According to reports in The Mirror, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has urged Ajax winger Justin Kluivert to ignore interest from England and stay with the Eredivisie giants amid links with Manchester United.
The former Southampton and Everton boss, who worked with Jose Mourinho during the duo’s time at Barcelona, named the uncapped 18-year-old in his first squad since he was named as the new coach of the national team, for the friendly matches against England in Amsterdam on Friday night and then Portugal on Monday as they look to start building for their Euro 2020 qualification campaign.
The Mirror says that the teenager is attracting interest from the Red Devils – with fans already commenting on whether he would be a good addition or not – after scoring 10 goals and providing a further nine assists in 50 appearances for the Dutch club to date, with manager Jose Mourinho reserving time to speak to the youngster on the pitch following his side’s Europa League final win against Ajax last season.
However, Kluivert, the son of former Barcelona striker Patrick, is in discussions to extend his current deal which is due to expire in 2019, and Koeman has advised him against a move to Old Trafford to stay in his home country.
The 55-year-old said, via The Mirror: “He’s in talks with Ajax about his contract.
“I think the best is for him stay in Holland because he’s only 18.”
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Kluivert primarily plays on the left wing for Ajax, and he would certainly have plenty of competition in that positon if he did move to Old Trafford considering the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford can all also play there.
Which England players impressed you the most vs the Netherlands? Let us know below…
Arsenal have had a rather disappointing start to the season, and it is showing with fans even turning against the once-revered Arsene Wenger.
But although the manager does need to own most of the responsibility, the players haven’t covered themselves in much glory apart from Alexis Sanchez, who has basically carried the team on his back scoring 14 goals in 23 appearances.
There are definitely a few players Wenger is looking to sign, but could any of these five from the Italian Serie A be the boost needed for the Gunners to mount some sort of challenge?
Here are FIVE SERIE A players Arsenal should sign this January.
Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate has had a roller coaster of a career in football, as the now right-back started out as a right winger, but his limitations forced AC Milan to loan him out to various clubs throughout his career. Eventually though, he was turned into a marauding right-back by then Brazilian coach Leonardo.
Now the Italian international is a solid right-sided defender that combines speed and defensive discipline, and would be an adequate competition for first choice Mathieu Debuchy.
With Milan still struggling financially, the 27-year-old could be lured to the Emirates with a £14million bid and a more lucrative contract.
Mattia Destro
//www.youtube.com/embed/hLXU48LsqgM
Arsenal are always in the transfer market for a world-class striker, however each time it seems Arsene Wenger prefers the more technical attacking midfielder as his marquee signing. In the past three summer windows, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, and Santi Cazorla were purchased during times the Gunners were linked with the likes of Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain.
Mattia Destro has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, and Arsenal will do well to bring the towering Roma striker. Destro has found it difficult to break into the first team past Francesco Totti, and will be yearning for regular football.
With Roma also knocked out of the Champions League, the lure to play in Europe’s biggest competition could be the key to bringing the 23-year-old to the Emirates.
Paulo Dybala
//www.youtube.com/embed/QP8YWoLoGTI
Already compared to the likes of Sergio Aguero and Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala is making waves in the Italian Serie A with seven goals in 15 games so far this season.
Arsenal have the correct environment in developing young talent, and Arsene Wenger will be interested in the little Argentine if was to become available.
Dybala is good in the dribble and composed on the ball, but what makes him special is the lethal finishing showcased this season at Palermo.
At only 21 years of age, Dybala can only improve but if he can maintain his form then he could be a lethal player flanking the likes of Olivier Giroud as a winger.
Adil Rami
After the sale of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a centre-back the entire season so far.
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The Gunners could consider a move for AC Milan defender Adil Rami, who despite some impressive performances has found it difficult to nail a regular starting position, albeit many times due to niggling injuries.
Rami has been linked with Arsenal in the past and is the perfect player to fit in the role, as the Spaniard is composed on the ball yet still has the physicality to play in the English top flight.
Martin Caceres
Martin Caceres is now at his fourth year with Serie A champions Juventus, but although his appearance tally has improved each year, the Uruguayan has only played six games this season. It seems the appointment of Masimilliano Allegri has pushed him down the pecking order, and the Uruguayan international could look for an exit route.
Arsenal could come in with a bid, as Caceres is adept at playing at centre-back or as a right-back, perfect for such an injury prone side.
The 27-year-old is strong in the air but also extremely composed on the ball, which is a necessity in Arsenal’s passing system.
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has played down the importance of the January transfer window, insisting that he’s happy with his squad.
Spurs have been heavily linked with attacking talents such as Joao Moutinho, Loic Remy and Willian in recent months, with AVB thought to be keen to invest to boost the club’s Premier League chances.
However, the Portuguese coach insists that he is happy with the players at his disposal, and believes that there is no real need to bring in fresh faces in the New Year:
“I don’t think we need to do anything,” said Villas-Boas who was missing Clint Dempsey due to a groin injury.” He is quoted by Sky Sports.
“We have Clint out. He is a massive player for us. He has had a big impact. He scored 17 goals last season so we have to count on him.
“He plays striker, plays wings and plays through the middle so he gives us that option.
The Londoners were held at home to Stoke on Saturday, and despite the result, Villas-Boas was happy with his team’s performance:
“Stoke have one of the best defences in Europe and they are very well organised. They don’t make it easy for anyone,” he said.
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“We gave them a run for their money and our players tried very hard.
“Sometimes you try everything and the ball doesn’t go in the back of the net. We had a go and I’m very pleased with the players.”
Aston Villa’s hopes of automatic promotion from the English Championship took a critical blow on Saturday after a 1-0 defeat away to Bolton Wanderers.
Desperately needing a win to keep the pressure on Cardiff City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Steve Bruce’s side failed to produce for the second successive match and are now seven points behind second place having played a game more.
Supporters were left frustrated by the result and performance with many pointing to their midfield as the reason they fell to defeat.
The performance of Conor Hourihane left a lot to be desired and it’s left some wanting to see him benched for upcoming matches, believing he’s been poor over the last few weeks.
The Republic of Ireland international has scored nine goals this season but does he offer enough defensive skills in matches that turn into a midfield battle?
Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts after the defeat…
Although Liverpool are at fifth, tied on points with fourth placed West Ham, the Reds have been nowhere near last season’s scintillating displays and were extremely lucky to get all three points against Queens Park Rangers last weekend due to a last minute Steven Caulker own goal. Brendan Rodgers’ side were also at the end of a 3-0 humbling by Real Madrid in their midweek Champions League fixture, but the manager will be confident they can get all three points against the Tigers on Saturday. Under-performing star Mario Balotelli is set to continue leading the line as first-choice striker Daniel Sturridge remains injured with a calf problem.
Hull City (3-5-1-1): Jakupovic, Chester, Davies, Bruce, Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Diame, Robertson, Ben Arfa, Hernandez
Steve Bruce’s men traveled to the Emirates to face Arsenal last weekend and will be glad to come away with a point, although they could have grabbed all three if it wasn’t for a late Danny Welbeck equalizer. Hull City will need to be at the top of their game as well for their trip to Anfield, with the manager expected to deploy his usual trusted 3-5-2 system. However, due to Nikica Jelavic’s injury, Bruce will deploy Hatem Ben Arfa right behind summer signing Abel Hernandez, with the Uruguayan adapting well to the Premier League already having scored three goals in five appearances. The Tigers may need third choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic between the posts, with Allan McGregor and Steve Harper both struggling with injuries.
What the fans are saying…
Remember this?
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//www.youtube.com/embed/rRbVHopyOog
If this weekend’s clash is anything like the one back in 2008/2009 then we’re in for an absolute treat!
Patrice Evra has said he is happy with life at Manchester United, after reports suggested he would leave Old Trafford for Paris St Germain.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Qatari-backed side have long been linked with a move for the French full-back who grew up in Paris after moving from Senegal.
But the United captain insists a move away from Manchester is unlikely in the near future.
Evra, 31, told The Sun, “You would have to kill Alex Ferguson before bringing me to Paris.
“For now, there is nothing to do. I have a year left on my contract and I am at Manchester United. I am captain and I am happy.”
Nevertheless the Frenchman’s contract at Old Trafford expires in 2014 and he will be aware of the Red Devils’ recent policy of offering only one-year extensions to players over the age of 30.
With the prospect of earning a higher salary and greater job security at PSG, Evra could yet be tempted into a deal with France’s capital club.
“It’s always a pleasure to be wanted by a club such as Paris St Germain, especially as I am Parisian”, said the former PSG youth-team player.
“I have never hidden my love of Paris, even though Monaco is still ’my’ team.
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“It has always pained me to see the club not win the title or qualify for the Champions League.”
Evra joined United in January 2006 from Monaco and has since been a regular fixture in Ferguson’s side, even assuming the captaincy after Nemanja Vidic was ruled out by injury for much of last year.
Arsenal will look to bounce back from successive defeats against Manchester City when they face Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, and Gunners fans have begged manager Arsene Wenger not to start Granit Xhaka, rated at £31.5m by Transfermarkt.
The Switzerland international has started every one of the north London outfit’s 28 Premier League matches so far this season, but he has really struggled for form in recent weeks, and was particularly poor in both clashes against City as Wenger’s men were outclassed.
The 25-year-old has been playing alongside Aaron Ramsey in the middle of the park, but with Jack Wilshere and Mohamed Elneny among those also available to play in that position, his spot could be under threat for the first time during the current campaign ahead of the trip to the south coast.
Arsenal supporters have been quick to have their say on Xhaka via social media, and while one said “if Xhaka starts there’s a high chance we’ll lose”, another said “I would honestly drop Xhaka until further notice”.
We’re in for another fantastic feast of Premier League football at the weekend; Southampton visit Tottenham in a bid to haunt former boss Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday, whilst Leicester host Burnley to decide things at the less flattering end of the league table.
That’s followed by a heavyweight Sunday afternoon. It’s maxim – Chelsea vs Arsenal, but the lunchtime kick-off witnesses Manchester United taking on Everton at Old Trafford.
The Toffees did the double over the Red Devils last season – in fact, their victory at Old Trafford in April proved to be David Moyes’ last game in charge of the former Premier League champions – so United fans will be demanding an improved performance.
But with the quality and depth of the English top flight so immense, the majority of fixtures now come down individual battles.
With that in mind, here’s FIVE key individual contests that could decide the heavyweight tie on Sunday afternoon.
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PHIL JONES VS ROMELU LUKAKU
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Manchester United find themselves amid a harrowing injury crisis, but Phil Jones is tipped to return from the sidelines to face Everton, having suffered a thigh strain during England’s 2-0 victory over Switzerland earlier this month.
It’s fantastic news for Louis van Gaal – the Red Devils desperately need a centre-back with the experience and physicality to marshal record Toffees signing Romelu Lukaku on Sunday afternoon.
Likely to return to a central role after struggling out wide against Liverpool last weekend, the 21 year-old will be keen to get back to goal scoring ways – two goals in six Premier League outings is a rather sedated return compared to Lukaku’s high standards over the past two seasons.
He’ll fancy his chances against the Red Devils too; nine of the last ten Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford have witnessed 2.5 goals or more, and the Belgium international netted a hat-trick against United on the last day of the 2012/13 campaign:
//www.youtube.com/embed/1rKOdVAKTv8?rel=0
Jones is set to be partnered with Marcos Rojo, in the absence of Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans (injury) and Tyler Blackett (suspension).
The summer signing was at the heart of United’s 5-3 defeat to Leicester City and is still coming to terms with the pace, power and intensity of the Premier League. As well as stopping a battering ram in Lukaku, the England international needs to keep his Argentine colleague organised.
ANGEL DI MARIA VS JAMES MCCARTHY
How to solve a problem like Angel Di Maria?
The former Real Madrid star has been nothing short of sensational since swapping the Bernabeu for Old Trafford in August, running the show from midfield and demonstrating his world-class end product in emphatic style:
This eloquent chip against Leicester City particularly stood out:
Indeed, the Argentina international is yet to go a game for United without contributing to a goal, so if the Toffees are to get anything from their visit to Old Trafford, they’ll have to stop Di Maria or at least slow him down.
That duty could well be passed to James McCarthy – the Ireland international missed Everton’s Europa League tie with Krasnodar yesterday evening with a strained quad, but will be hoping to return against the Red Devils.
In positional terms, he lines up directly against Di Maria – the South American habitually deployed at left-centre-mid and McCarthy and right-centre-mid – and as Everton’s engine room, possesses the athleticism and energy to go toe-to-toe with the United star for much of the match.
Should the Toffees dynamo be ruled out through injury, summer signing Muhamed Besic or former Red Devils youngster Darron Gibson are likely to take his place.
JUAN MATA VS GARETH BARRY
With Wayne Rooney suspended for this excessive professional foul against West Ham:
…misfit Juan Mata looks set to take over at the tip of Manchester United’s midfield diamond.
The Spain international has struggled to find his place at Old Trafford since leaving Chelsea in January 2014, but let’s not forget what he’s capable of; Mata claimed back-to-back Player of the Year awards for his former employers and despite limited game-time, has already hit the onion-bag twice this season.
Operating as Everton’s deepest lying midfielder, Gareth Barry will have to keep a leash on the 26 year-old playmaker. The former England man struggled against Liverpool last weekend – in fact, he was fortunate not to be sent for an early shower in the opening twenty minutes – so a significantly higher level of performance is required.
Mata’s absolutely lethal from dead ball situations too – take this curler from last season for example:
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Fouls will have to be kept down to a minimum, but Everton currently boast one of the cleanest records in the Premier League:
RADAMEL FALCAO VS PHIL JAGIELKA AND JOHN STONES
Despite providing two assists, marquee signing Radamel Falcao is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League.
He’ll fancy his chances of breaking his duck on Sunday however – Everton currently have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 14 times in six fixtures and recording a solitary clean sheet against West Brom.
Indeed, Chelsea slammed them for six and Crystal Palace bagged three goals with just three shots on target against the Toffees, but the Merseyside derby produced an improved performance as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw.
Much of that was centred around John Stones coming back in at centre-half to partner Phil Jagielka, with Sylvain Distin sidelined through injury. The 36 year-old veteran could return to fitness at the weekend but his form has been poor this season and it’s likely Roberto Martinez will stick with the England duo instead.
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In Falcao they’ll be up against one of the most lethal strikers in Europe – the former Atletico Madrid star’s career record stands at an incredible 200 goals in 308 appearances. Here’s ten of the Colombian’s most memorable goals:
//www.youtube.com/embed/YDfjYoW4Bvk?rel=0
LEIGHTON BAINES VS RAFAEL
They say full-backs are now the most important players on the pitch in tactical terms, and Everton’s visit to Manchester United could will epitomise that modern trend.
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With Manchester United unlikely to deploy out-and-out wingers, roaming left-back Leighton Baines looks set to directly come up against Red Devils No.2 Rafael for much of the match.
The quality of the England international’s left boot needs no introduction to United – they’ve tried and failed to bring Baines to Old Trafford on uncountable occasions throughout the years.
The 29 year-old is enjoying a rich vein of form this season too, as shown below:
Rafael’s in decent nick as well – but he’ll find himself outnumbered at times on Sunday and will have to remain disciplined, whilst balancing his entrenched desire to get forward with defensive obligations.
Unfortunately, disciplined isn’t a word in the feisty Brazilian’s vocabulary – he’s yet to make the referee’s notebook this season but has already picked up two red cards in 102 Premier League appearances.
Likewise to Juan Mata, Leighton Baines’ quality from dead ball situations verges upon world-class, so United’s current average of 12.2 fouls per match will have to come down somewhat. Here’s the Three Lions defender netting a unique free-kick brace against West Ham last season:
Liverpool strike Luis Suarez has dismissed speculation linking him with a January transfer to Manchester City.
Rumours have been circulating that the Reds’ Premier League rivals are preparing a big money swoop for the Uruguayan during the transfer window.
However, the 25-year-old told the club’s official website that he is very happy at Anfield and wouldn’t consider leaving:
“I have a very long contract here and it’s a dream come true to be playing at a club like Liverpool because, as I’ve said, as a boy I dreamt of playing for a team like this.
“Now I’m here, it’s all about enjoying myself and trying to be here for as many years as I can, because I’m at a club where I’m very happy, my family is happy, I’ve got fantastic team-mates and a manager from whom I’m learning so much.
“I’m working well and I’m very happy at a club where I’ve always wanted to be. At a club to whom I’m very grateful for the trust everyone is showing in me – a club with amazing supporters and team-mates who are all great people.
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Suarez is also confident that the team’s results will begin to improve following an underwhelming start to the campaign:
“The other important thing is that the squad is very united. In spite of not getting the results we would have liked, we have a great spirit of togetherness and let’s hope we can continue to pick up points.”
Manchester City have talent all over the field, and one of their star players of the season was goalkeeper Ederson.
The Brazilian joined the North-West outfit from Benfica last year and firmly cemented his place as number one.
It is highly unlikely that manager Pep Guardiola will be looking for a new keeper to take Ederson’s place, but the club could do with a fresh back-up.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255859″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Man City’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]
Claudio Bravo did not cover himself in glory during his first season at City as he made a handful of costly mistakes.
On Wednesday, The Telegraph reported that City have an interest in West Bromwich Albion keeper Ben Foster.
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The publication also stated that the 35-year-old, along with teammate Craig Dawson, are set to be fined for refusing to attend the Baggies’ pre-season tour to Portugal.
In April, Foster confirmed that he intended to stay at West Brom, but this latest news suggests otherwise.
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Some City fans are keen on the idea of the shot-stopper moving to the Etihad, while others are uncertain.