoly of the richest clubs in the English games tussle for big names.

West Ham, however, are likely to have the lure of European football, whilst Everton are facing a battle to keep hold of their best players.

Could the Hammers move to weaken their rivals?

Seamus Coleman

Everton’s Irish right-back struggled to find his top form for much of last season, as the Toffees experienced defensive woe throughout the campaign and Coleman’s bursting overlaps down the right saw their effectiveness dip.

From being linked with Manchester United a couple of years back, it’s hard to envisage any transfer for Coleman over the course of the next couple of seasons. However, such is West Ham’s shortage at right-back, Coleman could be the answer to the Mikhail Antonio shaped problem.

Signing Coleman, who could also mentor Sam Byram, to fill the void at right-back would free-up Antonio to play in his more natural forward role.

Gerard Deulofeu

After impressing hugely on-loan at Everton, Deulofeu has been significantly underwhelming since signing for the club permanently and only started 16 matches in the 2015/16 campaign, as Everton fell far short of all expectations and Roberto Martinez was sacked.

Bilic is hardly short of attacking options in his West Ham squad right now, but Deulofeu is a different challenge to defenders. His mazy, direct dribbling makes him a constant challenge to mark and would be a wonderful impact sub for the Irons.

Romelu Lukaku

West Ham’s highly-publicised pursuit of a striker is becoming a little tedious. Rebuffed on several occasions, West Ham might want to look a little closer to hope for the big name, reliable, goal-scoring centre-forward that Bilic so desperately craves as he heads in to the difficult second season.

For all his weaknesses, Lukaku would be an astonishing upgrade on any of their current central striking options, having netted 18 times last season.

Celtic host rivals Rangers this Saturday in the infamous Old Firm Derby – the first since Rangers returned to the Scottish Premiership following their four-year stint in the lower divisions.

The weekend’s fixture marks the resumption of one football’s most historic and fieriest derbies in world football – one that’s roots lie far deeper than the game itself and cuts deep into the religious sectarianism that has marred the West of Scotland for years.

17th century-esque battle cries will ring out this Saturday over Celtic Park as the two Scottish giants face up in the biggest game in Scottish football over the past decade.

For Rangers, the game represents a chance at redemption following their financial troubles and subsequent relegation. For Celtic, a chance to kick their allies whilst down and show their true dominance over the footballing land in Scotland.

As for the fans, it’s a day that has been sorely missed in the Scottish footballing calendar over the past 4 years, for the rivalry, the atmosphere, the sheer importance and of course the football on show.

Both sets of fans will be hoping their side can produce a goal or two such as these five classics …

Shaun Maloney – Celtic 2-0 Rangers, 2005

Little Shaun Maloney produced a moment of sheer genius to dump Rangers out of the League cup at the Quarter-final stage.

His near on 40-yard effort seemed to spend an eternity in the air (won wonder given how far he was out) but glided superbly past the hopeless Rangers’ keeper and plum into the top corner.

Jimmy Johnstone – Rangers 2-2 Celtic, May 1967

The ‘Lisbon Lions’ Celtic had just secured the European Cup in memorable fashion and later went on to secure the League title too with a 2-2 draw at Ibrox. Jimmy Johnstone’s 20-yard belter gave Celtic a 2-1 lead, and even though they later conceded, a draw was enough to hand the Hoops the title.

Barry Ferguson – Celtic 2-3 Rangers, 2002

What better stage to produce a goal like this than a cup final/Old firm derby. Barry Ferguson’s brilliant set-piece midway through the second was Rangers’ equaliser and a goal that sent Hampden Park into meltdown. Rangers’ Peter Lovenkrands then later added the winner in a hard-fought cup final victory for the boys in blue.

Henrik Larsson – Celtic 6-2 Rangers, August 2000

The so-called ‘Demolition Derby’ match of 2000 produced one of the finest and most memorable solo efforts in the fixtures history. Celtic’s goal machine Henrik Larsson collected the ball deep in the opposition half, before nutmegging the defender and coolly chipping the keeper with the kind of nonchalance that saw him written in the annals of Scottish football and Celtic history.

Shunsuke Nakamura – Celtic 2-1, April 2008

The first Japanese player ever to score in an Old Firm derby and boy was it one to remember. Nakamura’s 30+-yard wonder-strike handed Celtic a 1-0 lead as the Hoops needed a win over their rivals to further open up the gap at the top of the table. They later went on to win the league, and the Japan international’s goal went down in history as one of the greatest ever.

It’s fair to say the press has given Claudio Bravo a tough time since his move to the Premier League, as they remain unanimous in their support of the ousted Joe Hart, but there can be no complaints following last night’s horror show in the Champions League.

Bravo returned to the Nou Camp on Wednesday and aided his former employers Barcelona massively in the fixture, earning himself a straight red card after cocking up a kick and then subsequently handling the resulting effort from Luis Suarez outside the penalty area.

Understandably, Twitter then erupted, and one man was the focus of the comments as Hart quickly went viral – despite the fact he wasn’t in action for loan club Torino.

It was only a matter of time until this happened, given the adoration Hart has in England despite some shaky performances, and everyone wished they knew what he was thinking as he witnessed the awful performance of the man signed to replace him…