Singapore businessman Peter Lim has officially withdrawn his takeover bid for Liverpool.
Lim returned with a new and improved £320million offer for the Anfield club on the eve of the High Court case which current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett hoped would prevent the proposed sale to New England Sports Ventures.
The High Court ruled in favour of a sale to the owners of the Boston Red Sox but the deal has now been placed on ice following a fresh injunction from Hicks and Gillett which has delayed the process.
Lim, who is reportedly worth £1billion, was hoping his alternative offer would be more attractive to the board.
However, he has now admitted defeat and appears to have cleared the way for NESV to complete their purchase, subject to the latest court hearings.
"It has become clear to me that the board is intent on selling the club to New England Sports Ventures (NESV) to the exclusion of all other parties, regardless of the merits of their bids," Lim said in a statement.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"In these circumstances, I am not able to proceed with my intention to acquire the club."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
For some time, Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini was rumoured to be a target of Arsenal.
The Belgian international divides opinion among football fans, with many regularly frustrated by his bullish antics on the pitch.
The link to Arsenal was a surprising one, particularly as it emerged when Arsene Wenger was still manager.
[ad_pod ]
Fellaini does not feel like a natural Wenger-type player, and when Unai Emery took over at the Emirates, the speculation cooled.
According to The Times, the midfielder did hold talks with Arsenal’s head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, but instead opted to sign a new two-year contract at United, which includes the option of a further year.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255574″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Four World Cup myths debunked”]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The overwhelming reaction from the United fans has been one of dismay, but it has been the complete opposite from Arsenal supporters.
Once the news was announced by their rivals, the Gunners’ following took to social media to express their relief and joy.
Comment from discussion Gunners rejoice! Fellaini continuing journey as a Manchester United player.Comment from discussion Gunners rejoice! Fellaini continuing journey as a Manchester United player.Comment from discussion Gunners rejoice! Fellaini continuing journey as a Manchester United player.Comment from discussion Gunners rejoice! Fellaini continuing journey as a Manchester United player.Comment from discussion Gunners rejoice! Fellaini continuing journey as a Manchester United player.Comment from discussion Gunners rejoice! Fellaini continuing journey as a Manchester United player.Comment from discussion Gunners rejoice! Fellaini continuing journey as a Manchester United player.Comment from discussion Gunners rejoice! Fellaini continuing journey as a Manchester United player.Comment from discussion Gunners rejoice! Fellaini continuing journey as a Manchester United player.
According to Diario Gol, Manchester United will move for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane at the end of the season.
What’s the story?
United boss Jose Mourinho is said to be desperate to sign a new centre-back this summer to play alongside Eric Bailly at the heart of the defence.
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have both had their problems this season, whilst Victor Lindelof has struggled to justify his £30m price tag following a move from Benfica.
Mourinho is believed to be a keen admirer of Varane’s talents, with the United manager rating the France international as one of the best centre-backs in Europe.
According to Diario Gol, the 20-time English champions will press ahead with a move for Varane in this summer’s transfer window, and they are confident that a bid in the region of £54m would convince Real Madrid to sell.
That said, it is not entirely out of the question that Los Blancos would attempt to use United’s interest in Varane to finally secure a deal for David de Gea.
Is Varane the answer for United?
Jones and Smalling have had plenty of excellent games for United, but there remain question marks over their abilities to perform consistently at the highest level.
[ad_pod ]
When fit, Bailly is a certain starter for the Red Devils, but the likes of Lindelof and Marcos Rojo have not really convinced on a regular basis.
Varane has made more than 200 appearances for Real Madrid since a move from Lens in 2011, and it is understood that the defender had interest from United before eventually joining the Spanish giants.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
At 24, Varane is the perfect age to arrive at Old Trafford, and there is no question that he has the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.
Standing 6ft 3inches and boasting a stunning turn of speed, Varane is everything that United need at the heart of their defence, and the thought of the Frenchman lining up alongside Bailly is something that will surely excite the club’s supporters.
A lot would have to fall into place for this particular deal to occur, but it would be a stunning capture if United managed to pull it off.
Paul Scholes says that he’s “scared” Manchester United will be unable to reverse their current decline and slide into the footballing “wilderness”, as their bitter rivals Liverpool did in the 1990s.
The Red Devils have endured a woeful year and a bit since the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson, with David Moyes having sat in the dugout as the then champions of England slid to a sixth placed finish.
Louis van Gaal has since been drafted in, but even the experienced Dutchman seems to be having trouble following a shock defeat at home to Swansea in his first competitive game, despite talk of a genuine title challenge from the club.
WANT MORE? >> Manchester United transfer news | Liverpool transfer news
Liverpool enjoyed massive success through the ‘70s and ‘80s – as United did in the ‘90s and ‘00s – but some poor off-field decisions and a bad run of form saw them slip from the pinnacle of the game as the Theatre of Dreams became the playground for the top side in the country.
And now Scholes is fearful that the same fate could befall his old side if things don’t change quickly:
“I am scared for United. Genuinely scared that they could go into the wilderness in the same way that Liverpool did in the 1990s.” he wrote in his column for The Independent.
“Let us be clear about one thing. I am sick of having to criticise the club to which I gave my life as a footballer.
“But this is a United team that lost seven league games at Old Trafford last season and began on Saturday by losing at home to Swansea.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“United need to arrest their decline. In those years under Sir Alex Ferguson, when trophy followed trophy, this sort of mediocrity was unthinkable. But it is happening.”
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez celebrated his team’s 3-2 Premier League comeback against Aston Villa.
United trailed 2-0 early in the second-half, but rampaged to victory with two efforts from Hernandez and a Ron Vlaar own goal.
When asked about the Red Devils’ comeback, he replied:
“It’s the lucky story of Manchester United. You know that!” He is quoted by The Metro.
“You never want to give up because games are 90 minutes and you need to fight until the last minute.
“Thankfully we got the three points. We need to improve because we’re conceding a lot of goals but this result is going to give us a lot of confidence.”
Chicharito has been in fine form of late for the Manchester club, netting against the likes of Chelsea and Braga.
However, the Mexican didn’t press the matter as to whether he should be a first-team regular at Old Trafford:
“The most important thing is that United are top of the league and after being 2-0 down that is a good result.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Andreas Weimann netted twice to put the Midlanders 2-0 up at Villa Park.
But, substitute Hernandez pulled one back after 58 minutes, before seeing another effort deflect in off of Vlaar five minutes later.
He then added the winner with three minutes to play with a close-range header.
Tottenham Hotspur continue to be strongly linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish – as recently covered by The Mirror – but the London club should drop their interest to pursue a possible deal for Manchester United’s Juan Mata.
What’s the story?
Tottenham are one of a number of clubs believed to be interested in a move for Grealish, who is widely expected to leave Villa Park in this summer’s transfer window.
Villa would have found it difficult to keep the 22-year-old regardless of their financial problems, having failed to secure a return to the Premier League.
Villa reportedly value Grealish in the region of £40m, but according to The Mirror, Spurs are in no rush to complete a deal as they look to take advantage of the Championship club’s issues.
Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in a player who scored three times and registered five assists in 27 Championship appearances last season.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257236″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Five things we learned from England 21 Tunisia”]
Mauricio Pochettino’s side, however, should be looking at a potential deal for United attacker Mata, who may well become available in this summer’s transfer window.
Why would Mata suit Tottenham?
There are currently no indications that United boss Jose Mourinho would be prepared to sell Mata this summer, with the Spaniard a regular last term.
Indeed, the former Valencia attacker, who is valued at £27m by transfermarkt.co.uk, made 40 appearances in all competitions during the 2017-18 campaign, but he actually only managed three goals.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Fred’s arrival at Old Trafford means that Mourinho will more than likely switch to a 4-3-3 formation next season, and Mata will find it difficult to gain one of the wide positions, with Alexis Sanchez’s January arrival providing more competition.
At the age of 30, Mata will want first-team football, and his football brain and ability to work the ball in tight areas would be perfect for Tottenham.
Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane would all benefit operating alongside a player of Mata’s ilk and experience, and Tottenham should test the water with a bid for the 41-time Spain international in this summer’s transfer window.
Celtic laboured to a draw at home to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, failing to continue where they left off from Thursday’s impressive win over FC Zenit in the UEFA Europa League.
On a day that Brendan Rodgers rotated heavily, perhaps with one eye on Thursday’s return leg in Russia, Celtic were well below their best, struggling to create opportunities and taking none in a dismal 0-0 draw.
The fixture was an opportunity for players like Cristian Gamboa and Calvin Miller to impress, getting rare starts with established performers Mikael Lustig and Kieran Tierney rested.
It was 20-year-old Miller’s first start for the club since August and he struggled to cope with the occasion for the most part, looking well below the standards set by Tierney.
While important to remember he is still young and inexperienced, it will be difficult for him to play more regularly if he doesn’t take his opportunities.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Celtic fans were disappointed with his performance, with some even already coming to a judgement that he isn’t good enough to make it at the club.
The summer transfer window has finally drawn to Âclose and now it’s time to reflect. WhichÂPremier LeagueÂside did the best business? Who did the worst? And what glaring transfer opportunities were surprisingly missed out on?Well, this article takes a look at Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites were by no means anonymous in the transfer market this summer, but to label it a stellar transfer window would be an equal fallacy.In truth, there were several opportunities in the market that the north London side failed to capitalise on. And being the know-it-all bunch we are at Football Fancast, we’ve decided to list FIVE of them.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON MAURICIO POCHETTINO TO REVEAL
[/ffc-gallery]
WILFRIED BONY
If there’s one obvious gap in the squad that Tottenham failed to address this summer, it’s undoubtedly the absence of a dependable centre-forward.
Harry Kane, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado have found just 21 Premier League goals between them since the start of last season and the Lilywhites were resultantly expected to invest heavily in a new striker during the summer window.
Arguably the best option available to the north London side was Swansea City front-man Wilfried Bony.
Since joining the Welsh outfit last summer from Vitesse Arnhem, where he netted 37 times in his ultimate season, the Ivory Coast international has claimed 16 goals in just 34 top flight appearances. Here’s some of the highlights from his inaugural Premier League campaign:
A powerful, aggressive, aerially-combative centre-forward, Bony fits Mauricio Pochettino’s philosophy, sharing many of the old-fashioned characteristics with former Saints front-line Rickie Lambert and Dani Osvaldo.
Furthermore, although Gary Monk continually denied rumours that the 25 year-old had been put up for sale, his £19million release clause is well known and represents great value for money.
DANNY WELBECK
A failed transfer pursuit that may cost Franco Baldini his job – the Sporting Director let Danny Welbeck slip through his grasp on deadline day and is now allegedly in the firing line:
It’s known Mauricio Pochettino wanted to bring Southampton star Jay Rodriguez with him to White Hart Lane this summer. But as Southampton refused to sell the injured forward, Welbeck was seen as an effective surrogate, with the left side of Tottenham’s attack in need of added quality.
The 23 year-old is the flavour of the month after netting a brace against Switzerland earlier this week, including this composed finish:
Signing a Three Lions regular in his prime would have come with a host of benefits for the north London side and Manchester United’s £16million price-tag was more than affordable, but they eventually lost Welbeck to local rivals Arsenal . Here’s another look at the forward in action:
WINSTON REID
Football – West Ham United v Sampdoria – Pre Season Friendly – Upton Park – 14/15 – 9/8/14Winston Reid – West Ham UnitedMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’BrienEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Tottenham eventually sourced a new centre-back on deadline day after saying goodbye to former captain Michael Dawson earlier in the summer, with Federico Fazio arriving from Sevilla.
The Argentine defender represents fantastic value for money but in my opinion, a better option would have been West Ham’s Winston Reid.
The 26 year-old may be no world-beater but he’s been incredibly consistent since the East Londoners returned to the Premier League in summer 2012, claiming the Hammer of the Year award the twelve months later.
He was in prominent form at the start of last season too before the New Zealand skipper was sidelined with an ankle injury – here’s a look at his stats from the campaign:
By no great coincidence, West Ham’s league form plummeted in his absence. Fazio remains an impressive addition but still comes with a risk; Reid, on the other, has proved himself in the Premier League as an impeccable athlete who fits its requisites perfectly.
Furthermore, the All Whites international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, suggesting he could have been lured to White Hart Lane on the cheap and likely even less than Fazio.
FABIAN SCHAR
Another centre-back that emerged on Tottenham’s transfer radar this summer was FC Basel prodigy Fabian Schar:
But a formal bid never materialised – which I find incredibly surprising because the 22 year-old has the potential to become one of the best defenders in Europe.
As viewable below, statistically he was the best defender in the Champions League last season:
And the Swiss international’s World Cup performances weren’t too bad either, making eight interceptions during two outings at Brazil 2014.
Schar comes with an interesting knack of scoring goals, such as this incredible strike as a youngster at FC Wil…
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Admittedly, Barcelona, Lazio, Manchester United and Arsenal were also linked, so Spurs would’ve had to fight off huge competition for his signature.
But as previously stated, the Basel stopper looks like a great prospect for the future and the Lilywhites have most likely now missed their chance to sign him.
EVER BANEGA
Tottenham already boast great quality and depth in central midfield, but in my opinion, they struggled to move the ball quickly and effectively enough through the middle of the park last season.
A more fluid, deep-lying playmaker was in order and in that regard, former Valencia star Ever Banega represented a fantastic, realistically-available option for Spurs this summer.
The 26 year-old, previously linked to the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid, offers greater mobility, creativity and technical quality than Spurs’ other central midfielders, as detailed below:
Furthermore, having been sent out on loan to Newell’s Old Boys in January 2014 after plummeting down the pecking order at the Mestalla, it was no secret that Valencia were looking to offload the Argentina international this summer.
Banega joined up with Europa League champions Sevilla instead for an incredibly miserly €2.5million fee.
The midfielder could have been a real coup for the Lilywhites – here’s a look at Banega in action:
Theo Walcott believes Arsenal are prepared for their busy schedule ahead.
The Gunners have been struggling for form, with defeats to teams including Manchester United and Schalke.
Arsenal now face tests like Tottenham, Everton, Montpelier and Aston Villa in the same period.
However, Theo Walcott thinks Arsenal feel ready.
He said to Arsenal Player on the official website for Arsenal: “Schalke came at us in the second half and we found it difficult to be honest. But we dug deep and before the game we probably would have taken a point. When you come to a difficult place with a difficult atmosphere, against a good team who beat us at home, [it was great] to get the two early goals. It is just a shame we couldn’t kill it off, but it was a good point in the end. It is going to be a tough month for us now. It is going to test us all, not just physically but mentally as well, and I think we are ready for it.”
Walcott was pleased to be able to fight illness to take part in the Schalke game.
He said: “I didn’t wake up feeling great [on Monday]. My voice is coming back now but I didn’t have one then at all. But it was nice to be back playing with the guys, that is all I want to be doing now.”
Defender Laurent Koscielny believes Arsenal got “a good point” from the Schalke game.
“We are away so it’s a good point against a difficult team. When we went 2-0 (up), I thought we could keep this result. We tried to come back but Schalke are a very good side.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
[ad_pod id=’tv’ align=’center’]
Arsenal drew 2-2 with Schalke, which puts them second in their Champions League group with seven points.
Nottingham Forest failed in their quest for promotion to the Premier League last season, but they will have another chance come August.
Aitor Karanka took over as manager in January, which means that the 2018-19 campaign will be his first full season in charge.
On Thursday, Forest announced their fixtures, and first up will be an away trip to take on Bristol City on August 4.
The Reds will return to the City Ground for their opening home match of the campaign on Tuesday, August 7 when they will go head to head with newly-demoted side West Bromwich Albion.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257236″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Five things we learned from England 21 Tunisia”]
Reading, Wigan Athletic and Birmingham City will make up the fixtures in August, as well as a Carabao Cup tie against Bury at home.
Over the festive period, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United will visit the City Ground, while Karanka’s side will travel to take on Norwich City and Millwall.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
On the final day of the season, Forest will go head to head with Bolton Wanderers, who managed to come from behind to beat the Reds 3-2 to save themselves from relegation to League One last season.
Forest fans have been tweeting their thoughts on the fixture schedule.