Dirk Kuyt wants to leave Liverpool this summer and return to former club Feyenoord, according to former team-mate Salomon Kalou.
The ageing forward has played on Merseyside since leaving the Eredivisie outfit back in 2006, but with first-team opportunities becoming limited, has eyed a return to his homeland.
Kalou, who played with Kuyt at Feyenoord, admits that his friend’s time in England may well be nearing an end.
“Dirk told me he wants to return now,” the Chelsea forward told Dutch reporters, translated to English by Mirror Football.
“Dirk said to me that I also must come, that we both have to return to Feyenoord.”
The Netherlands international will not command a sizeable transfer fee, and it is thought that Kuyt has a release clause in his contract that allows him to join a foreign club for just £1million.
Meanwhile, Joe Cole looks set to return to Anfield after Lille’s president admitted that they cannot afford to sign him permanently.
The attacking midfielder has spent a season on loan with the Ligue 1 champions this term, and has previously stated that he wants to stay in France, but this looks unlikely.
“Joe Cole has spoken and I thought it was great,” Michel Seydoux admitted.
“It’s rare that an English player comes to France and says he wants to continue.
“A discussion has been held. Money is an issue,” he confessed.
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Cole is said to earn £90,000-a-week currently with Liverpool.
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes reluctant coach Leonardo could be set to leave the San Siro.Leonardo, 41, took over from the sacked Rafael Benitez at Inter in December 2010, guiding the club to second place in Serie A.
But the Brazilian, who also spent the 2009/10 season in charge of AC Milan, is not believed to harbour ambitions of a long-term career as a head coach.
He has been strongly linked with the vacant director of football position at Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent a successful season as a player in 1996/97.
“Leonardo has a great opportunity,” Moratti told the Inter website. “We’ll try to find a solution which suits him and the club.”
After an unhappy spell at AC Milan, where Leonardo clashed with club owner Silvio Berlusconi, Moratti reportedly had to work hard to convince the former Brazil international to replace Benitez mid-way through last season.
And despite winning the Coppa Italia last month, Leonardo’s tenure at the club has not been a complete success.
He came in for criticism when the team surrendered their Champions League crown in the quarter-finals with a 7-3 aggregate defeat to unfancied Schalke.
Inter also effectively conceded the league title with a 3-0 derby loss to eventual Scudetto winners AC Milan.
Moratti believes Leonardo’s long-term future lies away from the dugout, but did not entirely rule out the possibility of his coach remaining in charge next season.
“He worked as a coach with good will and passion, but being a coach was certainly not what he aspired to be in the future,” Moratti said.
“It makes sense that he follows his ambitions and that we look for a new coach. Then should Leonardo change his mind then we could change ours too.”
Former Argentina and Chile head coach Marcelo Bielsa has been touted as a replacement if Leonardo does leave the San Siro.
After initially denying reports that Inter had spoken with the 55-year-old, Moratti confirmed that preliminary contact had been made by the club.
“I do believe that there has been a first contact with Bielsa, even if that wasn’t made by me,” Moratti said.
Aston Villa's striker shortage has become even more acute after John Carew was ruled out for around three weeks by a torn calf muscle.
The 31-year-old Norway international had been expected to lead the line against Fulham this weekend in the absence of both Emile Heskey and Gabriel Agbonlahor, but Carew has now joined his colleagues on the sidelines.
Manager Gerard Houllier had earlier challenged Carew to show that he is worth a new contract, with the striker's current deal set to run out at the end of the season.
The Frenchman had said:"John is a centre-forward. What you expect from a centre-forward is goals. He can do that.
"On his day he can be absolutely awesome – practically impossible to stop. We want the top John Carew that I know.
"John is at the end of his contract. It is an opportunity to express what he wants – whether he wants to stay at the club or whether he wants to go somewhere else.
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"But in both cases I would say he has got to be at his best to be in the shop window."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Last week, the Football Association handed over more power to the Premier League after the government ordered a re-shape of the organisation. This was another significant battle won by the Premier League after the Elite Players Performance Programme (EPPP) was passed by the football leagues, with the Premier League on such a power drive, it’s very likely that we’ll see B teams within the next five years.
The idea, the Premier League claim, will benefit the national team, which has mainly struggled since International football began. In reality, what the Premier League and it’s coaches have done is look at Spain and thought, well they keep winning, so why don’t we copy what they are doing?
The B team idea would only benefit the top teams in the Premier League, the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester City and Manchester United; it would as former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said during his time on Merseyside “bridge the gap between the youngsters and the first team”.
These teams aren’t interested in helping England out, none of them have English owners and the majority of their players aren’t English, what the likes of Chelsea want to do is be able to play the likes of Josh McEachran, Ryan Bertrand and Gael Kakuta in the Championship, but be able to play them for the first team should injuries occur.
Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas made that clear enough when he said: “But, here at Chelsea, we do produce talent. Players are coming through. It’s still a massive jump, again [to come]. It’s a waiting process but there is quality in this academy. Will it be too big a gap to come straight into the first team? Maybe, yes. But could they do that if they were playing at Championship level with a team representing Chelsea? Perhaps, yes.”
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As a fan of said club, the idea appeals to me because it benefits my club, but for fans of teams like AFC Wimbledon, Derby County and Hartlepool, the idea to have B teams would be disastrous.
Sadly for fans of those teams, the days of English ‘B’ teams isn’t far off, recently the Premier League bullied lower league clubs into signing the EPPP deal, which meant that clubs could sign any youngster no matter where he lived, which 10-year-old wonder kid is going to want to sign for Bury over Manchester City?
Even more recently the FA handed over power to the Premier League, meaning that the FA board could only veto certain rule changes going through, but considering how much the FA have allowed the Premier-League to have in recent times, why wouldn’t they be able to push through this deal for B teams?
The lower league teams aren’t run likes the businesses in the Premier League, they have the community at heart and many are run by volunteers who just love their football club, B teams would mean the death of most of these clubs, but what does the Premier League care?
I would give it a maximum of five years before B teams are rolled out across the football league, and although it may bring the Premier League big boys closer to Barcelona and Real Madrid, it may also mean an end of Doris the tea-lady and surely she is more important to English football?
B Teams good or bad? Tweet me @deanmears.
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If you have a spare 5mins then why not watch the latest episode of ‘The Football Coffee Break’
As the season draws to a close, with Manchester United celebrating the winning of another title, and West Ham mourning a relegation to the Championship, the enquiries start to begin. Where did one club prosper where another failed? Who was a poor signing, and which player represented excellent value. In this article we will observe the five worst signings of the Premier League this season:
5) Christian Poulsen (Liverpool)
Number five on our list is the much maligned Christian Poulsen who joined Liverpool in the summer transfer window from Italian giants Juventus in a deal totalling £4.5 million. With Alonso having left for Madrid the season before and Mascherano leaving for Barcelona Liverpool started the season with a large hole in central midfield. The hapless Roy Hodgson had been appointed manager of Liverpool shortly after leading Fulham to the Europa League final, and had the task of replacing Alonso and Mascherano.
Step forward Christian Poulsen, the Danish international who was plying his trade in Italy. He failed to adapt to the pace and vigour of the Premier League and looked atrocious in the Liverpool midfield, and has appeared slower than treacle alongside Steven Gerrard. Poulsen has made 12 Premier League appearances for Liverpool the season in uninspiring fashion, and most of these appearances were under Hodgson with the second half of the season seeing Poulsen disappearing into obscurity.
4) Sebastien Squillaci (Arsenal)
Arsene Wenger has always had a soft spot for rank average French centre backs, with the history books citing the laughable Silvestre, the dreadful Pascal Cygan and the newest addition to the list is Sebastien Squillaci. Squillaci was signed from Spanish club Sevilla late in the Summer transfer window for a reported £6 million, and to say it has been a disappointing season for the Frenchman would be an understatement. Squillaci was highly rated when signed by Wenger, with a view to partnering Thomas Vermaelen at the centre of the Gunners’ defense, however this season hasn’t reflected this faith.
Many of the worst defensive capitulations in the Gunners’ season had Squillaci present, with the second half crumbling against Spurs at the Emirates (3 goals conceded in a 3-2 loss) and the infamous second half capitulation against Newcastle (4 goals conceded in a 4-4 draw) where Squillaci came on at half time. Squillaci looks set to be shipped out in the summer after his catastrophic season.
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3) Paul Konchesky (Liverpool)
Poor old Roy Hodgson, another of his ill fated transfers makes our top five. When Hodgson joined Liverpool in 2010 he attempted to bring one of his most dependable performers from Fulham with him in left-back Paul Konchesky. The deal totalled £3.5 million and was necessary due to Liverpool’s loaning of Insua to Galatasary and the release of perennial sick note Fabio Aurelio. Konchesky made 15 appearances for Liverpool in a disappointing spell, and he has since been shipped out to Nottingham Forest where the team recently lost in the play offs.
2) Stephen Ireland (Aston Villa)
Where to start with Stephen Ireland? An immensely talented yet bizarre player with a long history of controversy wherever he goes. One such controversy was his infamous series of lies regarding his grandmothers dying in order to not go on international duty for Ireland. He was frozen out of Manchester City following an injury and the club’s ambition with regards the top players worldwide. Due to this Ireland agreed to join Villa in the summer with Milner going in the opposite direction. However, Ireland’s career plummeted yet further, with his debut coming against Newcastle in a humbling 6-0 defeat where Ireland was anonymous. Houllier soon decided that Ireland was a poor investment and sent him on loan to Newcastle where he again has been a major disappointment.
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1) Bébé (Manchester United)
Drum roll please … at number one we have the enigmatic Portugese winger Bébé who was signed to Manchester United for £7.4 million during the summer transfer window. The signing was made under the recommendation of Carlos Queiroz and was meeting with denigration from the media due to the rumours that Ferguson hadn’t seen him play and that the player had represented Portugal in the Homeless World Cup. Bébé has only represented Manchester United 7 times over this season, with 3 starts and 2 goals. 2 goals in 7 appearances doesn’t seem too poor for a new player acclimatising to the Premier League, however the manner of the performances have been dire. Bébé has returned to the reserves, and has shown little over this season to suggest he is worth anything close to resembling his £7.4 million fee.
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is waiting to find out the outcome of a dispute between the club and star midfielder Charlie Adam.
The 24-year-old Scotland international is reportedly seeking arbitration over unpaid bonuses and could even seek to end his Seasiders contract, which runs out in the summer of 2012.
Holloway told reporters:"If there is a problem then it's none of my business. That's between the club and one of the players and it will be sorted out by arbitration by the sound of it.
"If Charlie feels that way, if the chairman feels that way and there's a dispute then someone else has got to sort it out and I'm delighted that it's not me.
"If he decides to be upset and unhappy I'll deal with every mood and he's had a few since I've been here.
"I'll deal with them and I'll manage them as I've done before. Charlie has no problem with me at all. I've got no problem with him and the club doesn't have a problem with him.
"If he feels aggrieved then he's dealing with it in the right manner and it will get sorted one way or another. We'll see next week and then we'll move on from whatever the decision is.
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"Charlie knows what I've been trying to do with him anyway is to make him worth a lot of money and then sell him to a much better club than us, because I believe he's good enough to play for a much better club than us.
"But we are now a much better club because of him and I think it's a joint thing."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that star striker Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United’s Europa League last 32 second leg match against Ajax on Thursday.
The England international has a throat infection, which has been a problem over the last week, and will be rested.
“Wayne is out tomorrow. He has a really bad throat,” the Scottish coach told Sky Sports.
“There were traces of it in Amsterdam and we gave him some medication but it got worse.
“He has been in bed over the weekend and came in today for the first time and we are trying hard to get him right for Sunday,” he admitted.
Ferguson went on to state that promising youngster Paul Pogba may well make an appearance, but the French starlet is not the only player in need of gametime.
“It is possible we could give Pogba a run-out,” said Ferguson.
“It depends because there are a lot of players who need a game; Nani, [Ashley] Young, [Javier] Hernandez, [Tom] Cleverley, [Chris] Smalling, [Phil] Jones.
“Those players will all play tomorrow and we hope to put a sprinkling of experience amongst it,” the coach concluded.
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United lead the tie 2-0 after victory last week at the Amsterdam Arena.
FROM the opening day of the season to the final swansong at Old Trafford it was a season of trials and tribulations for the Blackpool faithful.
It was quite some stay, a rollercoaster ride to say the least. Full of ups and downs, a season filled with excitement and exhilaration.
It has been a stay cut shorter than many would have liked, but nonetheless it was one that has left us with some fantastic memories and on behalf of the footballing family I’d personally like to take this opportunity to thank Blackpool for this Premier League season.
For the Seasiders more famous for their pier, their tower and the pleasure beach than their football side a season in the Premier League was always going to be a tall order.
It was a rapid rise to the top flight – just nine years previously the 1953 FA Cup winners were languishing in the fourth tier of English football.
A 4-0 victory away from home on day one was a statement of intent from a team making their first appearance in England’s top flight since 1971 and it was from that moment that a nation fell in love.
It didn’t last long. Arsenal soon lowered the tone and brought Blackpool back down to earth with a six goal drumming of Holloway’s men and from that moment it was always going to be a battle for survival rather than the ‘dream’ first season many had hoped for.
53 goals and a series of exciting games in their debut season left no doubt in the fans’ minds that they had earned their place alongside the likes of United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
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Over the course of the season Blackpool completed the double over Liverpool and reigned victorious over Champions League quarter finalists Tottenham Hotspur. But despite being able to beat the Premiership big guns what they oozed in abundance against the teams towards the top of the table they lacked severely against those towards the bottom.
It was the story of their season, quality football, taking the game to the opposition, scoring good goals, but most costly conceding far too man, most notably when losing at Bloomfield Road to Manchester United despite leading 2-0.
It proved all too costly and ultimately their downfall, even on deadline day. Again, they took the lead against United but lacked the conviction and in the end the ability to see out the game. A harsh own goal shattered the dream and United punished Blackpool as they tried in vein to get back into the game.
In was something of a harsh goodbye from the Premier League. A survival Sunday clash with the Premiership champions. Did anyone really believe they had a chance? Well in fact yes, many of whom United fans themselves – caused in no uncertain terms by ‘the Holloway factor’.
Holloway has been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League – the Bristolian ‘Special One’. At times a comedian, but always the ultimate professional. A man of words and wisdom with charisma in abundance. An all round performer.
Not only did Holloway and his team entertain us on the pitch, but he also cheered us up off it, quickly providing us with some brilliant quotes and unforgettable outbursts.
They’ll no doubt lose their best players. Most obviously Charlie Adam, heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, others are also likely to part company. But perhaps, just maybe they can hold on to one or two, even all, and if Holloway is allowed to invest and build a side capable of propelling Blackpool back into the Premier League, it will allow the man that deserves it so much a chance, one more crack at the big time.
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Last year 100,000 fans lined the streets of Blackpool after the Tangerines secured promotion to the Premier League.
It goes without saying that they’ve gained a few more avid followers that will be wishing them and Ian Holloway all the best and good luck in their quest to return to the top flight of English football.
Blackpool have brought glamour, excitement and colour- tangerine to be precise. The tangerine dream has been the story of the 2011/2012 season. Unfortunately, everyone has now woken up. “She’s put the mic down, the fat lady’s finished singing and I don’t like her tune.” Holloway’s final words in the Premier League – for now at least.
It’s sad to parting company, but to leave with one of Holloway’s quotes: “Are castle was made of sand but there’s concrete underneath.”
For now, the tide has come in. Let’s start to rebuild that castle.
Blackburn Rovers have swooped to sign free agent midfielder Herold Goulon following a successful trial.
The 22-year-old Frenchman spent two years in the Middlesbrough youth team earlier in his career and was available on a free transfer after leaving Le Mans during the summer.
Goulon, who graduated from France's famous Clairefontaine Academy, has signed a deal until the summer of 2012.
Meanwhile, Rovers will be without captain Christopher Samba for Sunday's trip to Liverpool.
Samba is banned following his red card during Monday's goalless draw with Sunderland.
However, his absence is likely to be countered by the return from a thigh injury of Ryan Nelsen.
"We lose an exceptionally good player in Samba, we've got to deal with that," manager Sam Allardyce told the club's official website.
"It depends on Ryan Nelsen in terms of fitness. He came back from a long haul flight from New Zealand and was injured.
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"We lost him for the Sunderland game but he should be fit for this weekend. That gives us options on whether we play Phil Jones at the back or in midfield.
"Without Ryan then obviously Phil would definitely be playing in defence."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
If the rumours about Carlos Tevez playing again for Manchester City are true, it could be a real headache for Roberto Mancini. Would he play the man who refused to play and to do the job he is paid to do – or would he leave out a man that gives 100% in every game he plays and is a prolific goalscorer? Roberto Mancini has a big decision to make.
Lets look at the reasons for and against
Why Carlos Tevez should play again for Manchester City:
1. He always gives 100% – Everyone knows that when Carlos Tevez plays he doesn’t stop running and will chase every lost cause. Unlike some of the current players at Manchester City, Tevez doesn’t rest on his laurels. He uses every game as an opportunity to prove himself to the fans and everyone else how good he is, even though we all know his talents.
2. He is their ex-captain – Because of Tevez’s leadership skills, he commands respect. He may not be treated the same way by his team-mates when he returns, but he can still help Vincent Kompany to lead the team and help show everyone why he used to be the captain.
3. He is a great goalscorer – Tevez has scored 52 goals in 84 games. Pretty good record. Tevez is always a goal-scoring threat and can score from most chances. Every team needs someone who finishes off their chances and he can do that.
Why Carlos Tevez shouldn’t play for Manchester City again:
1. He has the wrong attitude – Refusing to play and refusing to do their job is completely stupid and how Tevez has kept his place in Manchester City’s team amazes me. Yes he has apologized, which is always the first step to go, but he didn’t do his job and then he disappeared to Argentina for a few months, abandoning his club and his position of trust.
2. Would he be picked? – With Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli as striking options at Man City, Mancini would rather opt for them rather than Tevez, seeing as the other three know where the goal is and Mancini has obvious problems with him.
3. His team-mates might not respect him – While his team-mates have been mounting a Premier League title challenge, Tevez has been in Argentina, playing golf and lounging around the beach. Will his team-mates have the same respect they had for him before?
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