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?

Transfer flops: Bebe

The unknown Portuguese winger whipped up a storm of speculation when he signed for Manchester United last year.  Who was this person who it's rumoured Sir Alex Ferguson had never seen play? Was it true that he was offered around Europe for next to nothing? And did he really play in the Homeless World Cup?

Well allow Sports Portal to clear up these little dilemmas.  At the unveiling of his new signing, Ferguson did indeed admit that he had never witnessed the prodigy play or even seen a video.  With other European big guns circling United were positive they had to act quickly, the Red Devils boss said at the time (to the Daily Mail): 

"I didn't see any videos of him, it's the first time. Normally, as in the case of Javier (Hernandez) and Chris (Smalling), I saw plenty of video footage of them.
"You've got to trust your staff at times and our scout in Portugal was adamant we must do something quickly.
"So were one or two other clubs and that's where you have to make quick decisions in life and I'm not too bad about that. I also spoke to Carlos Queiroz (his former assistant at United and now Iran coach) about him.
"Sometimes you have to go on an instinct, you look at material. You look at their age and whether they're bringing pace, balance, desire to play and things like that."

The Homeless World Cup debacle is a thing of fiction, after it was proven that he played for partner organisation CAIS.  He did compete at The European Street Football Festival in 2009 for this partner project, but you can dispel any other rumours.  As for point number two, we'll get to that soon.

Following stints at amateur sides Bebe was signed by Estrela Da Amadora in the summer of 2009, where he was widely regarded as the finest player on their books.  However financial problems took their toll on the side, and subsequently he was offered around Europe for as little as £125,000.  No takers come forward though, with PSV Eindhoven saying they rejected the chance to take the youngster on a free as they didn't know anything about him.

Vitoria Guimaraes eventually signed the player, after cash flow problems worsened at Estrela Da Amadora.  From here on in, it must have seemed like a fairytale.  A glittering pre-season earned the interest of English Champions Manchester United, who eagerly snapped up their man for an undisclosed fee (thought to be around £7.4m).  After his short stint at Guimaraes, where he stayed around five weeks only, he failed to live up to expectations in the Premier League.

Following some very abject performances in his first season, including a poor display at home to non-league Crawley town, he was farmed out on the loan at the start of the 2011/12 campaign.  Besiktas was the destination where it was hoped he could turn in some stellar performances, and return to the North-West rejuvenated ready to fight for a starting place.  However a cruciate ligament injury has ruled him out for at least six months, so it could be a while yet before we see if he really has what it takes to make it at the top level.

Manchester United

After over taking close rivals Liverpool with 19 Premier League titles last season, confidence is at an all time high on the red half of Manchester. Chelsea and their City rivals will be their closest challengers this time round, but it is hard to look past Sir Alex Ferguson's men clinching their 20th title this time round.

Goalkeeper

Long term target David De Gea has arrived to take over from the now retired Edwin Van Der Sar. The Dutchman has been a terrific servant to many sides, and shone in his later years at Old Trafford. Anders Lindegaard came in in January as back up, but the big problem here is that there could be one too many keepers on the books.

Defence

Another area in which this side is ridiculously strong, and more bodies have added even more depth. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will be the first choice, injuries providing that is. Chris Smalling and new boy Phil Jones provide very adequate back up though, and could well be the future England partnership.

Midfield

WIth Paul Scholes retiring the rumour mill is in over drive about a replacement, with Wesley Sneijder the name cropping up more than most. However despite this, the Midfield is still strong with steel and creativity in abundance. With Ashley Young their is now another dimension added, and depth is certainly here for all to see.

Forwards


Wayne Rooney will once again be the focal point of this sides attacking intent, but after his excellent debut season Javier Hernandez will be expected to perform to that level once again. Dimitar Berbatov could have to seek pastures new if he wants regular first team football, and that highlights even more strength in this team.

Manager

Everyone knows the successes that the Scot has had, and nothing knew can be said about this man that has not already been said. The pressure will certainly be on the next man in the hot seat when he eventually steps aside.

Areas to Strengthen

On the outset this side looks complete, plenty of depth with experience and young talent blended. Sneijder could well be the final piece of the jigsaw, and would be a huge hit in the Premiership with this side.

Expectations

Another League title will be the least of the expectations places upon Manchester United this season. A good showing in Europe, and maybe avenging last seasons final defeat would be desired but it is hard to look beyond Barcelona.

Odds

13/8 (Sky Bet)

Players in

David De Gea £20m (Atletico Madrid) Ashley Young £15m (Aston Villa) Phil Jones £17m (Blackburn Rovers) Pierluigi Gollini free (Fiorentina)

Players out

John O'Shea undisclosed (Sunderland) Wes Brown undisclosed (Sunderland) Gabriel Obertan undisclosed (Newcastle United) Joe Dudgeon undisclosed (Hull CIty) Nicky Ajose undisclosed (Peterborough)  Ryan Tunnicliffe and Scott Wootton loan (Peterborough) Conor Devlin, Owen Hargreaves (all released) Bebe loan (Besiktas) Ritchie De Laet loan (Norwich City) Oliver Norwood loan (Peterborough United) Danny Drinkwater loan (Barnsley)

United victory could have huge consequences

Yesterday's victory for Manchester United over Chelsea could have a big rippling effect on both sides. The Londoners must now be resigned to a season without a single trophy making it's way into the Stamford Bridge cabinet. A scenario that over the last few weeks we have learned won't please big spending owner Roman Abramovich one bit. Carlo Ancelotti could be on his last legs, despite last seasons double, and a summer of huge spending could be on the cards. Despite January's £70m+ spree.

In the northwest however, Manchester United are on the verge of greatness. Barring a huge collapse Sir Alex Ferguson has achieved his goal with a 19th league title, knocking neighbours and rivals Liverpool off that perch. Something Red Devils fans were ecstatic about as the exited Old Trafford following that 2-1 win.

Despite this massive achievement though, the biggest test is still to come. On Saturday May 28th at Wembley they will come up against the side thought to be the best in the world, Barcelona. A team who are just one point away from securing another league title themselves, and a team for whom Lionel Messi hasn't stopped scoring all season long. Pep Guardiola has led the praise for the soon to be English Champions, but knows he faces one hell of a challenge. If they go into the game fearing the Spaniards United will be obliterated, however if they take the game to them and give no space a double can certainly be achieved.

And after becoming the side to win England's top flight the most times what could be next record for Fergie to try and topple. Well adding a fourth European cup would put them one behind Liverpool's record haul. Now that would rub salt into the wounds and would delight Fergie no end. I certainly wouldn't bet against it.

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.

Future Stars - Douglas Costa

As a youngster in his native Brazil, Douglas Costa was surrounded by constant hype and talk of a big money move to Europe.

The attacking midfielder has been a long time target for Real Madrid and Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side still heavily linked.

After coming through the youth ranks at Gremio, he made the step up into the first team.

And with only a handful of appearances under his belt, the rumours already started to circle.

However he stuck it out for two years, making 28 appearances and scoring two goals in the process.

When the time did come to make the big move to Europe, it wasn't one of the typical giants of the European game that snapped up the youngster.

Instead it was big spending Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk who signed the promising star.

His scoring rate has improved dramatically during his time in Europe, and the big names continue to be linked.

With Costa himself often fanning the flames of a potential move to Manchester United.

For now though he remains at Shakhtar as well as being an integral part of the Brazil under-20s side.

But watch this space, before too long Costa will be gracing the world stage at one the worlds best sides.

Transfer flops: Juan Sebastian Veron

In the first of our 'transfer flops' section, we have started big with Manchester United's near £30m, then record signing, of the Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.

It may seem a tad over the top, for someone who was selected by Pele in his list of 125 greatest living footballer back in 2004.

But for anyone who can remember his torrid time in England will have no doubts about his inclusion in this one.

During his time at Lazio, Veron was part of a midfielder full of flair and where he was covered by defensive midfielders to allow him to stick to going forward.

However he had a big shock when Sir Alex Ferguson splashed out to take him to Old Trafford.

The Premier League didn't allow the same time on the ball of Serie A, plus Veron himself was also expected to put in a tackle or two himself.

Injuries and poor performances took their toll, with just seven goals in 51 games over two seasons.

And despite Fergie's insistence that he was a great player it was clear his time the North West of England would soon be at an end.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Veron saga, was the fact Chelsea paid £15m to take him to Stamford Bridge to start the Roman Abramovich spending spree.

Claudio Ranieri is understood to have been key in securing a player who wanted to stay and prove a point with the Red Devils.

Despite getting off to a terrific start at Chelsea, scoring on his debut at Anfield, his time in London was less fruitful than in Manchester.

After just one season where he only managed that one goal in 14 appearances, he was promptly loaned out to Inter Milan and then Estudiantes.

Upon returning to Argentina Veron has shown the form which made the world sit up and take note before his time in England.

He has since been voted best player in the league and in South America, and also holds the captaincy.

Despite this though, on these shores and in many areas worldwide Veron will always be remembered as one of the most expensive transfer flops.

Chaos at Manchester United!

Fourth place in the league is not what was expected by fans on the red half of Manchester prior to this seasons big kick off, but that is just where they find themselves.

Although still unbeaten and level on points with Arsenal, everyone connected with the club will be worried about how they just keep on throwing away leads.

Fulham, Everton and West Bromwich Albion have all recovered from going behind, while Liverpool also came from two down but couldn't hold on and Bolton Wanderers also put the frighteners on them by twice going ahead.

For a team and set of fans well used to winning this just isn't good enough.

And the rumours surrounding Wayne Rooney don't help at all.

It is looking increasingly likely that the former Everton hitman could well be on his way, sooner or later.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are possible destinations, with Chelsea and Manchester City also in the frame as it is known he is not keen on a move abroad.

The problems are centred round Rooney's new contract, which he is now demanding £200,000 a week, and the ankle injuries or lack of which have led to him being dropped lately.

Although it is no secret that he is disturbingly out of form, cashing in isn't an options for the club if they are to remain challengers on all fronts.

They still haven't recovered from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, so another prized asset going could be too much.

Especially if he just drifts across the city and joins the blue half of Manchester, who would certainly match his wage demands.

Added to the twist is the hype surrounding Sir Alex Ferguson, who could also leave the club if you believe such things.

This however seems way wide of the mark, after all he hasn't fully knocked Liverpool of their perch yet.

They are still clinging their by the skin if their teeth.

United will no doubt recover from this and be their by the end of the season challenging for honours.

Fergie will no doubt steer his ship through these choppy waters and emerge stronger than ever once more.

England disappoint against Montenegro!

After that shambles in the summer, England fans were once again beginning to get optimistic following a series of victories.

Added into this mix was the emergence of new talents, think Adam Johnson, and it was widely believed that Euro 2012 qualification was a mere formality.

But who are England to disappoint, and right on cue they have reminded their public that this isn't the case with a very poor performance.

Should this have been against one of the top sides, a draw wouldn't seem so bad but it was against the side tipped to finish bottom of the group.

Well that certainly is the case if you tip the current table upside down.

Added into the mix is also their current standing in the FIFA rankings, where Montenegro sit fortieth one ahead of Colombia and just behind Burkina Faso.

Montenegran fans celebrated like they had won at the final whistle at Wembley and who could blame them, if it wasn't for a lick of paint they could well have done.

But with Joe Hart well beat Milan Jovanovic's shot shuddered off the bar, and reminded England not to be too complacent.

The Sixth ranked best side in the world dominated possession for the most part, but struggled to make any real openings.

And when they did they found a keeper in top form, with Mladen Bozovic proving the last line in what was mostly a very staunch defence.

People connected with the national side will point to the clear penalty that should have been awarded when Jovanovic handled in the box.

But the truth is England shouldn't struggle to break these sides down, even if they settle for the most part.

Ashley Young and Adam Johnson may be the positives to take out of the game, with both being lively but during the course of the whole game not seeing enough of the ball.

Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole were also subdued in attacking from their full back berths, something we are all to used to seeing.

Most worrying of all though for Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson alike, will be another subdued performance from Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker of a few months ago would have buried the two chances that fell his way, but on the night Bozovic thwarted him.

Injuries should have subsided by the next qualifier in Cardiff in March, but before that is the friendly against France at Wembley next month.

A stark improvement is needed if the three lions are to get back on track.

Rooney lay off - just what he needs!

Following a sub standard World Cup, allegations about his private life, a poor start to the new campaign and calls for his boss for the media to lay off it has not been a good few months for Wayne Rooney.

Now it has been announced by Sir Alex Ferguson that the striker will be out for three weeks, due to an ankle injury picked up during the 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers.

However this could be the perfect tonic to get back to form upon his return.

If, against the odds, he can get away from the spot light and sort out some of the problems that have blighted his recent past maybe he could return to form on the field.

So far this season Rooney has only scored once, from the penalty spot, whereas Dimitar Berbatov is the clubs top scorer with seven and Michael Owen has been strengthening his case for a starting spot with three goals in a week.

The former Everton hitman though has cut a forlorn figure up front this season, the weight of the world clearly implanted on his shoulders.

One thing is for sure though, he needs to rid the skeletons from his closet before his form returns and this injury could've come at the perfect time.

Rest, recuperation and no media intrusion, could just bring about the old Wayne Rooney in a months time when he graces the football pitch again.

It could also be a blessing for Manchester United, they have got nothing out of the striker this season and have struggled for wins.

They face a Valencia side tomorrow who top La Liga, as well as needing some big points in the Premier League before the international break hits.

It seems this injury could be perfect for club and player.

National Cups Devalued

As the League Cup gets underway once again this week, it is clear that year on year not just this but now the FA Cup are increasingly getting devalued.

For a number of years now the League Cup has been seen as the competition for the lower sides, with the bigger ones instead deciding to give their younger stars a run out.

And although over recent years we have seen the likes of Manchester United put out a first team in the business end of the tournament, they have still relied on the future stars to get them to that stage.

It was only in the second leg of the Manchester derby semi-final that Sir Alex Ferguson called upon his senior stars.

Now though we are also seeing the FA Cup follow down the very same road, with the FA selling out this great tradition for the Champions League.

It is known that the more respected of our national cups takes place one week before the finale of Europe's premier competition.

However with the Champions League heading to Wembley for this years final, the FA find themselves in hot water with a Fifa ruling.

That ruling is that no play can commence of the pitch where the Champions League will take place for two full weeks before the Showpiece.

That means the FA have no choice but to move the final of the tournament that encapsulates the heart of a nation, to a week earlier on the final day on the regular Premier League season.

Meaning it will become nothing but another fixture, just like the League Cup final has become over the last decade or so.

The days of the old romance of the cup, and England's footballing world coming to a stand still on final day could be coming to an end.

If this is the case it would be such a shame, let's just hope next season the cup recovers and the FAs sell out doesn't have any major impact.

Fergie's bizarre week so far

Following the weekends crazy 3-3 draw at Everton, with two goals conceeded in injury time, Manchester United headed into the Champions League as over whelming favourites for their game at home to Rangers.

However a second debatable team selection in a week left the Red Devils with their second draw in four days.

The decision to keep Wayne Rooney out of the cauldron of hate at Goodison Park seemed the correct one at 3-1 up, but with the Toffees fighting back the debate was always going to be raised.

So we headed into the first round of the Champions League proper, with United Fans quite rightfully optimistic about their sides chances against a Rangers side that in all honesty doesn't quite match up.

While we can praise the defensive performance of the Scottish side, you have to point to Sir Alex's team selection as the main reason as to why the English side didn't come out huge victors.

A number of first teamers were left out, as confidence seemed to be brimming within the United squad.

Either confidence or arrogance.

As the game grew on it was clear United didn't have the creativity to open up Rangers, and the finger will no doubt to the manager and the team he selected.

Nani, who had one of his better displays on Saturday, and Dimitar Berbatov were both left out as they seem to show signs of hitting form.

While there are still five games left in the group stage and they remain favourites to top the group, they can't allow future games to hugely dictate squad selection like last night.

Many sides have tried it in the past and it simply doesn't work, just looked at Liverpool under Rafael Benitez.

Although the game against the Anfield side on Sunday in huge, and now people are rested, surely if they had played against Rangers and won the confidence gained would be the greatest motivator.

If United don't win on Sunday the accusatory finger will once again linger over Old Trafford.