Seldom has a player been linked with a move to the Premier League more than the Dutch international, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Nicknamed ‘The Hunter’ for his predatory goal-scoring instincts, he has now been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The former Ajax player may be warming to the prospect of a move to England as his previous big money moves to Real Madrid and AC Milan received muted responses from their fans. Having endured a difficult period at Madrid and seen his opportunities diminish at the San Siro, would it be wise for Harry Redknapp to take a gamble on a player who once scored 33 league goals in a season for Ajax?

After representing a number of Dutch sides, Huntelaar made the switch to his boyhood club Ajax in 2006. It was here where his reputation grew from that of exciting young prospect to a prodigious and prolific forward. His goal-scoring record at Ajax drew comparisons with club legend Marco van Basten. He ended his time there with an astonishing return of 105 goals in 128 appearances. His displays enticed the attentions of United and Arsenal but it was Real Madrid who secured his signature for a fee of £20 million. His arrival at the Bernabeu was not greeted with widespread enthusiasm from the fans. The Dutchman did not embody the start of a new generation of galacticos who would drive the club to European glory once more. A return of eight goals in twenty games, all in the latter half of the 2009 season was far from disastrous. Yet in their summer pursuit of Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema et al his place in the Madrid squad could not be salvaged.

Huntelaar made the move from one glamorous, decorated European side to another in summer 2009 as he sealed a 15 million euro switch to AC Milan. He made a sluggish start to his career with the Rossoneri, making his first appearance as a substitute in the Milan derby which his side embarrassingly lost 4-0. Milan’s languid start to last season was emblematic of his too. He finally captured the eye by coming off the bench to score a late brace in a tight away match against Catania to give Milan an important win. His second goal was an exquisite chipped shot from the edge of the box showing his deft finishing ability and composure. It was a finish few strikers are capable of but this match winning performance did not propel him into Leonardo’s starting XI. He continued to acquire more critics than he did goals. His manager clearly preferred to play with one forward and invariably opted for Borriello and even the perennially off-side Inzaghi over Huntelaar. Leonardo had little faith in his ability to perform as a lone striker or link up with another centre forward by drifting out wide. His main attribute is that of predator in the box, able to pounce at the slightest of chances. Whilst imploring the new Milan coach to play with two forwards next season, the club president Silvio Berlusconi said he could not rule out the transfer of Huntelaar.

Could Harry Redknapp revive the fortunes of this forward and give Tottenham an extra dimension next season? A lack of attacking options is not a problem for Spurs but with continued speculation over Keane’s future and the desire to make a special signing, Huntelaar could fit the bill. He has recent Champions League experience and with the support of Bale, Lennon and Modric ample chances would be created for him. In the current climate a big money gamble on the Dutchman may be too much of a risk. Harry Redknapp will have to wheel and deal before ‘The Hunter’ can grace White Hart Lane.

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Following on from what was a monumental challenge for the title in Spain last year, Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of the most illustrious football clubs, must now prepare themselves for the new season, both wary they must search for another gear if they wish to win the chase this year.

The competition between the two has reached epic proportions, increased by the reality that a two horse race has developed in Spain more so now than ever. There is no doubt yt will be one of the two who constitute El Classico that will win the league, no other team in La Liga can compete financially with them and the gap between Barcelona, Madrid, and then the rest of the league, has widened once again.

Barcelona, the current champions, have the psychological edge over their enemy, having successfully defended their crown last year despite Real Madrid ending the campaign on 96 points. In a bid to strengthen they have purchased David Villa, as well as adding greater strength in depth down their left hand side with Adriano joining from Sevilla. However, the contract extension signed by the manager was their greatest triumph of all, a man the players very much love and respect.

Since Josep Guardiola started his reign in Catalonia, his transition from midfield anchor to man manager extraordinaire has also managed to incorporate a historical period of success for the club. Following their Champions League success in 2005/06, the squad were lacking a spark under Frank Rijkaard. Many players had lost their hunger for success, a knock-on effect that Roy Keane felt had manifested in his Man United team following their own treble success in ‘99.

When Guardiola was promoted from Barcelona B coach to the first team, the effect his arrival had on the team cannot be exaggerated; he managed to reinvigorate the changing room. Inspiring players was a talent he always possessed on the pitch, and the adjustment needed to recreate that effect from the sidelines came naturally. This aura, along with his tactical nous, transformed the squad’s fortunes instantaneously. The players greeted his methods with enthusiasm. He explained that in addition to their talents of creativity and possession football, they needed to work harder without the ball, to play at a higher tempo and exert more pressure on their opponents.

In a bid to wrestle the silverware from Barcelona’s firm grip, Real Madrid have hired the services of Jose Mourinho, a man whose desire for victory is only outweighed by his ability to deliver success. Having watched the silver haired assassin accomplish a treble success in Italy, Florentino Perez’s yearning for trophies has resulted in him diverting from his usual policy of appointing a coach he feels he can control, and instead hiring the opinionated and outspoken Portuguese (whose reputation as a winner, rather than an entertainer, precedes him) in hope of lifting silverware come May.

He has inherited a talented Madrid team from Manuel Pellegrini, with the arrivals of another talented winger (Di Maria), a ball winning centre midfielder (Sami Kheidra), and an experienced centre half (Ricardo Carvalho), as well as a couple of young talented youngsters in Pedro Leon and Sergio Canales, the future looks bright at the Bernabeu.

What exactly Mourinho’s plans are for this team are up for debate. Given the success his strictly drilled Inter Milan team achieved, it’s unlikely that he will play the archetypal Real Madrid brand of football. No doubt he will make Cristiano Ronaldo the fulcrum of the team, but whether he looks to keep him out wide or take an opportunity to play him centrally (given Kaka is out for four months) will become clearer soon enough. Last year with Inter Milan, the only two players given the opportunity to attack with real freedom were Sneijder and Milito, so it remains to be seen how adventurous he will be, and how he will incorporate Higuain, Ronaldo, Di Maria and Kaka into his preferred starting eleven.

Mourinho acknowledges the task in front of him. Barcelona are already a talented and balanced unit, who believe in the ethos of their club to play their own particular brand of football. To be capable of usurping Barca’s dominance, Mourinho must transform a slightly younger team than he is accustomed to into champions. Only success will embrace him to the Madrid fans and directors.

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All of this makes for an exciting title race. Though it’s hard to imagine, breaking the 100 point marker may be what is required for either to win the Primera Division this year. And though such a marginalised two horse race is not as competitive as the Premier League, the excitement generated from these two giants engaging in battle should make this season one to remember.

Written By Darren Doherty

Following the shock departure of Ulsterman Martin O’Neill from Aston Villa last week, the club’s chairman Randy Lerner is now actively looking to appoint a new manager at Villa Park. Below Football FanCast looks over the runners and riders in the frame for the job.

25/1- Slaven Bilic, Croatia National Team Coach

West Ham and Everton’s former defender Slaven Bilic has been linked with a plethora of Premier League jobs since masterminding home and away victories over England as the coach of Croatia during the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Bilic’s charm and charisma has seen him drawing comparisons to former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and the young manager would relish the challenge of managing in the enthralling Premier League environment.

Bilic’s appointment would be a favourable one amongst Villa supporters despite his lack of experience outside the international arena. However the 41-year-old may feel obliged to see out his country’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign after failing to guide Croatia to the 2010 World Cup. Bilic previously rejected the chance to take up the manager’s position at former club West Ham earlier this year and therefore is unlikely to accept an offer from Villa.

7/2- Sven Goran Eriksson, Unemployed

Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson is reportedly desperate to return to the Premier League and the Villa job will certainly interest the Swede. Eriksson is the new Terry Venables, being linked with every vacant managerial position that becomes available, most notably with both Liverpool and Fulham over the summer. His availability makes him an appealing candidate for the Midlands club.

While Eriksson is certainly a talented manager, after successful trophy laden spells in Sweden, Italy and Portugal, his reputation in England remains tarnished. The 62-year-old has been hopping from one club to the next since leaving his England post in 2006, pocketing massive pay cheques along the way. The former Manchester City boss’ perceived lack of loyalty remains a disadvantage, as does his much-criticised relaxed style of man management.

On the plus side Eriksson has bags of experience and has a point to prove after previously being booted out of Eastlands by former chairman Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite achieving the joint highest points total in the club’s history and becoming the first manager since 1969-70 to win both derby games against Manchester United in one season, Eriksson was given his marching orders in 2008. Despite his impressive record, Villa fans would treat the potential appointment of Sven with caution.

7/2- Bob Bradley, USA National Team Coach

USA coach Bob Bradley was the early frontrunner and bookmakers’ favourite to replace Martin O’Neill after guiding his country to the second round of the World Cup in South Africa earlier this summer. Owner Lerner is reportedly keen to install his compatriot as the club’s new manager, although reports suggesting Bradley had left his USA post on Friday proved to be unfounded.

Bradley’s contract with the USA runs out at the end of this year and the Americans are keen to extend his deal. However Bradley has his heart set on coaching abroad, saying:

“ I have said over and over that I am always excited about new and different challenges,” said Bradley.

“Certainly coaching in Europe at some point is something that I would love to do.”

The American’s lack of experience managing in Europe and his commitments with the USA count against him however and could ultimately cost him a shot at the Villa job.

Continued on Page TWO

6/4- Kevin McDonald, Caretaker Manager

Liverpool Double winner Kevin McDonald has emerged as a shock contender for the Villa job after stepping in to take charge of The Villains impressive opening day 3-0 victory over West Ham. The Scotsman has been part of the club’s coaching staff since 2003 and also had a spell as Steve Staunton’s assistant with the Republic of Ireland.

McDonald certainly has the backing of the club’s players, with captain Stilian Petrov hoping Villa’s performances in the coming weeks can persuade owner Lerner to offer him the job:

“He has been at the club a long time and has done a great job with the youth and has the opportunity to do it now.

“He showed with the determination, how he prepared us and the way he wants us to play that he wants to hold on to that job and I hope we can help him take that job.”

McDonald may not be the blockbuster name Villa fans are hoping for but his knowledge and experience of the club would be vital following the shock timing of O’Neill’s departure.

2/1- Martin Jol, Ajax

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54-year-old Martin Jol is the club’s No.1 reported target despite the Dutchman knocking back the advances of Fulham earlier this summer. Jol is prepared to leave the Amsterdam Arena should the right offer come along and Villa’s may be tempting.

Jol’s reputation remains high in England after guiding Tottenham to two successive fifth placed finishes before he was harshly sacked at the end of the 2006-07 season. Jol’s future in Holland reportedly rests on the club overcoming Dynamo Kiev in the next fortnight to reach the Champions League. A failure to do so could see Jol quit the club and return to the Premier League as the new manager of Aston Villa.

100/1- Diego Maradona anyone?

No it’s not April Fools’ Day. Amazingly former Argentina manager Diego Maradona has thrown is name into the hat for the vacant post at Villa after declaring his love for the English countryside. El Diego’s spokesman Walter Soriano explained:

“If the owner Randy Lerner wants to make him a serious offer, I’m sure he’d get a very positive response.”

The club’s players would love to have Maradona as their new coach if reports regarding the Argentine legend’s training methods are correct. Maradona prefers to have a light afternoon training session as he rarely gets up before mid-day. Maradona at Villa? Crazier things have happened.

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Some things in life will never change. As they say, the only things in life that are certain are death and tax collectors. What they don’t say, however, that they probably should, is that, whatever you do, wherever you go and whatever your life brings up, Manchester City will always, but always, let you down by shooting themselves in the foot.

I was genuinely worried that, with the investment of Sheikh Mansour and some of the best talent that had signed for the club over this and last summer, the City team would lose touch with their roots and start doing normal, sensible things that normal, sensible football clubs do. I am delighted to see that, especially after the result at The Stadium of Light, my fears were totally unfounded.

How could I possibly have thought that City might have stopped doing stupid things? There had only been two games of the season, but the warning signs were missing… There was a stout, if limited offensively, performance at Tottenham and a dominating and strong performance at home to Liverpool. Two strong teams and two good displays, leading to four points…

Maybe the warning sign of City’s eventual “shoot-yourself-in-the-foot” moment was that there were no warning signs. It’s a new one, I’ll give them that. It’s gone on the list, just after having a player sent off for licking an opponent’s nose and just before being knocked out of the FA Cup by a balloon. And yes, Andy Morrison was once sent off for licking Stan Collymore’s nose.

But missing an open goal, being denied by a world class save, dominating one half before being dominated the other, looking nailed on for a goalless draw, conceding a 94th minute penalty with a needless grapple on a player not likely to reach the cross that had gone into the box and losing doesn’t quite hit the top spot of “shoot-yourself-in-the-foot” moments for City, but it’s right up there with the best of them. Along with losing the replay of a game that was rained off when City were leading 6-1. And being the only club to score over 100 and concede over 100 goals in one season.

It doesn’t quite match up to losing to Bolton, despite having hit the post and bar seven times (twice with the same header) and nor does it compete with losing at home to Middlesbrough, despite the visitors being camped in their own half and not having a single shot on or off target.

You’d think I’d react better to my team throwing away a game in the final minutes, bearing in mind it happened in three of the four Manchester derbies last season. But apparently I still get annoyed… No, frustrated… No, hysterically cheesed off by it. Nevermind, though, because City will stop doing it soon when they start doing normal, sensible things, just like every other normal, sensible club.

What? A boy can dream.

While disappointing, annoying, frustrating and hysterically-cheesed-offing, the defeat at the Stadium of Light isn’t such a terrible turn of events. Chelsea lost away at Wigan, Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham (as well as two defeats to City) last season and they won the title. I don’t think one defeat that, as a City fan, you would have expected as a victory before the game is any cause for concern… after just three matches. There are 105 more points to play for and I would dare to say that no team will win all 105 of them.

It’s not panic stations just yet. It’s not like it’s eight draws in a row, or defeats at teams that end up being relegated, or being knocked out of the cup by a last minute goal to your nearest rivals, or being unable to beat Stoke in three attempts in a month, or losing your first choice goalkeeper with three vital games to go. They are the ingredients for a terrible season, after all. Or maybe not, actually.

I don’t think many people will have expected a Sunderland victory, especially when the game got to half time. But I also don’t think many people would have had Wigan down for winning at White Hart Lane; not after conceding 10 in their opening two games and conceding nine on their last visit to Tottenham. City will lose games most people expect them to win again this season, and Wigan will also lose games most people expect them to lose this season, too. And that wasn’t a typo.

This season, City will play worse than they did at Sunderland and win. They will also concede a last minute goal again in the not too distant future. The season is decided over 38 games, not on three games. I don’t think anybody should be too downhearted until it’s mathematically impossible to win the league/finish fourth/finish sixth/finish in the top half/stay up (delete as appropriate for your personal City ambitions).

And, anyway, City are two points up on the corresponding fixtures from last season. And I’m clutching at straws there, so I guess I should stop there before I mention that Darren Bent’s big toe was offside in penalty incident or that Roberto Mancini was clearly the most stylish and best dressed manager on any touchline this weekend.

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Oh.

Damn it.

Written By David Mooney

In Patrice Evra Manchester United have one of football’s leading left-backs. Since joining the club in 2006 the French international has been the embodiment of a consistent performer. The same, however, cannot be said of their opposite flank where Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Rafael da Silva all compete for the right-back slot. This week Manchester United have been rumoured to be tracking Uruguayan full-back Bruno Montelongo. Sir Alex Ferguson evidently does not have a natural incumbent in that position who is comparable to Evra, but is this tantamount to a dilemma? Rotation is the key phrase which will apply to that position again this year but who can expect to be granted the most playing time?

Neville has been described as a player that could only be loved by his club’s fans. As a tribal, lifelong supporter that label will never trouble the right-back who has had a distinguished career with the Red Devils. The Bury born defender was the natural successor to Paul Parker having graduated from United’s youth academy. The passionate Neville’s influence is arguably greater off the pitch these days, his playing time having been restricted by a succession of ankle injuries. Yet Ferguson once said, “He also showed that quality to return after a year and a half out with injuries.” He sporadically seemed to be rolling back the years last season, particularly at home against Milan when he assisted Wayne Rooney with a perfectly weighted cross.

However the veteran full-back suffered at Goodison Park last season and did not fair much better in that fixture this September. He was outpaced by the lively Steven Pienaar and flustered when the South African moved infield, forcing Neville to make a rash challenge early on. Nani’s back tracking runs were essential to protect the besieged defender. Some have argued that the mantle may therefore fall to another life long United fan in the form of Brown. The 30-year old has retired from international football, presumably in an effort to concentrate on his club performances. He signed his first professional contract in 1996 but has habitually been beset by injury. For instance in the 2008/09 season he did not make the requisite number of appearances to qualify for a League Champions’ medal. Highly versatile, he has featured in central defence but has appeared more contented at right-back. He is proficient in the air and has a good turn of pace but will have to show character to be a regular full-back which he was in the 2007/08 season.

The two most likely candidates to dominate that role this season are the cosmopolitan duo of Ireland’s O’Shea and Brazil’s da Silva. They embody two neatly contrasting styles which is inferably as asset to Ferguson. The Irish international is the more cautious option but he is extremely flexible and willing to play across the defensive line and in midfield. The selfless player initially impressed as a left-back for United, gaining a reputation for athletically rampaging down the wing. O’Shea is a composed, adept passer but has rarely been a regular for the club. His defensive qualities are offset by an apparent lack of speed and a reluctance to make overlapping runs when attacking.

That trait is not found wanting in the game of the young Brazilian, Da Silva. For those who question the team’s inability to name a permanent successor to Neville, this defender is possibly the future. His authority is mounting in the present too, adding a degree of attacking flair to that position. He announced himself emphatically to English football by scoring a last minute volley at the Emirates in 2008. Confidence may not be a predicament but insufficient defensive awareness arguably is. He is strong in the tackle but can be forced to make impulsive decisions when rushing back from offensive positions. In the Champions League quarter final last season he had largely nullified the threat posed by Franck Ribery. But he was sent off for hauling back the Frenchman after having previously kicked out at Mark van Bommel.

The headstrong 20-year old palpably enjoys the confidence of his manager and offers an extra, attacking edge to the right flank. This is especially important after the untimely injury to Antonio Valencia. His defensive intelligence should improve with an extended run of competitive action too. But for the biggest occasions the manager may turn to older and wiser heads. This position may appear like a revolving door but it is currently to United’s benefit.

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney is unlikely to play again until early December.

The 25-year-old, who recently signed a new five-year deal, is struggling with an ankle injury that is proving to be more serious than was initially thought when he sustained it during training on 19 October.

"I think Wayne will be out for another five weeks," Ferguson told the Sunday Express. "He will have to pick up his fitness again. I would think five weeks should be about right."

It had been thought that Rooney would be able to play in the Manchester derby on 10 November, but veteran boss Ferguson said of that prospect: "No chance. Any player who has been out for a few weeks – you want them 100 per cent and not breaking down."

Rooney looks set to miss the Champions League matches in November against Bursaspor and Rangers as well as the Premier League encounters with Wolves, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers.

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He could return to action in the game at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road ground on December 4.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Wayne Rooney has confirmed that he wants to leave Manchester United and expressed his surprise at some of the comments Sir Alex Ferguson made about him on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old England international has also hinted that he is keen to find a new club because he is unsure whether United can challenge for honours in the future.

Rooney, who has already been linked with transfers to Manchester City and Real Madrid, said in a statement:"I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad.

"I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract.

"I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it.

"It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.

"I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?

"For me it's all about winning trophies – as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

"Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18.

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"For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one-off and a genius."

Rooney has been ruled out the Champions League clash with Bursaspor because of an ankle injury.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Courtesy of our friend Tony at his excellent site Gunnersphere website

“My own personal situation isn’t ideal, as everyone knows, and we’ll see what happens over the next couple of months. I want to be playing football and so hopefully something will happen in the New Year. It’s frustrating and I’m not coping very well, to be honest.”

These are the words of Shay Given today after the Irishman hinted that he may have to leave Manchester City this January in order to attain first-team action on a regular basis, and has chosen either Arsenal or Manchester United as his preferred destination…could this be the news all Arsenal fans have been waiting for?

The 34-year-old lost his place to Joe Hart towards the end of last season and has ever since played second fiddle to the 23-year-old Englishman. Given has not made one appearance for City so far this season, and looks to have run out of patience at Eastland’s…no doubt music to our ears hey guys.

The Gunners have really struggled to find a top notch replacement since David Seaman left the club in 2003, mind you; Jens Lehmann did a pretty decent job up until 2008. We currently have two noticeable goalkeepers on our books, Manuel Almunia (33) and Lukasz Fabianski (25), both yet to prove to the fans that they are indeed Arsenal number ones.

Personally, I don’t know why Almunia is still at the club to be honest. A lot of his mistakes cost us a sufficient amount of points last season, and this season the Spaniard hasn’t done any better…I’m really glad to see him out of the team. On the other hand, I must say Fabianski has turned a corner, and has impressed me between the sticks this season. The Polish keeper had a horrid start to his Arsenal career and last season didn’t help his cause either. However this season he has fought back well and grown in confidence which is good to see. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t like him as our keeper, but I have to give credit for his performances so far. He is a great shot-stopper but still needs to work on his positioning and mental attributes. Personally, I hope he can keep his good form going throughout the entire season, but doubt he will. Arsenal also have Wojciech Szczesny (20) within their ranks, but many believe the Pole is the future of the club, not the present.

Taking everything into account, would I welcome Shay Given to Arsenal if Wenger does acquire him this January? You better believe it. The fact is Arsenal needs a good and experienced goalkeeper amongst their squad if they intend to end their trophy drought, and although Fabianski is doing well at the moment, fans (including me) are still sceptical of the Pole.

Other clubs are interested in the Irishman, and if Wenger at least attempted to sign the keeper but was beaten to the punch, then we’ll say fair enough, you tried. However, if the Frenchman doesn’t even attempt to land the City goalkeeper then I (and I’m sure many other Arsenal fans) will be very annoyed. If Arsenal want the chance to lift the Premier League title in May next year, then Wenger must seriously consider the prospect of landing the City keeper at any price this January. Please give the fans what they want this winter Wenger…sign Shay Given.

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West Ham United manager Avram Grant refused to throw in the towel after a 3-0 defeat at Liverpool left his side still propping up the Premier League table.

The Hammers have won just once in 14 league games this term and Grant's position is becoming increasingly under pressure.

However, he said after the loss at Anfield:"I am concentrating on my job. Even now in this situation we can get out of this.

"If I can take West Ham to the place I want to take them, that is what is important. The minute I think I cannot do my job, I will not be here.

"In the past few weeks we played well and we didn't win games we deserved to win.

"But we didn't come into the game in the first half, though in the second I was happy with the response of the players.

"The players looked like they wanted to succeed in this game, but something's not going well. We didn't play well like we did in the last weeks.

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"I think we missed a lot of players who are in good shape, we were without four players who have played well in recent weeks.

"In the last weeks we have performed well, but today we deserved this."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

The winter weather has taken a huge bite in the Premier League programme this weekend, with only the clashes at the Stadium of Light and Ewood Park given the go ahead. Avram Grant believes that his Hammers side can defy history and stay up, despite being bottom of the league at Christmas.

In the papers today there have been a mixed bag of stories which includes a proposed takeover of Manchester United; Toure set to be named City captain, while Pep Guardiola talks up a managerial switch to the Premier League.

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Manchester United set their sights on young Marco Reus – IM Scouting

Hammers can defy history and stay up, declares Grant – Guardian

Ferguson: agents a ‘threat’ – Daily Telegraph

Qatar group plan £1.5bn United takeover – Mirror

Guardiola talks of an England move after his Barcelona days – Daily Mail

Moyes – Pienaar door open – Sky Sports

Arsenal sign Japanese forward Miyaichi – Guardian

Toure set to captain City – Daily Telegraph

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Speak up! Spurs’ Pavlyuchenko told to get himself an English teacher – Daily Mail

Wenger – Almunia has future – Sky Sports

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