Chelsea target Willian has admitted that he is interested in a move to the Premier League club, and is eager to wrap up a switch from Shakhtar Donetsk before the end of the transfer market.
It has been revealed that The Blues have already had a bid for the Brazil international rejected by the Ukrainian side, with an improved offer expected to be lodged to try and change Shakhtar’s mind.
The midfielder is open to a move to Stamford Bridge, especially given the fact that there are a number of his countrymen already at the club.
“I wouldn’t have any fears about coming to England because I have played against English sides in the Champions League and studied the English game,” Willian told The Sun.
“To play in a league that is seen throughout the world would be good for my hopes of playing regularly for Brazil, especially with the World Cup
at home in two years’ time.
“That is my aim. I’ve worked hard for four years to establish myself in the national team.
“It has taken that long but now I feel I have a good relationship with the coach and I want to keep working hard, so I remain in the side.
“There are times when you look at your life and realise how lucky you’ve been.
“I’ve played for a great club in Corinthians and been successful. I moved to Shakhtar and that turned into a great move too.
“There was talk about Barcelona
and Arsenal
before but now Chelsea
are interested. If the next step of the adventure is England, then I would be excited by that.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“I have friends in the Brazil side who play for Chelsea, like David Luiz and Ramires.
“I’ve known David since we played together in the Brazil Under-20 side and he talks about what Villas-Boas is trying to build at Chelsea.
“He and Ramires feel he wants a core of young players who can mature and grow together but also be successful,” he concluded.
Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with Javier Hernandez once again the hero on the occasion. The Little Pea has arguably been the transfer find of the season as his goals have delivered some vital points this campaign.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes room for an exodus at Old Trafford; Evra letting United down, while six reasons why Giggs deserves this honour.
We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this week.
*
The Greatest Premier League Goals Of All Time…YOU DECIDE!
Room for a mass exodus at Old Trafford?
The right time to cash in on him at Old Trafford?
United have earned the right to be selfish over any new deal
Is Mr Reliable starting to let Man United down?
What actually makes a BIG club then?
SIX reasons why Ryan Giggs deserves this honour
A Champions League travel guide to Schalke for Man United fans
Much, much more than just a bit part player at Old Trafford
Keeper set to snub Manchester United move
WHL or Old Trafford – who represents the best move for Diego?
*Best of Web *
Reds keeping options open – United Rant
Give Dimitar Berbatov a break! – The Busby Way
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
United’s Potential Summer Signings Examined – Red Flag Flying High
Putting Players On Pedestals Is A Dangerous Game – The United Religion
Eric Cantona – Great but not the greatest? – Stretford End
Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is expected to be named as the new manager of Aston Villa later this week.
The 63-year-old has emerged as favourite for the Villa Park post, which was left vacant by the resignation of Martin O'Neill just days before the start of the new Premier League season.
Houllier has held discussions with Villa owner Randy Lerner and is believed to have impressed the American supremo and is now set for talks French Football Federation president Fernando Duchaussoy.
Duchaussoy said of his current national technical director:"We will meet on Wednesday to take stock of the situation with him – I'll ask him.
"I would like to continue working with him."
Houllier, who was in charge at Anfield between 1998 and 2004, had stated earlier this week: "Never and always are two words you can't use in football."
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
He has also enjoyed spells in charge of the French national team, Lens, Paris St Germain and Lyon.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Reports in France have indicated that David Beckham has agreed to sign for Paris Saint Germain, but the player’s representative has stated that no agreement has yet to be made.
The big spending Ligue 1 side are eager to add Beckham to their already star-studded squad, with the veteran English midfielder a free agent after his contract with MLS side LA Galaxy expired.
Le Parisien revealed that they believe the deal had been signed, with Beckham to move to the Parc des Princes in January.
“It’s done! After four months of negotiation, the capital’s club has just received an agreement in principle from David Beckham. He will sign the document next January,” the French newspaper stated.
The deal is reported worth €800,000-a-month, with Beckham set to sign on for a year and a half.
Despite these reports, a member of Beckham’s management team has denied that his client has agreed to the move.
“No agreement has been reached with any club yet. Talk of a deal is premature. David is yet to make a decision on his future,” a spokesman revealed to The Daily Mail.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier believes midfielder Stewart Downing has improved beyond recognition while he has been in charge.The England international was lacking confidence when Houllier took over at Villa Park, but the French manager has seen Downing flourish since moving from the left of midfield to the right.
And the manager expects Downing to shine on the flank when Villa host Newcastle United on Sunday.
“I think he has stepped up. I think he?s made one step, but there are several steps,” Houllier said.
“He seems to have become a more regular international and is in the squad all the time.”
“My aim is to see him playing practically two games out of three for England very soon and to take part in the 2012 European Championships.”
Houllier had favoured a 4-4-1-1 formation until last weekend when he switched to a more straight-forward 4-4-2 for the 2-2 draw at Everton.
But he said he could revert to playing Darren Bent upfront on his own against Newcastle.
“I’ll see the games how they come,” Houllier said. “I knew that we would pose more problems to Everton with Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor upfront together.”
“We will see game after game, but it?s not set in stone.”
“I prefer to deal privately with how Darren and Gabby played together – all I know is that we scored two goals.”
“But it would be hard for you to quote me teams that play with two strikers – there are not many.”
Houllier has a welcome headache at the selection table with Villa reporting no injury problems.
Steve Bruce has confirmed that he has asked Manchester City about the possibility of Joe Hart moving to the Stadium of Light on loan this season.
The England international, who spent a successful season on loan with Birmingham City in 2009-10, said last week that he would seek a move away from Eastlands if he was once again understudy to Shay Given.
That has alerted Bruce, who will be without injured first-choice shot-stopper Craig Gordon for at least the opening six weeks of the campaign and has already agreed to sell Marton Fulop to Ipswich Town.
The Black Cats boss told the Sunderland Echo:"We've asked the question of City and we now just have to wait and see what they say.
"But the timetable is not up to us on when we get an answer, it's up to them.
"With these new 25-man squad rules, clubs don't have to name their confirmed squads until the end of August so, if they wanted to, City could delay any decisions on their squad until then."
Bruce had expressed an interest in signing David James earlier this summer only for the 40-year-old to eventually join Bristol City.
Former Manchester United stalwart Bruce added:"Premier League experience is important, but there are not too many keepers to would fit the bill for us as short-term replacements – Hart is one, James was another.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"But they are few and far between and I'm not planning to turn my eyes down towards the Championship.
"There's one or two players there that we have looked at in the past, but they lack Premier League experience too. My concern has been that we need experienced cover but, if it's not to be, it's not to be."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
AC Milan are looking to bolster their attacking options in January by picking from a choice of Chelsea strikers according to The Sun.
Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have been targeted by Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani as the possible replacements for Antonio Cassano who will be out for six months while recovering from minor heart surgery.
However Galliani has confirmed that it will only be a loan deal and that Drogba would be the preferred option. It is highly unlikely that Chelsea will allow the players to leave on loan as their contracts are both up at the end of the season and they could have a part to play at Stamford Bridge this season.
Galliani said: “If we sign a player, it will only be on a loan basis, until June.
“If Anelka continues to score, we will see. He is an important player, but I was in love with Drogba when he was at Olympique Marseille.”
The Blues are struggling for form this season and sit outside the top four and on the brink of going out of the Champions League at the group stage. Fellow strikers Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge and Romelu Lukaku are also vying for seemingly one spot in Andre Villas-Boas’ side and none of them have found any sort of form.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
As Drogba and Anelka’s contracts both expire in May, it may be a permanent deal that Chelsea are looking for as Boas attempts to prove the doubters wrong and build his own side in West London.
As snow fell heavily in the winter of 1996 Kevin Keegan introduced a player to the Newcastle fans who would be remembered for a variety of contrasting reasons. If you haven’t guessed yet I’m talking about the maverick Colombian Faustino Asprilla. Tino signed for Newcastle for a fee of 6.7 million pounds from Italian giants Parma. He was purchased with the intention of bolstering the Geordies’ attacking options for their title push. Asprilla made an immediate impact in his first game when he came off the bench and swung the momentum in the Toon’s favour. They were trailing to local rivals Middlesbrough 1-0 until Asprilla emerged with 20 minutes to go and instantly become a hit with the fans. He left Steve Vickers in knots with his dazzling footwork before his Cruyff turn and cross set up Steve Watson to level the game which Newcastle then went on to win 2-1.
Despite the start he made Asprilla never really found his feet in terms of his goals for Newcastle and clearly that is the underlining requisite for any striker. His return of 9 goals in 48 domestic games doesn’t make for great reading, and does this stat class Asprilla’s purchase as a bad one? What Tino did do in his time at Newcastle was leave a lasting impression on the Premiership and Newcastle fans though, whether it be the head-butt he dished out to Keith Curle or his trademark goal celebration. Furthermore, his European goals tally makes for rather more pleasant viewing – 9 goals in 11 games – and aren’t the great European nights often those the fans remember most?
One night in particular he lit up St James’ Park, in what is unquestionably Asprilla’s finest moment in the black and white. It is of course the Champions League group stage game against the mighty Barcelona. Barca came to town boasting world stars such as Rivaldo, Luis Enrique and Figo, but the night belonged to one man alone and it will ensure Asprilla remains a cult like figure among the fans for some time to come. For those of you who aren’t aware of that incredible evening Asprilla scored a hat-trick – a penalty and two fantastic headers which resulted in the team winning 3-2. It actually ended up being the last time Tino found the net for Newcastle, and he was sold back to Parma by Kenny Dalglish soon after. Asprilla won the hearts of the fans for his performances in Europe. Another distinctive moment was his celebration against Metz where he removed his shirt and held it aloft on the corner flag. I wonder if Newcastle fans would swap these moments in time? The reason I pose this question is that if Newcastle had never signed the mercurial Colombian maybe the team would have gone onto win the league in 95-96? Surely Asprilla can’t be the scapegoat for Newcastle’s incapability that season, can he?
Since he left Newcastle Asprilla was linked with a shock move to Darlington back in 2002 which never materialised. He has also been in hot water for firing his machine gun on his farm in Colombia, but the latest venture in Asprilla’s life is his purchase of his own Colombian football club, the modestly named Club Athletico Faustino Asprilla. Inevitably Asprilla’s time on Tyneside was seen by some as a failure. Although, he brought a certain showmanship and eccentricity to the team he was consequently considered as a factor in the disappointing climax to the 95-96 season. You may think he revelled with his skill and craft, or you may think his inconsistency and antics on the pitch as well as his lifestyle off it cost Newcastle. Whatever you say about Tino Asprilla there’s no denying his spell in the Premiership has provided the fans with many talking points and fond memories.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Former Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has launched a stinging attack on ex-Reds manager Rafa Benitez, who he says forced him to quit Anfield and head to Chelsea.
Benayoun spent three seasons on Merseyside and scored 29 goals in 134 appearances, but was unhappy with the way he was treated by Benitez, who has also left the club to take charge of Internazionale.
He told The News of The World:"I made up my mind to leave a long time ago because of Benitez. He never treated me with the respect I deserved.
"If I played well, I never felt he gave me credit. When I scored, I still expected to be out of the team the next game.
"There are many examples of him treating me badly. Last season, against Fulham and Lyon, the fans booed when I was subbed.
"They thought I was playing well, but Benitez told me he was surprised they booed because I was not good enough. It was as if the fans' reaction worked against me.
"He told me I was a better player as a substitute instead of starting in the team. He tried to destroy my confidence. You can't treat a player like this and expect him to be happy.
"I felt so unhappy, but out of respect to the club I never spoke out. The players and the people at the top of the club knew how I felt.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"I was sure he wanted me to attack him in the press during the season so he could turn the fans against me, so I kept quiet.
"I felt he was waiting for me to make a mistake so he could use it against me."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
A chance to pull away from the Premier League relegation zone is up for grabs at the Stadium of Light on Saturday as season travellers Fulham make the long trip up to the North East to face a much improved Sunderland side. The Black Cat’s have endured a difficult start to the season once again finding themselves in the shadow of fierce rivals Newcastle with early performances seeing supporters calling for manager Steve Bruce’s head. Those negative noises quickly died down after their win against Bolton last month and some encouraging performances in defeats away to Arsenal and Manchester United. Their last five game have brought a meagre total of five points from a possible 15 but it’s the much improved displays that have given fans hope of moving away from the dreaded drop zone after a slow start to the campaign. Bruce’s legion of summer signings have taken their time to gel but there is evidence that they are finally starting to strike a chord with one another. Stephane Sessegnon and Nicklas Bendtner have looked dangerous up front with the on-loan Arsenal man giving the Wearsiders something different in the final third. Despite only scoring twice since his move to the Stadium of Light the Danish international looks to be playing without pressure on his shoulders and his displays have enlightened the Sunderland fans. Fellow summer buys Sebastian Larsson and John O’Shea have struck up a promising partnership on the right whilst Kieron Westwood staked his claim for the number one jersey with an accomplished performance at Old Trafford before the international break. However one win in five home games is poor and they need to start winning on their own soil if they are to start climbing towards the top half. Fulham’s league campaign has panned out in a similar manner to the North East side’s although their involvement in the Europa League has impacted severely on their domestic form. Martin Jol has suffered a difficult first few months in charge at Craven Cottage with the Dutchman unable to get his side to replicate their performances in Europe in the Premier League. Saturday’s game will be their 25th in all competitions after starting on the 30th of June and it’s no surprise that a number of players are starting to look jaded in such a small squad. The manner in which they demolished QPR at the start of October looked to be a turning point in the Cottagers season but in the four games since then they have lost three and won one away at rock bottom Wigan. Their form on the continent has been much stronger with seven wins in 12 games and Jol needs to find a way of getting his side to start winning league games with only two top flight victories all season. Bobby Zamora continues to lead the line on the Thames whilst the recent displays of Moussa Dembele have been promising. Fulham will need both to be on their game if they are to start finding the net away from home with only three goals scored on their travels. However they will be confident of taking something away from the North East after beating Sunderland 3-0 in April.
Sunderland – 15th
Last Five
Lost 1-0 v Manchester United (A), Drew 2-2 v Aston Villa (H), Won 2-0 v Bolton (A), Lost 2-1 v Arsenal (A), Drew 2-2 v West Brom (H)
Potential Starting X11
24. K. Westwood 16. J. O’Shea [C] 4. M. Turner 6. W. Brown 2. P. Bardsley 27. A. Elmohamady 6. L. Cattermole 16. J. Colback 11. K. Richardson 28. S. Sessegnon 52. N. Bendtner
Injury News
Simon Mignolet is the only fresh injury concern for Bruce after the keeper sustained a broken nose in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Apart from that long-term victim Fraizer Campbell is the only other player inhabiting the treatment room whilst Connor Wickham is definitely out after injuring his knee at Manchester United.
Key Player Stephane Sessegnon – After a relatively slow start to his Sunderland career following his move from PSG in January the Benin international has become an integral part of Bruce’s side. The midfielder has been playing in the hole behind Bendtner for much of the season and if given time and space he could do some serious damage against the Cottagers.
Match Fact
This will be the 15th top flight meeting between the two teams with Sunderland managing to beat Fulham only three times in 14 attempts with their last win coming in January 2009.
Fulham – 16th
Last Five
Lost 3-1 v Tottenham (H), Won 4-1 v Wisla Krakow (H), Won 2-0 v Wigan (A), Lost 3-1 v Everton (A), Lost 1-0 v Wisla Krakow (A)
Potential Starting X11
1. M. Schwarzer 6. C. Baird 18. A. Hughes 5. B. Hangeland 3. J. Riise 16. D. Duff 13. D. Murphy [C] 4. S. Sidwell 23. C. Dempsey 30. M. Dembele 25. B. Zamora*
Injury News
The Cottagers will be without half a dozen first team players for the trip up North with Andy Johnson and Zdenek Grygera the latest faces to the take refuge in the Fulham treatment room.
Key Player
Bobby Zamora – 2011 has been kind to Zamora with England recognition coming his way and along with nine goals in all competitions after regaining his match sharpness after breaking his leg last year. Made his first start for the national side in mid-week and proved that he can offer something different to Fabio Capello’s side. His club manager will need his strength and determination up front on Saturday if Fulham are going to come away from the Stadium of Light with a hoard of precious points.
Match Fact
The Cottagers have won only one game on the road all season but will be buoyed by the fact they won 3-0 on their last trip to the North East in April. Two goals from Simon Davies and another from former loan star Gael Kakuta gave then Fulham boss Mark Hughes a well deserved victory.
Last Time at the Stadium of Light
Premier League 30th April 2011
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Sunderland 0-3 Fulham
Kakuta 33, Davies 61, 73
Attendance: 39,576
Referee: Martin Atkinson
PREDICTION Both sides have suffered through underwhelming starts to the seasons with pre-season predictions tipping them to make a major impact in the top half. Some lethargic performances from Fulham have given credence to the theory that their Europa League campaign is proving detrimental to their league form. Sunderland on the other hand have seen a side full of new faces struggle to cohere but there is light at the end of the tunnel with recent displays proving to be very encouraging. The Cottagers are struggling on the road whilst the Black Cats are unbeaten in their last four at home.