Schalke have warned Arsenal and Liverpool that striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will not be leaving the club in January.
The Premier League duo have been strongly linked with the Dutch hit-man, who could be available a bargain rate in the New Year.
Huntelaar’s current deal with the Bundesliga outfit is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning that he may well leave the club for free.
It has been rumoured that Schalke are willing to cash in this January, with a fee in the region of £4m being much more attractive than the prospect of losing their star attacker for nothing next summer.
However, the club’s general manager Horst Heldt has hit back at speculation, insisting that, as far he is concerned, Huntelaar is not leaving:
“These stories are nothing more than rumours.” he is quoted by The Metro.
“As of today, I have not heard anything from any club.”
The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with Liverpool, who have sent scouts to watch him on numerous occasions. The Reds are in the market for a prolific goal scorer and Huntelaar’s record of 42 strikes in 70 appearances is thought to have tempted them.
Arsenal are also interested, with manager Arsene Wenger keen to improve his squad for domestic and continental campaigns.
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The Dutchman has played for the likes of Real Madrid, Ajax, AC Milan and PSV Eindhoven and won 59 caps at international level.
The FootballFanCast.com Advent Calendar reaches day 21 and gives you the chance to win a Miscellany book of your choice. Whether you’re a supporter of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United or Tottenham Hotspur, we have a book for you!The fully revised and updated 2012 edition of the Miscellany book is essential reading for fans of each of the above clubs. With its extensive array of facts, feats and anecdotes to chew over, this labour of love is the perfect Christmas present for the football fan in your life – young or old.Fancy winning a Miscellany book?
The winners will be announced tomorrow, when we will also be unveiling our prize for Day 22. Don’t forget to come back to FootballFanCast.com then!
Saturday’s F.A Cup game against Preston North End was not only a great chance to advance to the 4th round, but it saw KJ give a chance to a few players on their last chance at the Den. The likes of Shaun Batt, Dany N’Guessan, and to some extent, Liam Feeney were able to have a run out.
N’Guessan has come back into the fold over the last few weeks, but he seems to be a very inconsistent player. When we played Bristol City, he scored a great goal and went off to a standing ovation, whereas against Preston he was shocking. KJ seems to think he can make a decent Championship player out of him, but the fans think otherwise.
Whereas Shaun Batt, let’s be honest here, didn’t look good enough at all. He’s got the passion and never stops trying, but isn’t really good enough to be starting at Championship level. In my opinion, he’ll either be kept to be a “super sub” with his pace in the last 10 minutes of matches, or he’ll be gone by February 1st.
And finally Liam Feeney, at some points last season he was considered our best player, what a transformation to this season. He looks so low on confidence. He is also the latest Millwall boo-boy, but if you watch him you can understand why. Every time on the wing he gets the ball it’s the same old story, couple of step-overs, doesn’t beat the man, cleared.
He doesn’t bother to track back, seems very lazy, with Chris Taylor out injured he seems to be the best option on the left wing, well either him or Scott Malone, and some of the Lions faithful have made up their minds on Malone…
This may have been a cup game against lower league opposition, but we made it so hard on ourselves. Yes the first half was controlled by the Lions and they could have been three or four goals up, but the 2nd half, was the worst half performance I have seen this season. It was painful to watch, but nonetheless we are through.
This time last week the Lions were expected to sign two strikers, a week later and no-one has come through the doors. Aaron McLean was set to sign from Hull on loan, but they didn’t want to loan him to a ‘rival’ so he joined Ipswich. Simon Church was also on the radar but his wage demands are too high, back to the drawing board….
Despite the setbacks, Jackett will bring in the players needed to keep us high in the table, but it may be more Premier League loans rather than permanent players, but this has worked out for ‘Wall in the past, with the likes of Andros Townsend and Harry Kane signing on loan in the January window, an interesting and hopefully busy month ahead….
Lions fans.
What are your thoughts on the recent performances of N’Guessan, Feeney and Batt?
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce may be in more hot water as he has publicly criticised the FA for fining him this week.
Allardyce was furious with referee Phil Dowd after West Ham’s game at Old Trafford last month in which his side should have had a penalty.
Dowd gave Manchester United a spot kick for a harsh handball just minutes after the Hammers were denied a penalty for a far clearer incident in an FA Cup replay that West Ham went on to lose 1-0.
Allardyce was fined £8,000 and warned about future conduct this week by the FA for comments he made at the final whistle at Old Trafford along the lines of Manchester United get the decisions at Old Trafford and the opposition don’t.
The Hammers boss is still clearly upset by the FA’s punishment and has claimed that he was only speaking the truth and after representing his case to the panel, he was still found guilty anyway.
“For me I spoke the truth, so if you like I have been fined for speaking the truth, but there you go, we move on,” Allardyce told London24.
“What I had to do was present my case and give it to the panel and make sure they understood what I meant and there was no doubt I meant nothing other than the influence that happens at the big arenas that happens to everyone when you go there.”
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“Those influences can make people make decisions that are right or wrong, not just Phil Dowd but players and you as a manager.”
On 8th January 2010 rebels who had been fighting for the region’s independence shot the Togo national team’s bus at the African Cup of Nations. Injuring several squad players and killing the bus driver, this was an example of politics and football clashing in tragic circumstances.
When talking about politics and football it can often bring yawns around a table, fortunately football politics is not about the next match David Cameron will be attending. Of late there has been more involvement of politics in football than ever before and more topically racism, fascism and the seemingly never-ending Sepp Blatter leadership at FIFA.
Over the last decade there has been a large rise in action against racism, not because there has been an increase in racism but because action has finally been taken in greater severity. This is no surprise with the way society has changed and a demand for equality has been called for.
Clubs with fans chanting racial abuse have been punished with fines, bad publicity and in the case of Mario Balotelli’s racial abuse from Juventus fans, handed a one match home fan ban. Balotelli was subjected to further racial abuse from a Stoke fan, who was then banned for three years. Action was taken here politically from both FIFA and The FA, however in the case of Zenit Saint Petersburg action has gone somewhat missing. After two incidents of banana throwing against Roberto Carlos in 2011, Zenit’s official fan group released a manifesto demanding the club exclude all non-white and homosexual players from the club’s roster. The club did respond stating they do not hold archaic views and recruit talented individuals no matter what the demographic. It is clear however, that there needs to be political guidance in a situation like this. Further action has to be taken in order to establish a state of equality, something that should be taken seriously.
FIFA is an organisation which is solely run under an umbrella of politics and caused controversy recently with Qatar successfully winning the role as hosts of the 2022 World Cup. Two FIFA members were accused of accepting bribes for the Qatari bid and these allegations were tabled by Lord Triesman of the English FA. An internal inquiry is ongoing and political debate surrounding the Qatar bid is still current. Due to the country’s severe weather conditions a winter World Cup has been hinted at, a decision that could cause further controversy. Given FIFA’s track record of long decision making which we have seen with goal line technology, it could be a while before we know if we have our first winter World Cup or not.
Very recently Paolo Di Canio caused a media frenzy by not answering whether or not he was a fascist. The newly named Sunderland boss once said he was a fascist not a racist. Di Canio has since distanced himself from his political ideologies stating that he’d rather be judged on his skills as a manager and performances from the team. A correct move from Di Canio, this is a time where both he and Sunderland are very excited for the future. Not a time where something that happened a long time ago should be brought up so seriously.
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All of the cases mentioned are different ways in which politics and football mix. Politics has a way of drawing a large amount of negativity from football, but in truth without it, football wouldn’t have order. Political issues such as racism, homophobia and fascism should always be taken seriously, and should be dealt with in similar accordance. As much as football is the beautiful game, behind the scenes there can be an ugly truth.
Atletico Madrid are planning a summer move for out-of-favour Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, according to reports from talkSPORT.
The Mexican hit-man has managed just 15 Premier League appearances this term, with Robin van Persie’s summer arrival limiting his first-team opportunities.
This has led to speculation that he could move on at the end of the season, alerting Atletico Madrid.
The Spaniards are preparing for the loss of star forward Radamel Falcao, who is a £50m target for Chelsea, and see Hernandez as the ideal man to fill the void if he does leave.
It’s believed that they are willing to pay £15m for the 24-year-old, which may tempt United, who are keen to bring in Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski for a similar figure.
Despite only making six league starts this term, Chicharito has managed an impressive eight goals, illustrating his lethal edge.
But, the likes of van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck have all made it into Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting XI on more occasions, causing Hernandez to question his future at Old Trafford.
His infrequent playing time comes as somewhat of a surprise, following an impressive spell in England since his 2010 arrival from Chivas Guadalajara.
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Atletico could offer him Champions League football, and a greater chance of first-team action.
Newcastle could have midfielder Cheick Tiote (hamstring) back for this crucial clash. Papiss Cisse is expected to start upfront despite needing treatment for a rib injury in France. Fabricio Coloccini (back) has returned to training but the Magpies captain is short of match fitness.
Luis Suarez begins the first of his 10-match suspension for biting Branislav Ivanovic last week. Daniel Sturridge is expected to replace the Uruguayan up front. With attacking options thin on the ground Fabio Borini may also be included in the squad despite only returning to training this week from a dislocated shoulder that has kept him out since February.
What the managers said…
“When criticism comes at a big football club like this, you have to be big enough and bold enough to deal with it. Whether you’re the manager, the player, the chief executive or the chairman, it comes with the territory. I’ve got absolutely no problem with that. There’s only one way to deal with it and that’s through performances.” Alan Pardew says Newcastle will take any criticism on the chin (Telegraph Sport)
“We are shocked and bitterly disappointed. It is the severity of the ban, which has hurt most. That is something we are bitterly disappointed with. I can only compare it with similar incidents we have had. We have had two incidents of this type of scenario, both in 2006. “One player received no ban and continued to be chosen by the FA as part of the England squad. The second player received a five-game ban. As you can imagine whenever Luis Suarez receives a 10-match ban it is very difficult for us to understand and even more so for him.” Brendan Rodgers reveals his anger at the FA’s decision to ban Luis Suarez for 10-matches (BBC Sport)
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Pre-match Statistic: Liverpool have managed just two clean sheets in 18 Premier League trips to St James’ Park.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Liverpool
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Manchester City have suffered a setback in their attempt to sign Alvaro Negredo, with the Spanish striker claiming he is happy at Sevilla, according to the Daily Mail.
It seemed the 27-year-old was on his way out of the La Liga club following the news they had signed Colombian forward Carlos Bacca as a possible replacement. Manchester City looked strong contenders for his signature, with new City boss Manuel Pellegrini confirming the club were in the market for new strikers.
But the man who finished as the top scoring Spaniard in La Liga last season with 25 goals, has said he is happy at Sevilla, although he is refusing to rule anything out.
“Right now I’m at Sevilla and I like it very much. If I stay then that will be fine, but if I leave then it will be because it benefits both the club and myself,” Negredo said.
“I’m happy on a personal level but collectively we have not achieved the goals we wanted.
“Now perhaps I am at a decisive moment for my future.”
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Sevilla appeared to be preparing for life without their top striker after announcing the signing of Carlos Bacca earlier this week. The Colombian arrived from Belgian side Club Brugge, for which he fired 27 goals last season.
Having spent the end of last season watching Aston Villa play from the bench, sharp shooter Darren Bent is now back in-shape and on the pitch, this time for Fulham. FootballFanCast.com caught up with Darren, who was speaking at the launch of the Battlefield 4 Beta, this week to reflect on his time at Villa, moving to Fulham and the team’s performance so far this season, the World Cup and his thoughts on his new teammates!
Fulham is the sixth club you’ve played for – do you have a favourite?
I’ve enjoyed my time everywhere but I certainly have a close affinity with Ipswich town, just because I came from the system there. They are the ones that gave me the platform to grow, to live my dream and to play football on a regular basis professionally. Ipswich is the one that sits closest me, closely followed by Charlton just because they gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League. So definitely Ipswich, then Charlton is a close second.
On the back of recent results – what is the mood like in the changing room?
The boys are all still fine. We know that we’re in a sticky situation but we’re all still fine.
Do you think you can turn it around?
Of course we can turn it around. The main thing is that we start to win games and look at some of the results and the performances because we have played well. I’m sure once we start to win games and goals start flying, we’ll be fine.
You’ve recently come back from injury – how hard is it to get back on form on the pitch?
It’s difficult. You can do all the training you like off the pitch but when it come to playing games you’re never fit enough. The only way you can get match fit is by playing matches. When I was injured for a little while because of my ankle I was still doing hard sessions every day, the first time I came back I was out of breath after ten minutes, just because you can’t get that match sharpness back without playing matches.
Martin Jol has described you and Berbatov as ‘the weapons’ – would you agree?
Yes, I would like to think that in time our partnership will really gel and we will start to do really well and win games. A partnership takes time. It started to show in the game against Arsenal, where my first goal for Fulham came. With time it will start to work.
Berbatov comes across very cool on the pitch – is he as cool off the pitch?
Yes, he’s quite suave. He comes in with jackets on, trouser shoes, shirts nice and fresh and drives a nice car. So yes, I’d say he’s quite cool, always got nice shades on. He looks like Bulgarian mafia!
It was clear from the outside that towards the end of last season your relationship with Paul Lambert had broken down – is there anything looking back now that you would do differently?
I can’t really remember one specific incident where I did something and then everything changed. I just went from one minute being all involved, to not being at all. If I could put my finger on it and why that happened then I’d do it. He’s moved on and Villa is doing well and have got some good results. I’m at Fulham now and once we find our way, we’ll be doing the same as well.
Next summer is the World Cup – do you still think you’re in with a chance?
You’d like to think so. If I have been playing well for Fulham, then there’s no reason why I can’t be involved. For me it’s just a case of not even thinking about it, just playing well at Fulham and concentrating on that, because if I play well at Fulham then I will always be in contention.
Is there one defining match in your career that stands out?
One game, which will always stick in my head, is when Sunderland played Spurs at Stadium of Light. I left Tottenham on not great terms with the way it ended and with the spotlight on me, and when we played them for the first time at White Lane I missed a penalty, and Tottenham fans were all over me, jeering. But then, when we played them at home, I scored after 30 seconds and then a minute later I scored again! That game really sits in my mind as one I was most happy with.
What are your personal aspirations for this season? Is there a goal tally?
I never put myself under pressure and set goal tallies. My aim is to play as much football as possible and play as well as I can and hopefully Fulham will do as well as they can and it will be a really good season.
Now, for a bit about your teammates… Who’s the longest in the shower?
I would probably say Derek Boateng.
Who’s the funniest?
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Steven Sidwell is the biggest joker, he’s always cracking joke, or Adel Taarabt. They’re the funniest I would say.
Worst dancer?
I’m going to say Taarabt again because when I’m mucking around joking and singing in the changing room, he’ll be there dancing and it’s horrendous. Definitely Taarabt – one hundred percent.
Finally, who’s the biggest moaner?
Berbatov. By far he’s the biggest moaner about everything.
Darren Bent was speaking at the launch of the Battlefield 4 Beta, available to download NOW on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or PC from Xbox Live, PSN and Origin. Watch the trailer for the Beta version of the ever popular first person shooter series here
Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan has distanced himself with talk of a January move away from Villa Park, as reported by Sky Sports.
The American stopper was released by Villa back in 2012 but new boss Paul Lambert asked him to come back to the club and the 29 year old is now the established number one for the Villians.
Arsenal have been credited with serious interest in Guzan ahead of the January transfer window but Manchester City have also been linked.
Guzan signed a new four year deal over the summer and the impressive ‘keeper is adamant that he wants to stay at Villa Park to repay the faith shown in him by Lambert and the fans.
“Aston Villa, they’ve stuck by me, especially the manager, [Paul Lambert],” said Guzan.
“It’s always nice when you’re linked with other teams, but for me, I’m very happy at Aston Villa.”
“He’s given me a chance to play consistent football in Europe. It’s always nice when you’re linked with other teams, but for me, I’m very happy at Aston Villa.”
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