Vegard Forren has revealed that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer was the one that told him to reject Liverpool in favour of a move to Southampton, the Mirror reports.
The Norwegian international joined the Saints in a £4million from SK Molde nearly a fortnight ago on the same day that Mauricio Pochettino replaced Nigel Adkins as manager at St Mary’s.
But 24-year-old Forren confessed that it was Manchester United legend Solksjaer, his former boss at the Aker Stadion, who compelled him to resist the overtures of a trial at Liverpool and opt for a permanent transfer to the south Coast instead.
“I never came close to joining Liverpool because Southampton felt right for me,” he said.
“There was a lot of interest from the Premier League but after coming here and speaking with the chairman I really felt wanted.
“Ole was very supportive of the move and I spoke with him a lot before coming here. He really wanted me to take this opportunity.”
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Forren looks set to make his Premier League bow against the Red Devils when Southampton travel to Old Trafford on Wednesday night and will hope to improve a defence that has shipped 37 goals in 23 games this season.
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New Southampton manager Mark Hughes is reportedly lining up a club-record £20m move for Stoke City playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri this summer if he keeps them in the Premier League and extends his stay at St Mary’s, and Saints fans have been quick to have their say on the rumour.The Daily Star says that the Welsh boss is keen to be reunited with the 26-year-old, who earns £65,000-a-week according to The Mirror, after he brought him to the Britannia Stadium from Inter Milan in 2015, with the Switzerland international scoring seven goals and providing a further six assists in 29 top flight appearances for the south coast outfit’s fellow strugglers this term.Any prospective deal would be dependent on Saints securing avoiding relegation to the Championship – they currently lie two points from safety with eight games remaining – while Hughes’ future is also far from certain considering his deal is due to expire at the climax of the campaign.Southampton supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the story, and while one described him as the “Alpine Messi”, another said “he’s the only player worth having from that team”.Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…[ad_pod ]
When Tony Pulis left his managerial post at Selhurst Park just 48 hours before the start of the season, Crystal Palace were always going to find it difficult to find the right replacement for a man who saved Palace from relegation the season before.
Step in Neil Warnock, a man who previously managed at Crystal Palace before being sacked in 2010. He was not the favourite to take the reins at the Selhurst Park and many thought the club were taking a backwards step in hiring a former manager. His reign at the club didn’t last very long, however.
A number of poor results meant that Warnock became the first managerial casualty of the 2014/15 season. Despite an excellent 3-1 victory against Liverpool earlier in the season, recent results have not been up to scratch and Palace now found themselves looking for another new manager to lead them away from relegation struggles.
Here are five managers that could replace Warnock…
Alan Pardew
The Newcastle United manager has experienced a variety of emotions this season. The Magpies’ start to the season was not a particularly successful one and Pardew was under a huge amount of pressure from the Newcastle faithful. However, the former Southampton manager turned his side’s fortunes around and victory against Chelsea, the only loss for the Blues this season, resulted in Newcastle rising up the table and away from danger.
The lure of managing a club that Pardew knows very well will certainly interest the 53-year-old but leaving Newcastle for a team battling relegation may be an unnecessary gamble. Pardew prompted speculation linking him with the Palace job after he refused to talk to the media following Newcastle’s victory against Everton.
If Pardew does take charge of Palace, it will represent a bit of a coup for the South London club but they will have to pay a hefty amount of compensation if they are to buy Pardew out of the last five and a half years remaining in his Newcastle contract.
Tim Sherwood
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager gained a lot of fans with his no-nonsense, bullish approach to management in what was a successful but short reign at White Hart Lane. His approach would certainly spur the Crystal Palace players into life and there is no doubt that Sherwood can get the best out of his players.
Another advantage is that Sherwood will not feel pressured to play the club’s star names. Instead, he is very much a man of principle who will choose players that are performing well in training rather than consistently playing the same team that may be struggling to achieve results. Although Sherwood does look like an attractive proposition for Palace, his lack of managerial experience may prompt the club to look elsewhere.
However, if Sherwood is appointed, it would be a popular decision amongst the Selhurst Park faithful.
Chris Hughton
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The former Newcastle manager has been out of a job since he was sacked by Norwich City in April 2014 and has rejected the prospect of returning to management in an assistant managerial role since then. Although he may not be the first choice to succeed Warnock as the next Palace manager, he is a viable option for the board as he won’t cost a lot of money to hire due to the fact that he is not working in management at the moment.
Although Hughton has been sacked from Premier League posts with Newcastle United and Norwich City, he does have a lot of top flight experience both as a manager but as a coach as well. He has proved popular amongst playing staff throughout his managerial campaign and this may benefit the players who are struggling with confidence at the moment.
Tony Popovic
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The former Selhurst Park favourite played for the club for five years between 2001 and 2006. He currently plies his trade in Australia, where he has impressed since being in charge of Australian side Western Sydney Warriors. He has recently won the Asian Champions League and is now looking to develop his managerial career further in Europe.
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Palace chairman Steve Parish is understood to be a big admirer of the 41-year-old. However, throwing Popovic in the deep end could backfire as the Australian lacks any managerial experience in the Premier League. His appointment would be a risk, contrasting to the rather unambitious appointment of Warnock earlier in the season. Many Palace fans will believe that there are better options for the club in terms of achieving Premier League survival.
Keith Millen
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He is currently undertaking his third spell as caretaker manager of Crystal Palace and has personally stated that he is ready to take the top job at Selhurst Park. Millen will be desperate to become manger of his hometown club having been in the shadows of many Crystal Palace managers who have failed to bring success to the Eagles in recent seasons.
It is understandable that Millen feels he is ready to become manager of the club he has served for so long. In his eight games as caretaker manager of Crystal Palace, he has registered two wins, two draws and four losses. However, this doesn’t reveal a lot about how Millen will plan to take the club forward and whether he can turn Palace’s season around. Again, it is a decision that could backfire and the Parish needs to make the right decision if his club are to avoid the drop.
I really don’t want to suggest that Newcastle’s decision to hand Alan Pardew an eight-year contract was a bad move; I think clubs should look to similar contracts more often as a means to secure their most valuable personnel. Those who then look to Mike Ashley as having made a mistake also seem to be out of touch with the game. It assumes that no manager can go through a bad spell. It assumes that all the pieces fall into place without any problems. It assumes that a hugely impressive performance the season prior will always or should always be followed by something equally impressive.
I don’t believe Pardew to be a bad manager and I don’t believe he’s doing a bad job at the moment. Yes it’s a disappointment that Newcastle look miles away from landing another Europa League spot and building on what they did last season, but where’s the nod to the circumstances the manager is working in?
He, like Mike Ashley, always knew Demba Ba was going to leave at some stage. With his scoring form and the irresistible buyout clause inserted into his contract, there was no way Newcastle would be able to keep him away from clubs higher up the league table.
But the loss of Ba hasn’t been the biggest blow to the club. Going through much of the campaign thus far without Yohan Cabaye is a crippling effect that would be felt by any club. Goal scorers are as important as anything, as is a good and confident goalkeeper. But holding it all together is the midfielder, the player with the quality of Cabaye. Maybe for a short while we saw Tottenham feel the effects of losing Luka Modric. Arsenal looked all over the place following Cesc Fabregas’ departure. How many times will people look to the need for Manchester United to properly address their midfield and find a replacement for Paul Scholes?
Adding to that, Hatem Ben Arfa, another one of Pardew’s most important players, has been in and out with injury. The squad have been ravaged, purchases such as Vurnon Anita haven’t done enough to make noticeable or equal contributions such as that of Cabaye and Cheick Tiote last season. And now with a forward line that looks very light, Mike Ashley really needs to start backing up that contract extension which has had everyone talking.
Alan Pardew recently said that Newcastle were not too good to go down. It was a response, of course, to many who suggest that the team were good enough to fight off the threat of relegation. But it was, more than anything, a message to the owner. This team need reinforcements in a big way, and like the hopeful arrival of the cavalry, Mike Ashley needs to charge through the door with a new attitude.
Making do is not good enough when expectations were raised so high after last season. Sitting by and accepting that the club can’t compete with those who are better off financially isn’t good enough. Isn’t that why Graham Carr was given an equally lengthy contract extension to that of Pardew? Selling clubs will catch onto the success Newcastle had in the market in previous windows, but it doesn’t hide the fact that there continue to be excellent bargains hidden away in corners and underneath rocks for clubs like Newcastle to exploit.
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If Loic Remy has been identified by the club as a player good enough to come in and replace Demba Ba then Ashley has to roll the dice. What sort of message does it send? For starters, it says that the club are willing to go all out to put the season right. Loic Remy has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham in the past, the latter for a noticeably long time. If Newcastle can complete that transfer then it says the club are competing with the clubs who hold a higher status in the Premier League. It says that Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa wasn’t a one-off, a fluke. It says that this is our aim, these are our targets and we’re looking to follow through on them.
Newcastle needed stability and they’ve been given that by a manager who knows English football well. Mathieu Debuchy is an excellent start to the new year, a player who is rated by many as the best right-back for France and the best in Ligue 1 for the past few seasons. But more is needed. Mike Ashley needs to show the fans and his manager that there is ambition and desire to go along with that contract.
Rob Holding was introduced to the Arsenal starting eleven for the visit of Watford and Arsene Wenger was rewarded with a much-needed clean sheet as the Gunners won 3-0.
The former Bolton man was part of a new-look back four that largely managed to nullify the Hornets, although Petr Cech still needed to produce a penalty save from Troy Deeney to earn his 200th Premier League shutout.
Holding has proved himself to be an inconsistent yet capable defender and was able to guide Arsenal towards a second straight win to nil within four days; the victory over the Hornets coming after a 2-0 triumph in the San Siro on Thursday night in the Europa League last sixteen.
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The inclusion of Holding – valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt – might have been a surprise but he performed well enough to earn the right to retain his starting spot when the Italian giants come to the Emirates Stadium for the return this Thursday.
The Arsenal fans recognised that too and we’ve had a look at the best of their reaction to Holding’s display.
At the start of the season, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal gave Ashley Young an opportunity to prove his worth at the club. In the first three games of the season, the 29 year old played well, but after picking up a groin injury after the Burnley game, he felt out of selection and has only played 14 minutes against West Brom since.
Young’s contract at the club doesn’t expire till the summer of 2016, but it doesn’t look like he will be offered a contract extension anytime soon. With the density of the Red Devils midfield especially on the left, Young doesn’t really have a chance of breaking back into the squad unless a lot of players become injured or suspended. He is therefore more likely to receive more playing time if he leaves the club.
If he does decide to leave, here are FIVE possible clubs he could play for next…
[ffc-gallery]Click on the man himself to reveal
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Aston Villa
A move back to his previous club, Aston Villa, could be an option for Ashley Young. Villa will be looking to spend in January to bolster their squad due to their disappointing form recently. The club has only managed to score five goals this season. Bringing Young back to the club would provide another player in attack for opposing defences to consider and increase the amount of goals they score.
Sunderland
Young was also linked with a move to Sunderland over the last summer. Currently William Buckley plays most often in right midfield for the Black Cats, but he hasn’t been playing with consistency. Young could be brought in to replace him to provide more assists and opportunities for Steven Fletcher and Connor Wickham to score.
Southampton
Football – PSV Eindhoven v SL Benfica – UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg – Philips Stadion – Eindhoven, Holland – 10/11 , 14/4/11Ronald KoemanMandatory Credit: Action Images / Peter Cziborra
Southampton was also linked with Young during this past summer. Whilst now with the Saints fantastic position in the league purchasing Young may not be a necessity, he may still be brought in in order to provide competition against Shane Long, Steven Davis, and Jack Cork. This competition is needed to keep the Saints pushing towards a European finish, rather than slipping back down the table like they did last season.
Real Sociedad
A move to Real Sociedad would see Young link up with former Manchester United manager David Moyes. Whilst the Scotsman was at the Red Devils, the Englishman was used frequently, making 30 appearances in all competitions. The 29 year old may be brought in to help the Spanish club remove themselves from danger in La Liga.
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Newcastle United
Another club linked with Ashley Young’s services is Newcastle. Alan Pardew’s side has recently hit a run of good form, winning their last four games which have caused them to shoot up the table. Similar to Southampton, to keep the Magpies in this position in the table and away from the relegation zone, they need competition amongst their players for places to keep them on their toes. Young would beneficially add to their position competition, and a transfer there would bring the best out of himself, Yoan Gouffran, and Remy Cabella.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is set to launch a January loan bid for Barcelona striker David Villa according to the Daily Mail.
Arsenal are desperate for a striker after Robin van Persie’s replacement Olivier Giroud has failed to live up to his expectations.
Villa is set to leave the Nou Camp after failing to nail down a first team spot since returning from a long term injury that effected his Euro 2012 selection.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup has been rumoured to have made an audacious loan bid for the Spanish striker but Arsenal would certainly be the favourites to sign him if they entered the race.
While Wenger may be desperate to sign a goalscorer, he will not splash the cash in January and only a loan deal would attract the Frenchman.
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However if the short term move was successful, Villa could become a permanent fixture in the Emirates armoury.
Trent Alexander-Arnold came of age last season when he grasped his opportunity in the Liverpool team.
After Joe Gomez suffered injury, the 19-year-old stepped in as right-back and he continued to thrive under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance.
The teenager held his own in high-pressure matches against Manchester City and Roma in the Champions League, while he also put in a decent shift in the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the final.
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Alexander-Arnold’s impressive performances, which included scoring two goals and creating three assists in all competitions, earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
The youngster earned his first start on Thursday evening as the Three Lions took on Belgium in their final Group G fixture, which they lost 1-0.
The team may not have won, but Alexander-Arnold gave a lasting impression as he was handed the right wing-back role.
Southgate has opted to go for a back three during the tournament, which means that rather than play in a right-back slot, Alexander-Arnold was pushed further up the field.
During the clash, the teenager delivered more crosses into the danger area than any of his teammates.
The right-sided player, along with Jamie Vardy, produced the most key passes during the match, plus the Liverpool star created an attempt on goal, proving once again that he has an attacking presence.
Alexander-Arnold is going from strength to strength, which can only bode well for Liverpool.
Klopp should soon be able to trust playing the teen in a more advanced role down the right if needs be.
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Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed goalkeeper Andy Lonergan is out for Wednesday’s clash against Wolves, while hinting that youngster Bailey Peacock-Farrell could get the nod.Heckingbottom said in his press conference that Lonergan is unavailable, and Peacock-Farrell and Kamil Maziek have both been involved with the first team squad.
“It came at a bad time for him and us,” Heckingbottom said of Lonergan’s injury today in his press conference.
Leeds’ defensive woes have been highlighted in recent weeks, especially in Friday night’s 3-0 drubbing at the Riverside.
Vernon Anita struggled to deal with Adama Traore, but most of the fans’ concerns were centred on goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald, who has had a torrid time recently.
Wiedwald was not exactly alert for Middlesbrough’s opener, before allowing a powerful Patrick Bamford strike to squeeze under him for the second goal before half time.
Peacock-Farrell actually played through Middlesbrough’s youth system before joining Leeds in 2013, but has made just one first team appearance. Asked if the promising youngster might play this week, the manager said he would not hesitate to give the 21 year-old the nod.
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Playing the youngster against league leaders Wolves might be a disaster, but what is there to lose? Leeds fans, let us know your thoughts by commenting below…
The summer transfer window may be over but we at Football Fancast are already looking forward to it’s winter counterpart.Indeed, the January window rubs certain Premier League managers up the wrong way (ahem, Arsene Wenger), but there are certainly deals to be had, providing you’re looking in the right places.That’s something Louis van Gaal should Âparticularly take on board – his ‘Gaalacticos’ saw Manchester UnitedÂspend around £150million during the off-season, and if more recruitment is planned for January, it should be done with value-for-money in mind.Thus, just in case the Dutchman is short on ideas (although telling him that to his face probably isn’t wise) we’ve come up with a list of FIVE transfer opportunities United must capitalise on in the new year.Some want to experience a higher level of football, others have ridiculously cheap release clauses and a few are bosman-bound stars, about to be thrown on the transfer scrapheap. So without further ado…
[ffc-gallery] CLICK ON LVG TO REVEAL ALL
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RON VLAAR
Football – Aston Villa v Parma – Pre Season Friendly – Villa Park – 14/15 – 9/8/14Ron Vlaar – Aston VillaMandatory Credit: Action Images / Craig BroughEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
With Manchester United’s attempts to persuade Mats Hummels to swap Borussia Dortmund for Old Trafford falling on deaf ears, the Red Devils need to line up some more realistic centre-back targets for the January window, specifically Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar.
Concrete Ron may not be the most talented centre-half to ever grace Carrington, but he’s as tough as… well, concrete, and has more than proved himself in the Premier League over the last few years by captaining the Villians to consecutive top flight survivals.
Furthermore, the 29 year-old’s World Cup displays at the heart of Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands side were nothing short of talismanic. Here’s a look at Vlaar in action for Oranje:
With Johnny Evans now constituting Manchester United’s most established defender at the ripe old age of 26, the Red Devils’ defence is calling out for a character like Vlaar to add experience and organisation.
Furthermore, his contract at Villa Park is set to expire at the end of the season, an issue so urgent Paul Lambert is holding a meeting with Randy Lerner in the US to discuss his budgets.
Unless Vlaar agrees new terms, Aston Villa will be obliged to sell in January. There are already rumours of a £4million bid from United:
But Arsenal, Tottenham and Southampton, to name a few, have all been linked since the summer.
JAN VERTONGHEN
A more coveted – and thus expensive – option at centre-half could come in the form of Jan Vertonghen.
The Tottenham star is regarded as one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs and his front-footed style epitomises Louis van Gaal’s attacking ethos – in truth, the Red Devils should have been targeting him months ago.
Indeed, the 27 year-old gained his standing in England through marauding displays during his inaugural Premier League season, finishing up with seven goals in all competitions – the majority of which were from open play. Here’s a look at his stats from that campaign:
And the Belgium international in action:
Manchester United’s defence has lacked that kind of ball-playing presence ever since Rio Ferdinand’s pace began to wane, whilst his leadership qualities will be vital to a Red Devils backline that’s lacked direction and organisation this season.
Despite Louis van Gaal’s interest in the defender seemingly rather limited, a prime transfer opportunity has come United’s way. Vertonghen has just ended contract talks at White Hart Lane without signing a new deal, putting his future in serious doubt:
Daniel Levy is known for his persistent refusal to let Tottenham’s star players leave for rival Premier League clubs. But he may be forced to make an exception with Vertonghen if he’s approached with a decent offer – likely around the £20million mark – in January.
MARCO REUS
Football – Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg – Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany – 12/13 – 24/4/13Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus (L) and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane in actionMandatory Credit: Action Images / John Sibley
The last thing Manchester United need right now is another attacking signing. Louis van Gaal is already struggling to find room for Juan Mata, Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao in the same starting line-up.
But come the January window, upon the proviso that circumstances do not abruptly change, the Red Devils will find the opportunity to snap up Germany ace Marco Reus impossible to ignore.
Indeed, the Borussia Dortmund winger has been nothing short of incredible after moving to Westfalen in 2012. He helped the Black Yellows reach the Champions League final a year later and last term claimed the Bundesliga’s Player of the Year award.
In the process, Reus’ goals and assists – an incredible 16 strikes and 14 set-ups in the league last season – has seen his stock dramatically rise throughout Europe. Here’s a look at the 25 year-old in action:
Reus can adopt the roles of scorer or provider, capable of playing anywhere across the front and even at No.10. His technical qualities are underpinned by incredible pace – something the current United squad, in comparison to its many forbearers, desperately lacks.
Most appealingly of all, the German international’s contract includes a £20million release clause. That’s not set to come into effect until next summer, but unless Dortmund get their star attacker to agree new terms, it will be impossible for them to turn down large offers in January.
But Arsenal and Liverpool have been strongly linked too, and in truth, most clubs in Europe will be keen to test the waters when the transfer window reopens.
PACO ALCACER
Football – Sevilla v Valencia – UEFA Europa League Semi Final First Leg – Sanchez Pizjuan, Sevilla, Spain – 24/4/14Sevilla’s Diogo Figueiras and Paco Alcacer of Valencia in actionMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Manchester United are hardly short on front-men right now. In fact, on paper, they possess one of world football’s most fearsome strike-forces.
But with Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie suffering from long-term injury problems, and van Gaal essentially dismissing Wayne Rooney’s future as a striker last month, another goal-getter wouldn’t go amiss in the new year.
In that regard, the Red Devils should be targeting Valencia prodigy Paco Alcacer, already dubbed as ‘the bargain of Europe’ by one Spanish publication due to his £15million release clause.
Indeed, the21 year-old has been nothing short of potent over the last twelve months, as shown below:
Here’s a look at Alcacer in action:
Fernando Torres-esque dare I say, and after such strong form, Alcacer has muscled his way into Vincente del Bosque’s Spain squad, netting four times in three international appearances since his debut in August.
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The Spaniard looks like a real talent and at £15million is more than worth the gamble. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked however, whilst reports claim Valencia are about to bump up Alcacer’s release clause to a whopping £40million:
SAMI KHEDIRA
Louis van Gaal appears to have his heart set on signing Netherlands international Kevin Strootman in January, but should the midfield enforcer not be available, Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira remains an impressive alternative.
A Champions League and World Cup winner, the 27 year-old is considered to be one of the leading midfielders in world football. Here’s a look at the Germany international in action:
Khedira isn’t quite the tough-tackling holding midfielder he’s often made out to be. Just take a look at his heatmap from Germany’s 7-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup semi-finals:
And his statistics compared to Europe’s other top defensive midfielders last season:
But he provides box-to-box energy and power, inventiveness going forward and added threat in the air. Amid the players of great technical quality Louis van Gaal amassed during the summer, Khedira’s battering ram approach could be the pefect compliment.
Furthermore, a January departure from the Bernabeu is looking increasingly likely, with the former Stuttgart star yet to extend his contract past the summer. That could see him leave Los Blancos for a pittance, but speculation thus far suggests Arsenal are his likeliest suitors: