Manchester United haven’t had a bad start to the season, if you look at the league table. But in most games this season they’ve dominated possession only to lack a penetrative element in the final third.

It’s something that has angered Manchester United fans and ex-players alike about Louis Van Gaal’s team, they’ve had all the possession, but they don’t bomb forward in search of a goal, and if they do they get picked off on the counter.

The answer seems to be to take the chances they make, but they’ve found that tough under Van Gaal. Their team includes England’s all-time top scorer Wayne Rooney, who isn’t far off breaking the record of Manchester United’s top scorer Sir Bobby Charlton, and new boy Anthony Martial, who may well be the man to grab the goals for the Red Devils this season, but that remains to be seen.

If United are stuck for goalscorers in January, one of these six players may well be who they should look to to turn their attacks into goals…

Mauro Icardi

An excellent finisher. Louis Van Gaal has been moaning all season about the fact that Manchester United dominate games but the opposition simply runs up the other end and scores. If that’s the case, then United need to be more ruthless about taking their chances.

Anthony Martial’s finishing ability already looks like it’s going to be good, and although Wayne Rooney is an outstanding attacking player, he’s not the out-and-out striker United need to finish off their passing moves. Mauro Icardi would give them something different – Martial has the pace and explosivity. Rooney has the tenacity and skill but drops too deep. Icardi will stay up front, be in position, be strong against defenders allowing him to get his pass away, and put the ball into the net when he gets the chance. He’d add something else to the team whilst potentially solving the problem Van Gaal has been bemoaning.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Would give United something completely different. Although Martial has pace, he doesn’t have Aubameyang pace. He has also looked classy in possession in his two games for Manchester United.

The only worry about bringing in someone like Aubameyang is that he is so dangerous on the counter- except, Manchester United don’t tend to play on the counter. Still, Van Gaal was adamant that he had to bring in pacey and direct player, but failed to land Pedro. If he’s still serious about needing that kind of player – even with Martial at the club – then he could do worse than Aubameyang.

Gonzalo Higuain

Napoli have been out of the Champions League for two season now, but have still managed to keep hold of their big star Higuain. He was linked with both United and Arsenal in the summer, but it was perhaps his prohibitively large price tag that stopped either club from sealing his signature.

For United, though, he would bring something new to their attack. Rooney and Martial have varied qualities, but neither brings the combination of strength and explosivity that Higuain possesses, and United’s problem this season has been that final piece of penetration needed to turn their possession dominance into goals – Higuain might be just what they need on that front.

Gareth Bale

If Manchester United really did try to sign Gareth Bale this summer, then why not try again in January – or maybe more likely next summer? Personally speaking, I’m not sure I’d want to swap Madrid for Manchester, but United are probably the only team in the world with enough cash to wave under his nose to make that move tempting.

Bale isn’t exactly a striker, but if I were to buy him for any team other than Real Madrid – or Barcelona – I’d play him there. He has all the attributes that Cristiano Ronaldo has, and if he got the chance to start as the striker rather than the wide player, then I’m sure he’d score more goals. He’s a player you can build your team around, and if you’re going to do that, then playing him out wide is a waste.

Graziano Pelle

Pelle is a type of player United don’t have. He’s so big and strong but he is also so very silky on the ball. Used as a target man, he can trap the ball and pass it expertly. His movement is wonderful and he’s a threat in the air.

This season, Marouane Fellaini has yet again been used as a lone striker for Manchester United. Van Gaal seems hell bent on playing direct, high balls up to Fellaini in the air, and against Liverpool Fellaini had all the grace of a giraffe on roller skates. Put Pelle up there and Van Gaal’s route one will seem classy even if it isn’t! He’s proven in the Premier League and would surely only improve the Manchester United team.

Edinson Cavani

United would have to spend big to sign him. But then again, they did pay a potential €80m for a 19 year-old in Martial. So, like a knife-wielding maniac robbing a bank, you just don’t know what they’re capable of.

Cavani is regarded across world football as one of its top strikers and he would grace any team. But at PSG right now, Cavani has been relegated to playing on one of the sides of a 4-3-3 formation, instead of being placed up front where he belongs. How long will he be happy playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic? And does this mean United could get him cheaper than usual? Perhaps he’s worth a bid!

My arm had begun to ache. It wasn’t too bad but it was paining after I had gone mental and had ended up pumping it in the air, almost wildly. And the reason was more justified than it could’ve been.

Man United had beaten Liverpool in a thriller of a contest. I had an important Mathematics exam to do the very next day, but a United fan can never dare missing a clash against the Scousers at Old Trafford. And apart from the win, someone had registered his name into the annals of time. United’s Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov had become the first player to score a hat-trick in the fiercely contested fixture after long 63 years.

The game of football, they say, is made for the powerhouses, grafters and those who are gifted with unerring stamina, such that they have the ability to toil on the pitch and break sweat for the team. And it requires effort, the kind of effort that often tends to differentiate footballers from the cricketers, basketball players and wrestlers, giving them their own unique identity in the world of sport.

But people aren’t wrong, they’re different, aren’t they? Not every football player in the world has to adhere to such a cliched style and there’s nothing wrong in being a tad different than the mainstream footballer. And despite that, some players combine style with a languid nature. And one of them has been Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian was one of the most elegant players I’ve ever seen take to a football pitch, or at least in the Premier League. The swagger that he carried to the pitch was unlike many others in the footballing universe, and it separated him from many others. Someone who unknowingly invented the term ‘lethargic excellence’, the former Tottenham and Manchester United star hardly seemed to exhibit any additional amount of energy or extra zeal, even during his younger days.

The effortless approach to the game was something that gave an impression that the Bulgarian could make the ‘beautiful game’ more elegant, but in his own, unique manner.

Often described as a ‘moody character’, whose mood tended to determine how he would play on a given day, doing the so called ‘dirty work’ was ostensibly too much for ‘Berba’. It was if the game was too easy for him to make an impact in. All it needed was an elegant flick of a right foot, a subtle shift in body balance or a strike of a boot. And with the help of all his abilities, he could bring to even the dullest of games a brilliant strike of lightning. Such was the effortlessness with which he played.

Former Fulham and Tottenham manager Martin Jol is known to be one of Berbatov’s greatest admirers. He was that individual who saw flashes of brilliance in his play, or perhaps a stark resemblance to someone like Marco van Basten or Denis Bergkamp. His next to flawless first touch, control and vision was suggestive of how much he resembles the two aforementioned Dutch heroes.

Jol was the first to realize that Berbatov wasn’t wrong, he was different but just as effective on his day. Jol was arguably the first personality who worked with him and it was sheer nonchalance that made him what he actually was. He once went as far as admitting that “he would rather die than sell Berbatov”, when the then Spurs star sealed a move to Old Trafford in a deal worth €30million.

And he ended up re-signing the then 31-year-old at Craven Cottage during his stint at the relegation threatened Fulham. Still, he wanted more of him, much like us!

Hardly bothering to break into a sprint, Berbatov was was just as casual on the pitch, as much as he was off it. Usually attired in a tight fitting kit, full sleeved and black gloved, Berbatov was inch perfect for being a box office star, who’s being handed the role of a villain with a knack for harming his victims discreetly, without anyone having the slightest idea about it.

Even on the pitch, he could pull off outrageous things that he, and only he, can pull of in the modern day…

“On one occasion I went sliding in to Dimitar Berbatov (I honestly thought I could win the ball) and afterwards the look on his face was one of total pity for me. He seemed saddened by the fact I had to resort to this, either because I wasn’t as good as him or my football education was so flawed. Actually I think it was both.” – The Secret Footballer

As if running around for the ball was for headless chickens, Berbatov wasn’t just an individual overflowing with grace, he had laid his hands on trophies too. Premier League triumphs, League Cups and the Champions Leagues may have been just materialistic evidences but it was his idle swagger and ball control that lured people into adoring him.

Berbatov was often accused of not working hard enough and never performing the dirty work that most players do. But it was natural, he’d have been in tatters if he would’ve dropped in deeper areas to defend and tackle.  It was like asking Chris Gayle to defend, and asking a drunk not to drink.

He was very good at holding the ball up and bringing players around him into the play. He racked up his fair share of detractors due to him missing the odd chance to score here and there, but there’s no striker in the world who doesn’t do that.

It may be due to his lack of completeness that he was dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson a tad regularly, remarkably during United’s 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona. And it was a reason for his sale, too, apart from not getting enough time on the pitch due to the presences of the likes of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez.

I won’t criticize Sir Alex for doing it, but it was a very wise decision indeed. A decision that was made for the good of the club, and even for Berbatov’s good, who was slowly nearing his mid 30s.

His manner of trotting upon the pitch gives an impression of him being a lackadaisical character, away from the hustle, bustle and physical nature of the English game. It made us think that he’s deficient when it comes to playing, or least interested in stepping out on the pitch. But it’s all a mistake. He is someone who doesn’t want all the light on him every time. He’s more reserved and demure in his approach.

Misunderstanding his intentions was common and monotonous for detractors. But all he did was silence them rather soundly with his flashes of sheer and utter brilliance on the ball. And no matter how much you watch him play and weave his magic with feet firmly on the ground, you will never feel satisfied.

This article was submitted via our new Write For Us feature. Think you can do better? Submit your own article via the link below, and make sure you follow @FFC_WFU on Twitter for #RealOpinions…

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

There’s nothing like a good rumour to get the transfer market moving. One thing sure to add pace to proceedings is throwing in the name of a big club or two. After a failed bid in the summer, it seems Tottenham Hotspur are still interested in Saido Berahino.

Unfortunately for them they don’t just have the problem of negotiating with West Bromwich Albion, the big guns have joined the party. Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested, and suddenly Berahino’s value has increased.

It’s not unsurprising that both Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have identified the need for a new striker. Wayne Rooney has been highly criticised whilst playing for the Red Devils this season and the stats do not make comfortable viewing for the Liverpool native. Anthony Martial has caught the eye but Van Gaal understands that to mount a serious title challenge they need more options.

Jose Mourinho has also been lacking the services of an effective striker this year. Whether reports are true or not that he’s clashed with Diego Costa, he has every reason to be upset with the man that scored 20 league goals last season. All he’s provided this year is controversy and a low return. In this regard at least manager and player have something in common.

When the likely bidding war ensues there are a few possible outcomes, depending on who is most desperate. Based on past activity in the transfer market, it’s safe to assume Spurs won’t match the higher bids of United and Chelsea.

One club’s problem could become the other’s unlikely solution. Should United win the face-off, and Berahino moves to Trafford Borough from London, Wayne Rooney could be tempted to head in the opposite direction.

Sven-Goran Eriksson, now manager of Shanghai SIPG in China, wants him. He’s used to making high profile signings and sees an aging Rooney as a perfect fit for a growing league. The way this interest has been heavily reported shows the door is half-open for a Rooney exit.

It was only two weeks ago Metro were reporting Chelsea as 7/1 favourites to finally capture Rooney. If he still prides himself on being able to prove his doubters wrong, a move to London will be more enticing then a trip to Asia to top-up his retirement fund.

Jose Mourinho is a long-time public admirer of the England striker. After failing in the attempt to revive Radamel Falcao’s career after his unsuccessful period at Old Trafford, he may be thinking it’ll be a case of second time lucky. Jose also knows there’d be considerably less resistance from the Manchester United hierarchy this time around.

Rooney’s performance against France proved there is gas left in the tank. His ability is still apparent, albeit in fleeting showings. Perhaps a positive change of scenery – without the weight of the captain’s armband – will bring it to the fore once again.

During this period of uncertainty as we head toward the next transfer window, one thing seems inevitable: Manchester United and Chelsea will be fielding new strikers before the end of the season.

[ad_pod id=’europcar-blog’ align=’center’]

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

Manchester City’s millions can go a long way, in both the real world and FM, but everyone wants to get value for their money, don’t they?

City’s squad is already piled high with talent, but you will want to have an eye on replacing the old guard once you start your save on FM16.

Martin Demichelis and Yaya Toure will probably only last one more season at the top, whilst both full-back positions are very short of quality in the long-term.

Pellegrini’s tenure might nearly be over, but you should be able to prove how dominant this City side could be on your save.

Crucially, the attack is ready to conquer the world, but cover may be required, and the defensive midfield role probably needs some reinvestment if you are going to be relying on Fernando.

This save, because of the high expectations, is more challenging than you may have thought.

Fortunately, these FIVE signings will help you..

Eric Dier

Versatility is the key with Dier and he can cover perfectly in two of City’s most needy positions, defensive midfield and right-back.

His crossing rating begins at 15 and, as he develops, Dier becomes one of the most complete defensive minded players on the game.

Dier’s strength rating becomes a fearsome attribute of the ex-Sporting Lisbon man and he would be a very good option as defensive midfield cover.

Unfortunately, the cost is going to be high, but you will more than get your money’s worth.

Jairo Riedewald

Often seen going to Manchester United on various saves, you will face stiff competition for Riedewald.

The centre-back could be your long-term Kompany replacement and would provide more than adequate competition for Otamendi and Mangala.

Whilst Demichelis is probably going to be one of the first players out the door, Riedewald is an ideal replacement for the Argentine.

Ruben Duarte

Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov have caused City problems for season after season and Ruben Duarte could finally be the answer to the troublesome left-back berth.

Duarte has a more defensive side to his game than either of the current incumbents, so, whilst he may not contribute as much offensively, the starlet is going to provide much more defensive stability.

Andres Cubas

A defensive midfielder must, simply, be the top of City’s wishlist.

Fernando is nowhere near up to the standards required to reach the pinnacle of world football and that City defence is always going to need cover and protection.

Cubas is only young, but patience will be key with your City squad and Cubas can eventually become an integral part of your team.

Robin van Persie

This is a left-field suggestion, but, if you can tempt RvP to move, he will be a wonderful addition to your squad and more than adequate foil for Bony and Aguero.

The Dutch marksman still holds many of his best ratings and he will be a regular goal scorer with the supply of David Silva and Samir Nasri.

You may need to adapt your tactics slightly for the ex-United man, but it will surely be worth it.

After successfully claiming all three points in a hard-fought victory at Anfield last time out, Louis van Gaal and his often fluctuating Red Devils outfit now have good reason to expect some improved fortunes out on the pitch across the rest of the season.

The 2015/16 campaign has nevertheless proven a somewhat frustrating affair for the Old Trafford faithful thus far, providing far too many surprise losses and even worse all-round team performances to keep the Manchester United support well and truly satisfied when all is said and done.

However, now that Wayne Rooney has seemingly rediscovered his scoring touch since the turn of the New Year, perhaps now is the time for a renewed sense of hope and positivity to once again blossom down at Old Trafford in triumphant style…

In light of the striker’s recent impressive run of form among the English top-flight – is it fair to suggest that Wayne Rooney is finally back to his best for Manchester United?

Well, even though the former Everton striker has certainly witnessed a sizeable amount his criticism surround his name in recent seasons, no one could accuse Wayne Rooney of failing to do the business for Manchester United recently, regardless of how ineffective he initially proved at the start of the 2015/16 campaign.

Since the New Year finally got underway for the current England international, Rooney has certainly begun to make things happen inside the final third. Louis van Gaal has been able to utilize his no. 10 as more of an out-in-out front-man rather than a deep-lying play-maker – and although the Old Trafford striker will most definitely have to build upon his current form to make any real meaningful headway this season – the immediate future nonetheless looks promising for the player in question and the Manchester United fans alike.

[ffc-gal cat=”manchester-united” no=”5″]

Yes, Rooney’s goal-scoring statistics across the Premier League have hardly been outstanding this season in all honesty, and the highly coveted attacker could easily drop off the boil once more with all things considered of course – but as 2016 has so far proven a rather profitable year for the striker – maybe we are beginning to witness a certain resurgence within Rooney’s overall game after all.

However, at the not so flattering age of 30-years-old nowadays, maybe such an optimistic take on Wayne Rooney’s long-term future with the Red Devils remains somewhat unrealistic at best.

Although the current Manchester United and England skipper has certainly looked more of a potent goal threat in his most recent outings for Louis van Gaal’s side, the Wayne Rooney of old will seemingly never return among the Premier League ever again – no matter how much the current Old Trafford faithful would obviously want such a notion to take place in the not too distant future.

Whilst the Liverpool-born front-man still clearly possesses those all-important striker’s instincts inside the final third, the current Old Trafford star arguably no longer fulfils the role of the player he once proved many moons ago. The modern day Wazza simply doesn’t command the same level of pace, power or energy in order to provide his manager with a constant goal-threat every single week of the season.

His impressive run of form in front of goal therefore feels like a somewhat temporary excursion at best, as even if Wayne Rooney manages to find himself taking up all the right positions between now and the final culmination of the 2015/16 campaign, the rest of his Manchester United teammates arguably won’t be able to provide their no. 10 with all the necessary ammunition to constantly excel within the modern era.

So then, whilst Wayne Rooney certainly deserves praise for his most recent exploits in the goal scoring department this season, claims of this once unstoppable front-man finally ‘returning to his best form’ remain well and truly wide of the mark in the cold light of day…

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

Bournemouth are widely tipped as favourites for relegation when the Premier League season began back in August.

But despite a smaller budget, a 13,000 seater stadium and a manager with little Premier League experience, the Cherries have over-succeeded in their debut Premier League season.

His players all but secured their top-flight status for another season with a vital 3-2 home win over Swansea City last weekend and the clubs’ supporters must be wandering whether they could sneak a top-ten finish with only a handful of games left to play.

But as well as the players have performed, there is always a brain behind any good footballing operation and at Bournemouth, that job falls to Eddie Howe.

To say he is Bournemouth through and through is an understatement. He played over 220 games for the Cherries as a defender and is now in his second spell managing the club closest to his heart. At 38, he is the youngest manager in the Premier League but his inexperience is counting for nothing as his side have shone in their maiden Premier League season.

Bournemouth have taken 38 points from 30 games, and are only two points away from the elusive “40 point safety marker”, which is generally what is needed to stay up. But it is the way in which they have won games that has impressed their supporters, and fans around the country.

When Callum Wilson was ruled out for the season with a cruel injury sustained near the start of the season, many began to write the Cherries off right away. Josh King has scored goals whilst Benik Afobe, Max Gradel, Lewis Grabban, Glenn Murray and Matt Ritchie have all pitched in too. It was a moment that could have defined Bournemouth’s season but credit where credit is due, they haven’t let it effect them and have recruited duly to replace their star man.

It’s also worth remembering that Callum Wilson was performing extremely well before he was injured and probably would have been in with a shout for the England team had his form continued, and that was all down to Bournemouth.

It’s interesting to look at Eddie Howe’s views after the Swansea game too – despite everything, he’s still not getting ahead of himself and with games still to go, he is intent on improving Bournemouth’s league standing even more.

“There’s a satisfaction at the end and you can look back and thing that was a nice moment in hindsight but when you’re in it, at that second, there’s too much at stake to really sit back and enjoy it,” he said after their victory over Swansea City.

And that view is what is most commendable about Bournemouth’s season. The 13-point cushion between the Cherries and the relegation zone has allowed Howe to breathe a little easier than some of his fellow managers but despite their relative safety, he still won’t take his foot of the gas and allow his team to coast to the end of the season.

If he keeps it up and with Callum Wilson back to fitness next month, the Cherries have every right to be optimistic for the very near future. Leicester City? Eat your hearts out.

[ad_pod id=’writeforus’ align=’center’]

Welcome back to another edition of Fantasy Premier League Forecasting Good Fixtures, in which we look at which teams we should be drafting players in from in regards to their respective schedules.

This week we’ve seen the biggest scoring average of the season, with the main men scoring a hatful of points in the campaign’s first real double gameweek.

Not only that, but managers found it as the perfect opportunity to use their chips, with a certain Sergio Aguero amassing an incredible 78 points for those that dared to Triple Captain him against Chelsea and Newcastle United.

The Bench Boost was also a popular decision, but the large number of rotations from managers and the unexpected injuries did more damage than good for some.

However, with the first double (almost) over, we still have another set of two games to look forward to in gameweek 37, and this will certainly play a big factor in Forecasting Good Fixtures. Before that though, we’ll have to navigate through gameweek 35 full of blanks.

Here are three teams to consider drafting in players from ahead of Gameweek 35!

Liverpool

Not only are Liverpool on incredible form (they just smashed Everton in the Merseyside Derby 4-0), but they also have the easiest schedule to boot.

The Reds face Newcastle United (home) and Swansea (Away) before a double gameweek against Watford (Home) and Chelsea (Home), rounding the season off with a trip to West Brom. With Klopp’s men scoring 10 goals and conceding just two in the last three games, his star men are primed to have a strong finish to the season.

Daniel Sturridge (10.0), Philippe Coutinho (8.3), Roberto Firmino (8.1), James Milner (6.5), and any of their defenders are in contention to reward their owners during the last five games. But beware of rotation, due to Liverpool’s participation in the Europa League semi-finals.

Chelsea

Despite losing 3-0 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge during the weekend, Chelsea players should start to come into consideration over the course of the coming weeks.

The Blues first start with Bournemouth (away) and then Tottenham Hotspur (Home), before having two games against Sunderland (Away) and Liverpool (away) for their double gameweek. The clashes against Tottenham and Liverpool will be tough, but Chelsea have no blank, a double coming up, and play two of the league’s smaller sides, making them difficult to ignore.

Diego Costa (10.7) and Willian (6.9) are their stand-out candidates, but avoid their defenders due to number-one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ red card last weekend.

Arsenal

Managers thought Arsenal turned the corner when they annihilated Watford 4-0 at the Emirates in Gameweek 32, but the Gunners then drew two games in succession against West Ham and Crystal Palace to disappoint their fans.

However, Arsene Wenger’s men still have the opportunity to turn it on when they host the last game of GW 34 against West Brom, and with their schedule looking pretty, not many will sell their Arsenal assets such as Alexis Sanchez (11.0), Mesut Ozil (9.6), Hector Bellerin (6.4), and even Alex Iwobi (4.6) any time soon.

The fixture list for the Gunners reads: Sunderland (Away), Norwich (Home), Man City (Away), and Aston Villa (Home)… with only Man City a team not in the bottom four.

Roberto Martinez’s sacking at Everton means the club go into a very busy summer without a leader at the Goodison Park helm.

With summer signings blatantly necessary after the club’s stuttering season, billionaire investor Farhad Moshiri will be keen for a quick appointment to set the Toffees on their way again.

And one of the names that has cropped up is that of David Moyes, who managed Everton for 11 years before joining Manchester United in 2013. He’s still looking for the chance to return to the game after his tenure at Real Sociedad was ended rather abruptly six months ago, but the news of his interest in the vacant Everton job has seen a mixed reaction.

There are those who believe his time at Everton was a success and would gladly welcome him back and those who think it’s time to move on and leave the past in the past. Both arguments are being thrown around by different sides of the Everton support, but it seems that most (albeit the margin is small) are wanting Moyes to stay away the second time around.

However with the former boss stating his keen interest in the current vacant position, could the unthinkable happen? Moyes told The Times earlier in the week: “Would I consider going back? I’ve said if I get an exciting challenge and something that makes me feel I could get my teeth into it I would be really interested.”

But the arguments to progress to pastures new seem to be outweighing those calling for his return. Everton are a football club that have been on the down for the whole season now. Under Martinez in 2015/16 they failed to hit their normal high standards. In 2013/14, and to an extent 2014/15, the Spaniard got his side firing and whilst they didn’t finish in the top four, we saw some real quality. Ross Barkley shone and broke into the England team like never before whilst Romelu Lukaku was banging in goals left, right and centre.

Whilst the Belgian has been very good this season, too, he just hasn’t had the same sort of support he’s received in the past. The manager lost the fans some time ago and the 3-0 defeat to Sunderland really was the last straw. Everton took Martinez on after his greatest triumph at Wigan Athletic, when he brought FA Cup glory to the DW Stadium back in 2013. Martinez’s achievements with Wigan were fantastic and they outplayed Manchester City in that final. But moving for a manager who won the cup, but was also at the helm when they were relegated from the Premier League was questionable to begin with.

Yet that form has since dropped and Everton need a bright flame in the hot-seat to bring the exciting football back to Goodison. Frank de Boer is the favourite for the job and he is an extremely strong candidate. He led Ajax to four successive Eredivisie titles for the first time in Dutch footballing history and he seems like an extremely popular choice if social media is anything to go by.

But whomever Everton go with, they need to bring exciting football and a desire to develop some of Everton’s younger sparks. The development of some of these players has slowed in recent months, and to get the fans onside they need to bring that back as quick as possible.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-fan-survey’ align=’center’]

[survey_monkey id=KX2XQR7]

[ad_pod id=’prem-flops’ align=’center’]

Embarking upon a historic move to the Olympic Stadium, the coming transfer window looks set to be one of incredibly ambitious recruitment for West Ham.

The Hammers have already attempted to decimate their club-record transfer fee on a new striker according co-chairman David Sullivan and the transfer window doesn’t officially open for another six weeks.

So with the Premier League’s unprecedented television deal also coming into effect and potentially the incentive of Europa League football on offer – should Manchester United beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final – the coming transfer window could well go down as the most expensive and aspiring ever witnessed in East London.

Consequentially, reports liking West Ham with incredibly ambitious signings have been overloading the tabloids’ rumour columns in recent weeks. In fact, there’s been so many that we’ve been able to draw up a select Xi of reported Hammers transfer targets.

This transfer target Xi would set the Irons back a whopping £139million – not that we’re expecting Slaven Bilic and co to sign all of them this summer!

GOALKEEPER – ASMIR BEGOVIC

Should the ever-consistent Adrian be whisked away from East London this summer, West Ham have already been linked with a potential replacement in Chelsea understudy Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian international more than established himself in the Premier League during five campaigns as Stoke City’s No.1 and has continued to impress at Stamford Bridge, albeit in fits and spurts due to his limited game-time. The 28-year-old can certainly hold down a starting berth at a top club and rated at just £9million by Transfermarkt, could be a bit of a coup for the Hammers.

RIGHT-BACK – JEREMY PIED

Right-back has been a real problem area for the Hammers this season and the latest reports claim they’re prepared to address it with a swoop for Nice defender Jeremy Pied. The 27-year-old began his career as a winger but has excelled at No.2 this season, averaging an impressive 3.6 tackles, 3.1 interceptions, 1.1 successful dribbles and 1 created chance per match. The East Londoners are in the hunt to snap up the Frenchman on a free transfer, but face competition from St. Etienne.

CENTRE-BACK – MARC BARTRA

Marc Bartra remains highly-rated at Barcelona but simply hasn’t developed as expected since making his debut in 2010, going on to register just 103 appearances across all competitions. But a versatile, athletic and technical centre-back oozing with La Masia pedigree, plenty of clubs are ready to swoop should he look to leave the Nou Camp as expected this summer – including West Ham. It’s believed the Catalans are prepared to part with the 25-year-old for around £9.5million.

CENTRE-BACK – HAVARD NORDTVEIT

The Irons have already confirmed a summer deal for Havard Nordtveit, who will arrive from Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer after making over 152 Bundesliga appearances for the German club – including 27 this season. It remains to be seen what position the Norway international will take in the West Ham starting line-up, having performed well as a holding midfielder and a centre-half in recent campaigns. But for this select Xi, the 25-year-old is slotting into the heart of defence.

LEFT-BACK – THOMAS VERMAELEN

Thomas Vermaelen’s move to Barcelona has become a bit of a nightmare, managing just eleven La Liga appearances since arriving at the Nou Camp in summer 2014. Nonetheless, that hasn’t deterred interest in bringing the former Arsenal captain back to the Premier League this summer, with West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool reportedly in the frame. Preferring his left foot, we’re asking the 30-year-old to fill in at No.3 for the Hammers. But they’ll have to act quickly, amid reports Liverpool have already lodged a £7.5million bid.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD – MATT RITCHIE

Bournemouth have surpassed the expectations of many this season and Matt Ritchie has been at the heart of their surprisingly comfortable first Premier League campaign, claiming four goals and six assists in 36 league outings. The Scotland international is primarily a wideman but creative, hardworking and lacking natural pace, central midfield could end up being his ultimate position. According to Sky Sports, the Hammers have already seen a £25million bid rejected for the 26-year-old and team-mate Callum Wilson. We’re crediting Ritchie with two fifths of that sum.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD – VICTOR CAMARASA

Providing balance in this otherwise offensive midfield is Levante enforcer Victor Camarasa, who may not be a household name yet but is rapidly emerging as one of Spanish football’s most exciting young talents. The Spain international was unable to help his side beat the drop this season – in fact, they finished rock bottom of La Liga – but according to the tabloids, that could see West Ham snap him up for as little as £3million this summer.

RIGHT WING – THEO WALCOTT

There could not be a greater condemnation of Theo Walcott’s Arsenal career than his failure to make Roy Hodgson’s England squad for Euro 2016, suggesting the lightening-paced winger-forward needs a move this summer to revive his stuttering fortunes. Several sources claim the Hammers are prepared to provide it, including The Daily Mail. But taking into account he’s still just 27 years of age and under contract until 2019, Brentwood Gazette claim West Ham could end up spending as much as £26million on the struggling Gunners star.

LEFT WING – MEMPHIS DEPAY

Another big name struggling at a big club. Memphis Depay was deemed one of the top youngsters in world football upon arriving at Manchester United last summer, but just two goals from his debut Premier League campaign has instigated a disturbing fall from grace. Potential managerial upheaval during the offseason could see him further marginalised at Old Trafford and TransferMarketWeb claim West Ham are resultantly considering a £25million bid for the 22-year-old winger.

[ad_pod id=’greatest-players’ align=’center’]

STRIKER – MICHY BATSUHAYI

Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan revealed last week that the club have already launched a £24million bid for a striker in Ligue 1, believed to be Marseille’s Michy Batushayi. The Belgium international has on-pitch history with former team-mate Dimitri Payet and finished up with 17 goals and nine assists in 36 Ligue 1 outings for the 2015/16 campaign – an incredibly impressive return for a 22-year-old. However, Tottenham appear ready to contest their London rivals for the former Standard Liege star’s signature.

[ad_pod id=’euro-2016′ align=’center’]

STRIKER – CHRISTIAN BENTEKE

A star-studded striker has been the soundbite of West Ham’s transfer window build-up, so Football FanCast were always going to choose two for this select Xi. It’s been a tough season for Christian Benteke but he’s still Liverpool’s second-top scorer in the league after Roberto Firmino and more than established his Premier League credentials at Aston Villa, netting 49 times across three seasons. The Express claim the East London side are on the verge of tabling a £25million bid for the 6 foot 3 Belgian battering ram.

[ad_pod id=’fm16-wonderkids’ align=’center’]

Liverpool and Manchester United are both looking to return to former glories. Unfortunately for Liverpool, their glories are somewhat more former than Manchester United’s.

In Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho they certainly have two managers who could take them back to the pinnacle of both English and European football.

The upcoming season represents an enormous opportunity for both clubs to rebuild their images as teams who can compete with the best. Mourinho is sure to win at all costs, whilst the job that Klopp is having to take on is perceived to be trickier.

Any player who will make the transfer from Old Trafford to Anfield is likely to be unpopular with one, or both, of the fan bases. If they can get past a little booing and some aggressive tweeting in their direction, it might just make sense for a few players to head to Anfield this summer rather than having to endure Mourinho’s ruthless edge.

Here are THREE stars that could make the move from the red of Manchester to the red of Merseyside…

Daley Blind

Early murmurings from Manchester United suggest that Daley Blind may not be in Jose Mourinho’s first team plans in the 2016/17 campaign, despite being one of Van Gaal’s stalwarts last season.

Blind was excellent throughout much of last season, but his limitations physically will clearly frustrate some managers. The Dutchman’s versatility is his greatest asset, being equally comfortably playing as a six, at centre-back or in a left-back role.

With Liverpool in need of both a defensive midfielder and experienced cover in the back line, Blind seems a perfect target for Jurgen Klopp.

Morgan Schneiderlin

As Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger look to remain at the club, it is yet to be seen if Jose Mourinho will be using Morgan Schneiderlin more regularly than Louis van Gaal did last season.

At his best, Schneiderlin can play as either a deepest-lying midfielder or in a more active box-to-box role. The former Southampton star would be a wonderful foil for the ever-improving Emre Can in Klopp’s midfield pivot and might yet make the move from Anfield to Old Trafford.

It would be a huge coup for Liverpool and a significant loss for Manchester United.

Memphis Depay

If any manager can get the best out of Memphis Depay, it is probably Jurgen Klopp.

The Dutch winger was a huge disappointment in his first campaign with Manchester United, despite starring so brilliantly for PSV in the 2014/15 season. His goals, pace and power were awe-inspiring, yet he could not come close to replicating that in his first year in English football.

With Liverpool still in desperate need of width, Depay is the sort of wildcard signing that Liverpool may well be looking to make. Still at such a young age, that huge potential could yet be realised and he might become one of the most threatening forwards in the world.

It would be quite a punt, for sure, but it wouldn’t be the worst move Liverpool could make.