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According to reports from Mirror Football, Everton manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed his interest in signing Manchester United winger Memphis Depay.

What’s the word?

The young but certainly growing Depay-to-Everton saga has taken another another step forward.ÂLast week, Toffees boss Ronald Koeman discussed his openness to signing the Netherlands international with FOX Sports Netherlands, quoted by Mirror Football as saying; “I would like to have him. I think he is an interesting player. He has great individual qualities. He just needs to play games.”

That was later followed by Everton’s official handle mentioning the former Feyenoord man in a tweet last Sunday, as he bagged a brace during Oranje’s 3-1 over Luxembourg.

Now, Koeman has added further fuel to the speculative fires by once again commenting on a potential swoop for Depay in the buildup to Everton’s Premier League clash with Swansea this Saturday. As quoted by Mirror Football, he said…

“If there is any opportunity then of course I’m interested. I was interested at Southampton, that has not changed. We have to be patient but we will do business in January.â€

Flop of the year?

Considering the £25million price-tag and fanfare surrounding his arrival, some even dubbing him ‘the Dutch CR7’, Depay has to go down as the ultimate flop of the 2015/16 Premier League season. He fell afoul of Louis van Gaal in just a matter of months and finished the campaign with just 16 top flight starts to his name – most coming in the opening weeks of the season.

No doubt, however, Depay isÂsupremely talented for his age. The 22-year-old proved as much at PSV, firing them to the Eredivisie title with 22 goals during 2014/15, and with a series of impressive showings under LVG at the 2014 World Cup.

It’s simply not worked out for him at Old Trafford but the winger-forward remains laden with world-class potential. Let’s not forget United had to fight off PSG for his signature in 2015, forcing LVG to sign him a year earlier than planned.

In a different system, at a different club and working under a more accommodating manager, Depay could flourish into the worldly star heralded during his Eredivisie days.

Is a January deal likely?

Football FanCast certainly wouldn’t rule it out. Everton didn’t fully maximise the financial backing of new investor Farhad Moshiri during the summer and a failed £30million swoop for now-Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko on deadline day suggests there’s plenty left in the transfer kitty.

Likewise, Koeman’s taken the unusual step of actively expressing an interest in Depay, suggesting it wouldn’t take much persuasion to put some money on the table if United made it clear that they’re open to a deal.

At the same time, Depay’s future at Old Trafford looks incredibly bleak. He simply doesn’t fit the template of winger Jose Mourinho tends to go for – those who track back and put in a shift off the ball – and that’s evident from him picking up just four substitute outings, totalling a meagre twenty minutes, in the Premier League this term.

All the signs suggest both clubs would be open to some mid-season business, but one potential stumbling block could be the league standings. Depending on how their respective campaigns pan out over the next six weeks, United will be reluctant to strengthen a side they could be competing with for Europa League qualification.

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As reported by Portuguese outlet A Bola, Manchester City are sending representatives to track the progress of Benfica’s star goalkeeper Ederson.

What’s the story?

Pep Guardiola has been plagued by goalkeeping issues at Manchester City, going all the way back to the furore around his treatment of Joe Hart and the subsequent loan to Torino.

It’s been a saga that in many ways has defined Guardiola’s spell at the Citizens so far.

Worry no more City fans because according to reports from Portugal, plans are being made to bring in a permanent solution to the current problem.

A Bola say that Guardiola has now sent scouts twice to watch Ederson, once in a Champions League match vs Napoli and again on Sunday during Benfica’s 2-1 win over city rivals Sporting Lisbon.

He won’t be cheap though with A Bola also reporting that he was a £25m clause in his contract that would have to be met before any transfer takes place.

Why no Bravo?

Claudio Bravo has had a torrid time in a Manchester City jersey since arriving in the summer, making a series of mistakes that has cost City vital points in the title race.

That came to a head most notably against Leicester City last week with the goalkeeper putting in a shambolic performance between the sticks in a 4-2 defeat.

Man City fans are desperate for a replacement and might be soothed by the news that Guardiola is actively seeking a replacement.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that the “best team” will face Southampton in Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg at St Mary’s.

The German coach faced criticism from some quarters for naming the youngest ever side in the club’s history against Plymouth Argyle in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The average age of the lineup was 21 years and 296 days, and the inexperience showed as the Reds were held to a goalless draw at Anfield, meaning that they will need to replay the match at Home Park at a later stage.

The Merseyside outfit dominated the game, having 77% possession and producing 28 shots compared to Plymouth’s four, but only four of Liverpool’s attempts were on target.

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The importance of the FA Cup is called into question at times when top-level clubs play youngsters, but Klopp has stood by his selection.

Ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final first leg, the former Borussia Dortmund boss has suggested that more first-team stars will return to the lineup in a bid to earn a strong advantage heading into the showdown at Anfield.

During his pre-match press conference, Klopp told reporters:

“Wednesday will see the best team we can line up. If you ask for a rating in England the League Cup is third but while you are still in it it is the most important cup.

“If you win and it is wonderful with the youngest lineup ever. After the game it is the easiest job for you to ask ‘Why did you make all these changes?’.

“The question I asked this morning in the dressing room was ‘Could we have done better? 100% yes with this lineup. I don’t expect perfection but I have high expectations because I see them every day in training and I was convinced we could play really well.”

It will be interesting to see which starting XI Klopp goes for as he will almost certainly have Sunday’s Premier League clash against arch rivals Manchester United in the back of his mind.

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Arsenal are, again, at a bit of a crossroads. Granted, we’re only just past the halfway stage of the season, but Arsene Wenger’s Gunners are unlikely to win the Premier League title, are set to face Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League, are out of the League Cup and, as the cliché goes, anything can happen in the FA Cup. So, the north Londoners could quite realistically end 2016/17 with no silverware.

Should this happen, a summer transfer overhaul may ensue, especially with Wenger’s own future up in the air, as well as doubts surrounding Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez’s long-term status at the Emirates Stadium.

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This could open the door to comings and goings, and Jack Wilshere’s name is sure to crop up. Indeed, the midfielder, who is currently on loan at Bournemouth, is – according to the Mirror – set to make a call on his future at the club when his season with the Cherries comes to an end, and he could well end up back in the capital after a decent spell on the Dorset coast.

We think he could be worth keeping hold of, and here are THREE reasons why…

Fit at last

For years now we’ve all had to endure ‘Jack Wheelchair’ jokes, with the midfielder’s fitness issues having been the narrative of his career. Granted, the critics have lots of ammo to repeatedly fire at the player’s inability to get on the pitch and Arsenal’s treatment of Wilshere off of it, but at long last it looks like the playmaker is back to being a regular starter.

In fact, Wilshere has already made more appearances than in his last two season combined while on loan at Bournemouth and is only 375 minutes adrift of the overall he managed on the pitch in 2013/14 – to put that into perspective, just over four more full 90-minute outings will see him surpass that total this term.

This could be the season in which Wilshere puts his trouble behind him, and there’s no doubt that his technical quality matched with being regularly available will make him a player Wenger will want to keep around.

Better forward-thinking option than Arsenal’s current central options

There are number caveats that go with this, such as Wilshere being the ‘main man’ at Bournemouth and Arsenal’s midfielders playing a variety of roles in the centre of the pitch, but, on the whole, the 25-year-old has outshone all of his major counterparts back at his parent club.

Gunners stars such as Santi Cazorla, Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin (all of whom have been playing centrally and have made a significant number of outings in the league this season) are some way off Wilshere’s return in a per-game sense, with his key passes (1.41) and chances created (1.47) particularly notable.

On top of that, the England international has completed 2.65 take-ons and hit 1.12 shots-a-match. Perhaps Aaron Ramsey would be a more direct comparison, but the Welshman has played a significant chunk of his minutes from wide positions, which is seemingly where Arsene Wenger sees his future.

Xhaka issue

FIVE – Granit Xhaka has been sent off more times than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues since the start of the 2015/16 season

It may look like we’re picking on the Swiss star, but his atrocious disciplinary record makes him an issue for Wenger. The aggressive midfielder will now miss the Gunners’ coming four domestic matches after a wild lunge at Burnley’s Steven Defour on Sunday, and not having a central midfielder of his quality available will cause problems for the Gunners chief. On top of this, Cazorla’s best days are very much behind him and there are doubts about Elneny’s overall quality, even if he is a solid option.

Wenger will need to look at adding to his midfield options in the summer it would seem, so having Wilshere back makes sense in that his qualities are known and he’s already bedded in at the Emirates Stadium.

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Liverpool supporters have received plenty of plaudits on Twitter after paying tribute to the late son of a Plymouth Argyle fan.

Kevin May discovered during the FA Cup third-round match between Liverpool and Plymouth at Anfield earlier this month that his son Daniel had died in a Surrey hospital, where he was being treated after suffering a cardiac arrest.

May was comforted by a Liverpool employee and police officer at the ground when he was informed of the tragic news, reports the Liverpool Echo.

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After the match ended in a goalless draw, Reds season-ticket holder Anthony Grice set up a fundraising page to get a banner created in memory of the 25-year-old.

It was unfurled at Home Park in the 25th minute of the third-round replay, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Supporters around the ground applauded the banner, which read: ‘RIP Daniel May – You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

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Manchester United were oddly quiet during the January transfer window year, with the Red Devils’ only notable business being the departures of both Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay, who joined Everton and Lyon respectively.

While many had hoped that Man United would be able to further add to their squad on Deadline Day following a summer spending spree of over £100m, Jose Mourinho was clear on the issue, stating there were to be no ins and no outs on the final day of the window.

Rumours of a big money switch to China for Man United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney were also ousted with the statement from the former Porto and Chelsea manager.

Currently sat in sixth place in the Premier League, 14 points behind leaders Chelsea, and six behind second-placed Arsenal, fans can be forgiven for questioning the lack of investment during the winter.

One thing its absence does mean, however, is that arrivals and of course departures are imminent during the summer of 2017.

Here are THREE January non-movers at Old Trafford that need to leave during the summer…

Chris Smalling

Last year was a brilliant one for Chris Smalling. His partnership with Daley Blind was exceptional, and was a huge reason as to why Man United had such a solid defensive record.

Man United fans who had formerly berated the once clumsy Smalling started eating their words. However, if this season has proven anything, it is that the defender’s performances last campaign were the anomaly rather than the norm, as the Englishman has gone back to his sloppy, slow looking self at the heart of the backline.

Being kept out of the squad by Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo? Time to move on.

Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick has been nothing short of fabulous for Man United over the years, and his usefulness in the middle of park has even extended to the past couple of seasons.

His vast experience has provided a level head for the young and new players coming through at Old Trafford. However, Man United’s reliance on their once main man now has to stop, and both manager and fans need to realise that beyond the experience, Carrick cannot deliver on the field as he could do perhaps five years ago. In an evolving squad, he is very much an antique piece.

Jesse Lingard

Unlike the pair previously mentioned, it is not Lingard’s lack of ability that’s the the reason he should say goodbye to Man United this summer, but more sadly the fact he won’t get the playing time he deserves. Lingard was one of the stars of last season,

Lingard was one of the stars of last season, however, under Mourinho he is destined to go under-used and under-appreciated, just as a number of other talented youngsters have done in the past because they are not what the Portuguese manager may deem a ‘big name’.

The England U-21 star should count his losses and move on to pastures new, as I am certain there are plenty of other clubs who would be more than welcome to recognise his talent.

According to reports from The Sun, Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick could be offered a new one-year contract come the end of the season, however, he will have to take a pay-cut to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

It is understood that the influential midfielder – who is now in his eleventh season with the Red Devils – makes somewhere in the region of £130,000-per-week, but will have to almost halve his wages to around £70,000-a-week if he is to remain with the club.

Man United have offered similar deals to a number of the former stars at the latter stages of their careers in the past, including Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, and now at 35-years-of-age, it appears Carrick is to receive the same treatment.

While the Englishman still gets game time under Jose Mourinho, he is no longer a certain name on the team-sheet, as he was a few seasons ago. However, a player of his quality and experience is invaluable, hence the club will not be keen to let him slip through their fingers easily.

Keeping him is one thing and is a short term solution, but finding themselves a successor to a man who has been at the heart of their midfield for the past decade is the real goal.

Could one of these FIVE be the answer? Perhaps…

Blaise Matuidi

The versatile defensive midfielder has an excellent range of passing and is capable of holding in front the back four and also bursting forward and creating chances. The current Paris Saint-Germain man could be the perfect partner for Paul Pogba – with whom he has played alongside at international level for France – and would give the current United midfielder the freedom he perhaps needs to succeed for the Red Devils.

Daley Blind

Is there any need to look elsewhere for a replacement for Carrick when the club have one already right under their noses in the form of Dutchman Daley Blind?

There are eery similarities between the ex-Ajax ace and Carrick in that they are both brilliant passers of the ball and look extremely comfortable in possession – almost a step ahead of everyone else on the field. Blind has fallen out of favour under Mourinho, but was a key player for Louis van Gaal, excelling at centre-back alongside Chris Smalling. Given the opportunity just in front of the back four, however, we are certain the Netherlands international could become a star at Old Trafford.

Angel Gomes

Now from the first-team to the youth ranks for Man United’s search for Carrick’s replacement.

Young Angel Gomes became a key member in the heart of the development squad’s XI, showing real promise. Described as: ‘comfortable and assured in possession and has a wide passing range, while also providing a goal threat from a no.10 role’, it may be only a matter of time before the 16-year-old gets a first-team breakthrough, however the club will have to rely on the notoriously anti-youth Mourinho to provide him with the chance to do so.

Naby Keita

Red Bull Leipzig have been the surprise package of the Bundesliga season so far, and the side have had a surprise package of their own in the form of midfielder Naby Keita, too. Signed from sister club Red Bull Salzburg for €11 million during the summer, the man described as the

Signed from sister club Red Bull Salzburg during the summer, the man described as the Bundesliga’s very own N’Golo Kante, has taken to top-flight German football like a duck to water with four goals and five assists in 15 appearances so far this season.

Energetic, powerful and good on the ball, Keita may not be overly similar to Carrick, but could be the man the Red Devils need to replace him as they look to find someone who will compliment the talents of Pogba.

Ruben Neves

At 18-years-old, Ruben Neves became the Champions League’s youngest ever captain as he led his Porto side out against Maccabi Tel Aviv in a 2-0 victory last season, and ever since he has been turning the heads of Europe’s elite.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Neves is a far more mature player than his age suggests, and is more than capable of dictating the play from in front of the back four with his eye for a pass and tactical awareness.

Many comparisons have been drawn between him and fellow countryman Joao Moutinho, who has enjoyed a fine career with both Porto and Monaco, and of course Portugal.

Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg has quit his coaching role with the Gunners to follow Andries Jonker out of the exit door in North London and join German outfit Wolfsburg, The Daily Mail reports.

What’s the word?

Whilst speculation persists around the futures of Arsene Wenger, Alexis Sanchez and others, two major departures have already taken place at the Emirates Stadium with Andries Jonker and Freddie Ljungberg leaving the Gunners to join Wolfsburg.

Jonker returns to Wolfsburg, where he was assistant manager before taking a role as head of Arsenal’s academy in 2014, with the struggling Bundesliga side bringing in the 54-year-old in the wake of Valerien Ismael’s axing at the weekend.

Arsenal confirmed Jonker’s move on their official website and will also now wave goodbye to Ljungberg, with Jonker speaking about working with the Swedish ace in the Bundesliga.

What was said?

Quoted by The Daily Mail, Jonker said:

‘He (Ljungberg) is interested in the individual development of the players and what he says is what I think. I’m really looking forward to working with the two of them. They will complement me very well.’

What does this mean for Arsenal?

Losing Jonker is a huge blow to the Gunners but it was always likely a club would come in to offer him a senior position and it would have been difficult to turn it down. The same can also be said for Ljungberg, who will see this as the next stage in his coaching career.

Just 39, Ljungberg has years ahead of him and could return to the Gunners. However, it means that Arsenal have lost the services of both Thierry Henry and Ljungberg from their coaching staff in the past year- whilst Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira and Mikel Arteta all hold positions elsewhere.

It probably doesn’t amount to anything but Arsenal fans would surely prefer to see these famous players working behind the scenes at London Colney.

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Visit Britain are looking to find football’s biggest super fan, and if you’re looking to find the city with the most high-profile clubs – look no further than London!

No less than 5 teams in the Premier League reside in London, with Chelsea, West Ham, Arsenal, Tottenham and Crystal Palace all competing in the English top flight from England’s capital.

Many of the clubs, most notably Chelsea and Arsenal, have a rich history of numerous trophy wins – with the latter earning particular success over the last decade or so.

Crystal Palace are, perhaps, the least well-known side in the capital – though having now spent a few years in the Premier League, their star is certainly rising – particularly if Sam Allardyce can keep them up this season.

For those visiting the capital, your time will not be complete without a visit to a big football stadium, so let’s take a bit more of an in-depth look at some of the bigger clubs in London…

Chelsea

Chelsea had a dormant year last season, but they have come back stronger than ever in the 2016/17 campaign.

Under the tutelage of Antonio Conte, the Blues – as they are affectionately known – look set to regain top spot in the Premier League this season.

They play their football at Stamford Bridge, which is set to be developed over the next few years.

Though they are not the most historic team in the Premier League, the past decade has been impressive from the Blues.

Arsenal

Arsenal have had a dormant spell in recent years under Arsene Wenger, but fans will remember how successful he made the side during his early years.

With a plethora of FA Cups and Premier League’s behind them, there is no doubting that Arsenal are one of the most successful and impressive clubs in the capital.

They play their football at the Emirates Stadium, with over 50,000 fans squeezing into the North London-based stadium every single week.

Tottenham

Tottenham are certainly a side on the up, with manager Mauricio Pochettino arguably one of the best young managers in the Premier League.

They are fierce rivals with Arsenal, given that the two sides dominate North London, and whilst the Lilywhites – as they are known – have struggled in the past, they’re beginning to look like a real force.

With a focus on young, English talent – they are definitely a side to watch.

They play at White Hart Lane and have a hugely passionate fan base.

West Ham

West Ham have had a mixed season, but if you’re looking for a passionate, loyal fan base – look no further than the Hammers.

They currently play at the London Stadium, which whilst not designed as a football stadium, will serve as a foundation to continue to grow as a club.

Under the tutelage of Slaven Bilic, West Ham are a side that is on the up despite a poor season this year.

Do you think you have what it takes to be Visit Britain’s biggest Super Fan? Click 0n the link below to find the details.

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With Visit Britain looking to find the world’s biggest Super Fan, it’s easy to see why the NFL and the Premier League are beginning to become so popular in both North America and in Britain respectively.

Though American Football and Soccer are very different games, they both share a number of similarities – and position that the two games share is that of a wide receiver. Whilst their roles differ somewhat, at their core the role of a winger in soccer is very reminiscent to that of wide receiver.

With a focus on running quickly and receiving the ball at distance, you can certainly see how someone like Eden Hazard or Cristiano Ronaldo might fit in in the NFL. Indeed, with both positions crucial to attacks – both wingers and wide receivers are often popular figures amongst fans.

It is an interesting question, then, to look into who the best wide receivers might be in the Premier League, with the English top flight a real hub for top players in that role.

So whilst you contemplate whether you have what it takes to be crowned the biggest Super Fan, here are the top 5 wide receivers in the Premier League…

Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard is argueably the best winger in the Premier League, and you could certainly see the Belgian fitting in well as a wide receiver in the NFL.

Offering electric pace and incredible agility, he is able to pick up balls launched from the other side of the pitch, and that would certainly stand him in good stead. His frame might be slight, but he is a power man on the flanks.

He is on course to battle for the Player of the Year award this year, so there can be no doubting that he is one of the best in the Premier League.

Alexis Sanchez

It is a very similar story with Alexis Sanchez.

The Chilean winger is a powerful man on the wings, and would have no trouble adjusting to life in the NFL.

Indeed, his goal threat is even better than Eden Hazards – and he certainly has a case to be the best in the league.

Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane has only risen to prominence since moving to Liverpool, with the Senegalese winger proving vital for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

His pace is his most deadly assets, but it is far from his only threat. He is also a stellar dribbler, set piece taker and, most importantly, goal scorer.

The winger is often on the end of long passes in pursuit of a goalscoring chance.

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling has blown hot and cold so far this season, but he certainly deserves credit for his turnaround in recent weeks.

He has added a real goal threat to his game, whilst he has also improved as an out ball for his team.

Given his slight frame, he is often the furthest man forward, able to jump on balls launched towards him from defence.

Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott is the definition of wide receiver. His electric pace would make him unstoppable in the role, much like it has for much of his career in the Premier League.

He has made a career of picking up the ball and running down the flanks towards the goal with it, and he certainly deserves more credit for the role that he has played for Arsenal during his career.

Do you think you have what it takes to be Visit Britain’s biggest Super Fan? Click 0n the link below to find the details.

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