Thursday's Transfer Rumours!

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Will Manchester United lose Wayne Rooney to PSG? Here is this week's transfer rumours!


Arsenal and Manchester United are both planning a bid for Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium


Alex Ferguson is hoping that a breakdown in contract talks between Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid will force him out of Spain and back to Old Trafford (Daily Star) - Probability: Low

Chelsea want Luke Shaw to join the Blues in the summer as a replacement for Ashley Cole (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Wayne Rooney is on Paris Saint Germain's shopping list (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Brendan Rodgers was in Rotterdam on Sunday to see the Holland star Stefan de Vrij (The Sun) - Probability: High

Real Madrid is ready to make a £70m summer move for Tottenham's Bale (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium

If Gareth Bale leaves the club this summer, Tottenham have lined up Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann as a replacement (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium

Samir Nasri can leave City for Monaco in the summer (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium





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The Wednesday Update - 27 February 2013

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Aston Villa and Newcastle are really struggling with injuries. What is the situation on your favorite team?










ASTON VILLA

Injuries: 8

Aston Villa's injury list just seems to become longer and longer. Marc Albrighton, Chris Herd and Darren Bent are all out with injuries. However, the latter is rated doubtful for the match against Manchester City. The same matters for goalkeeper Shay Given and defender Ron Vlar. Meanwhile, there is no return date of Richard Dunne and Stilian Petrov while Gary Gardner will return from his knee injury in May.

Bans: 0

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Injuries: 7

Tim Krul is out with an ankle injury while both Ryan Taylor and Harris Vuckic are sidelined with their knee injuries. Hatem Ben Arfa has been out with a hamstring injury and Steve Harper with a bad knee, but they are both rated doubtful for the Swansea match. The same matters for Yohan Cabaye and Fabricio Coloccini.

Bans: 0

FULHAM FC

Injuries: 5

The Lilywhites are still without Mahamadou Diarra due to his knee injury, as well as Neil Etheridge and Kerim Frei. Both Eyoung Enoh and Kieran Richardson are in lack of match fitness and doubtful for the Sunderland match.

Bans: 0

WEST HAM UNITED

Injuries: 5

Daniel Potts is still reported being out with a head injury while four players are rated doubtful. Mark Noble has been out with a shoulder injury while Kevin Nolan was subbed of with a knock against Tottenham. James Tomkins has been out with an illness and George McCartney has been sidelined with a knee injury.

Bans: 0

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Injuries: 5

Wigan's Albert Crusat, Ben Watson and Michael Pollitt, are all out for an unknown time. Iván Ramis is set to return from his knee injury in October while Ryo Miyachi can be in play for the weekend.

Bans: 0

LIVERPOOL FC

Injuries: 4

Liverpool is hit hard in the defends before the weekends match against Wigan. John Flanagan and Martin Kelly are both sidelined with knee injuries while Martin Skrtel is out with a thigh injury. Fabio Borini was subbed off during the Swansea match on the 17/2 with a shoulder dislocation and is out for a couple of weeks.

Bans: 0

MANCHESTER UNITED

Injuries: 4

Manchester United's Phil Jones and Paul Scholes are both returning to the training ground this week but is probably not ready for the weekend. Robin van Persie is doubtful due to a hip injury while Darren Fletcher is out due to his Ulcerative Colitis condition.

Bans: 0

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Injuries: 4

Esteban Granero was subbed of against Manchester United with a knock. He is doubtful for the Southampton match along with Bobby Zamora. Hogan Ephraim is out with a hamstring injury while Andy Johnson returning from his knee injury in March.

Bans: 0

ARSENAL

Injuries: 3

Kieran Gibbs is sidelined for the North London derby along with Bacary Sagna. Meanwhile, Diaby might just get ready for the match following his thigh injury.

Bans: 0

CHELSEA FC

Injuries: 3

The Pensioners is still without Oriol Romeu due to his knee injury. Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta has been out with a leg injury and Gary Cahill has been struggling with a virus. Both of them is rated doubtful for the match against West Brom.

Bans: 0

MANCHESTER CITY

Injuries: 3

Gareth Barry is rated doubtful after receiving a knock a couple of weeks ago. The same matters for Vincent Kompany returning from his calf injury. Meanwhile, Micah Richards is still sidelined due to his knee injury.

Bans: 0

NORWICH CITY

Injuries: 3

Andrew Surman is out with a knee injury while Alexander Tettey is recovering from a knock. John Ruddy is struggling with a thigh injury and will return late March.

Bans: 0

SUNDERLAND AFC

Injuries: 3

The Black Cats will have to do with out Wes Brown for a bit further due to his knee injury. Danny Rose is also sidelined while Lee Cattermole is rated doubtful for the Fulham match this week.

Bans: 0

SWANSEA CITY

Injuries: 3

The newly League Cup Winners will have to do without three players against Newcastle. Chico and Neil Taylor are both out without ankle injuries while Darnel Situ is sidelined with an achilles injury.

Bans: 0

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Injuries: 3

Jermain Defoe is rated highly doubtful for the North London derby while Tom Huddlestone is closer to a comeback. One player that will not be playing is Sandro due to his knee injury.

Bans: 0

EVERTON FC

Injuries: 2

Victor Anichebe has been out due to a knock but is in play for the weekends match against Reading. Tony Hibbert, on the other hand, is still struggling with his calf injury and will not be available. 

Bans: 0

READING FC

Injuries: 2

The Royals is without Alex McCarthy and Jason Roberts for the Everton match.

Bans: 1

Pavel Pogrebnyak is serving a 3 match ban after receiving a red card for serious foul play last week.

SOUTHAMPTON FC

Injuries: 2

Guilherme Do Prado is close to a comeback following his knee injury but is very doubtful for the weekend. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is more likely to play after recovering from a knock.

Bans: 0

STOKE CITY

Injuries: 2

Matthew Etherington and the veteran Michael Owen are both doubtful for the West Ham match this week.

Bans: 1

Robert Huth is serving a three match ban for violent conduct in relation to an incident with Fulham's Philippe Senderos on 23/2

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Injuries: 2

West Bromwich Albion is with out the two knee injured players Zoltán Gera and George Thorne.

Bans: 1

Goran Popov is serving a three match ban.
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Real Swansea City?

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Michael Laudrup continued his impressing season in Swansea, bringing the League Cup Trophy to Swansea. The Dane has a history of leaving clubs faster than a Mario Balotelli can get a booking; is he leaving Wales?

Laudrup is a legend in European football, and a legend will always be surrounded by rumours. Latest, Laudrup was on his way to Real Madrid, then Manchester City but Wales seems to be the place for the Dane.

Despite having a history of changing between European clubs, the Swansea manager has already said that he is ready to sign a new contract with the Welsh club. The latest results show that Swansea play style and Laudrup's name are a great mix that might get far. However, a lot needs to happen before the Welsh will be found in top three of the Premier League.

The question is if the manager will get an offer he cannot refuse. Manchester City and Real Madrid might be able to give the Laudrup free hands to buy who ever he wants. However, the pressure on the two teams might just be too much for the Dane. Furthermore, in Swansea Laudrup has the board's confidence and he will have to screw up big time to lose his seat in Wales.

The League Cup was Laudrup's first big trophy since leaving Brøndby in 2006, and he will be thirsty for more. At the moment,  Swansea is the place for Laudrup and here he has the impact he wants to have; latest bringing in Morten Wieghorts to the staff. The next season will be even more interesting than this as Laudrup will have to show that this was not just a  one time performance. Then, we can talk about Manchester City and Real Madrid.
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Matchof the Week: Tottenham Hotspur - Arsenal

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Gareth Bale has added fuel to the fire of the North London rivalry, saying Spurs has overtaken Arsenals role in the Premier League. The weekend's derby will show if it is true.

Premier League Round 38
White Hart Lane
03-03-2013 @ 16.00 UK

How are the two teams form?

Tottenham is currently positioned 4 in the Premier League, 1 point ahead of Arsenal (Before tonight's match against West Ham). Spurs has played a good season so far and is unbeaten in their last 10 matches. Furthermore, that are still playing in the Europa League where they will meet Inter next. The club's top scorer is Gareth Bale with so far 13 goals.

Arsenal has yet played  a disappointing season but are unbeaten in the last 5 matches, in the Premier League. However, a loss to Blackburn in the FA Cup and a unfortunate result against Bayern Munich has left Arsenal with nothing silverware to fight for. At the moment,  they are 5 in the Premier League and will do what they can to end higher than the rivals from Tottenham.

What is the probable starting XI?

Both Jermain Defoe and Tom Huddlestone are doubtful for the match while Sandro and Younes Kaboul both are sidelined. Meanwhile, Arsenal is without both backs Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna.

Lloris

Walker - Davis - Vertonghen -  Assou-Ekotto

Lennon - Parker - Dembélé - Bale

Holtby

Adebayor
_________________________________________

Giroud

Cazorla

Podolski - Wilshere - Arteta - Walcott

Monreal - Mertesacker - Vermaelen - Monreal

Szczesny

What to expect from this match?

The North London derby has always been a fierce match and which I also expect this match to be. Arsenal, and especially Wenger, has to win this match to keep the fans off their backs, and they will go into the derby with the believe in doing so. Furthermore, Arsenal has won the last two matches with an 10-4 goalscorer. However, this time it might end with a Spurs victory for the simply reason that they are in better form.

We will see a fierce battle between the two North London teams, and both teams will stand for some attacking football. At the moment,  Spurs seems stronger than Arsenal, and I believe they will bring home a small 2-1 victory.

What are the odds?

BetVictor gives a 7/5 back on a Tottenham victory while an Arsenal victory gives a 12/5 at StanJames. Should the two teams play a draw Betfair gives a 37/45.
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Keep an eye on: Torbjørn Billeskov

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  • Name: Torbjørn Billeskov
  • Age: 18 (09-03-1995)
  • Position: Striker
  • Club: Brøndby IF
  • National caps:
    • Denmark U18: 
      • 2 matches
      • 0 goals
  • Value: Unknown

It has gone fast for this week's talent; in one  year, he has joined Brøndby from Nordvest FC and this week he had his debut on the Danish U18 national team. The talent of the week is Torbjørn Billeskov.

Billeskov was not one of the many talents scouted by Brøndby, nay the striker contacted the club himself. He got one week to impress the coaching staff. Today, Torbjørn Billeskov is the topscorer for the U19's with 8 goals this season, and more to come.

Brøndby coach Peter Foldgast is full of superlatives when describing his striker:

“He is a very quiet guy. He works 100 per cent in every match also defensive and is really helping his teammates; a real team player. Outside the pitch he is a very quiet guy with the need of waving his arms around,”

And added, “He don’t take that extra dribble, when he gets the chance he shoots, and that is a quality.”

The first year in Brøndby has brought a double to Billeskov, winning both the U17 League and Cup in Denmark. This week he played his two first national matches for Denmark, when the U18's met Island in Farum.

“It was something I had dreamt about for a long time; it has been a target since I started in Brøndby,” Billeskov says.

The first matches in the national shirt have given Billeskov a taste for more, and he believes that he will be a part of the Danish youth teams in the future. Nils Nielsen, Manager for the Danish U18 team  assures that if Billeskov can keep scoring goals, he will be interesting.

“To be honest Torbjørn is one of a kind; there is no one compared to him. He is a very special type, an old fashioned centre forward who is here to score goals,” Nielsen says.

Billeskov is still waiting for his chance to train with the Superliga squad. However, Brøndby is currently in an economic crisis and may end up selling some of the profiles. This can push Torbjørn Billeskov into the senior squad, and the striker is aware of it:

“If they can’t afford the expensive players, they have to use some of us instead.”

However, while Peter Foldgast sees  potential in the striker, he believes that Billeskov will be a part of the youth team for at least a couple of years. So far, Billeskov is settling with matches for the reserves until he will be ready to take the next step. One thing is for sure:

“I will like to stay in Brøndby for a couple of years and play some Superliga,” Billeskov says.






 


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The Friday Five: 5 must read biographies

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Bored between the matches? Great Dane Football Blog gives you five book worth reading!







5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic: I Am Zlatan

Zlatan Imbrahimovic is a man with a big ego, and his autobiography is all about it. The book takes us through his entire career, from the youth in Malmö to the bench in Barcelona. Furthermore, Zlatan deliveres some great quotes bout people around him. One of them is about his time in Barcelona:

‘Messi, Xavi and Iniesta always obeyed without protest. They were like schoolboys. I am not like that. I couldn’t be myself.’


4. Keane: The Autobiography

Roy Keane. Saying the name makes your shake a bit. The autobiography is certainly worth reading as you get a full picture of the man or the beast if you like. Roy Keane has always been known for his hard attitude, and it shines through in this book. The autobiography cost Keane a £150,000 for admitting that he intended to hurt Alf-Inge Håland:

'I'd waited long enough. I fucking hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you cunt. And don't ever stand over me sneering about fake injuries.'


3. Gazza: My Story

Since his debut for Newcastle United, Gazza has been the centre of attention. The midfielder was a warrior on the picth, and made it hard for anyone to stop him. However, this book take you through the lowdowns of his career as well as his mental health problems, alcoholism and family disputes.

"...he had been drinking three bottles a day.." I couldn't see further than a bottle of whisky. I wanted to die. I really wanted to just die"..The Paul Gascoigne who sits in front of me today has not had a drink for a year. And he feels much better for it."

2. A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke

What makes a successful goalkeeper jump in front of a train? Teresa Enke, the widow of Robert Enke is trying to explain this in A Life Too Short. The book gives an stunning view on the pressure professional footballers are under and how they keep their problems for themselves. This time it ended in a devastating suicide. One of the strongest and most moving football books on the market.

"In our achievement-oriented society a goalkeeper, the last bastion in defence, can’t be a depressive. So Robert summoned up a huge amount of strength to keep his depression secret. He locked himself away in his illness.”

1. I Am The Secret Footballer: Lifting the Lid on the Beautiful Game

The Secret footballer is surrounded by mystic. No one knows whom he is, but he knows all about life as a Premier League player. The writer contributes to The Guardian with articles about money, managers, WAGS etc. The writer has even gotten his own website where fans tries to find out whom he is. Now he has published a book that should be well worth reading!



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Thursday's Transfer Rumours

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Premier League goalkeepers are on the block this week! Here are the transfer rumours!

Arsene Wenger is ready to add more power to his squad this summer, and is eyeing up Liverpool's Pepe Reina, Marseille's Nicolas N'Koulou, Toulouse's Etienne Capoue and Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Pepe Reina is not the only keeper linked with Arsenal; the Gunners are also considering a £10m move for Victor Valdes (The Sun) - Probability: Low

Furthermore, Simon Mignolet, Asmir Begovic and Michael Worm have also been scouted (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

Meanwhile, Liverpool are targeting Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi (Daily Mail) - Probability: Low

Newcastle will face competition from Chelsea in the hunt for Sainr-Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Goal.com) - Probability: Medium

According to his agent, Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amoerebiet is negotiating contract with Arsenal (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Borussia Dortmund is eyeing Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko as replacement for Robert Lewandowski (The Sun) - Probability: High

Dani Alveshas encouraged Barcelona to sign Jack Wilshere from Arsenal (Daily Telegraph) - Probability: Low

Roberto Martinez is hoping to add Levante winger Nabil El Zhar to his Wigan squad (The Mirror) - Probability: High


Chelsea are ready to land £10m Hamburg striker Heung-Min Son and grow their commercial profile in Asia (Metro) - Probability: Low

Arsenal will make a summer move for Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

Manchester City is also looking to add a German player to the squad; Dortmund star Marco Reus. Furthermore, Seville's Jesus Navas can be the next Spaniard in City (Daily Star) - Probability: Medium

Wigan defender Maynor Figuero has decided to join West Ham in the summer (Daily Mail) - Probability: High











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The Wednesday Update - 20 February 2013

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The international match break has been good to the Premier League clubs. What is the status at your favorite club?

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Injuries: 7

There are still doubts about Antolin Alcaraz, Ryo Miyachi and Emmerson Boyce for the match against Reading. Meanwhile, Ben Watson is finally set to return for training with Wigan, but will still be unavailable until he is back in fitness. There is still no return date of Michael Pollitt and Albert Crusat struggling with thigh and knee injuries respectively. Iván Ramis is set to return in October 2013.

Bans: 0

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Injuries: 6

Newcastle is still struggling with injuries ahead of the Southampton match this weekend. Hatem Ben Arfa and Sam Ameobi are doubtful due to hamstring injuries while Yoan Gouffran picked up a shin injury against Tottenham. However, the French might be ready for the weekend. There is currently no return date for the ankle injured Dan Gosling while Taylor can return late March. Harris Vuckic, however, is out for the season.

Bans: 0


ASTON VILLA

Injuries: 5

The Lions can hope to have both Marc Albrighton and Chris Herd back from their foot injuries for the match against Arsenal. Meanwhile, there is no return date of Richard Dunne and Stilian Petrov while Gary Gardner is sidelined for the rest of the season. 

Bans: 0

FULHAM FC

Injuries: 4

Enoh Ejong is ready to play for Fulham after his injury and long period in lack of match fitness. Meanwhile, there is no return date of Mahamadou Diarra (Knee), Neil Etheridge (Leg) and Kerim Frei (Groin).

Bans: 0

MANCHESTER CITY

Injuries: 4

Gareth Barry and Javi Garcia are both rated doubtful for the weekend, due to a knock. Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany finally seems to be able to return for training and will only be out for a couple of weeks more. Micah Richards, who sustained a calf injury against Stoke in January is sidelined until March.

Bans: 0

SOUTHAMPTON FC

Injuries: 4
Guilherme Do Prado and Fonte are close to a comeback while Gastón Ramírez and Luke Shaw are rated doubtful against Newcastle.

Bans: 0




TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS

Injuries: 4

Tottenham is still without the striker Jermain Defoe as well as the defender Younes Kaboul. However, both of them are set to return next week. Sandro is still sidelined for an unknown time while Tom Huddlestone is rated doubtful for the weekend.

Bans: 0

WEST HAM UNITED

Injuries: 4

West Ham's James Collins and Joey O'Brein are rated doubtful for the weekend while there is no return date of Daniel Potts and George McCarthy.

Bans: 0

LIVERPOOL FC

Injuries: 3

Fabio Borini was subbed off last weekend against Swansea with a dislocated shoulder and is out for the next week. The same matters for the two knee injured players John Flanagan and Martin Kelly; both sidelined for an unknown time.

Bans: 0

MANCHESTER UNITED

Injuries: 3

Darren Fletcher is definitely out for the rest of the season due to his Ulcerative Colitis condition. Paul Scholes is also sidelined with a knee injury until early March while Phil Jones can return this weekend.

Bans: 0

NORWICH CITY

Injuries: 3

Benett and Pilkington are both close to a comeback, but it still doubtful for the match against Everton. John Ruddy is still sidelined with a thigh injury for an unknown time.

Bans: 0

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Injuries: 3

Hogan Ephraim and Adam Johnson are both sidelined with no return date while Remy Loïc is doubtful for the weekend.

Bans: 0

SUNDERLAND AFC

Injuries: 3

Sunderland's Wes Brown is out with a knee injury and not available for the match against West Bromwich Albion. Danny Rose was subbed off with a hamstring injury against Arsenal and is rated doubtful for this weekend. The same matters for James McClean.

Bans: 0

SWANSEA CITY

Injuries: 3

Defender Chico is out with an ankle injury while the Welsh also are missing Daniel Sity and Niel Taylor for the next match.

Bans: 0

EVERTON FC

Injuries: 2

Everton is without Tony Hibbert, suffering from a calf injury while Victor Anichebe is doubtful due to a knock.

Bans: 0


READING FC

Injuries: 2

Alex McCarthy is sidelined with a shoulder injury while Jason Roberts is struggling with his hip.

Bans: 0

STOKE CITY

Injuries: 2

The Potters is hoping to have both Brek Shea and Marc Wilson back for the match against Fulham.

Bans: 0

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Injuries: 2

Both Zoltán Gera and George Thorne are out with knee injuries.

Bans: 1

Goran Popov is serving a three match ban.

ARSENAL

Injuries: 1

The Gunners have cut down their injury list to a single player; Kieran Gibbs. The wingback is out with thigh injury and will return early March.

Bans: 0

CHELSEA FC

Injuries: 1

The Pensioners are without Oriol Romeu do to his knee injury.


Bans: 0
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