January - Who Should Manchester United Buy?

Manchester Untied fans are craving a major signing to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. Antonio Valencia has done a commendable job, however they cant always rely on Wayne Rooney to make something out of nothing, i.e; Cristiano Ronaldo's wonderstrike against Porto in the Champions League, and some fans believe Valencia is quite one dimensional and doesn't seemingly celebrate his goals! However lets be real, this post isn't about Ronaldo, as Ferguson and Manchester United have moved on.

Let's look at their best 11.

Van Der Sar

Brown Vidic Ferdinand Evra

Valencia Carrick Anderson Giggs

Berbatov Rooney

Budget: £10-£20million

Man United are said to have a medium budget due to the financial constraints from the Glazers, therefore the Red Devils will probably look to boost thier transfer pot by selling Winger and £17.5million signing Nani, with clubs in Portugal, Spain and Italy all showing interest. Berbatov is another player who has been linked with a move away however Ferguson will not be looking to sell the Bulgarian at a loss. Finally star defender Nemanja Vidic has been subject to much rumors regarding his future, with Real Madrid "circuling like Vultures" after the Serb had an argument with Ferguson ahead of the FA Cup defeat to Leeds United, and once you argue with Fergie, we all know there's only one winner.

So looking at who Man United could bring in; Firstly in goal, Igor Akinfeev and Manuel Neuer have all been linked, while in defence Simon Kjaer from Palermo and Jack Rodwell have been suggested.

In Midfield Hatem Ben Arfa from Marseille, Angel Di Maria who was subject from a bid including Nani going the other way, as well as David Silva or Juan Mata from Valencia all being linked to fill the left midfield position, while Franck Ribery has been linked to replace Valencia on the right.

Up front; David Villa, Sergio Aguero and Klass-Jan Huntelaar have all been linked to a possible strikers role.

However Fergie will never panick buy nor is he afraid to dip into the market if he feels the need i.e; Berbatov, Veron, Henrik Larsson. Also Man United fans need to remember that Johnny Evans and Owen Hargreaves are still to come back for the final third of the season, which will assist United in the title race. So dont expect any each shattering changes.

In: Akinfeev, Kjear, David Silva

Out: Foster (tottenham) Macheda (loan) Nani (AC Milan) Welbeck

Who do you think Man United should buy? Leave your comments below

January - Who Should Arsenal Buy?

Arsenal have just had an excellent December and see themselves 4 points behind leaders Chelsea and 1 point behind Man Utd, however they have a game in hand. As everyone knows, is the importance of a striker, since Dutch star Robin Van Persie is effectively out untill the rest of the season. Click here for the possible options available to Wenger. Switzerland defender Phillipe Senderos may have a move to Everton pending, as he aims to meet his with World Cup ambitions. Finally for around 4 weeks, utility man Emmaunuel Eboue and holding midfielder Alex Song will be missing due to the African Cup of Nations duty, however Wenger is unlikely to buy for these positions as he has adequate cover within the current squad with Sagna the number 1 right back, and Denilson/Diaby able to fill the holding position in the midfield.

Let's look at their best 11:

Almunia

Sagna Gallas Vermaelen Clichy

Song

Diaby Fabregas

Nasri Van Persie Arshavin

Budget: £30million

Wenger has expressed his desire to bring in a striker, but it is most importantly for Wenger is value for money, as he isn't willing to spend big (although the sources may be available).

In: a striker; Chamakh looks the most likely with Arsenal constantly linked with the Morrocan International. Other names have been raised, but they are either too pricey or will be replaced once Van Persie returns; i.e. Dzeko, Pavlyuchenko, Darren Bent, Carlton Cole. Maybe one of the smarter moves would be to bring in Klass-Jan Huntelaar on loan untill the end of the season with a option to buy. Finally a young central defender could be brought in to cover for Senderos since Djourou is out for another 4 months.

Out: Senderos may be the only player allowed to leave with his World Cup aspirations, possible suitors are Everton. Also Jack Wilshire is expected to be sent on loan to Burnley. Expect a few more of the Carling Cup team, such as Fran Merida and Jay Emmanuel Thomas to be sent out on loan, however would be pleased with the current squad he has and would not look to let anyone else leave.

Who do you think Arsenal should buy? Leave your comment below

Post Christmas News

Welcome back, hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, here's the first post of 2010

Luca Toni

FC Bayern Munich striker, Luca Toni has joined AS Roma on loan untill the end of the season, in a 6 month loan deal. The Italian hitman has fallen out with his coach Louis Van Gaal , that at one point this season, a club spokesman said they were willing to let him go on a free transfer, however this has not been the case and this loan deal has seemingly suited all parties, especially the 32 year old, who will link up with Roma coach Claudio Ranieri on New Years Day. The Italian striker scored 38 goals in 60 appearances since joining in 2007.

African Cup of Nations

The African Cup of Nations begins on the 10th January with Angola facing Mali. Matches and highlights can be seen on BBC3. It will feature the likes of Obafemi Martins, Alex Song, Solomon Kalou John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Seydou Keita and many more.

Abou Diaby

In some Premiership news; Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby, after some convincing and dominating performances next to Cesc Fabregas this season. The midfielder joined from Auxerre in 2005 for a reported £2million and has since gone on to play 78 times for Arsenal, scoring 11 goals, as well as earining 2 caps for France.

Gary Megson

Gary Megson has been sacked as Bolton Wanderers manager, after two years in charge. The 50 year had an uphill struggle to win over the Bolton fans after his appointment in October 2007, since fans have numerously protested and shown thier anger towards the manager week in, week out. Burnley manager Owen Coyle is favourite for the post.

One of the French League's Top Talents

I saw the Benenise international at the Emirates Cup in July 2009, when Paris Saint-Germain played Valencia where he was the stand out star. So I thought I'd intoduce you to another excellent talent, some people may not have heard about.

Here's all you need to know:

Name: Stephane Sessegnon

DOB: 01/07/1983 Age: 26

Height: 5ft 8in

Nationality: Benin

Position: Attacking Midfield

Previous Clubs: Le Mans Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain

Career Apps: 196 Career Goals: 25 Assists: 25

Int Apps: 24 Int Goals: 2

Christmas Eve Bits & Pieces

Mark Hughes Sacked

As many of you may know, Manchester City manager Mark Hughes was sacked by the club after a run which saw him win just 2 of 11 Premier League games. There have been a lot of controversy surrounding his departure, some feel it was unfair, some feel it was deserved, only time will tell. Roberto Mancini takes charge with immediate affect, signing an initial 6 month contract with an option to an extra 3 years.

Adriano

Brazilian striker Adriano has quashed rumors of signing for West Ham or Arsenal by sigining a 6 month contract extension with Brazilian side Flamengo. The deal is a unique one, which saw him recieve a 40% pay increase due to the Brazilian Serie A champions gaining a new sponsorship deal. The Brazilian's hopes to get a place in Dunga's World Cup squad.

Klass Jan-Huntelaar

Dutch striker Klass Jan-Huntelaar has become increasingly unhappy with the lack of 1st team opportunities at AC Milan, falling down the pecking order, with the likes of Boriello, Inzaghi, Ronaldinho and Pato all first choice. The predator has therefore been linked with a loan move to clubs in January with Arsenal, Manchester United and Genoa heading up the list of possible suitors.

Free Agent

Macedonian international Goran Pandev has become a free agent after a long court battle with SS Lazio, over the rights to get his contract rescinded. The former FK Belasica striker, who was valued between £15-£20million last summer, has put clubs such as AC Milan, Roma, Arsenal, Tottenham and Juventus all on alert for the signature on the star. However his former side Inter Milan are favourite to sign him and the striker is said to be in favor of a stay in Italy. Watch this space.

Here's all you need to know:
Name: Goran Pandev
DOB: 27/07/1983 Age: 26
Height: 6ft 1/2in
Nationality: Macedonian
Position: Striker
Previous Clubs: Lazio Current Club: Free Agent
Career Apps: 205 Career Goals: 59
Int Apps: 55 Int Goals: 22

Video clip for more: **BEST VIEWED IN HD**

FIFA Awards

To nobody's real surprise Argentina international Lionel Messi has picked up the FIFA World Player of the Year award. The 22 year old finished ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi respectively. The 5ft 7in attacker's performances in 2009, and no doubt his contribution to Barcelona winning every competition they entered, and collecting an astonishing 6 titles in our football calender year, helped his cause. Look out for my Barcelona special coming up soon, but for now Real Talk Football would like to congratulate Lionel Messi.

Also on the night FIFA named its World XI. Here's the list;

GK - Iker Casillas

DF - Dani Alves, John Terry, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra

MF - Steven Gerrard, Xavi Hernandes, Andres Iniesta

ST - Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi

Let me know if you agree with the team, or what players you feel are missing, Drogba? Giggs? Fabregas? Ibrahimovic? Eto'o? Let me know

Two Stars; One For The Future and One For The Present

Present

First up is Chilean international, Humberto Suazo. He has been linked with Athletico Madrid and most recently Tottenham. Here's all you need to know:

Name: Humberto Suazo

DOB: 10/05/1981 Age: 28

Height:5ft 8in

Nationality: Chilean

Position: Striker

Previous Club: Colo-Colo

Current Club: Monterrey

Career Apps: 251 Career Goals:176

Int Apps: 41 Int Goals: 17

Future

Ghana's latest and brightest star hails from Accra, and starred at the Under 20's World Cup, picking up FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball, FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Boot (8 goals) and FIFA U-20 World Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP). According to BBC Sport, he is set to join AC Milan on January 1st 2010.

Here's all you need to know:
Name: Dominic Adiyiah
DOB: 10/07/1989 Age: 20
Height: 5ft 8in
Nationality: Ghanaian
Position: Striker
Previous Clubs: Fredrikstad
Current Club: Fredrikstad (Joining AC Milan in January)
Career Apps: 31 Career Goals: 13
Int Apps: 16 (Under 20's) Int Goals: 17 (Under 20's)

Check him out

More on Adiyiah

FIFA 10 Blindfold Keepie Up Challenge!

Fifa 10 advert, Blindfold keepie uppey world chamionship! watch the likes of Xavi, Chiellini, Ronaldinho, Walcott, Cahill and many more attempt keepie ups blidfolded. Funny video

Referee Suspended For "Match Fixing"

Bulgarian referee, Anton Genov, has been suspended over a pending investigation in an alleged match fixing scandal. The referee took charge of an International friendly between Macedonia and Canada, in which Macedonia won 3-0, and gave four penalties in the match (two to each side). "After interviewing the referee in question, UEFA has decided not to appoint Anton Genov to any European matches until further notice," UEFA spokesman Rob Faulkner stated.

Souce: goal.com

Here are highlights of the match, dodgy? judge for yourself:

Alejandro Dominguez: Smart Business

Valencia have completed the free signing of Rubin Kazan Argentinian striker Alejandro Dominguez. He has signed a contract untill 2013 and will start in January. I feel that this is an excellent piece of business for a player who has shone against the likes of Inter, Barcelona an Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League. For Rubin Kazan he scored 16 goals in 23 games and picked up the Russian Player of the Year award 2009.

Look out for him next year, as he is already in his prime. Here's a taster:

News from Italy

Gennaro Gattuso Signs New Deal

AC Milans Gennaro Gattuso has signed a new deal with club. the 31-year old midfielder has signed an new deal lasting untill 2012. The fiery midfielder had been heavily linked with a winter move to Man City.

Jose Mourinho

FC Inter boss Jose Mourinho has been accused of "Verbally attacking" a jounalist after Inter's 1-1 draw Atalanta. More trouble for the controversial coach.

Adriano

The big Brazilian has been linked with West Ham recently in the English press, but reports all over Italy are linking the striker to Palermo. Who know's where he will end up!

Just a reminder Real Talk Football is available on Facebook now, so just check in the search engine on FB.

This Weeks Top 3 Goals

Manuel Figueroa Wonder Strike

Ronaldo Free Kick

Andrey Arshavin

Balotelli Super Free Kick

Video says it all...

What Striker Would You Buy?

Arsene Wenger, and club captain, Cesc Fabregas have made it evidently clear that the North London need to invest in a striker to replace the injured Robin Van Persie. From the list below, you decide who the Gunners should invest in, however bare in mind Arsenal preferably needs a player who is not Champions League cup-tied, can quickly adapt to the Premiership and finally a proven goal scorer.

Let’s take a look at the current options:
Carlos Vela – the Mexican, just today signed a new contract with the club, has made some excellent performances in the Carling Cup, but has failed to make any real impact in the Premiership.

Eduardo Da Silva – when he joined the club, he was seen as a world class finisher and formed a formidable partnership with Emmanuel Adebayor up front. However since that injury he picked up against Birmingham, he hasn’t been the same. Missing easy chances against Wolves, Everton and Tottenham, shows he still needs time to get back to playing in the best league in the world.

Nicklas Bendtner – has come on leaps and bound under Wenger and has finally hit some form compared to last season. He has been injured lately and when he comes back, he will be an option; however he does not have the goal scoring record to replace Van Persie at this moment in time, but the best man for the job within the club.

Same names keep popping up:
Marouane Chamakh – the tall, quick striker was seemingly a certainty to join Arsenal in the summer, but the move never materialised. With Bordeaux flying high in the Champions League and Lique 1, it is unlikely they will allow for a sale, however the Moroccan international’s contract is up in the 2010, and they may look to cash in, however Wenger would look to a free transfer being a good bit of business, only if he is needed. He doesn't have the best goal scoring record compared to the other options available, with just 50 goals in 204 appearances.

Edin Dzeko – one of the most in demand strikers in Europe, and has been linked with all the big clubs, including AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United. He is a both footed, tall, pacey striker, with excellent shooting technique and a goal scoring record of 40 goals in 74 games, for VFB Wolfsburg, with 26 goals in 32 league games in the 2008/09 season. The big stumbling block is of course the interest from the other big clubs, with Milan and Manchester United seemingly favourites to land the striker, however the recent talk of financial difficulties at both clubs could somewhat impact the clubs spending power in an upcoming bidding war.

Ryan Babel – the Liverpool winger was heavily linked with Arsenal before his big money move to Liverpool, which came with a £13million price tag. The Dutch international has never really lived up to the hype and due the him already making his decision to join the Liverpool, poor scoring record (9 goals in 61 appearances) and raw talent, Wenger is unlikely to make the purchase. Also cup tied.

Ruud Van Nistlerooy – Wenger has dismissed reports linking Arsenal to the Real Madrid and former Man United hit man, however Wenger has made surprise decision in the past, i.e. Silvestre and Lassana Diarra.

The expensive option:
David Villa – would be an excellent option, but the Spanish international has already expressed his desire to play for either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Would command a transfer fee of up to £40million.

Sergio “Kun” Aguero – another expensive player who would have huge wage demands as well as a record breaking transfer fee would be needed in order to attain the transfer.

Premiership based players:
Carlton Cole – the West Ham striker and England international has been excellent this season. He has scored 7 goals in 13 games already this season and has look first-rate in a poor team. Despite his good form, his goal scoring record in England, is only has scored 40 goals in 183 games. He currently injured at the moment until January, but he is a powerful striker who knows how the score and has finally started finding his feet within the Premiership, having proved himself against the big clubs, and now looks capable of making that step up. Finally he isn’t Champions League cup tied.

Louis Saha – the Everton forward has been in excellent form this season; scoring 11 goals in 18 games in all competition. However the fact he has missed many games in his career through injury, and is 31 years old will not sit favourably with Wenger.

Outsiders:
Gervinho – the 22 year old Lille striker has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham in the past, and scored an excellent goal in a 4-3 win over Lyon this weekend, video below. He is a fast and strong left winger, who can play upfront and who has been in impressive form this season, scoring 7 goals in 16 appearances. The Cote d’Ivoire international has only recently signed with Lillie so a winter move is unlikely.

Gervinho plays for Lille, in the red kit, shirt number 27:

Adriano – the Emperor has returned to form and been in excellent form for Flamengo this season, scoring 19 goals in 30 appearances, and helping them capture the Brazilian Serie A. but the Brazilian has had all sorts of personal and public problems in the past, that have blighted his career, despite having World Class talent. The only real reason he has been linked with the Gunners is due to his availability on a free transfer as well as him not being cup-tied. however their is a reason he returned to Brazil and that was to get away from the distractions in Europe and concentrate on him doing what he does best. an unlikely option in my opinion.

Goal of the Weekend

Fabrice Pancrate. Wondergoal

Balotelli Shoud Join Arsenal? AC Milan beat Sampdoria

A excellent report on Mario Balotelli is available on goal.com. In this report, their is the discussion that the Inter starlet should move away from Italy due to the lack of support for him.

Click for more: Calio Debate

AC Milan beat Sampdoria 3-0 this weekend with an excellent performance from Ronaldinho. Click here to see the highlights, or watch below.

World Cup 2010 Draw

Group A - South Africa, Mexico, France, Uruguay

Group B - Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C - England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D - Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbia
Group E - Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon, Denmark
Group F - Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G - Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H - Spain, Honduras, Chile, Switzerland

For an in dept look at all the teams; head the the BBC Sport website

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8386374.stm

World Cup 2010

Live text and video available on BBC Sport.

Here are the seeds, to warm you up for the draw later

Pot One: South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, ENGLAND.
Pot Two: Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Mexico, Honduras
Pot Three: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay
Pot Four: France, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Greece, Serbia, Denmark, Slovakia.

Lionel Messi - Ballon D'or Winner 2009

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has become the first Argentine player to win the European Footballer of the Year. The Barca star picked up the trophy after helping Barcelona to the La Liga title, Spanish Cup and Champions League. He Played 51 times for Barca last season and scored 38 goals with 18 assists. Messi picked up a record 473 points out of a possible 480. I'd like to offer my congratulations to the forward, and comisirations to the runners-up Cristiano Ronaldo (2nd), Xavi (3rd) and Iniesta (4th) respectively.