Could Ajax Duo be Heading to the Premiership?

The Dutch club is revered worldwide for the undoubted quality that has come through what seems like the revolving door of its academy.

Marco Van Basten, Patrick Kluivert, Frank Rijkaard and the mercurial Johan Cryuff are just some of the household names that we can thank the Dutch club for introducing to the world.

Now it seems two of the new breed could be set for moves away, but could their destination be England and the Premier League?

Long Term

Christian Eriksen has reportedly been a long-term target for many an English club, one particular example being Manchester United, who are again being mooted as a potential destination .

The playmaker turned down a proposal from neighbours Manchester City last summer, but as the Sunday Mirror is reporting, two clubs have already opened talks with his club this year.

One of those is reportedly Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg, but the 20-year-old has previously spoken of his desire to join either Barcelona or Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Possessing a speed in spotting openings and quick decision making it is no doubt this creativity that stands out as a primary attribute, but could this ensure he is a success in England should he arrive?

Balancing

Despite having already sold Jan Vertonghen to Tottenham Hotspur, it is thought that Ajax still have to sell to balance the books.

This has led Vernon Anita to continue to be linked away from the reigning Eredivisie champions.

It is Newcastle United who are believed to be leading the race to secure his signature, having been mentioned in the same breath for some time.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Anita's agent Harry Lulofs said: “There is serious interest from Newcastle. A move to the Premier League is so tempting for him. We have to resolve the situation quickly.”

The player himself added: "I’ve two years left on my contract. But I want some clarity from Ajax about my ­future. We are having a meeting with Marc ­Overmars, the club’s new sporting director, to get a clear view of what the club wants.”

Would the man who is equally adept at left-back and defensive midfield be a good addition at the Sports Direct Arena?

Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: Who'll Rule in La Liga Next Season?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo form one the greatest rivalries and sub-plots in world football today.  The enigma's of their respective sides, scorers of simply obscene goals and record breakers to boot.  Since Ronaldo swapped Manchester for Madrid in 2009 the footballing world have been obsessed with comparing the two.

It's human nature.

Who is the best goal scorer? Who should win the next Ballon d'or? And so on and so forth.

The Portuguese hit-man secured his first La Liga title last term, with Jose Mourinho stealing the edge on his old employers who have welcomed Tito Vilanova into the managerial helm after Pep Guardiola stepped aside.

Of the two biggest sides in football today though, who will steal the show in La Liga next season?

Stats

Let's start by establishing the story of the last three seasons, which culminated in the Barcelona Monopoly being broken as their bitter rivals became the first team to ever break the 100-point barrier.

The Argentine so far winning the La Liga title battle 2-1 though.

In terms of goals and assists it is also Messi that comes out on top, outscoring Ronaldo 115-112 since the 2009/10 season and assisting 43 goals compared to 29.

Last season alone the pair both broke the all time La Liga scoring record, a phenomenal achievement in itself.  But it was again the Barcelona man who outscored his Real Madrid counterpart 50 to 46, securing the Pichichi Trophy, and got more assists with 15 against 12, in one game less.

Verdict

Many attributes between the pair are remarkably similar, but there are of course some crucial differences.

Ronaldo is undoubtedly the more physical player and has more strength and tricks, but while Messi concedes fewer tricks his tremendous ball control is cut above anyone worldwide.  In addition he is far more robust under the challenge, has a better temperament and is a much better team player.

Ronaldo is the machine and Messi is the magician, essential cogs from which their sides revolve.

Crucially though. it is the Argentine that exerts more influence, in more games for longer, and herein lies the decision.