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The heat has been turned right up on Manuel Pellegrini.

Manchester City’s disastrous recent run, and most notably their comprehensive defeat against fierce rivals Manchester United, has further thinned the ice supporting the Chilean.

His position began to look even more precarious this week with news from Germany that Jurgen Klopp is to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.

City are well off the pace in the Premier League and out of all other competitions.

Most believe that the 61-year-old is unlikely to be sacked before he can ensure his side limp across the Champions League qualification line, but that this downturn in the club’s fortunes will see them part ways in the summer.

Klopp is now the hot favourite for the role, but Dortmund’s form this season has blemished his record slightly.

Here are three alternatives should the Citizens look elsewhere…

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Pep Guardiola

The dream appointment. Everything he touches seems to turn to silverware.

Pep is the most sought after manager in the world and would represent a huge coup for City should they manage to obtain his services.

The Spaniard has all the right experience and simply ticks all the boxes but has indicated his intention to see out his full Bayern Munich contract which does not expire until 2016.

Director of football at the Etihad Stadium though, is one Txiki Begiristain, a friend from the coach’s Barcelona days.

If he could convince Guardiola to join him, City’s potential in the transfer market would be further enhanced.

Their huge spending power, coupled with the 44-year-old’s reputation, would give them potential to attract the world’s best talent.

Guardiola though, a thoughtful and measured character, will not simply jump at a big salary and bottomless transfer pot like most.

For him only the right people at the right time would represent suitable employers and City might need to consider a longer strategy involving an interim boss if they are serious about Pep.

Diego Simeone

A household name in Manchester since 1998, when he was the ‘victim’ of the kick that saw David Beckham sent off in a World Cup quarter final.

Simeone would represent a slightly easier target than the all conquering Guardiola, but City would still be getting a coach with outstanding credentials.

The former midfielder has enjoyed superb success in La Liga but may now need to leave to give himself a proper opportunity to eclipse the rival powers of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

He has exceeded all expectations but in order to truly dominate domestically and in Europe, a move may be necessary.

The Atletico boss would bring battling qualities which recently seem lacking at the Etihad Stadium along with a proven track record in terms of tactics, passion and motivation.

The Argentine might also be able to play a key role in keeping compatriot and prized asset Sergio Aguero.

The main sticking point in any deal though would be the 44-year-old’s current contract which has him tied to Atletico until 2020.

Ronald Koeman

A less glamorous choice, but one who the champions and their mega-rich owners would be unwise to rule out.

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Koeman’s early managerial record was mediocre at best. But his last two jobs have seen him display all the traits City should be looking for.

He achieved impressive results at Feyenoord and has now done the same in the Premier League with Southampton.

On both occasions the Dutchman seems to have formed his squad into a strong unit, and most remarkably, done it very quickly.

He took over the Saints after a mass clearout of the club’s best players and rapidly produced the goods with a squad assembled form players most people in England had never heard off.

His side play attractive attacking football while boasting the league’s tightest defence.

In the transfer market too, his record since arriving in the Premier league has been excellent, making him a prime candidate to be tasked with recruiting much-needed new blood in Manchester.

Should be hot favourite for manager of the year and would not require the same financial outlay to appoint as either of the other two options.

Football is a strange game sometimes. It’s amazing how the fortunes of one side or one particular individual can take such different directions in just a couple of months. Michael Dawson is the perfect example of that. Think back to last summer, Dawson’s Spurs career looked over with Andre Villas-Boas deeming the defender surplus to requirements.

QPR saw the 29-year-old as the ideal man to plug the leaky hole in their defence and Mark Hughes made a £9 million offer for his services, a bid that was accepted by Tottenham. Hughes fancied combining Dawson and Ricardo Carvalho as a centre back pairing for the R’s and you can wager your bottom dollar that they wouldn’t find themselves in the relegation mire had those moves happened.

Dawson, in fact, chose to stay at White Hart Lane to win over Villas-Boas and prove he was worthy of his first team slot. How he’s done that! The club captain re-established himself in the first team after Christmas and he hasn’t looked back since. Dawson lead Spurs into battle in Basle during their Europa League quarter final, though he was unable to inspire the side to their first European semi final in 29 years after they lost on penalties. However, the league will now be the priority as Dawson looks to rally the troops to help Spurs fire back into action to fight for those all-important Champions League slots.

Hard work was the key for Dawson’s return to the Tottenham side, indeed his discipline in fighting back, consistently putting in the effort on the training ground and keeping himself in Villas-Boas’s attentions is an example that should be noted by every professional footballer. Too many Premier League players throw their toys out of the pram at the first sign of trouble, should they be dropped from the squad or refused a move elsewhere. While QPR battened down the hatches to keep Peter Odemwingie out of Loftus Road in January, they must have been devastated that the portcullis didn’t open in the summer to allow Dawson through, a potential knight in shining armour.

Villas-Boas must have thanked his lucky stars that Dawson chose to stay in North London after the boss lost first choice defender Younes Kaboul to a serious injury. The Frenchman was expected to form a centre back partnership with new signing Jan Vertonghen with William Gallas and Steven Caulker providing alternative options, though Dawson has now slotted in alongside the Belgian as Tottenham’s trusty defensive rock.

Roy Hodgson was so impressed with Dawson’s form, he wasted no time in handing the defender a recall to the international scene, though his last cap came in a World Cup qualifier back in 2011 against Wales. He missed out through injury in the end, but many fancied the Spurs defender to make the first team considering Hodgson’s injury crisis in Montenegro. From being on the verge of a move to lowly QPR to an England return, that’s almost Lazarus standards.

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The fact remains that Dawson has shown nothing but dedication and consistency ever since his switch to White Hart Lane from Nottingham Forest in 2005. He’s played 28 times in all competitions this season and Villas-Boas must wish his players showed the same fight and desire that Dawson has displayed in 2012/13. Spurs are in danger of producing their usual end of season slump that would cost them dear again. They need to roll up their sleeves and start winning again, so expect Dawson to be at the forefront of a late season surge of form.

Written by Tom Mordey.

Tottenham Hotspur failed to win in the English Premier League on Tuesday night, drawing 1-1 away to Brighton & Hove Albion.Given the Seagulls had failed to in five heading into the clash with Spurs, who had only been beaten by Man City recently, many expected last night’s clash to be a comfortable one for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.However, despite taking the lead through Harry Kane, they had to leave Brighton happy with a point after Serge Aurier conceded a penalty which was promptly converted.Fans were left disappointed with the result and overall performance, singling out Aurier for particular criticism after that mistake in the penalty box.[ad_pod ]Many have now had enough with the former PSG man, believing he simply isn’t good enough to play for Spurs as they aim to consistently be towards the top end of the Premier League table.Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his display…

Having only returned from Derby over January to make a handful of outings for Liverpool, the fact fans are happy to see Jordon Ibe back in the starting XI from an injury lay-off really does sum up the club’s lack of attacking options. The 19-year-old shone prior to his fitness issues, and without him the Reds haven’t been quite the same team.

However, his increasing importance has been reflected this evening, with Brendan Rodgers having pushed him straight back into his starting team upon his return. Some faith he’s showing in the starlet.

Pacey, direct and good for a goal – he netted a few for the Rams – Ibe is a promsing player, and fans of the Reds are certainly excited to see him back in, what looks like, an attacking three with Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling. Here’s the best reactions to the news from Twitter…

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Kevin de Bruyne is currently at the best place he can be – away from Chelsea. It’s not a needless swipe at the Blues, but it does help that the Belgian has played in all of Werder Bremen’s league games this season. With both the player and Chelsea seemingly in the dark over his future, what should the European champions do with the midfielder?

I wouldn’t want to paint a picture that suggests de Bruyne has found his level. As of now, he’s performing well in a decent Bundesliga side with two other young players in attack. However, that’s not to say de Bruyne won’t improve significantly in the coming seasons: he will, provided, of course, he remains on a similar path.

The German side play a good attacking game, with Marko Arnautovic operating on one flank and on-loan forward Nils Petersen spearheading the attack. Incidentally, Petersen, who joined from Bayern last summer, is in a similar situation of needing regular first-team football, which he was certain to miss at the Allianz Arena this season.

It’s a great display of his talent that de Bruyne has scored six and assisted eight in his first full season in one of Europe’s top leagues. The pressure is off at Bremen. And despite the club hovering close to the relegation spots, it’s far more comforting for Chelsea to know that his development is on track and that he is a key part of Thomas Schaaf’s team.

Let’s make no mistake about it: whatever happens to Werder Bremen this season, there will be teams after de Bruyne in the summer. He’s a promising talent with plenty of upside to his game. Does he fit the mould of Chelsea’s current attack? Considering Bremen play with a near-reckless reliance on attack, the Belgian should be well prepared to link up with players like Juan Mata and Eden Hazard.

But does that mean he should? Marko Marin, despite having a few years on de Bruyne, is a good example, as well as Romelu Lukaku. The latter has rarely been spoken of during talk of Chelsea’s solution to the Fernando Torres problem, and Marin can’t get a look in now that the club were able to put their European cup to good use in the transfer market.

It’s noticeably similar stories, in fact. Both Marin and de Bruyne were picked up well before the summer transfer window. Hazard was off the table and seemingly on his way to any Premier League club above Chelsea in the league table, and Marin was brought in to get the ball rolling ahead of an unusual summer. In many ways, Chelsea winning the Champions League was the worst thing that could have happened to Marin, and now de Bruyne too is feeling the effects of limited opportunities.

The other issue moving forward is that de Bruyne doesn’t promise that same level of excitement in the way signings like Mata and Hazard did. He’s talented of course, but arriving without the reputation of others, including other youngsters, could hamper his development at Stamford Bridge. It’s important to note that the player has come a long way this season since January 2012, and the fact that Chelsea is not too sure at this stage should offer the best indication for their intentions this summer.

Even with performances that haven’t always lived up to expectation this season, Hazard is a sure-fire starter ahead of de Bruyne at Chelsea. Bringing Juan Mata into the discussion isn’t even necessary. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be an asset. Victor Moses provides a lot, yet he was always prepared for what awaited him at Stamford Bridge following his spell with Wigan. Yes, it would be ideal for Chelsea to find a temporary suitor for De Bruyne in the Premier League, and as mentioned there is certain to be a long list of clubs keen on his services.

Yet it’s a case of out of sight, out of mind. The only player currently out on loan from Chelsea who raises legitimate questions about next season is Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper is one of the very best youngsters in his position in Europe. He’s won trophies with Atletico, and the La Liga club are more than interested to hang onto him. De Bruyne just does not force that level of interest and excitement.

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Due to his reputation and comparably low transfer fee, it might not be totally inaccurate to assume de Bruyne doesn’t have a lengthy career at Stamford Bridge, despite what he can bring to the team. The positive, however, would be that Chelsea offer the player plenty of assurances that he does have a future with the club and that he can play an integral role in the coming years.

But even with the somewhat erratic nature of Chelsea’s transfer business, history dictates that the Belgian midfielder would be best served finding a permanent home elsewhere. The interference from Roman Abramovich with regards to how a manager uses his squad will also play against de Bruyne. A manager with full control of the team could bring the best out of the youngster, but like many managers in the past, ‘failing’ as a young player at Chelsea isn’t really a mark on your talents or future prospects.

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Writing in his column for The Evening Times, former Celtic striker John Hartson believes current captain Scott Brown can play for another half decade despite the fact he is about to turn 33 this summer.

What’s the story?

Brown was again in imperious form against Rangers on Sunday, dominating the midfield alongside Olivier Ntcham and showing he is more than up for the physical challenge that Scottish football offers.

Now, Celtic hero Hartson believes the captain can shine at the Bhoys for years to come.

Writing for The Evening Times, the BT Sport pundit said:

Scott Brown can play for the next four or five years at the top level.

The guy is a fitness fanatic, he is in the best shape of his life and we are seeing a player who is at the peak of his powers right now.

He dominated that game for Celtic on Sunday at Hampden and there was no-one from Rangers who could get near him. Celtic have a couple of guys like Brown who have character and leadership whereas there was just no evidence of that from Rangers.

Can Brown continue to show he is the top dog in Scotland as the club march towards a hallowed ten league titles in a row?

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How long does he have left?

Brown has been at Celtic for so long that this year he is set to be honoured with a testimonial in May, the proceeds of which will go to charity and the family of the late Liam Miller.

He’s been a fantastic servant for the club, winning an incredible 14 major trophies, 11 of which have been lifted when captain of the side.

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Closing in on 500 appearances in total though, Hartson is right, he’s rarely looked as good battling for the Celtic midfield as he does right now and appears to have put the injury problems that blighted his career behind him.

He never tires, plays almost every game to 100% commitment levels and is the beating heart of Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side. He is definitely a player that can continue for years to come, barring major injury.

Having lost Luis Suarez to Barcelona in the summer, things were looking bleak for Liverpool as the Anfield side struggled to replicate last term’s extraordinary form in the first half of this season.

With Mario Balotelli and a host of other summer signings seemingly not fitting the bill, the Reds exited the Champions League after several underwhelming performances, and were off the pace in the battle for the Premier League’s top four.

However, Liverpool have looked like a new team of late and are right back in Champions League qualification contention after an impressive run of form. Sunday’s 2-1 victory over champions Manchester City was reminiscent of the devastating attacking play that captured the imagination last term and the Reds are now a much more daunting proposition.

Despite a number of the side’s key players stepping up of late, the major credit for the Merseyside outfit’s revival must lie with manager Brendan Rodgers.

Under extreme pressure in the first half of the campaign, the Northern Irish coach has made some brave decisions that have reaped rewards – here are THREE of his best:

A change in formation to get best out of players

With Liverpool clearly not playing to their potential, Rodgers opted to switch to a back three in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Despite the scoreline and defeat to the Reds’ rivals, signs were there that the Merseyside outfit were more comfortable in his bespoke 3-4-2-1 system.

Since that game in Manchester, Rodgers’ side have gone on a winning streak, are more solid at the back, and most importantly; have got the best out of the supreme attacking talent in their squad. Credit where it is due – since the change in formation Liverpool’s season has been rejuvenated.

Recalling Jordon Ibe

Following the success of Raheem Sterling in breaking into the starting XI, Jordon Ibe has been touted as the next homegrown hero to make the breakthrough. This season the youngster was farmed out to Derby County, with common logic indicating that regular first-team football would prepare the winger for Premier League action next season.

However, with right wing-back being the only area where the club lacked comprehensive options, Rodgers recognised Ibe’s development and brought him back to Merseyside early. Rodgers recognised the fact that the youngster was ready to star in the Liverpool side and it’s a decision that has paid dividends already.

Moving Can to centre-half

When Germany under-21 star Emre Can was brought to Anfield, the former Bayer Leverkusen star was being lined up as a potential replacement for Steven Gerrard, and another option for Rodgers in the centre of the park. However, with the switch to a three man defence, Can has been deployed in a deeper role – a move which so far has proved to be a masterstroke.

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Not only has the German looked assured as a defender, but his range of passing and confidence on the ball means that Can has started Liverpool attacks from deep. When he steps out of defence in possession it also pulls members of the opposition out of position to deal with his threat, which creates space for the Reds.

In the long run Can may well be seen as a sweeper or defensive general, but Rodgers must be given the kudos for getting the best from the cultured and versatile German.

QPR’s great escape is well and truly on after their 2-1 win at Southampton took them within just four points from safety.

Harry Redknapp and the QPR faithful may now believe the miracle can happen after they were pretty much written off as relegated at Christmas.

Sunderland let a two goal lead slip at home to Fulham last weekend and they won’t want to pass up the opportunity to bounce back against the division’s basement club and the chance to create a nine point gap between them and the Premier League’s bottom three.

Here’s how the sides will line-up today:

QPR: Green, Bosingwa, Samba, Hill, Fabio, Townsend, Park, Mbia, Hoilett, Zamora, Remy.

Subs: Murphy, Wright-Phillips, Mackie, Granero, Onuoha, Jenas, Bothroyd.

Sunderland: Mignolet, N’Diaye, Larsson, Gardner, Graham, Colback, O’Shea, Bramble, Johnson, Fletcher, Sessegnon.

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Subs: Bardsley, Rose, Kilgallon, Vaughan, Mangane, Cuellar, Westwood.

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Tottenham Hotspur will look to cement their top-four spot in the Premier League and increase the gap between them and fifth-place Chelsea when they face the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Four straight top flight wins have launched the north London outfit into the Champions League qualification spots, with a 4-1 win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium previously coming despite the fact that they fell 1-0 behind and lost star man Harry Kane to injury in the first half.

The success kept them in fourth position and five points above their opponents this weekend, and they will be hoping to stretch that advantage to eight points with a win in west London, and they will be determined to do so given how they were knocked out Europe’s elite club competition at the last 16 stage by Juventus last month.

Tottenham’s form on the road is certainly one of the reasons why they find themselves where they are – only runaway leaders Manchester City have accrued more than their total of 27 points on their travels this season.

However, the odds are against them when it comes to picking up three points against Antonio Conte’s men when you consider that the last time they won at Stamford Bridge in a league match was in 1990 – two years before the inauguration of the Premier League – while they have only taken one point from a possible 12 on their last four top flight visits there.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino stuck with his trusted 4-2-3-1 system in the 3-0 win against Swansea City in the FA Cup last time out but chose to rest a number of players, and he will be thinking about making more alterations to his XI for this derby in the capital.

Here is how Tottenham must line up against Chelsea, ahead of Hugo Lloris in goal…

Pochettino went with a back five of Michel Vorm, Kieran Trippier, Davinson Sanchez, Jan Vertonghen and Ben Davies, and he should only be making one change against Chelsea.

Hugo Lloris, who made our combined XI of the two clubs ahead of Thibaut Courtois, must come back in between the sticks at Stamford Bridge, while Trippier and Davies must start ahead of Serge Aurier and Danny Rose respectively after establishing themselves as the club’s preferred full-back pairing in the Premier League.

Toby Alderweireld will also be fighting for a spot in the XI after playing 90 minutes for Belgium in their 4-0 friendly win against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, but the failed contract negotiations between him and the club is likely to mean he finds starts hard to come by between now and the end of the campaign unless injury strikes.

Pochettino went with a central midfield duo of Eric Dier and Moussa Sissoko at the Liberty Stadium last time out, with Mousa Dembele rested on the substitutes’ bench and Victor Wanyama not being risked at all by being left out of the 18 altogether.

However, it should be all change in that area at Stamford Bridge with Dembele partnering Wanyama in the middle of the park, with the latter marshalling the back four and trying to ensure that the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian don’t have too much of a say in proceedings.

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With Harry Kane facing a late fitness test that will likely only give him a place on the substitutes’ bench if he passes it – which Spurs fans are hoping is the case – Pochettino has some decisions to make as to who will be his front four at Stamford Bridge.

Son Heung-Min got the nod over Fernando Llorente up top against Swansea and with seven goals in the club’s last five matches he must start against Antonio Conte’s men as well.

Behind him, Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela both made the XI in south Wales with Dele Alli rested on the bench, but Pochettino should bring the England international back into the side against the Blues, and he should be joined by Christian Eriksen while Lamela should start over Lucas after scoring at the Liberty Stadium.

Do you agree, Spurs fans? Let us know below.

The footballing equivalent of those dreaded celebrity gossip magazines that quote ‘inside sources’ on Kim Kardashian’s alleged argument with her postman, the British tabloids’ constant spewing of fact-less transfer rumours rarely produces a true story.

But every now and then, the odd rumour comes to the surface that appears to have some weight behind it, providing you’re prepared to read between the lines.

And we may be amid the Premier League’s silly season, with the January window now upon us, but there’s a few stories involving Manchester United this month that might actually materialise into something genuine.

Just to prove it, here’s FIVE we at Football Fancast are tipping to be the real McCoy.

VICTOR VALDES

This deal appears to be all but officially confirmed; former Barcelona No.1 Victor Valdes has been training with Manchester United since October and reports this morning claim they’re on the verge of agreeing an eighteen month contract with the Spain international.

The 32 year-old left the Nou Camp during the summer, boasting six La Liga titles, three Champions League titles and five Zamora Trophies (Spain’s goalkeeper of the year award) from his eleven campaigns as the Catalan outfit’s first choice keeper.

Since without a club, there’s no fee involved, and Valdes is seen by many as the ideal understudy to the ever-improving David De Gea.

MATS HUMMELS

A transfer saga that just won’t go away, Manchester United launched several bids for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels during the summer and are expected to follow up their interest this January.

The Red Devils’ desperate need for an established, top-quality centre-half is no secret, with Louis van Gaal forced to depend upon academy centre-back duo Tyler Blackett and Patrick McNair on a combined 17 occasions already this season, out of a possible 20 in the Premier League.

A World Cup winner, famed for his blend of aerial dominance, anticipatory defending and a Franz Beckenbauer-esque ability to join or instigate attacks, the German international fits the bill perfectly.

The 25 year-old denounced United’s interest during the summer, instead accepting the club captaincy at Westfalen. But with the Black-Yellows now joint-bottom of the Bundesliga table after an unprecedented slump in form, Hummels may be reconsidering his options this January.

Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari claimed earlier this week that the Red Devils have already made another offer for the Bundesliga star, and even if this deal doesn’t happen by the end of the month, it will more than likely take place in the summer.

RON VLAAR

Failing that, don’t be too surprised if the Red Devils seek a cheaper alternative in Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.

The 29 year-old may not be the most talented defender to ever grace Old Trafford but his experience and dependability should bring a new sense of calmness to the chaotic heart of Manchester United’s defence.

Furthermore, the Netherlands international looked like a world-beater under Louis van Gaal’s direction at Brazil 2014, especially as the central figure in a back three – a system the United boss has found himself reverting back to on countless occasions this term.

Most interestingly of all, Vlaar’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and unless new terms are agreed by the end of the month, Villa will be forced to sell. Speculation this afternoon, courtesy of The Express, claims United are already testing the waters with a £1.5million offer.

KEVIN STROOTMAN

Another transfer target that will be of no secret to Manchester United fans, Louis van Gaal practically admitted his interest in Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman back in July, and had it not been for a World Cup-ending knee injury, he would likely have arrived at Old Trafford during the summer.

The Red Devils desperately need a midfield enforcer and van Gaal knows Strootman well, having worked closely with the 24 year-old through the Oranje set up over the last few years and even issued him the captain’s armband on occasion.

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Referred to as the Dutch Roy Keane and unique in his authoritarian-yet-progressive style, in short, a feast of feisty tackles and goals, the Roma star seems like a natural fit for United.

The only real issue is one of price-tag. Having only moved to the Stadio Olympico 18 months ago, Roma appear in no mood to sell and have rated Strootman as highly as £79million in the past.

DARREN FLETCHER

As reported by the Daily Mail, amongst others, in November, the current transfer window could bring an abrupt end to Darren Fletcher’s Manchester United career.

The Scotland international’s commitment remains undoubted and he has seen a fair bit of action this season – 365 minutes in the Premier League to be precise. But he’s not been the same player since his unfortunate illness and has often looked out of his depth over the last 18 months.

There are reports of interest from Hull City and with his contract entering it’s final six months, the timing feels right for the 30 year-old to move on. He was replaced as vice-captain by Michael Carrick back in December.

Whether his departure takes place this month or in the summer however, will likely depend on United securing another central midfielder first.