CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic is attracting a lot of attention this summer, the 25-year-old Serbian will be hoping to have a good World Cup so that he can earn a move to a bigger club.
The tricky winger has been likened to a Serbian Pavel Nedved due his marauding runs down the flanks, his strong physical presence, and of course his long blonde hair. Before his step up to the senior Serbia squad, Krasic was an integral part of the Under-21 team and helped them finish as runners up in the Euro 2004 Under-21 Championships. He has now gone on to make his presence felt in the main team, he will definitely be one to watch in South Africa and is the kind of player whose price tag could go up by another £10m should he have a good tournament.
He has won all the major honours in Russia, on several occasions, winning the Russian Premier League twice in 2005 and 2006, the Russian Cup in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009 and the Russian Super Cup in 2006, 2007 and 2009. He will now be looking to test himself in a stronger league and the Premiership would fit the bill perfectly.
Arsenal and Manchester United are the two sides believed to be interested in securing Krasic’s services, and the latter will no doubt be the more familiar with him, after he scored at Old Trafford in CSKA’s 3-3 draw with United in the Champions League. According to the latest reports, Juventus are in fact in pole position for his signature, but no deal has been done yet and with the Premier League currently having a stronger pull than Serie A then by no means are they out of the running. Both of the sides could do with an extra midfielder and Krasic fits the bill perfectly, particularly for Arsenal as they really need to sure up their midfield with some strength. With Krasic offering that plus being a good passer of the ball he would be just what they’re looking for.
Krasic will definitely be hot property this summer and could well make a difference for Serbia in the World Cup. With Juventus said to be in the driving seat, Premier League clubs will need to move fast to secure his services and if someone can land them then he could be a key player for them next season.
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Newcastle United have sealed the signing of Nottingham Forest defender James Perch for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract.
The 24-year-old has spent the whole of his career to date at The City Ground, making well over 200 first-team appearances for the club in all competitions.
Magpies boss Chris Hughton told his club's official website:"James is a player I've admired for some time and it's great we've been able to secure his services.
"I'm certain he'll prove to be a great addition to our squad."
Forest's chief executive, Mark Arthur, had earlier told his club's official website:"James has been a marvellous servant for Nottingham Forest.
"He made it clear that the prospect of a move into the Premier League with Newcastle appealed to him and we couldn't stand in his way.
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"I would like to thank him for the service he has given us and wish him all the very best with Newcastle."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
A reported confrontation at the World Cup has seemingly put Mr Rosell in his place and thrown him off the scent for Cesc Fabregas this summer at least. The Spanish players did there level best to stir up trouble once again by forcing a Barca shirt on him during their World Cup celebrations; a shameless act that only succeeded in tightening the boards resolve in keeping Cesc at the Emirates.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of blogs that include…Wenger must avoid deals slipping the net; will Gibbs emergence tempt Wenger into a Clichy swap and two wasted years for Gilberto Silva.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Arsenal stories on the Web this week.
Why Monsieur Wenger can save English football
Wenger must act NOW to avoid another deal slipping the net
Will the emergence of Gibbs tempt Wenger into Clichy swap?
The sheer arrogance of Barca players is astounding
Emmanuel EBOUE’s unofficial diary part III
Messi shows naivety with Walcott talk
Arsenal’s Worst XI of all time
Arsenal’s Greatest Foreign XI of all time
Arsenal’s Greatest British XI of all time
Schwarzer’s proposed move proves that age is no barrier
You do sense that it’s two years wasted for Gilberto Silva
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Best of Web
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Disrespect is an understatement – Online Gooner
So today it begins! Barca back off and next year they won’t be around to come back! – Le Grove
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Will Arsène Take His Cue From Germany? – A Cultured Left Foot
When Sol Campbell re-signed for Arsenal in January 2010, eyebrows were raised. After a frankly bizarre spell at Notts County, and at 35 years of age, many were questioning whether the former Arsenal hero could still hack it at the top level. His performances however, were more than competent and he established himself as a back-up who could be relied upon. He also netted what could have been a crucial away goal in the Champions League last 16 against Porto into the bargain. With Arsenal currently lacking bodies in central defence, will Arsenal’s loss prove to be Newcastle’s gain?
As he was at Arsenal, Sol Campbell is going to be a back-up player for Newcastle next season, with Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini likely to be forming the first choice pairing in central defence for the bulk of the season. Steven Taylor though is set to miss the start of the season with a shoulder injury which may keep him out for a number of months. Campbell’s services then, might be called upon sooner rather than later. This should be something Campbell is more than capable of doing. Although he may now be lacking a bit of pace, his positional sense is still good, he is tall, strong, combative and most of all brings huge experience to the table. If he does nothing else Campbell should prove a great mentor to learn from for Newcastle’s younger defenders, as a player who has won every domestic honour and picked up 73 England caps. Chris Hughton worked with Campbell at Spurs, and was delighted to land the player, BBC Sport quotes him as stating;
“I have know Sol since he was a lad and am fully aware of what he has to offer. That is experience, quality, calm assurance and leadership. He’s a dedicated professional, a terrific addition to the squad and I look forward to working with him again.”
For Newcastle, it is a no loss situation, there was no transfer fee and Campbell proved last season that he can still cut it in the Premiership. Will it though, be a loss for Arsenal?
The Gunners are really lacking centre-backs at the moment, with Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou the only recognised senior players in this position. Add in the fact that Koscielny is unproven in the Premier League, and Djourou is injury prone, then it looks like Arsene Wenger perhaps should have done more to try and keep Campbell at the Emirates. Quite simply Arsenal do not have enough centre-backs, and if they want to mount a strong challenge for the league and in Europe Wenger will need to bring in another central defender before the window closes. Having let Gallas and Silvestre go this summer, Arsenal would still have needed another centre-back had Campbell stayed, but it would have given Arsenal’s squad greater depth and experience and also have added a home-grown player to the 25 man squads that are now required.
Sol Campbell will want to prove himself again this season, and show that he is still a defender of Premier League class. He is at a great club to do so, Campbell stated himself to BBC Sport that;
“At this stage of my career I couldn’t have wished for a better move. To join a club such as Newcastle, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me.”
He will receive a rapturous welcome at St James Park, and if he performs, Wenger might just regret not keeping him at Arsenal for one more season.
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Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has admitted defeat in his attempts to sign both AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele and Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi.
McLeish had hoped to add the duo to his St Andrew’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season, as he sought to add further quality to a squad who exceeded expectations last term.
“Dembele has got other options and he is choosing another option,” McLeish admitted. “It is a blow because we have worked hard on that one, but that’s life.”
Dembele had previously told the Birmingham Mail: “A second team from the Premier League has made contact. I’ll make a decision in the following days as I don’t want the case to trail too long.”
Of Italy international Camoranesi, McLeish added:“I have always been a big admirer, but negotiations became protracted and I had a further think.
“I decided it was not quite the way forward for Birmingham at this particular time.”
Camoranesi’s agent, Sergio Fortunato, had earlier told Calciomercato.it:“At the moment we are not talking to Birmingham.
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“It’s an issue of taxes. You’re offered a figure and it turns out to be half that.”
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Birmingham City have abandoned their interest in Charles N’Zogbia after failing to agree personal terms with the French winger.
The Blues were given permission to hold talks with N’Zogbia on Friday after Wigan Athletic accepted an improved offer from the St Andrew’s club.
However, manager Alex McLeish revealed the deal quickly broke down following talks with the 24-year-old recently capped France international’s advisors.
“We did everything that was asked of us and then the goalposts were moved at the last minute,” McLeish told the club’s official website.
“It was very important to us as a club to stick to our principals and look after the long-term interests of Birmingham City as we are custodians of the club.
“We remain ambitious and committed to adding extra quality to the playing squad but this deal became one that was not in the interests of the club.
“The board worked with me extremely hard to try and get this one over the line and I thank them for their support.”
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N’Zogbia, who joined Wigan from Newcastle in January 2009, has been linked with a move away from the DW Stadium throughout the summer.
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When young players are beginning to make their name in the game, or display a sublime piece of skill, they are often touted by the media, or in some cases fans or managers as ‘The New…’ (insert name of all time great here) that most can never hope to justify. In this list Football Fancast picks out ten of those most woefully mislabelled players.
1. Bruno Cheyrou (Zinedine Zidane)
Bruno Cheyrou was a very average midfielder. Unfortunately for him Liverpool supporters were expecting great things from the Frenchman when Gerard Houllier infamously labelled him the ‘new Zidane’. However, Cheyrou was not in the same stratosphere as Zidane and he endured a poor career at Anfield, where highlights such as scoring the winner against Chelsea in the 2003-04 season were all too rare. When Rafael Benitez took charge in 2004, Cheyrou was promptly shipped out.
2. Nii Lamptey (Pele)
Nii Lamptey is not a name that will be known by many followers of modern football, but in 1991 Lamptey was being compared to the greatest player of all time, Pele, who himself said “Lamptey is my natural successor”. The Ghanian had lit up the 1991 FIFA Under-17 World Cup which his country won, with some stellar performances. Sadly, his career never matched the promise he showed and he became a journeyman player in Europe, making a handful of appearances for Aston Villa and Coventry in the 90’s.
3. Pablo Aimar (Diego Maradona)
Many Argentinian players have struggled with the tag of being ‘the next Maradona’, but perhaps none more so than Pablo Aimar. The diminutive attacking midfielder had immense talent, and at the great Valencia side of the early 2000’s he looked destined to become one of the world’s best players. Instead of progressing however his career stagnated and he was sold to Real Zaragoza. Now at Benfica, Aimar is still a good player but he never fulfilled the potential he once displayed.
4. Jeremie Aliadiere (Thierry Henry)
Jeremie Aliadiere signed for Arsenal at the age of just 16, after graduating from the presitgious Clairefontaine academy. During the early part of his career for the Gunners some dubbed him the ‘new Thierry Henry’, due to his blistering pace. This unfortunately was the only similarity he had with Henry and Aliadiere only managed 8 league goals in his entire Arsenal career. The 27 year old is now without a club after being released by Middlesbrough in 2010.
5. Freddy Adu (Pele)
As a 14 year old Freddy Adu was a footballing sensation, with many proclaiming him as the next Pele and a future great. Adu had signed a professional contract with American side DC United at the age of just 14, making first team appearances and scoring a goal in his debut season. A trial at Manchester United followed, but he did not do enough to impress Sir Alex Ferguson and instead joined Real Salt Lake. Adu eventually made the move to Europe in 2007 with Benfica but he has not yet become a first team pick and has been sent out on loan to Monaco, Belenenses and now Greek side Aris. Still only 21, Adu can still make an impact in football but it does not seem likely that he will reach the lofty heights that were once predicted of him.
Head to Page 2 for the rest of the Top 10
6. Salif Diao (Patrick Vieira)
Gerard Houllier made another gaffe when he boldly named £5 million signing Salif Diao ‘the next Patrick Vieira’, Liverpool fans were probably not so sure. Diao was brought to the club after some impressive international form for Senegal, along with El-Hadji Diouf who had been the man of the tournament in the 2002 African Cup of Nations. Both turned out to be flops, and Diao failed utterly to justify Houllier’s wildly inaccurate claims. Diao now plies his trade at Stoke.
7. Eric Djemba-Djemba (Roy Keane)
Eric Djemba-Djemba was another player who had live up to the name of a Premier League midfield general, in this case, Roy Keane. Although Keane was already at the club, when Man Utd signed Djemba-Djemba he was hailed as Keane’s eventual successor, however it soon became apparent that the Cameroonian would never come close to matching Keane’s prowess. Djemba-Djemba made few appearances in his two year United career, and was shipped off to Aston Villa, where he also bombed. Djemba-Djemba now plays for Danish outfit Odense BK.
8. Javier Saviola (Diego Maradona)
Javier Saviola is another Argentinian wonderkid who suffered from comparisons to the great Maradona. When he signed for Barcelona from River Plate at the age of 19 for the eyewatering amount of £15 million, many expected him to become a world class striker. It did not materialise however, and he played two disappointing seasons for arch-rivals Real Madrid before moving to current club Benfica.
9. Anthony Le Tallec (Michel Platini)
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Anthony Le Tallec was dubbed the ‘new Michel Platini’ when Liverpool signed him from Le Havre as a teenager, along with Florent Sinama-Pongolle. It was a ridiculous comparison and appearances in a red shirt were very rare during his time at Anfield, and he was loaned out to five different clubs before eventually being sold to Le Mans in 2008. Although he is unlikely to match Platini, Le Tallec is now at Auxerre, and at 25 his career may be picking up.
10. Robinho (Pele)
Named by Pele himself as his heir at the age of just 15, Robinho had indeed shown great talent for Santos and looked like he would be a world star. It was no surprise when Spanish giants Real Madrid signed Robinho for £20 million, but while he played well he did not quite reach the levels that were expected of him when he signed for the club. Robinho had a torrid time in England at Manchester City and will now be looking to rebuild his career at AC Milan, at 26 he can still do this, but the comparisons with Pele now seem misjudged.
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Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier was pleased with his team's performance in a goalless draw with Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Both sides struck the woodwork at Villa Park, with Houllier content with a solid display against the reigning champions.
He told his club's official website:"There was only one thing missing in that game – goals. It was a good game of football with great pace and two good teams.
"Maybe we had better chances in the first half, but they pushed and we were a bit under the cosh in the second half.
"I would say it was a nice game to watch, but also full of emotion because they hit the post, we hit the post and we had chances at the beginning and chances at the end.
"I think at the end some of the players you could see were lacking a bit of match fitness. But it is getting better. I think we are getting nearer the 90 minutes – it will take time but we will get there.
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"You see the physical level of Chelsea – we had to compete with that. It is only the second time in eight games they have lost points."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Forget the Premier League, the Football League is where real football is being played in England week-in, week-out and is a great place to see English commitment, passion and footballing talent on show.
Here at FootballFanCast we have teamed up with npower to offer fans of League One and League Two teams the chance to win a Pair of Tickets for three lucky home fans to the following three matches that are taking place on Saturday 13th November:
Carlisle United v Southampton (League One) Peterborough United v Charlton (League One) Macclesfield Town v Aldershot Town (League Two)
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All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is to answer the following question correctly:
Which League One club are subject of a takeover bid from Sebastien Sainsbury?
A) Southampton
B) Charlton Athletic
C) Aldershot Town
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Email your answer along with the game you would like to watch (either the match at Brunton Park, London Road or Moss Rose) to [email protected].
The competition closes on Tuesday 9th November and as there is only one pair of tickets to give away for each match you’ll need to make sure you get your answers in now!
Newcastle United traversed the long journey to London in order to play West Ham on Saturday and embarked on the journey home with three welcome points, having won 2-1 against a lacklustre Hammers side. With a mentality that has reversed, wins usual being gained at St. James Park rather than on their travels, Newcastle must try to build upon this confidence with the next Premiership game witnessing the North East derby. With Sunderland having fabricated a decent start to the season, Newcastle will play host to a tricky opponent. But with a season that exemplifies the unforgiving nature of the Premiership, it appears a match closer encounter to call. All that can be asserted in certainty is the physicality and determination of the respective teams to get one over their neighbour. Here are the five things I believe we learnt from the game at West Ham that may influence next weekend.
Bouncebackability
Last season Newcastle had everything their own way and rarely found themselves having to reaffirm their ability and right to play after a disappointing loss. With the Premiership this is a different matter entirely; there have already occurred these bitter losses that must be expelled from the memory in order to rectify the situation. Newcastle resurrected this determined mentality and even after going a goal down, continued to press and maintain possession, eventually ending the game as victors. With the two previous defeats at home and a draw against Wigan, self-belief had to be instilled once again and Newcastle exhibited this on Saturday.
Andy Carroll
The young Geordie is still learning, developing and ploughing away to assert himself in the game. With a turbulent week that saw his car in flames and becoming a resident at Kevin Nolan’s establishment, Carroll had to dispel these off the field distractions and help his side to claim a result. He was at the centre of each goal, leaping to meet Joey Barton’s cross, missing the ball but consequently pressuring the defenders so that the ball fell fortuitously for Nolan to clinically dispatch the equaliser. The second goal was a simple headed finish from a sumptuous cross supplied by Barton yet again; admittedly the task was made simple by West Ham’s defence vacating the vicinity. No doubt Carroll will be central to the attainment of goals or lack thereof for Newcastle.
Stand-in Krul
With Steve Harper sidelined, Newcastle’s young goalkeeper Tim Krul has had to occupy the position between the posts and fended off what little he had to do with competent ease. I’ve admired the player ever since his infamous display away to Palermo in the UEFA Cup when he was only 18, which ensured a 1-0 win after having pulled off some quite extraordinary saves. Against West Ham Krul claimed crosses, commanded his area and looked comfortable, putting to ease the defenders before him and staking a claim to the position even after Harper has recuperated.
Adapting Necessarily
With fans urging the revision of the formation from playing a lone front man, to incorporating two strikers, it seems that Chris Hughton has accepted the fallibility of previous results and revised the formation accordingly to include two upfront. This allows for a greater propensity to push forward and take the initiative, rather than invite the opposition upon you and rely on the lone striker to hold the ball sufficiently enough waiting for others to support him after having retrieved possession. On Saturday there saw an increase in possession and probing from Newcastle which exhibited an enhanced balance, this also provided for numbers behind the ball when defending further to the offensive aspect. Although in championing the play of Newcastle, West Ham gave little in terms of danger, casting a dejected team that will struggle considerably if these sorts of performances come to dominate their season.
Hoot for Hughton
The much desired result on Saturday helped to dismiss the speculation surrounding Chris Hughton’s future at the club. With Hughton being insouciant when approached concerning the subject. He is a staid character, justifying himself or rectifying matters with reference to the outcome of matches. With the constant instability that has engulfed the club over previous years and what it has culminated in, the last thing you would want to observe is the disruption of this inherently favourably position Newcastle are presently situated. Houghton obviously requires an assistant, with the loss of Colin Calderwood, to support him throughout the remainder of the season. But to entertain the removal of Hughton is nonsense, especially when the night is young. For when the morning light appears, hopefully, Hughton will have verified the faith given him.
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