Old Trafford boss ready to make summer move for White Hart Lane duo.
Manchester United are ready to make a double Tottenham swoop this summer as Sir Alex Ferguson prepares bids for Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart. The Old Trafford boss will be encouraged in any move for either White Hart Lane star if the North London club fail to secure a top four finish and miss out on Champions League football for next term.
Ferguson has targeted both Tottenham stars for some months and is looking to bring in new additions that can help resolve areas of his first team that he feels he can add quality to. The Scot has been looking to bring in a goalscoring midfielder and has identified Dutch international Van der Vaart as the ideal man for the job.
The former Real Madrid man arrived at Tottenham last summer for a fee of just £8m and Ferguson is willing to offer around three times that fee and will hope that the 28 year old will be tempted by a move to a club that can offer him the chance of winning major honours. Van der Vaart has been an instant success in the Premier League netted 12 goals and 8 assists thus far this season.
Whilst Ferguson has a number of central midfield options the likes of Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick do not offer much in the way of a goal threat hence the move for the Tottenham playmaker.
Man United are also looking for a long term replacement for Ryan Giggs and believe that young Welsh winger Gareth Bale is the best man for the job and even though the 21 year old has recently signed a long term contract extension Ferguson will make a significant offer for the former Southampton man.
The Premier League table toppers plan to trim their squad to make way for new arrivals with the likes of Michael Owen and Owen Hargreaves likely to not be offered new deals when their current deals run out and the under performing stars Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson as well as on loan youngsters Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda may be offloaded.
Sir Alex Ferguson has also been promised money for new additions regardless of the levels of debt reportedly placed on the club.
It evokes images of heroic performances, last minute tackles, barnstorming goals, biology defying saves, all in the name of accumulating a vast collection of glory, medals and riches.
Not every player who has pulled on the famous red jersey has achieved all those feats though. In fact, some never accomplished any of them.
Through a mixture of poor transfers and injury crises forcing the manager's hand, United have fielded several players who haven’t even approached the standard required.
For every Cristiano Ronaldo, there’s been a Ricardo. For every Roy Keane, a Kleberson.
But who are the worst players to line out for Manchester United?
In the interests of fairness, we’ll omit the current squad and give them the chance to alter their legacy, but unfortunately for these 20, they have no such luxury.
No.20
Diego Forlan
His career has blossomed since, but Diego Forlan endured a disastrous spell at Manchester United.
Taking 19 games to find the net, he scored just 10 goals in 63 league games with only his work rate and victorious brace against Liverpool preventing him from inclusion further up this list.
No.19
Michael Clegg
The Academy graduate made just nine league appearances in his seven-year stint in the first team squad.
Subsequently moved down to the old Division Two with Oldham before retiring through injury at 27, Michael Clegg never looked a defender of United standard.
No.18
Roy Carroll
One of the myriad of goalkeepers signed in the early part of the last decade, Roy Carroll managed to assert himself in the first team for the 2004-2005 season.
It happened to be his last for the club, as he failed to convince Alex Fergsuon of his long term worth.
He will however, be forever imbebbed in football folklore for his part in Pedro Mendes goal that never was.
No.17
Alan Smith
Signed as a striker, Sir Alex got tired of Alan Smith's wayward shooting and found a new home for him the centre of United’s midfield.
A nasty injury sustained against Liverpool curtailed his career for seven months, and he failed to fully re-establish himself in the side, moving to Newcastle in 2007.
No.16
David May
From looking back at the photographs of Manchester United celebrating their historic treble in 1999, you’d be forgiven for thinking David May was an integral part of the side.
He wasn’t.
Originally purchased to boost home grown numbers in the squad, May never really looked a player of United standard in his nine years at Old Trafford.
No.15
Mark Bosnich
The original answer to the quandary left by Schmeichel’s departure, Mark Bosnich never impressed during his time at United.
His first season featured an easy Premier League win, but Sir Alex decided to recruit Fabien Barthez for the following campaign and Bosnich found himself demoted to third choice goalkeeper.
No.14
Karel Poborsky
The Czech winger was purchased on the back of his exciting Euro '96 displays.
He was allowed several opportunities to impress but failed to fully convince of his merits and was moved on two years after joining.
No.13
Luke Chadwick
After an encouraging start, Luke Chadwick was given ample time to try and establish himself in the first team.
He failed to reproduce anything like his initial form and was moved on to the lower leagues, where he has spent the entirety of his career since.
No.12
Quinton Fortune
After being purchased as cover for Ryan Giggs in 1999, he spent seven years at Manchester United occupying a number of positions.
Yet despite his versatility and determination, the South African never really looked the part at United and was released in 2006.
No.11
Jordi Cyruff
Along with Poborsky, United signed the young Dutchman after an impressive Euro '96 campaign
He failed to establish himself in the United side and made just 34 league appearances in his four seasons at Old Trafford.
No.10
Kleberson
One of the best midfielders of the 2002 World Cup, the Brazilian was unable to replicate that form at Old Trafford.
An injury stricken two years saw him make just 20 league appearances, and he was sold to Besiktas in 2005.
No.9
Rodrigo Possebon
Signed in January of 2008, the Brazilian born midfielder found himself exposed to the first team at the start of the following season.
Three appearances later, United decided he needed some experience elsewhere to aid his development.
He failed to play a single league game at Braga during his loan spell and was sold to Santos, for whom he’s played just three times since his move last summer.
No.8
Ricardo
Signed for £1.5 million in 2002, the Spanish goalkeeper was entrusted with just one league start.
He didn’t take long to show why, conceding a penalty with his first touch.
His underwhelming spell ended in 2005 with a move to Osasuna.
No.7
Manucho
After impressing on a three-week trial, the Angolan was signed by the club in 2008.
Following a loan spell at Panathinaikos, he made his United debut in a victory over Stoke, setting up a goal for Danny Welbeck.
It was to be his last appearance for the club, and he was sold to Valladolid in 2009.
No.6
Liam Miller
After a sterling Champions League campaign in the Celtic engine room, Sir Alex Fergsuon acquired the services of Liam Miller on a Bosman deal.
His Cork roots drew comparisons with Roy Keane and perhaps added to the pressure heaped on the young midfielder.
Nine league appearances in two years was as much as he managed, and little from his subsequent spells at Sunderland, Ipswich and Hibernian has reaffirmed Ferguson's original convictions.
No.5
David Bellion
He was quick and French, but unfortunately "the new Thierry Henry" didn’t share many other attributes with his illustrious compatriot.
His signing caused furrowed brows after a less than enamouring 20 games at Sunderland.
He made just four more for United before returning to his native land.
No.4
Dong Fangzhou
The cynics argued the signing of this young Chinese striker was merely a means of building United’s fan base and increasing merchandise sales in the vast Asian market.
Purchased for an original fee of £500,000, Dong was loaned to United’s feeder club Royal Antwerp to qualify for a work permit and to gain experience. His 33 goals in 61 games prompted Ferguson to include him against Chelsea for his only appearance for the Red Devils in May 2007.
He left the following season and remarkably, has never scored since.
No.3
Eric Djemba Djemba
Yet another attempt to replace Roy Keane’s aging legs, this effort was probably the worst.
Never once during his 20 league appearances did he look capable of replicating the legendary Irish man’s achievements, and he was sold to Aston Villa within two years of his arrival.
Further spells at Burnley, in Qatar and in Denmark outline the summation of his talent.
No.2
Massimo Taibi
A magnificent debut against Liverpool was soon forgotten as Taibi’s spell as United turned into slapstick.
His subsequent games featured an oft replayed gaffe that allowed Matt Le Tisier’s harmless shot to squirm between his legs and a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Taibi was sold back to Italy, with his four appearances costing United £2 million.
No.1
William Prunier
Signed a trial basis in 1994, a defensive injujry crisis meant he was rushed into the first team.
His second and final outing was at the heart of a defence which conceded four goals to Tottenham Hotspur.
It was a short but infamous spell, and Prunier has gone down as the worst Manchester United player in history.
The English Premier League’s 13th placed Stoke City have just released a sneak preview of their Adidas away shirt for the 2011/12 season. Ryan Shawcross ,Robert Huth and Jermaine Pennant were given the chance to try on the shirt for a photo shoot which exposes the middle of the shirt.
The black and blue stripes will contrast the red and white home shirt well, the preview also indicates a central Adidas logo and the Stoke crest being placed on the left. The Potter’s stadium sponsor Brittania also features on the shirt again. The bank own naming rights to the ground with one of England’s best atmospheres. The stadium has a capacity of 27,740 and has been proven England’s loudest ground with decibel measurements taken from the centre circle.
The full design is planned for release this weekend, stay tuned to English Premier League Blog and we’ll bring you the images as soon as possible.
Emirates club to rebuild squad after mass clearout.
The French contingent at Arsenal could fall this summer. Samir Nasri, under contract until 2012, has still not extended. His future at the club is linked to that of Cesc Fabregas.
If the Spaniard stays, it is likely the French leader will look elsewhere (Inter is interested). If Fabregas goes, Nasri could get the keys of the game to Arsenal and then stay one more season at least.
Abou Diaby does not start. Good thing he is coveted by Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus.
In defence now there asking questions since Laurent Koscielny, who arrived last summer from Lorient, is part of the project.
Bacary Sagna is ” happy “at Arsenal says his adviser, Christopher Monga. “But you never know,” he added. Gael Clichy, out of contract in a year, has refused to extend.
As for Sebastien Squillaci, he has not convinced since his arrival last summer and found himself fourth choice central defender. If he wants to return to game time, a departure is inevitable.
St Andrew’s star could be on his way to the Reebok Stadium or St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers are fighting for the signature of Birmingham City striker James Mcfadden.
The 28-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has attracted interest from a string of clubs in England and Scotland.
He has struggled with injuries this season, which has restricted his appearances to just eight games in the whole campaign.
The Scotland international is set to make his return from a cruciate knee injury he picked up in September.
Newcastle sources suggest they are very keen on bringing McFadden to St James’ Park but any deal rests on whether they sign Bolton hit-man Johan Elmander.
The Swedish international is also a free-agent this summer, and was the subject of interest from Magpie boss Alan Pardew in January.
Trotters manager Owen Coyle has been a long-term admirer of McFadden and wants his fellow Scot to replace the Swede.
Coyle does not want to lose Elmander but knows he cannot do anything to stop him leaving as he cannot offer European football.
Liverpool reportedly have received some encouragement in their bid to sign Lyon defender Aly Cissokh - the 23 year-old is regarded as one of the best young defender in Europe with Juventus & Inter Milan are showing interest but the Frenchman insists he have only eye for Premier League.
Chelsea & Manchester City are in the race to sign Ajax's star Gregory van de Wiel.
Manuel Neuer looks certain to leave Schalke in the summer after confirming he will not sign new contract with the club - the 23 year-old has long been linked with a movr to Manchester United to replace Van Der Sar after his retirement at the end of this season.
Manchester City bid for Bologna and Uruguan playmaker Gaston Ramirez have been rejected - His agent Vicenzo D'lppolito told Sky Sport Italia that the Serie A side wanted £17.5m for the midfielder.
Fluminense starlet Wallace is likely to follow in the footstep of the twins Rafael and Fabio to leaving for England before playing for Brazilian club - Fluminense has confirmed as part of the deal saw them sign Deco last summer, they sold 40% of the rights of the teenage defender Wallace to Chelsea.
A new photograph of what appears to be Manchester United’s home shirt for the 2011-2012 season has been leaked on the Internet.
The new photo appears to be consistent with the one of the new Man United home jersey that we leaked in December. The latest image is much clearer and shows a simple yet elegant design. The unique feature is the black and white collar that accentuates the shirt. The remainder of the shirt is a solid red color except for the white Nike swoosh logo and sponsor name.
Arsenal will this summer award Ryo Miyaichi’s speedy progress with a place in the club’s first team squad for next season.
There is no denying that the Japanese teenager has already surpassed expectation during his loan spell with Feyenoord where he has become a cult hero and the proud owner of a new nickname at the Eredivisie side, “Ryo-naldo”.
Such is the speed of development shown by the young winger that not only does it look like he will take part in the Copa America but that he will also be handed a spot in Arsenal’s first team squad next season.
According to talkSPORT the hugely talented wide man is some way ahead of schedule and his efforts in Holland have not gone unnoticed.
Ryo Miyaichi may not have played a single minute of senior football for the North London club but he is already a big favourite with Gunners fans who lap up any footage of the 18 year old in action and those viewing the Aichi born starlet have not been disappointed.
Miyaichi scored twice on the weekend helping Feyenoord to a 6-1 mauling of Willem II and now reportedly a target of Napoli who are interested in signing the Japanese wonderkid who Arsenal will hope will be granted a full work permit so that he can make an impact at the Emirates Stadium next season.
Though Wenger clearly has a number of other wingers at his disposal, with the likes of Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott, Andrei Arshavin to name just three, there is every chance that Miyaichi will be a big hit at Arsenal and will of course help to raise the profile, and financial potential, of the Premier League club in the Far East.
Manchester United are close to completing deal for Brazilian teenager Adryan - the 16 year-old has caught the eye thanks to his display in South America Under-17 Championships and Juventus wanted to hijack United's bid for him.
Manchester United target Lloris set to leave Lyon in summer - the 24 year-old is being tracked by a host of Europe's top clubs & Lyon Director Bernard Lacombe hinted that the club could cash-in on its star asset this summer.
Liverpool manager Kenny Daglish is checking on Udinese's & Colombian left back Pablo Armero who join the Italian side from Palmeiras last summer.
Aston Villa's midfielder Ashley Young admits his future will be sorted in just over a month with Manchester Utd leading the chase for the England midfielder who will hold talks to Gerard Houllier when the season end.
Paris Saint Germain defender Mamadou Sakho insists he is in no rush to leave France despite being targeted by Arsenal & Liverpool.
Manchester United are poised to make a move for Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio if a move for Atletico Madrid keeper David De Gea falls through.
Newcaslte have joined Everton in the race for highly-rated Hungarian Balazs Dzsudzsak - the PSV Eindhoven winger is in instrumental in the club's surge to the top of Eredivisie this season, scoring 16 goals in 31 apprearance for the Dutch club.
Fulham are monitoring the progress of Barcelona B right back Martin Montoya - Mark Hughes is thought to be the look out for another option in that position with John Pantsil expected to leave in the summer.
Rumours abound that Arsenal are to bid farewell to Emmanuel Eboue in the summer.
Arsenal hope to fix defence with a bid for £10m Manchester City star Micah Richard.
Tottenham are ready to gamble on Chilean youngters Bryan Carrasco - the 20 year-old right back currently playing his trade for Audax Italiano in Chilean Premier League, is considered as a brightest prospects in his country.
Ipswich Town's new look for 2011/12 has been revealed, with supporters able to pre-order the home shirt now. The shirt will be launched in the Planet Blue stores on Saturday, April 9.
This is reportedly the new Arsenal away kit for the 2011 - 2012 English Premier League season manufactured by Nike.
The shirt which features a diagonal halved design in navy and cyan, also with differing colour sleeves, which slightly resembles the 95/96 season away strip which came in a similar colour scheme and design.
This is what appears to be the new Everton home shirt produced by Le Coq Sportif for the 2011 - 2012 English Premier Legue season.
The kit is the Toffee's traditional royal blue colour with white logos and a also a small amount of amber trim similar in colour to the away shirt which was leaked earlier.
Everton are currently postioned 7th in the Premier League and still have aspirations for a place in next season's Europa League.
This is the new Chelsea home strip 11/12 that Adidas and the club officially unveiled on April 12, 2011. The new Chelsea strip is a throwback to the club’s kits from the 1980′s and features the iconic Adidas stripes in blue for the first time.
The strip consists of predominantly blue shirts and shorts. Samsung continue to be the sponsors of the Chelsea home strip, which will be worn by the Blues in their last home game of the 11/12 season against Newcastle.
Here is a photo of Frank Lampard modelling the new Chelsea home strip.
Two photographs of Liverpool’s away shirt for the 2011-12 season have been leaked on the Internet.
The new away kit is supposed to be launched by Liverpool on April 14. Designed and manufactured by Adidas, the new shirt is dark grey with silver trim and a splash of red around the collar.
The picture quality isn’t the greatest, but it’s the best we’ve seen thus far of what is the new Liverpool away shirt for the 2011-12 season.
Here’s another image of the shirt, which is a much better close-up:
