Future Stars - Yann M'Vila

If like most football fans you keep an eye on the rumour mill, which seems to get crazier by the day, then the name Yann M'Vila won't have escaped your attention. Stade Rennes' 20-year-old defensive midfielder is making a name for himself in his native France, and could be charged with being one of the few to bring an ailing national team back it's best.

A whole host of European clubs are believed to have taken a look, Liverpool, Manchester United and the Milan's though are the names that are popping up most frequently. That's quite a list of admirers, so let's take a closer look at the young man.

After starting his career at Sains-Saint-Fussien where he stayed for three years, M'Vila had future stints at Ameins SC and Mantes before making his way to Rennes. After five years in the youth set up he made the step up to the seniors, and it was a match made in heaven. He became a key member of the squad in his debut season, and hasn't looked back. This season M'Vila has been key in Rennes charge up the table, where they are still in the hunt for a maiden Ligue 1 title.

Nationally representations have being earned all the way from the France under 16s side, all the way through to the seniors. Raymond Domenech chose to axe the midfielder from his initial 30 man World Cup squad, but in the new Laurent Blanc reign he is becoming somewhat of a mainstay. His hard working nature ensures he performs greatly in his defensive midfield role, but he isn't restricted to just this role. In addition to cutting out moves and passing expertly, he is comfortable going forward with thee ball at his feet.

It is clear to see why clubs are queuing up to take him, but it will no doubt take a huge offer to convince his club to part with such a key member of their squad. One thing though is for sure, will be hearing the name Yann M'Vila for many years to come.

Big week for Manchester City and Mancini

Manchester City face one of the biggest weeks of their season, with an away trip to Liverpool followed by the FA Cup semi-final. Although an away Premier League tie might not seem all too important, especially in semis week, just take a look at the Premiership table and you'll soon see why it is.

At this time Tottenham lie three points behind City in the battle for a Champions League spot. This time round it is the northerners who look in pole position, with Harry Redknapps men beating the blues to fourth last year with victory on their own Eastlands pitch.

It would of course be very tempting for Roberto Mancini to rest players tonight, considering the injury crisis facing Kenny Daglish and his defeat last time out at West Bromwich Albion. In addition to the fixture list which seems in City's favour, they have to play Liverpool while Redknapps men have both Arsenal and Chelsea coming up before they travel to Eastlands in May.

Resting players though would be a grave mistake, a victory at Anfield could breathe huge confidence through the squad before Saturday. City players shouldn't need a pick me up for a Wembley date with rivals Manchester United, but there's nothing wrong with added confidence. A win tonight would also give them a six point cushion, with Spurs having a game in hand against their bitter North London rivals Arsenal.

City fans though are quite rightfully looking past tonight and ahead to Saturday, to a game that could be huge for both clubs. United fans take pride in informing City how long it's been since they last laid their hands on silverware, while the Red Devils are in the hunt for a treble.

After the huge amounts lavished to Mancini a trophy coupled with Champions League qualification must be the least expected. And in all honesty, no disrespect to Stoke or Bolton, but whoever comes out on top on between Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson will see their sides installed as huge favourites for the final.

We are very near the curtain call of the 2010/11 season, and this week could ensure it is a memorable one for the blue half of Manchester.

Fernando Torres showing promise for Chelsea

Since his unprecedented £50m move from Anfield to Stamford Bridge, Fernando Torres hasn't exactly set the world alight with sparkling performances. Indeed the sulky stroppy Spaniard who was on display for much of the season in the northwest appears to have travelled to London. As much as we have heard how much happier he is at Chelsea, and how the dressing room is cheerier, on pitch displays haven't reflected this.

It has also been mooted how it has been well over a year since he showed top form for Liverpool, with people also doubting if he would regain that peak he once reached. On Wednesday's evidence though, things are definitely improving. Despite ultimately ending up on the losing end, his movement, link up play and overall desire seemed back. Even if that final yard of pace was still awry.

At Liverpool, and largely for Atletico Madrid, Torres was the main man. For large periods playing as a lone striker, whilst also being the biggest fish in the pond. Chelsea though is different, he is a big fish amongst other big fish. And that lone striker role he thrived under, could be a thing of the past. With a strike force that also contains Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, who have performed better of late, it is unlikely Carlo Ancelotti will drop them both on a regular basis.

Against Manchester United he once again caused problems for a defence, at times. Off the ball runs were much better, whilst the quick feet and trickery we are all too used too also seemed back. Add this to a shot off the post, and a header expertly saved by Edwin Van Der Sar and the signs look good.

It was always well wide of the mark to suggest he wouldn't get some form back, but if he improves on this the summit of the scoring charts could await next season. Especially if the planned spending spree at Chelsea goes ahead, service and support could be much better. It was all a matter of adapting, and on last nights display it seems to be going well.

Transfer flops: Steve Marlet

Arriving at Craven Cottage on the crest of a wave back in 2001, Steve Marlet was somewhat seen as the marquee signing to take Fulham to the next level.

Some years, millions of pounds and a court case later, and the French winger is remembered as one of the biggest Premier League flops.

After starting out at amateur French side Red Star in 1991, he made the step up to the big time with Auxerre after five years at the club.

At this point Marlet's career seeming to be heading in the right direction, with a switch to Lyon materialising in 2000.

The Premier League came knocking a year later, and Les Gones sold up after only a season.

Jean Tignan, then manager, paid £11.5 to secure the signing and expectation began to rise.

In fours year at Craven Cottage however Marley only mustered just over half a century of appearances, and a handful of goals.

There was also a loan spell at Marseille during this time, lasting two seasons.

In 2005 his nightmare in England came to and end and he signed for Wolfsburg, but for Tigana the nightmare was just beginning.

After some expensive, and terrible, signings Fulham chairman Mohammed Al Fayed became suspicious of who was now his former manager.

The millionaire started proceeding against Tignana claiming he was pocketing a share of transfers, hence the large fees shelled out.

Courts however found in favour of the former manager, who after a brief break slipped over to Europe to continue his managerial career.

Marlet however slipped into obscurity, he managed just one season in Germany before joining Lorient back in his native France.

One solitary season later and he was back on his way, taking a few years out of the game.

After a few unsuccessful trails he Marlet found his way back to the amateur leagues, plying his trade for CM Aubervilliers.