Newcastle are set to increase their bid for PSV left back Erik Pieters according to the Daily Mail as they strive to replace Jose Enrique.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew want’s Pieters to replace the Spaniard who left St James’ Park to sign for Liverpool.
His interest in the defender was revealed last week and is now preparing a new bid to bring him to Tyneside.
With the North East derby against Sunderland on Sunday fast approaching Pardew is set to raise his offer for the Dutchman to £7 million.
He wants the 23-year-old in place before the game at the Stadium of Light and is set to use the £5.5 million raised from the Enrique deal to make that a reality.
Ryan Taylor deputised against Arsenal in Saturday’s Premier League opener putting in an admirable shift but Pardew wants a specialist.
PSV are struggling financially and are prepared to reluctantly sell the left back in an order to boost the coffers.
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Pieters is keen to move to the North East and is exactly the type of player Newcastle are looking for to replace Enrique.
He certainly holds more experience than the Spaniard with 10 caps for Holland and extensive Champions League experience along with his age and potential resale value fitting into the structure at St James’ Park.
Sylvain Distin has claimed that Arsenal will fail in their pursuit of Everton teammate Phil Jagielka reports the Guardian.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been trailing Jagielka for the last two seasons but Distin claims he doesn’t want to leave for the Emirates Stadium.
The Toffees’ French centre half believes his 29-year-old defensive partner will stay at Goodison Park and hasn’t indicated a willingness to depart Merseyside.
“Jags is an amazing player, you don’t play for your country if you’re not.
“He’s still young and still improving. He had some injury problems but seems to be over them now and he is quality” Distin said.
“He’s got top clubs after him and that’s a sign of his quality but there’s no sign that he’s going. There’s no reason to be worried.”
The Frenchman added: “He’s not come out and said he wants to go anywhere, so I guess that means he wants to stay. I don’t think any players want to leave here, to be honest.
“There’s no point in saying anything to them about it unless they come out and say they want to go. If he came to me and asked about his future, then I’d tell him what I think, but that has not happened and we are happy he’s staying.”
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Wenger has had two bids rejected by the Toffees so far this summer and after Distin’s revelations he may decide to pursue his other top target Gary Cahill.
Per Mertesacker has also been linked with a move to North London after indicating his desire to play in the Premier League.
We are almost three games into the new season, yet the transfer window still remains open. As we draw closer to the inevitable frenetic end of the window on deadline day, transfer rumours are flying about, with clubs trying to sort out their final deals for the summer. For players and managers alike the transfer window poses a distinct threat to their sanity. As rumours continue to circulate there may be unrest or trouble in sides before all deals are done. In light of this, should the transfer window be reformed and closed before the start of the season for everyone’s sake?
The summer long transfer sagas-like the uncertainty over the future of Luka Modric at Tottenham-continue to rumble on, and have now been carried over into the new season. This is highly unsettling for both squads and individual players, as uncertainty remains about whether players will leave and who will be their team-mates for the season ahead. Harry Redknapp has said that Modric has not been in the right frame of mind to play for Spurs, and it isn’t any wonder with the uncertainty surrounding his future. A negative cloud is hanging over Spurs with the whole affair, and they would of benefited from having the saga dealt with before the season had actually started.
While the window remains open, clubs remain in flux and unfinished. Yet points won throughout this period are very real, and those points could be crucial in a title decider or relegation battle. Clubs should be forced to do their pre-season strengthening in pre-season, and start the new campaign with a squad set in stone. This way everyone knows where they are and who they are playing for, at least for the first half of the season.
One benefit of the transfer window being open after the beginning of the season is that it gives clubs the chance to see where they may need to strengthen, if at all, and it gives managers a chance to have a few weeks of league play to make their minds up about certain players and their squads. Surely it is fairer for both players and clubs, if sides are decided before the season, with all deals wrapped up before the start of the new campaign. Sure it is a bigger gamble for a manager if they don’t get to assess their squads in those first few games of the season, but it could certainly make it interesting, with managers forced to deal earlier in the summer and have to live by the consequences of the decisions they make before the start of the season.
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While the transfer window remains open, the beginning of the season is taken over by transfer rumours, which though exciting throughout the summer, can became tedious and irritating at the beginning of the new campaign, when the focus should be purely on the football. It takes attention away from the opening games of the season, as players are unable to fully concentrate on football, with off-field matters seeming to take precedence.
The stumbling block in terms of moving the transfer window is a logistical one. Due to the different starting dates of the European leagues, it would be a disadvantage to other leagues if the English window was to close earlier. It is difficult to see any solutions to this problem, and the current window is a compromise that suits the majority.
With silly season almost over for another year, questions will remain as to whether we should close the window earlier. Managers should have to have their squads ready in time for the start of the new campaign, otherwise it takes away from the new season, and is just another example of how business is taking preference over sport.
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Do you think the transfer window should be closed before the start of the season? Let me know your thoughts below or follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter
When Liverpool lost 1-0 against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, no-one was really that surprised. An example of just how far Stoke City have come in just four years in the Premier League.
It seems that the Potters have developed the prototype for every club trying to reach the Premier League and eventually managing to survive there, establishing themselves as a top half club and even featuring in the Europa League this season.
Stoke only reached the Promised Land of the Premier League in 2008, ending a 23-year absence, and then went on finish in 12th place despite being tipped as favourites to go back down. Their unexpected survival was built around their fine home form, as the Staffordshire side took an impressive 35 points from the 46 available with ten wins. Their outstanding home form has continued in the subsequent years.
They have given newly promoted clubs an outline of how to survive in the tough and uncompromising world of the Premier League. In the first season they did what was necessary to stay up, playing effective and no-nonsense football. This style attracted many critics, but it was ultimately successful. They then built on their strong points, added more quality to the team and then strengthened in the two most important positions (in defence and attack) again this summer. They may have detractors but they have now established themselves in the league while setting a benchmark in terms of sensible planning and taking a strategic long-term view of Premier League survival.
Stoke have always played to their strengthens under Tony Pulis, firstly using Rory Delap’s long throw as a way of causing problems to even the best defences. They were a strong and physical side who would get stuck into sides and make them work hard for any points they won. But recently Stoke have moved on from this approach with two exciting wingers, Matt Etherington and Jermaine Pennant, aiming to get crosses in for Kenwyne Jones and now Peter Crouch, with Jon Walters working hard to create space for the two forwards. In defence, Pulis relied heavily on a dependable back line during their early seasons but he has now added quality to that with first the excellent acquisition of Robert Huth last season and now former England international centre-backs Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson.
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In the now-unlikely circumstance that Stoke are relegated in the next few years, they would have the increased parachute payments to fall back on but it would still indicate a drastic and immediate revenue reduction of around £40m for the club. This is the rather large risk the club is taking by bringing in such quality but expensive players however at present this risk seems minimal with the side having easily enough expertise to survive.
This summer has been a step up in Stoke’s recruitment with international players brought in to add quality to an established side that could challenge in the Europa League this year and no longer are they expected to struggle. The side now have the strength in depth on the bench that is needed to succeed in the league and on Saturday they had the luxury of resting an £8m striker. When Pulis guided the club to the FA Cup final last season, they proved that they are capable of beating anybody on their day – especially at Fortress Britannia – using two mobile strikers, full backs who get forward with fast wingers and a solid midfield.
After a bright start in the league there has been some unsubstantiated talk about them challenging for a Champions League place but this seems unlikely, especially with the Europa League to distract them. However, I am sure Potters fans will accept a season in the top half of the Premier League and maybe even another trip to Wembley.
The Potters spent £60m in their debut three years in order to establish themselves as a Premier League side but, although Pulis won’t fully admit it, the club now has more lofty ambitions and I think it might not be too long before Stoke are regularly representing the Premier League in Europe. Quite a model of how a Championship club can become a successful Premier League side in just a few seasons.
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As the Premier League reaches its quarter stage, many players have excelled and impressed in the opening nine games with some high score demolitions and last gasp winners. However, some players have not been up to expectations and this is a chance to name and shame.
The Champions of last year have been embarrassed by their rivals; however they have inflicted similar defeats of their other rivals. Some teams have underachieved so far and some the complete opposite but there is no denying that some players have just been poor. Whether it be missed chances, lack of effort, goalkeeping howlers or defensive mistakes, plenty of performances have raised eyebrows this season for good and bad reasons and here is a list of the top 10 players that have disappointed so far this season.
Click on Roger Johnson to unveil the top 10 players to have disappointed this season
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‘You don’t know what you’re doing’, ‘I’m up for a scrap’. No, not the transcript from Monday’s instalment of the Jeremy Kyle show, but instead the ‘bickering’ we have been subjected to between Wolves boss Mick McCarthy and fans of the club in recent weeks.
In true Jeremy Kyle fashion, here’s a quick recap. With the club several games without a win, fans were understandably growing frustrated with the team. 2-0 down at home to Swansea, McCarthy decides to make a double substitution – taking off wingers Matt Jarvis and Adam Hammill, replacing them with Adlene Guedioura and David Edwards. However, some sections of the crowd were less than pleased – cue the chanting from, how Mick described them ‘mindless idiots’. Then, in true dramatic fashion, Wolves go on to snatch a point.
The press inevitably picked up on this, pushed McCarthy for an answer – cue his defensive response of offering a ‘scrap’ if anyone fancied it. OK, maybe a bit over the top from Mick, but understandable.
The Wigan redemption
Anyway after improved performances against Manchester City, both in the cup and the league, Wolves were faced with a ‘six-pointer’ against Wigan. As only my second game of the season, I was understandably nervous of the response the crowd would give the team if we were to fall behind. I have always been a fan of Mick and the tremendous work he did in his early years at the club (of which he was quick to remind everyone when the criticism cam recently).
A couple of early penalty claims turned down, Wigan missing several good chances, the odd misplaced pass – you could start to feel the tension rise at Molineux. Then, less then 30 seconds after Hugo Rodellega sliced an easy chance wide, Kevin Doyle crossed for Jamie O’Hara to put Wolves ahead, easing the tension slightly.
Wigan decide to make it interesting when Ben Watson taps in after seeing an initial penalty saved. A crucial point in the game, it could tip either way. The sides battle it out until half-time, going in 1-1.
Now, a few minutes after half-time and Wigan look to have come out the better of the sides. Do the Wolves fans jump on the back of the players, complaining every misplaced pass? No. Quite the opposite. Cries of encouragement replace the moans and groans, applause from all four corners of the ground, and the sound of Molineux cheering the name of players – that’s more like it. Even Karl Henry, who was jeered just a few weeks ago, was graced with his own song.
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Captain fantastic?
Buoyed by this, Wolves go on to score twice and comfortably run out the second-half 3-1 winners – a margin that surely would have been greater had it not been for the heroics of Ali Al-Habsi in the Wigan goal. The point I am making is that it has left Molineux with a sense of relief. The poor run is over, we’ve beaten a relegation rival, and we played OK. The fans have recognised this and have shown their appreciation.
I stayed for a few minutes at the end, to avoid the rush for the exit. What was noticeable straight away was the amount of fans that had decided to stay behind and show their appreciation – something that did not go unnoticed by the players. Stephen Ward, David Edwards, Richard Stearman – Wolves “veterans” who have experienced the ups and downs before, leading the applause in front of the fans. But the one that stood out for me – Roger Johnson. The much-criticised captain running towards the Steve Bull, gesturing to the fans with his arms to make as much noise as possible. And you can see his point, he’s been here a few months now and never really experienced the famous Molineux roar. Just that little taste of it could be the confidence boost he really needs.
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So, shall we put the disagreement between Mick and the fans as just yet another tiff that couples go through? It’s been a fabulous love affair between the two, and one that, in my opinion, should continue until one finds the other in bed with someone else. If that bed is the Championship, then fans could well be filing for divorce. But for now, the test results remain positive for Mick.
Wolves won for the first time in the Premier League since August to move clear of the Premier League relegation zone after seeing off a spirited effort from Wigan at Molineux.
David Edwards proved to be the match winner 10 minutes into the second half putting Mick McCarthy’s men back in front after Ben Watson’s penalty cancelled out Jamie O’Hara’s earlier strike. Stephen Ward put the gloss on Wanderer’s first win in eight league games lashing home just after the hour mark to leave the Latics staring at yet another defeat. Roberto Martinez’s side remain at the foot of the table after losing a club record eight games on the spin. They meet Blackburn at the DW Stadium after the international break and they should be confident of taking something from that game after a spirited display in the Midlands. Martinez will be ruing his strikers luck after they squandered a number of chances prior to Watson’s equaliser just before half time. That goal gave them the belief that they could claim their first point for over two months but it was Wolves who had their shooting boots on at Molineux to move away from danger and into 13th.
Despite the game showing a flagrant disregard for possession mixed with some suspect defending it was still an entertaining spectacle served up by two teams desperate to put points on the board. It was clear why both teams are struggling though with the lack of quality at the back and in the final third making gruesome viewing for any watching defenders and strikers. Wanderers were shorn of the services of the injured Steven Fletcher with McCarthy deploying Kevin Doyle up front on his own with O’Hara tucked in behind and it worked a treat in the early stages as the home side started brightly. An early 20-yard strike from Edwards stung the palms of Ali Al Habsi before the keeper did enough to deny Steven Hunt after the winger danced his way into the Latic’s penalty area. The visitors took a while to get going but should have found themselves leading only for Hugo Rodallega to spurn two glorious chances. The Colombian has been finding his feet again after injury but his manager will be furious after he headed a Victor Moses cross horribly wide with his blushes spared by an offside flag. He was then presented with another opportunity after Karl Henry was dispossessed in midfield but could only shoot straight at Wayne Hennessey from inside the area before side footing a Franco Di Santo cross wide just before the half hour mark. It proved to be costly as just 35 seconds later The Latics found themselves behind. Wolves launched a devastating counter attack that ended with O’Hara slotting home Doyle’s cross for this third goal in two games.
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Martinez’s side responded with vigour and found themselves level just before half time after Emmerson Boyce’s charge into the area was halted by the shoulder of Hunt and referee Lee Probert duly pointed to the spot. Watson stepped up only to see his initial effort saved by Hennessey before graciously snapping up the rebound. However, despite going into the break level it was Wolves who ruled the second half and they regained their lead just 10 minutes after the restart through Edwards. The midfielder was hand to pounce on the rebound after Al Habsi showed great athleticism top deny both O’Hara and Hunt but couldn’t repeat his heroics for a third time as Edwards lashed the ball home to make it 2-1. McCarthy’s men were now firmly in the ascendency and they put the game beyond doubt as Ward followed up to slot home after Al Habsi denied O’Hara yet again only to see his save drop into the path of the Wolves man who made no mistake. From then on it was a case of shutting up shop and seeing the game out for the home side although Wigan did threaten on occasions but never looked likely to come from behind again. Steven Gohouri was denied by Hennessey after rising highest to meet a Moses corner before Mohamed Diame screwed a shot wide from 12-yards. The Latics are now firmly embroiled in yet another relegation battle whilst Wolves can breathe a sigh of relief after they moved clear of the drop zone after a well earned first win in eight.
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has admitted that he is happy with the performances shown recently by his side, but he wants his players to transform their good showings into wins.
The Anfield outfit have drawn their last four games at home, and although the Scot was pleased with his team’s efforts last week against Manchester City, he was not content with a point.
“We are never going to be happy with a draw against anyone, we are happy with wins,” Dalglish told Mirror Football.
“We were delighted with the way we played but I think we set our standards a little bit higher than drawing against people.
“I think we deserve better than that, I think we are better than that, and it’s up to us to stand up and be counted and start winning games.
“We’ve done fantastically well and in most of the games we’ve played at home I think we should have come away with three points,” he stated.
The Reds travel to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night, and although they won heavily there last season, Dalglish knows Martin Jol’s men will offer a stern test.
“We know it’s going to be a very difficult game. We also know we went there and won 5-2 last year but we got our reward for that by getting three points,” he added.
“We’ll only get what we deserve from the game and the effort we put in on Monday night.
“Everything that comes out in a game is a reflection of what you’ve done in the lead up to it, whether it’s two or three days or two or three months.
“The players have always trained very well and we’ve been delighted with their approach on and off the pitch. You only get out of life what you put into it and I think the same applies to football,” he concluded.
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Liverpool go into the game in seventh place, but the Merseysiders can move up to fifth with a two-goal win.
Chelsea are ready to bid for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell in the January transfer window, as Andre Villas Boas looks to strengthen his squad in a bid to challenge for the title.
The Goodison Park battler has impressed with performances for the Merseysiders over the last couple of seasons, and recently broke into the senior England squad after starring for the under-21’s.
Manchester United are long-term admirers of Rodwell and were rumoured to have made a bid to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford last summer, which Everton rebuffed.
However, The Telegraph state that the Stamford Bridge outfit will make a £20 million offer for Rodwell in January in an attempt to bolster their midfield.
Rodwell fits into Andre Villas Boas’ strategy of nurturing young talent and would also be available for inclusion in Chelsea’s Champions League fixtures due to not playing in Europe this season for Everton.
Everton are reluctant to sell their star player, but due to working on a tight budget because of their failure to find a new investor in the club, may be willing to part company with Rodwell for a large fee.
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Graham Dorrans struck a late free kick to earn West Brom their first win of 2012 as they narrowly beat Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
The Potters thought they had claimed a point after Cameron Jerome equalised five minutes from time after James Morison had given Roy Hodgson’s men the lead just before the break. But Scotland midfielder Dorrans had other ideas firing home through a crowd of players in stoppage time to hand the Baggies their first three points of the New Year. The defeat will come a huge blow to Stokes chances of qualifying for the Europa League this season and boss Tony Pulis will be disappointed with Jon Walters after missed a penalty in the second half that could have changed the game in their favour. For West Brom boss Hodgson he will be delighted that his players managed to grind out a result, ease the clubs relegation fears and justify the decision to leave striking duo Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie on the bench.
After three defeats on the trot it was important that the visitors started brightly with Jerome Thomas testing Thomas Sorensen early on. The Danish keeper then produced a wonderful save to keep out Morison’s fizzing drive tipping the ball onto the underside of the bar. However his good work would be undone 10 minutes before half time as he failed to correct his position in time to keep out Morison’s strike that changed direction in the wind with Sorensen only managing to get a hand to the ball before the Scottish midfielder was denied again after the restart seeing his effort beat Stoke keeper only for the ball to bounce back off the bar. Having enjoyed very little in the first half the home side were presented with a chance to level things up with 20 minutes to go.
Gareth McAuley’s clumsy foul on Walters saw referee Anthony Taylor signal for a penalty only for the former Ipswich striker striker to see his spot kick saved brilliantly by Ben Foster. With the game slipping away Pulis threw Jerome on in place of Ryan Shotton and the change paid instant dividends as he met fellow substitute Jermaine Pennant’s free kick to bring Stoke level with only five minutes left. However that wasn’t the end of the scoring as Dorrans’ free kick from the left found it’s way through into the bottom corner of Sorensen’s goal to secure a deserved victory for the Baggies.
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