Keeping it Short and Simple - (KISS)

Valencia agree deal for Vargas

2014-01-22T02:22:00.001+05:30

Reports suggest that Valencia have won the race to sign Napoli striker Eduardo Vargas. Spanish Newspaper Marca says that the striker will move to the Mestalla on a season long deal for a fee of €1.5m.

Should Los Che want the Chilean permanently then a fee of €3m will be needed to be paid to the Italian club.

The 24 year old spent last year at Brazilian club Gremio witth the deal coming to an end in December.

Vargas should be able to make his Valencia debut against Espanyol at the weekend.

Newcastle interested in Sochaux teenager

2014-01-22T02:17:00.003+05:30

Newcastle United are being linked with a move for Sochaux midfielder Haykeul Chikhaoui. The 17 year old is an attacking midfielder and of Tunisian descent.

Chikhaoui has made 2 appearances for Sochaux B side and is said to have tremendous potential.

The Marseille born started his career with FC Burel aged 5 and was at the club till the age of 14 before moving to Sochaux.

This is what Chikhaoui said about any potential from the French club,

” From what I know, Newcastle United and Manchester City follow me but my agent takes care of all that. I am focused on FC Sochuax and i have recently joined the first team squad and with who I want to play.”

Manchester United agree deal for Bayern defender?

2014-01-22T02:15:00.001+05:30

Reports in Brazil state that Manchester United have agreed a deal for Bayern Munich Dante. The 30 year old joined Bayern in 2012 from Borussia Monchengladbach.

United have struggled defensively this season with Rio Ferdinand out injured for long periods and Nemanja Vidic’s future up in the air.

In the wake of interest this is what Dante said,

"Not yet. I'm sticking with Bayern Munich and appreciate Manchester United's interest. At the end of the month everything is defined."

Dante won the treble with Bayern last season and has made 44 league appearances for the club.

www.eyefootball.com

Norwich closing on Lazio defender

2014-01-22T02:12:00.000+05:30

Premier League side Norwich city are set to complete the signing of Lazio defender Michael Ciani. The 29 year old signed from French club Bordeaux in 2012. The deal will be worth 2.5million euros.

Norwich are embroiled in a relegation battle and want to bolster their defensive options.

Ciani has made it clear that he will not be signing a new contract at the Serie A club, which runs out in 2015 and Lazio want the best price for the defender rather than allowing him walk for free.

Since moving to Biancocelesti in 2012 he has made 32 league appearances for the club and won the Coppa Italia last season.

www.eyefootball.com

Neymar cost €95 million

2014-01-21T01:36:00.000+05:30

Barcelona paid €95 million for the services of Neymar, which is €38m more than the €57m officially reported. The Brazilian arrived at Camp Nou from Santos Last summer.

€95m is the fee that figures in the contracts signed the copies of which lie with Spanish high courts.

According to the newspaper 'El Mundo', there have been previously undisclosed agreements that have seen Neymar's family pocket millions of euros in commission.

Some €2m was paid to the player's father to scout "new prospects at Santos" and another €4m relates to an undertaking to secure "advertising contracts with Brazilian companies". In addition, €2.5m was given to the Neymar family towards social causes, specifically aiding "children in the São Paulo favelas".

Neymar has had an excellent start to his career in Spain.

www.eyefootball.com

Morata rules out Madrid exit

2014-01-20T17:28:00.000+05:30

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has ruled out a move away from Real Madrid in January. The 21 year old was linked with Both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspurs along with a host of other clubs in Italy.

The Madrid born striker now looks set to stay at the Bernabeu having made only one league start all season.

Speaking to the reporters Morata said,

"I have spoken with Carlo Ancelotti [Real coach] and the situation is clear."

"After many rumours about my future I can confirm that I am happy in Real.

"The club considers that I am necessary for the team and I have decided to stay until the end of season.

"I play for the best club in the world and I am obliged to improve my work. This is my mission. In the summer? I do not know, we will have to talk."

www.eyefootball.com

Southampton takeover talks denied

2014-01-20T17:23:00.000+05:30

Wang Jianlin, the richest man in China has denied making a move to take over Premier league club Southampton. Jianlin, the owner of Wanda Group has come out and rubbished claims that he is set to launch £175m takeover of the south coast outfit.

This is the second time that the group has been linked with a takeover having previously linked with Serie A club Roma.

In a statement, the Group, said:

"Recently it was brought to Dalian Wanda Group's attention by a Sunday Mirror's report about Wanda’s acquisition of Southampton Football Club.

"We hereby clarify that: No individual from Wanda Group has ever been in contact with Southampton Football Club, nor has any individual or third party organization been appointed on behalf of the Wanda Group to engage in contact with Southampton regarding any matters related to the acquisition of Southampton football club.

"The Sunday Mirror's report is purely imaginary and completely inconsistent with the actual facts."

The Group have been sponsors of the Chinese super League since 2011.

www.eyefootball.com

Pjanic open to Manchester United move

2014-01-20T17:20:00.001+05:30

Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic says he is open to a move away from Rome but his future will be decided by the club. The Bosnian has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

The 23 year old has been a star for the Serie A side who are currently second in the table eight points behind Juventus.

Speaking on a potential move away Pjanic said, “It's flattering and I am sure glad to hear that. I have become a supporter of Roma and should there be a transfer it will require that the three parties agree.”

A January move is however unlikely to happen with the Giallorossi going for the title and in Italy and having sold another midfielder Michael Bradley to Toronto FC.

www.eyefootball.com

Tottenham line up Dortmund striker

2014-01-20T17:17:00.001+05:30

Tottenham are lining up a shock move for Borussia Dortmund attacker Marco Reus. The 24 year old has been previously linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United.

Spurs are short on strikers after selling Jermaine Defoe to Toronto FC in MLS and will enter the race to cash in on the German international.

However Spurs will have to make room for Reus by selling their fringe players first. Etienne Capoue, Nacer Chadli and Lewis Holtby could all be on their way to make room for £28million rate forward.

Reus who signed for Dortmund in 2012 from Borussia Monchengladbach has made 72 appearances for the club scoring 31 goals including a penalty in the finals of 2013 Champions League.

www.eyefootball.com

PSG again linked with Cabaye

2014-01-20T17:15:00.000+05:30

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain have again linked with a move for Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye. The 28 year old has been in excellent form this season and has scored seven league goals for the club.

Current PSG boss Laurent Blanc has previously worked with Cabaye while in charge of French National team and is a known admirer of the playmaker.

Speaking about the player Blanc had this to say.

“As for Cabaye, I ask myself the question. I know the man well. He has that kind of character. But there are others."

"We're very happy with his team, but with all the competitions we're in, there are going to be some breakages."

The former Lille captain is under contract till 2016 at St. James’ Park; however some media outlets have reported that the two clubs have agreed a fee of 26 million euros.

www.eyefootball.com

Real Betis name their new Manager

2014-01-20T17:11:00.001+05:30

Gabriel Calderon has been named as the new coach of Real Betis after the club sacked Juan Carlos Garrido. The 5-0 loss at home turned out to be the last game for Garrido who only took charge at the club a mere five weeks ago.

Now the 53 year old Argentine who has previously managed in France, Switzerland and the Middle East takes charge of the club.

Calderon also played for the club between 1983 and 1987, making 74 club appearances.

Speaking to reporters, the new Betis manager said,

“This has always been my dream. When a delicate situation like this arises, everyone has to come together."

“When a loved one is sick, you have to pull together. I come here with hope, and the belief that we can do well.”

www.eyefootball.com

Manchester United interested in Sevilla full back

2014-01-20T17:06:00.000+05:30

Manchester United are interested in signing Sevilla full back Alberto Moreno. The 21 year old has also been a subject of interest from Real Madrid and Napoli.

Left back has been a real problem area for United with Patrice Evra not having the greatest of seasons and his understudy Alex Buttner has not been able to impress and both could be out of the Old Trafford door come the summer.

Leighton Baines another target of Red devils is set to sign a new deal with Everton so David Moyes now has to look elsewhere.

Moreno a full Spanish international, contracted with Seviila till 2018 is valued around €20 million by United.

www.eyefootball.com

Brazilian set for Roma Medical

2014-01-20T17:03:00.000+05:30

Michel Bastos is set to undergo medical with AS Roma before completing his loan move from United Arab Emirates side Al Ain. The 30 year old joined Al Ain from Schalke last summer.

The 10 times capped Brazil International is now set to join Giallorossi on loan for the rest of the season with an option of making his loan move permanent.

"I am very happy to be here," Bastos told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Forza Roma!"

Bastos who will be linking up with his former boss Rudi Garcia was also a target of Napoli and could make his club debut in next league game against Hellas Verona.

www.eyefootball.com

Barcelona sign first inside the shirt sponsorship deal with Intel

2013-12-13T17:50:00.000+05:30

Barcelona have become the first football club to sign a shirt sponsorship deal with technology giants Intel which will see the logo placed on the inside of the players shirt.

The first of its kind deal will see the computer chip firm become the Catalan club’s official technology partner.

The partnership will also see Intel produce groundbreaking technology for club’s famed youth academy La Masia. The firm will also work with the club to improve training and performances through data analysis.

'It is a huge satisfaction for FC Barcelona to be able to join forces and share the values of innovation and teamwork with a company of such worldwide prestige as Intel,' said [Sandro] Rosell.

'We are both trendsetters in our fields, and I am convinced the collaboration we are starting today will be very important. It will mean much more than a financial sponsorship.'

Football Transfer Gossip, Tuesday – June 4

2013-06-04T10:26:00.000+05:30

Transfers

Liverpool are not deterred by the £22m valuation that Shakhtar Donetsk have put on Armenia international midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with any move not dependent on whether they are forced to sell striker Luis Suarez, 26. Mkhitaryan, 24, scored a record 25 goals in the Ukrainian Premier League last season.

Arsenal are considering whether to make a move for Swansea attacker Michu. The 27-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign with the Welsh side last term.

Newcastle could compete with Liverpool to sign 24-year-old centre-back Alex Pearce, whose contract at Reading ends this summer.

Sunderland hope to beat Southampton and Norwich to the £7m signing of 25-year-old Celtic striker Gary Hooper.

Barcelona striker David Villa, 31, who has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, has said he will not make any decision about his future until he has finished playing in the Confederations Cup with Spain. The tournament is set to run from 15-30 June.

Newcastle plan to add only a central defender and a striker to their squad in the summer.

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, 30, has said he will miss Carlo Ancelotti at Paris St-Germain, but has denied he will leave the club after the manager's departure.

Former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso, 35, has been named coach of Palermo.

Former Brazil international Roberto Carlos, 40, has been named coach of Turkish side Sivasspor.

Atletico Madrid have bought Brazilian striker Leo Baptistao, 20, from Rayo Vallecano on a five-year deal.

Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil, 24, has thanked outgoing coach Jose Mourinho in a post on his Facebook page.

Other Snippets

Head coach Stuart Pearce will allow winger Wilfried Zaha, 20, to decide whether he is fit enough to play in England's opening game in the European Under-21 Championship finals against Italy on Wednesday.

Manchester City could recruit England and Norwich goalkeeping coach Dave Watson because of the positive relationship he has developed with Joe Hart, 26, while on international duty.

Manchester United will soon announce that Phil Neville, 36, is to return to his former club as a member of new manager David Moyes's backroom staff as he follows the Scot to Old Trafford from Everton.

Source BBC

Magpies in for Royals defender?

2013-06-03T17:12:00.000+05:30

Newcastle United are now being linked with the Reading defender Alex Pearce, 24.

The defender is now out of contract having turned down a new offer from the Berkshire club and can sign for any club for free.

Pearce was part of the Reading side that was relegated from the Premier League having conceded 73 goals; this was joint worse along with Wigan Athletic. Pearce made 21 appearances for the club, 19 of them coming in the premier league.

Liverpool were thought to have a deal in place for the Scotland born Irish defender after he was photographed over the weekend with Reds' managing director Ian Ayre.

Pearce was also Royals captain when Brendan Rodgers was in charge of reading in 2009-10 season. However, it is now understood that the talks of a potential contract from the Mersey side club may have been a bit premature.

With Pardew keen to add height to his porous defence and to add threat to set pieces a deal for the 6ft 2in stopper could materialize.

Cabaye off to Monaco?

2013-06-03T15:13:00.003+05:30

Having captured the likes of Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez of FC Porto and Radamel Falcao of Atletico Madrid for close to £100m, the AS Monaco Summer spending is showing no signs of abating, the latest name to be linked to the principality is Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye.

Reports of a £20 million summer bid for the midfielder who has been an important cog in the wheel for Newcastle over the last two seasons have emerged.

Paris St Germain who along with Monaco are expected to contest the French Ligue1 title have also been rumored with an interest in Newcastle schemer.

Newcastle United, however are not under any financial obligation to sell anyone, let alone their star midfielder and it would take a lot more than the rumored £20 million to prize Cabaye away from Tyne side who is under contract till the summer of 2016.

Both Monaco and PSG have previously been linked with Newcastle winger Hatem Ben Arfa too.

Football Transfer Gossip Monday – June 3

2013-06-03T11:18:00.001+05:30

Gomez - To Naples?

Transfers

West Ham Will Sign Goal Keeper Adrian, 26 From Real Betis, with the player set to arrive in london for Medical

Italian Side Napoli have agreed a deal for Bayern Munich Striker Mario Gomez, 27.

Real Madrid Striker Gonzalo Higuain, 25, has admitted he wants to move this summer and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been tracking him, while Juventus also remain Interested.

Real Madrid are readying a world record £85m bid for Wales international Gareth Bale, 23, but Tottenham are insisting they will not sell their star man at any price.

Jose Mourinho's first job as Chelsea boss will be to confirm the sale of Brazil defender David Luiz, 26, to Barcelona for £30m.

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is considering a move for £10m-rated Benfica and Spain Olympic striker Rodrigo, 22.

Liverpool will consider bidding for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, 22, should Reds striker Luis Suarez, 26, force through his move to either Real or Atletico Madrid.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has put a price tag of £54m on striker Edinson Cavani, 26. Both Chelsea and Manchester City are said to be interested in the Uruguayan.

Japan

international Keisuke Honda, 26, will leave Russian league and cup champions CSKA Moscow in the summer.

Fiorentina will not accept any offer less than £25m from Juventus for Montenegro striker Stevan Jovetic, 23.

Other Snippets

Former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, 50, has arrived in England ahead of being appointed as the new Chelsea manager this week.

Jose Mourinho is expected to be announced by Wednesday as new Chelsea boss after agreeing his return and arriving in England on Sunday night.

Blackburn Rovers and Scotland defender Grant Hanley, 21, has signed a new five-year deal at the club.

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy says his old Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini will change the culture at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea and Brazil defender David Luiz, 26, moved a step closer to a Chelsea exit after refusing to speak about his future.

Liverpool are already facing a striker crisis at the start of next season as Daniel Sturridge, 23, is unlikely to recover from injury in time for the August kick-off.

SOURCE BBC

Newcastle, Lazio and Marseille in for Nice’s Eric Bautheac

2013-04-26T12:51:00.004+05:30

Bautheac in action against PSG

One of the reasons why OGC Nice are doing so well in the Ligue 1 and could quite conceivably qualify for Europa League next season, is the form of their 25-year-old attacking midfielder Eric Bautheac.

Bautheac, who joined Nice from Dijon, who were relegated from Ligue 1 last season, has been in cracking form and so far this term in 31 games, has scored 7 goals and assisted in 7 goals too. He is Nice’s 2nd top goal scorer behind the Argentine Dario Cvitanich. Even last year at Dijon, he excelled and scored 3 and assisted in 5 in 34 appearances for a side that were eventually relegated.

These kind of performances have now alerted the likes of Marseille, Lazio and Newcastle of the player’s talents.

Bautheac’s strengths include his ability to take exceptional set pieces. He is extremely good at direct free-kicks and he is also a good passer as well as a good crosser of the ball. Apart from down the middle, he can play on either wing as well. Newcastle could certainly do with a player like him, having failed to score from a corner for close to 18 months.

The player is aware of all the interest that is supposedly in him. This is what he told L’Equipe about the possibility of a move:

“Of course it’s flattering when a club like Newcastle, OM or Lazio are following me, but I signed a three-year contract with Nice.

“I really want to experience the new stadium so I will do all I can to still be here next season. But we will have to see what the directors want.”

The player has said all the right things; we know the financial muscle of other clubs and it would not be surprising to see him fly out of Nice’s nest. With Newcastle’s penchant for shopping in France, we would not be surprised if they were indeed in for him. However, midfield is one area where they remain decently stocked. Lazio could also do with him if they let Hernanes go and Marseille’s Valbuena has been linked with a move away from Stade Velodrome.

I also highlighted Bautheac as one of top talents that all football clubs should scout in the article 10 Frenchmen that every football club should scout – Part 1 a few months ago and it looks like clubs are starting to take note.

Newcastle in for Monaco’s attacking midfielder

2013-04-12T13:12:00.002+05:30

Francis Chris Malonga Ntsayi is a 6-feet, 25-year-old French born Congolese attacking midfielder who is currently playing for Swiss side Lausanne-Sport on loan from the French second division side AS Monaco.

After starting out at a relatively unknown club Migennes, Malonga moved to Auxerre in 2001 before moving to CS Louhans-Cuiseaux and subsequently to AS Nancy where he went on to represent the club in Ligue 1. His impressive performances saw him make a move to the French-registered Monegasque-based football club AS Monaco to which he remains registered till date.

After the takeover by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev and the arrival of bigger names, Malonga was loaned out the Swiss first division side Lausanne-Sport at the start of 2012 season, making his debut in a 0-0 draw against FC Thun in July. Since then, Malonga has gone on to represent Lausanne-Sport 26 times, scoring 7 goals in the process in all competitions. Though of French descent, he represents Congo at international level and has made 12 appearances for them in all competitions so far.

Newcastle are not the only side reported to have an interest, the news is that the player has plenty of admirers in Switzerland with plenty of big clubs in for him. Sion are keen, while St. Gallen and Grasshopper would also welcome the midfielder to their ranks.

Although the player has impressed in the Swiss league so far, the player is still unproven and has plenty to learn. There is expected to be plenty of movement at St. James’s park in the post season and Malonga whose contract with AS Monaco expires in 2014 could be one who could be brought in through the door.

Here is a video of player in action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtjwHhjmqKg

Are Jonas Gutierrez’s days as a winger gone?

2013-04-09T13:58:00.000+05:30

If truth be told, then it would be fair to say that Jonas Gutierrez’s performances as a winger or as part of an attacking three behind the lone striker have not been good enough.

So far this season, Jonas has contributed only 1 goal to the Newcastle cause and has no assists to his name in the 33 games that he has played in all competitions. On the flip side, in a season which has been marred by long term injuries to key players, Jonas has been one of the key players too. With his versatility, he has been able to slot in multiple positions and has done an admirable job. He has played at full back, centre midfield, as a winger and as part of an attacking trio in midfield.

If you look at the numbers for the player, you will see that there is very little tangible output that is being delivered. Jonas is now having his fifth season with the magpies and so far he has contributed 11 goals and 21 assists in the 185 games in which he has represented the club. The numbers are further diluted when you take into account of the fact that 4 of his goals and 10 of the assists came in the 2009-10 season when Newcastle were in the championship. So that leaves 7 goals and 11 goals in 144 games in the top tier of English football, in Europe and in domestic cups. These are the hardly the numbers that any winger would be proud of.

Having said that, he has been the perfect utility man for Newcastle, and some of his best performances have come in central midfield and as a full back. Jonas played as a left full back against Manchester City and against Fulham and has played centre midfield on many occasions, giving sterling displays. He has also played as a right back for his native Argentina in some crucial matches, including a crunch 2010 WC qualifier against Uruguay.

Given the fact that he has been more than comfortable in these roles and adding to the fact that the club has signed better players in the attacking roles,I would not be too surprised to see if Jonas does not play as a winger any more or very rarely. Even the player himself to some expects that; this is what he told a local newspaper back in September 2012:

“I have never played in the centre of midfield before, or maybe I did a long time ago, but not recently,”

“It is something all players may have to do this season with the extra games.

“My attitude is that I try to play at least 7/10. I try to do the job the manager wants me to do. Maybe I won’t be spectacular in that role, but I know that I will do a good job.

“I try to improve, when I have been given this role I try to watch other players who have played this position.

“It is the most important thing in football – you need to understand where you need to be at certain moments in the game.

“When I play left-back, central midfield, in the No. 10 role, I always try to find the best position to be in.

“The biggest thing is that you need to know exactly where you should be because when you are in your normal position you do it naturally.

“So I watch the best players in the world who play in central midfield and look to them.

“I watch a lot of left-backs and central midfielders to learn about them.”

Jonas has real passion for Newcastle and whenever he has dawned the Black & White, he has always given his best for the club. A manager and fan’s favourite, only last year he signed a new 4-year deal with the club.

I would not be too surprised to see Jonas give up as a winger and concentrate to become a better overall team player.

Newcastle in Pursuit of French Youngsters

2013-03-28T16:56:00.000+05:30

Having incessantly raided the French market for the majority of the first teamers, Newcastle United are now looking to again hire from the Gallic market, only this time it is for two of the very bright youngsters; El - Hadji Ba and Samuel Umtiti.

Hadji Ba, 20 is a right footed defensive midfielder of Senegalese descent who currently plays for Ligue 2 team Le Havre based in the north western region of France. So far he has represented the club 13 times and scored 1 goal in the process. He has also represented France at youth levels having been a regular at French under U18, U19 and U20 levels.

Newcastle united are not the only side in for Hadji Ba, the news is that Sunderland and Wigan Athletic are both after him. It was widely reported that Hadji Ba had reportedly agreed to join Tottenham Hotspurs prior to making his Ligue 2 debut.

This is what Hadji Ba said about a prospective move across the channel;

"I want to improve, and it is very good to hear that clubs have been scouting me.”

"I would love to play in England one day. If teams have a good enough offer, then they (Le Havre) will let me go."

Samuel Umtiti, 19 on the other hand is a center back, who can also play as a left back; he currently represents the French Giants Olympique Lyonnais based in east – central France. He has represented the club 34 times domestically and 6 times in Europe. He too has been a regular for France at youth level football and has a good goal scoring record for a Center back. Some of you may have seen the screamer he scored against Spurs at White Hart Lane in the 1^st leg of Europa league’s round of 32 knock out clash.

The news around him is that Newcastle United sent their chief scout Graham Carr to watch him in action for French under - 20s against their Danish counterparts. Unless that is a smoke screen, he must be high on the list.

Newcastle recently released 4 of their best youngsters in JJ Hooper, Dennis Knight, Michael Riley and Marcus Maddison and may release few more come summer time so the there is plenty of space available for anyone entering through the door at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle over the last couple of years have also been trying to upgrade their academy and have been striving for category 1 which so far has not been fruitful. With the likes of Hadji-Ba and Umtiti that claim may be strengthened and may even help Newcastle getting into NextGen Series, which a club of Newcastle’s stature thoroughly deserves.

11 Young German Gems for Newcastle United to Scout – Part 2

2013-03-21T10:58:00.001+05:30

Some of you might have read our article, where we focused on the brightest young German talents that are doing the rounds in the Bundesliga. In that article we laid emphasis on the defensively minded players, here, in the second part of that article we focus on the front end of that team.

The players at the front end of the team are;

Moritz Leitner – Leitner is a 20 year midfielder who currently plays for defending Bundesliga champions, Borussia Dortmund. Leitner can play as a deep lying creative midfielder or an attacking midfielder. Leitner made his professional debut at the tender of age of 17 in the second tear of Bundesliga football playing for 1860 Munich. Leitner has been capped at youth levels by both the German and Austrian national teams. Leitner’s strengths lie in his crisp passing ability, tackling and long range shooting. One area where he needs to improve is his aerial ability. Given the number of high profile midfielders that Dortmund posses Leitner could be available rather more easily.

Amin Younes – Amin Younes is a 19 year German footballer of Lebanese descent who plays as an attacking midfielder or as a right winger for his club Borussia Monchengladbach. Dubbed as one of the best talents in the German football, Younes has been consistently been capped by Germany at all youth levels. 2012-13 has been the break through season for the youngster. He has an eye for a pass and can tackle well, however at 19 he is still a bit raw and needs nurturing. Younes recently scored his first Bundesliga goal against Borussia Dortmund.

Emre Can – aged 17, his coach in 2011 at the U - 17 world cup in Mexico described him as the most complete player he had ever seen. Can is a 19 year old left sided attacking player who currently plays for the German giants Bayern Munich’s second eleven. He can play as left wing back and has occasionally played at center back too. Consistently capped by all German underage teams, Can won the prestigious Fritz Walter gold medal in 2011 in the U-17 category. Even though Can has yet to make his Bundesliga debut, it’s only a matter of time before he does so and takes the game by storm.

Tolgay Arslan – One player who has come on leaps and bounds in the season of 2012-13 is the Turkish born German midfielder, Tolgay Arslan, The 22 year old has put in cracking displays for Hamburger SV against some of the top sides in Bundesliga. Even though his natural instinct is to be an attacking midfielder he is happy to do the defensive duties as well. Despite earlier representing Turkish U-19 and 21 sides, Arslan has now decided to represent Germany and has played youth football for Germany. Arslan is a strong runner with the ball, a good tackler, an excellent passer and has a very adaptable game. It’s only a matte of time before we hear more of this young German.

Kevin Volland – Kevin Volland is a 22 year striker who plays for the Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim, whom he joined from 1860 Munich. He too like many others has been capped by Germany at all the youth levels and has won the Bronze Fritz Walter medal in the U-19 category in 2011. The player’s strength lies in his dribbling ability, crossing and playing clever passes. He has one of the highest assists for Hoffenheim this season. There are areas where does need working on but he has already improved a lot due to his determination, versatility and overall ability. Just a bit of polishing and he will be a superstar, which is only a matter of time.

Given the personnel selected the following will be the look of the team, and this team will be capable of beating many or any a team.

These 11 players may not be available at bargain prices. However you can’t argue that they are not value for money.

Newcastle and Barcelona after Tunisian defender Abdennour?

2013-03-20T17:24:00.000+05:30

The transfer window opens in more than 3 months time, but the rumors about possible ins and outs have already started circulating and the latest name to be on the move is Tunisian centre-back Aymen Abdennour.

It’s no secret that Newcastle United needs to beef up their defence in particular the central defence with the likely departures of captain Fabricio Coloccini and possibly Mike Williamson. Barcelona on the other hand would want to have a long term successor to club captain Charles Puyol. If paper talk is to be believed then both Barca and Newcastle are in the hunt for Abdennour.

Abdennour is a 1.87m (6’1) tall centre-back who currently plays for French club Toulouse FC based in southwest France. Born in Sousse, Tunisia, Abdennour started his career at Étoile du Sahel as a left-winger and sometimes plays as a left-back. In 2010, he signed a six-month loan deal with German side Werder Bremen and made 6 appearances for the club before moving back to his parent club.

In the summer of 2011, Abdennour signed a 4-year deal with Toulouse, which given his excellent performances was extended till 2016. Abdennour is also a regular for Tunisian national side and was the captain of Tunisian U-21 side. In his time in France he has played for 56 times for Toulouse scoring 3 goals and and helping his team to 9 clean sheets (in all competitions) in the process.

Abdennour‘s strength lies in playing short passes and his ability to concentrate for the duration of the game. His versatility is an added bonus for the team that he is representing.

The news is that apart from Newcastle United and Barcelona fellow Premier League side West Ham United have also been tracking the defender. If reports are to be believed, then Barcelona have the upper hand as they have already sent scouts to watch him play and have invited him to their training sessions.

This is what the player had to say after being linked to the Catalan giants:

“Barcelona are a top team, but the invitation does not mean that I will sign for them.

“It is no secret that I have been watched several times by them, but also by other big clubs. I have always dreamt of playing for a big club and by the grace of God I will achieve that.”

One thing is for sure if Barcelona want Abdennour, they in all likelihood will get him, no team in the world can compete with the lure of playing for Barcelona or can afford to match the wages or the fees that they can. All we can hope for is that if there are any glitches and if Newcastle’s interest remains real, they would be in pole position to pounce.

11 Young German Gems for Newcastle United to Scout – Part 1

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You can argue that Bundesliga is one of the top leagues in Europe if not the best league in the world. That is in no small part due the quality of young players that are plying their trade in the league. We have already seen the likes of Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Marco Reus make their mark on the world stage; they are not the only ones who we are going to hear bout in years to come. The country is bristling with young talent is expected to capture the imagination of the world.

Here is a list of 11 German players (a team) that are still learning the game; have tremendous potential; are going to be the envy of every football club and manager in years to come. The players in the team have been selected in the very modern 4-2-3-1 formation. The players in the line up are;

Kevin Trapp – Kevin Trapp is a 22 year old goal keeper who joined Eintracht Frankfurt from FC Kaiserslautern in 2012 after they were relegated and Frankfurt were promoted. At Kaiserslautern (German Red Devils) he was coached by Gerald Ehrmann, who has also coached other German goal keepers like Tim Wiese and Roman Widenfeller. Trapp is s a German youth international who has represented

Germany

at under -18, 19 and 21 levels. So far this season, Trapp has been outstanding for Frankfurt this season and one of the prime reasons why they are doing so well in the Bundesliga and could qualify for Champions league. Trapp has a good record at saving penalties too, having saved 5 of the 16 penalties.

Sebastian Jung – Sebastian Jung is a 22 year old right back who also for Eintracht Frankfurt, for whom, he has been a regular since the 2009 season. He recently became the first Frankfurt player to be called into the German National team since 1999. Jung too has been a regular for the Germany under 21 squads and has 17 caps at that level. His strengths include his passing ability and able to hold on to the ball in tight areas. Though he is little susceptible in the air. Everyone at Frankfurt is excited about the progress Jung has made at the club; has high hopes of him for the future.

Antonio Rudiger – Another one of those German youth internationals, Rudiger is what you would describe as a perfect utility player. Although a center back by trade, he can also play as a right back and a defensive midfielder. His current club VFB Stuttgart signed Rudiger from defending Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund in 2011 aged just 18. Since then he has represented Stuttgart first and second elevens and of course German youth teams. His strengths include passing the ball out of the back and not diving into tackles. One area where the player can improve is in his discipline avoiding unnecessary bookings.

Matthias Ginter – The 19 year old center back came through the academy of his current club SC Freiburg, where he played in a variety of positions including attacking midfield. Ginter won the Gold in U -18 Fritz Walter medal in 2012, the awards given by The German FA to the up coming youngsters Ever since making his debut for the “Bresigau Brazilians” he has been a regular for the team. He has everything that a defender needs, he is good at passing has good aerial ability and is a good tackler. Ginter is a future German International in the making for sure; if not there already.

Oliver Sorg - Oliver Sorg is 22 year old full back, who can play in either the right or the left full back positions. Sorg joined the SC Frieburg’s youth academy in 2006 and played for the Freiburg II for three years where he was also the captain. He has been a regular for the club for the last few seasons. Sorg is renowned for his composure on the ball, his tackling ability and his dribbling skills, though he needs to work on his aerial ability and crossing he is a cracking prospect and one to watch out for.

Sebastian Rode – Rode is a 22 year old central midfielder who is currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, he is been described as one of the best talents to have come out of the club. Rode is what one would describe as a complete midfielder, he can pass, he can tackle he is good in the air and good in challenges. He has been a regular youth international for Germany at all levels. Though he is still unknown outside of Germany, he is well known amongst Bundesliga elite and has been linked with some of big German clubs including Bayern Munich.

In this first par we have focused on the defensive players, and this is how the side will look on the field. In the concluding 2^nd part we will focus on the attacking players.

Penny for Your Thoughts!