All posts by h79snht.top

West Ham are sitting in fourth and have occupied that elusive Champions League spot for consecutive weeks. This is not normal for West Ham, and it’s certainly not the normal under Sam Allardyce.

The criticism was as rife as ever during the summer, and after a dismal pre-season, the Big Sam moaners were out in full-force. Allardyce has put up with an incredible amount of criticism from the second he stepped into Upton Park as the West Ham manager, the majority of it being unwarranted.

In his first season he was given the simple target of gaining instant promotion – he did it.

In his second season it was all about Premier League survival – comfortably, he did it.

For his third season it was again about Premier League survival – uncomfortably, he did it.

It’s now his fourth season in charge of West Ham and things are going very well indeed. The current Hammers squad is the best for a long time and the fans are starting to dream of more than just survival. More importantly, there aren’t many sides who have stuck by their manager through the kind of incredible fan pressure that has been exerted at the Boleyn Ground. West Ham are living proof that sacking a manager isn’t always the answer.

Regardless of how well he’s doing, he is still a long way from getting the credit of the ‘Fat Sam Out’ brigade, as they find it impossible to swallow their pride and admit how wrong they were.

Although it would feel rather strange chanting ‘Big Sam’s claret and blue army!’ for the first time after he has spent three full campaigns at Upton Park, it would not be undeserved. I don’t for a second believe that Allardyce is the type of manager to listen to the crowd’s chants in the hope that he hears his name, however on this occasion it may well give him an immense amount of pride to finally feel accepted by his own supporters. It’s still unlikely to happen anytime soon.

If there is one outstanding attribute that he holds, it’s his attention to detail when it comes to preparing tactics for each and every opposition. Some managers simply rely on their way being the right way, whereas Sam is willing to try many different methods in order to combat stronger sides defensively, or to target opponent’s weaknesses i.e. Mangala vs Man City.

Allardyce should be a manager who fills the supporters with confidence due to the fact that he is always prepared. The myth of long-ball football is finally leaving him behind after supporters are realising that he plays to his sides strengths and equally avoids their weaknesses.

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The Hammers’ style has morphed drastically since last season. That’s no surprise given that two quick strikers have replaced one laboured giant, and a player of Alex Song’s quality is running things in the midfield.

Sam didn’t change things single-handedly but he certainly knew what he was doing. I don’t think he, or anyone for that matter, had envisaged it going as well as it is, but it’s about time Sam Allardyce got the credit he deserves from all West Ham fans.

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The Premier League is taking a weekend off to make way for the Euro 2016 qualifiers, and while this may come as bad news for those football fans who find the international break a tedious affair, the pause at least gives us the opportunity to fully scrutinise last weekend’s domestic action.

The 2014/15 season is almost a third of the way through, and while the most recent round of fixtures largely conformed to the general narrative of the campaign so far – a runaway leader looking invincible, continued struggles for the established order, and the remarkable rise of the underdogs – there was still plenty to garner from the action. Here are four things we learnt…

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CLICK ON SHANE LONG TO REVEAL THE FOUR

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1. Curse of Europe strikes again

Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton were all involved in European competition in midweek; all bar Chelsea failed to win in the Premier League this weekend. The belief that participation in the Europa League is more of a hindrance than an honour is long-standing given the fact that its Thursday night schedule leaves teams with precious time to recover and prepare for domestic duty, however the debilitating effects of continental football seem to have extended to Champions League participants as well. Manchester City and Arsenal were still clearly suffering from damaging results in Europe with the Citizens snatching a draw against relegation candidates QPR and the Gunners losing at Swansea, while Brendan Rodgers’ bold decision to rest key players against Real Madrid on Tuesday was not vindicated as his Liverpool side suffered a third straight defeat in all competitions against Chelsea. The Reds seem to be adhering to some absurd logic whereby mere qualification to the Champions League is more important than actual participation in it. For Rodgers, the ideal is sweeter than the reality, which hints towards a sad truth concerning world football’s elite club competition, namely that only a handful of sides can realistically hope to win the whole thing. Chelsea are the only English side who possess the quality and strength in depth to seriously challenge domestically and continentally; most other sides seem to find great difficulty in managing the demands of both. Why, then, are the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal even bothering to compete in the Champions League in the first place? The answer is simple: money.

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2. Southampton serious contenders for top four

Questioning the point of qualifying for the Champions League should not take anything away from Southampton’s incredible season. It is hard not to like the Saints and their attractive brand of winning football under the brilliant Ronald Koeman, and while they gained many plaudits for their impressive start to the campaign, it is about time that we stopped viewing the side as a flash in the pan that will eventually fade and settle in mid-table. The South Coast club should be considered as genuine contenders to last the whole season and finish in the top four – they are already 11 points ahead of last year’s runners-up Liverpool, and presently one can only see that gap widening. For all their attacking verve, Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City highlighted the importance of a solid defence for the Saints, and if their back four continue to impress for the remainder of the season – they have conceded just five goals, a league best by a considerable distance – then it is difficult to see how they can possibly slip up.

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3. Swans show importance of stability

Swansea City gained promotion to the Premier League a season before Southampton managed the feat, with many identifying the stable, responsible leadership of Huw Jenkins in his capacity as chairman of the club as a key factor in the Swans’ success. However, this stability came under threat last season as things began to turn sour during Michael Laudrup’s second year in the dugout. There were talks of a schism in the dressing room with Chico Flores being a particularly disruptive influence, and this internal turmoil was clearly having an effect on the field as the Swans struggled against being dragged into a relegation battle for most of the season. Change was clearly needed, yet the sacking of Laudrup in February and the appointment of Garry Monk as his successor did not initially inspire much hope – Monk was still registered as a player at the time and had no prior experience of managing a club. Nevertheless, the 35 year-old led the Swans to safety and the way in which his side has started the current campaign shows that the decision to name him as manager was an inspired one by Jenkins. Monk has been at Swansea for more than ten years – he has seen them rise from League Two to the Premier League and has a greater understanding of the workings of the club, its ethos and its footballing philosophy than any other potential managerial candidate could ever have possessed. His steadying influence is precisely what the Swans needed after a trying season under Laudrup, and Sunday’s superb victory over Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium served only to strengthen Monk’s reputation.

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4. Burnley are not dead and buried just yet

While Swansea City and Southampton may be examples of recently-promoted sides relishing life in the top flight, Burnley cannot be considered in this category. After ten games of the season, there was talk of the Clarets being dead-certs for relegation and even finishing the campaign with the lowest-ever points total. Sean Dyche’s men had amassed just four points – none of which came from winning a game – and a glaring lack of attacking potency was expected to be their downfall. Though this issue is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, not even in the January transfer window where the Clarets will find it difficult to lure a proven, Premier League-standard goalscorer to Turf Moor, they did at least manage to record a first victory at the eleventh time of asking on Saturday. The tight 1-0 defeat of Hull City is exactly the type of result that Burnley will need to register on a more regular basis if they are to stand any chance of staying in the league; goals will always be hard to come by, so snatching one in the hope that the defence remains impregnable could see them gain just enough points to survive. The Lancashire outfit are now just two points from safety; there is hope yet that they can confound all expectations.

Got any questions? Follow me on Twitter @GruffuddOwen

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Every England fan knows, without Wayne Rooney, the national team would be plunged into the depths of despair. At the age of 29, the Manchester United forward made his 101st cap against the ‘Auld Enemy’ Scotland this week, while also netting a brace in a 3-1 win at Celtic Park. Not only is Rooney on course to smash Peter Shilton’s appearance record, but he’s also within two goals of beating Sir Bobby Charlton’s record.

Now putting on the armband for the Three Lions and despite enjoying a glittering career for both club and country, Rooney has received heavy criticism in the past. This has not deterred him however, and for the striker to come out and say ‘he will never retire from international football’, just shows how much he is committed to the England set up. However, another question remains, when he does eventually call it quits, who will be the next Wayne Rooney to step up to the plate and rescue a country in dire need of a major tournament scalp?

If you’re looking for a player that is capable of replicating what Rooney has achieved, then the player has to be showing great potential now, and play on a regular basis in a domestic league. This player doesn’t have to be a forward, but must show similar attacking exploits as the Red Devils superstar. Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley are the frontrunners to even be considered as England’s next poster boy, but there are also some going under the radar.

One such player is Middlesbrough forward Patrick Bamford. The promising talent has been prolific while on loan at the likes of Derby County, MK Dons and Middlesbrough. The Chelsea starlet’s best season came while he was on loan at the Stadium MK, where he bagged 18 goals in 37 games for Karl Robinson’s men. Even when he started his career at Nottingham Forest, Bamford scored five goals and made three assists in an ecstatic 9-1 victory over Wigan Athletic in a FA Youth Cup tie, while the following week, he scored four in a 5-1 rout over Southampton.

Two other strikers that are currently plying their trade in the Premier League, unlike Bamford, are West Brom’s Saido Berahino and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane. Berahino earned his first call up to the England side in the last two fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland. The lightening quick forward is currently on seven goals in 11 games for his club, the highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League so far. While Spurs forward Kane has a different playing style to Berahino. The North London lad plays the game with a touch of class, like Rooney, and he is always comfortable on the ball. Much to Spurs fans’ dismay, Kane has not been used regularly in the league, but his goal-scoring form in the Europa League is something to consider.

England will be sad to see Rooney inevitably retire, so the search and development of a player that can produce similar results to Rooney must start now in order for this little island to remain an international force.

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Before Borussia Dortmund supporters had any chance to enjoy their superb team and excellent recent success last summer, things were already beginning to crumble.

Having fallen just short of winning the Champions League and the Bundesliga last season, losing only to Bayern Munich (no shame in that), everything has dismantled as quickly as it reached an apex.

Dortmund now, almost unbelievably, will return from the winter break attempting to move out of the relegation zone and avoid a humiliating and shock relegation.

Arsenal fans have been calling for their club to pursue the BVB manager, and one feels he might actually leave simply due to feeling that he can never return them to former their glories.

There are strangely some promising signs for Dortmund in and amongst this mess – they have both had the 3rd most and conceded the 3rd least shots in the Bundesliga.

This suggests Dortmund are still dominating games with their pressing style, they just simply need to find some confidence to start winning at both ends of the pitch.

The problems started last summer, as Bayern polished silky midfielder Mario Gotze and top striker Robert Lewandowski, while injuries to prominent players Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marco Reus have not helped.

Dortmund did recently gain a draw with second-placed Wolfsburg, though they squandered the lead twice, as a defensively and mentally frail BVB appeared to have forgotten how to win. Klopp still has undoubted pedigree as a manager, and his CEO has said that the club will never sack him, but this is clearly his greatest test.

The fans and board remain vehemently behind Klopp, whilst from the outside the club appears to be in crisis, the reality is this a little extreme.

The winter break came at a good time for Dortmund, who still more than possess the quality and potential to gain a top-6 finish, assisted by the division being so tight from top to bottom.

Apparent from Bayern Munich leading it by 15 points. Obviously.

Thus one sense that Klopp’s reign at Dortmund will only end when he wishes- the BVB boss will not have to jump before he is pushed.

With top European clubs clearly interested in Klopp, one sense that the end might be sooner than many unexpected during BVB’s superb previous season. The manager is perfectly capable of turning BVB around, but Bayern Munich are so utterly dominate in Germany that he must feel challenging them again anytime soon is impossible.

Bayern are able to dominate the division by taking the best players of every other club, including Dortmund, and this does not look likely to change.

Thus an appropriate conclusion to Klopp’s superb work at BVB appears to be revitalising them to an improved finish to the season, attaining a respectable League finish.

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This would allow Dortmund’s disappointing start to the season to be rightly forgotten in light of his wider achievements at the club, whilst showing top clubs that Klopp can manage a team out of adversity. Leaving Dortmund this summer would then allow Klopp to gain a deserved move to another top club that have the funds to win domestic and European titles.

Time will tell, but whoever were to take Klopp on would be hiring an outstanding manager, a more than capable leader of any club.

Here’s hoping this comes only after fixing the current mess at BVB.

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After failing to replace Luis Suarez, and with Daniel Sturridge out injured for much of the season, Liverpool have had to rely heavily on winger Raheem Sterling.

Such is his talent that, for much of the first few months, Sterling was their main man up front impressing both fans and manager Brendan Rodgers. But with the player now hoping for a new bumper contract extension, it appears all that the praise has gone to the young man’s head and frankly ridiculous figures are being thrown about.

Sterling’s agent is said to have turned down the offer of £100,000-a-week, and so in order to keep the player happy, negotiations will have to continue. Currently on £35,000-a-week plus performance based bonuses, Sterling has rejected an offer which is almost three times what he has been getting.

So has his performance this season been three times better than the last one? Well, probably not. Last year he was instrumental to Liverpool finishing second, while this season their hopes are pinned only on four, though a recent surge in form would have some fans believing they can finish higher than that. He is not a traditional striker , so he can’t be scrutinised on goals alone, which may be a good thing when you consider he’s only netted six goals for the Reds this season.

Now no one is saying that he shouldn’t receive more, but £100,000-a-week is a lot of money for a player he is not yet the finished product. He is still developing and if his time off in Jamaica back in January – said to help with exhaustion – is anything to go by then the young man isn’t even fit enough to deal with the gruelling Premier League season that most other players just crack on with.

According to Sterling and his agent, the magic number is closer to a massive £150,000-a-week, which would bring him in line with the club’s higher earners like Daniel Sturridge.

Players are well known for behaving strangely when it is time to negotiate contracts, but why Sterling would feel that this is necessary is unknown. Liverpool know he is a special and a highly sought after young player, so they will offer him the best terms they can in order to keep him at the club. The club are well aware that he is just playing the old ‘how high can you go’ game and so probably won’t hold that against him, but fans who pay to watch him play and buy his shirts will and should feel uneasy.

Sterling can make himself a legend at Liverpool if he continues to put the work in and stays loyal to the club. Not every player finds themselves a team where the fans support them week in, week out, and Raheem seems to have that now. Of course, he has earned that with the goals and assists he has produced, but it’s still something to bear in mind while negotiating.

Fortunately for Liverpool, Sterling’s contract doesn’t end until 2017, so there is no real rush to placate him, though it is not unheard of in this modern age for a player to force a move if his stocks are high enough and a club is willing to pay.

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In the end Sterling will stay boosted by a sizeable increase to his income and all will be forgotten, but for now he looks like a spoilt brat who only cares about his pay check.

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Dundee United defender, John Souttar is in high demand as the season draws to a close with Arsene Wenger keen to sign him. Southampton and Celtic have joined Arsenal in the race to sign the 18-year-old who has made his way through the ranks at the Scottish club.

Known as a versatile player he has played 14 games in this campaign after he was injured in a pre-season game against Winterswijk which left him with damaged ankle ligaments. Souttar is one of Scotland’s youngest prospects and has been playing as a centre back and midfielder as well as picking up nine caps for the under 19 side.

Brain McDermott was seen at Dundee’s game against St Johnstone at the weekend and it is believed Wenger is keen to bring in more young talent he can mould just like Gabriel Paulista. While a move to Celtic may appeal for the Scottish youngster it would be hard to turn down signing for the Gunners. The 60-year-old gaffer loves signing young players and watching them play and develop under his leadership – and it seems Souttar could be the next lucky star to be chosen.

Wenger has always acted differently to most managers; while the others are spending huge money on established stars who want a move to England, he has always preferred to look down the leagues to find the bright talent which is emerging. Laurent Koscielny made his 200th appearance for the Gunners against Hull and is one of many who have grown and developed under the Gunners boss.

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In a post-match interview Wenger explained that adding to the defence is not his big priority during the summer transfer window so if Souttar is looking to develop his game he would be a great signing for the London club. The 18-year-old would not cost the club obscene amounts of money and would be a player they could come to rely on heavily in the future whether in defence or midfield.

Souttar will evidently make the final decision on his future. If he chooses to stay in Scotland he will most likely get more match time at a club like Celtic than he would at his first season in the Premier League, but there are not many clubs where he will get the advice and help he needs than at Arsenal. He only has to look at Koscielny to see how much a player can improve at the club.

Arsenal have never signed a Scottish player while Wenger has been in charge but it looks like they are going to fight very hard for this one. Dundee’s No. 2 Simon Donnelly believes that as well as the talent he has shown on the pitch, Souttar has shown amazing mental strength despite his age.

Donnelly told the Evening Telegraph:

“You saw him, and Blair Spittal for that matter, show they can cope with it and prove they are young boys with a real future ahead of them. I think I’ve said it before — these guys are only lacking 50 to 100 games. Once they’ve got around that number, they will be a big plus for club.”

Soutter has had a lot to deal with in the season after coming back from a difficult injury and he has been guided well by the management staff at Dundee United. Wenger has a knack for spotting talent like Soutter and a move to London could be very beneficial for both player and club.

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Click below for the Ultimate FA Cup Final Experience!

James Milner could be the signing of the summer for Arsenal. Now bear with us. We know he’s not a fancy, flair player, we know he’s often associated with being a little boring and we are fully aware that his playing position will put him in direct competition with a host of the Gunners’ key men, but he could be.

Reports claim that the Londoners are ahead of the likes of Liverpool in the race to land Milner on a free transfer this summer when his Manchester City contract expires, and such a move is, perhaps, the wisest one the Emirates Stadium outfit could pull off in a few months’ time.

Don’t believe us? Well, here are FIVE reasons to sway you…

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Not like any player Arsenal have

It’s a common held view that Arsenal are a bit soft centred… the sort of team that can be got at if you just ‘get up in their faces’. Although this is a little bit of a lazy stereotype, there is some bulk to it, with the bulk of the Gunners’ stars towards the flair end of the spectrum, rather than the battling extreme.

Milner is a little different, however, as he won’t beat three men before whipping the ball goalwards and his main strengths do not lay in unlocking defences around the edge of the area. He’s by no means a poor player technically (as the above clip shows), but his major attributes are hard work, desire, commitment and guts (all very ‘British’, we know.) Maybe a role in the centre of the park for the former Leeds youth star would benefit the Gunners, who could certainly use his energy and tenacity… just look how much better they’ve been with Francis Coquelin in the side.

Can play everywhere

A quick glance at the positions in which Milner has played this season shows his versatility. The England international has occupied both flanks, played in central midfield, been used as a ‘No. 10’ and has even performed up front as a striker. Although the middle of the park is his favoured position going forward, the ability to fill in when needed in other roles helps his game, and is sure to be of benefit to Arsenal, who are known for their horrendous injury problems.

A proven winner

Milner has won as many trophies this season as Arsenal have since the start of the 2005/06 campaign. Wow! The midfielder left Aston Villa in a big money deal back in 2010 in a bid to claim the biggest prizes on offer, and has since claimed two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, The League Cup and the Community Shield. It’s fair to say that he knows a thing or two about winning in English football, which is more than can be said about many of Arsenal’s players.

Hard worker

As mentioned before, Milner works hard. Every top side has had a mix of creative, inspirational players and willing workers, which is what Arsenal have been lacking. While likes of Santi Czaorla, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil can unlock defences, having Milner in a deeper role could ensure that the dirty work is done, but by a player who can also contribute going forward.

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Free!!!!!

Although it may cost Arsenal as much as £130,000-per-week to have Milner in their squad, picking up a player of his calibre for mothering in terms of a transfer fee is pretty slick business. The midfielder is set to leave Man City when his current contract ends, and due to his age, 29, he won’t cost a penny in compensation payments. Not bad when an equivalent player would likely cost over £20m.

As far as transfers go, this is a big one. If reports are to believed, Arsenal have snapped up Petr Cech from bitter rivals Chelsea in a deal worth £11m, which could prove to be one of, if not the, wisest addition of the summer transfer window – which, lest we forget, is yet to officially open!

With the 33-year-old having been one of the Premier League’s best goalies since his arrival at Stamford Bridge from Rennes back in 2004, is it time we started taking Arsenal seriously as title contenders for next season? Yes, and here are FIVE reasons we’re not predicting the slow starts or late-season collapses that have plagued Arsene Wenger’s sides for some time in 2015/16…

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John Terry practically admitted he’s ‘the difference

“There’s talk of Arsenal signing Petr Cech and, if they do get him, he will strengthen them for sure. He will save them 12 or 15 points a season,

“He’s going to be sorely missed and will improve any side he goes to.”

A quick glance at the table (above) shows that a 12 point swing would have put Arsenal joint top with Chelsea, while the extra goals accrued from wins would almost certainly have bridged the six-goal gap between the two London sides. So, if John Terry, who has played alongside Cech for over ten years said it (he was speaking to talkSPORT), it has to be believed there’s some bulk to suggestions he could be the difference.

He’s won it before…

In a fantastic 11 years at Stamford Bridge – aside from the most recent one – Cech has won the Premier League title four times. Winning breeds a winning mentality, and having a player who knows what it takes to lift the top prize in the English game may just build a sense of belief in the Gunners’ dressing room. After all, back-to-back FA Cups have shown that Wenger’s current crop have what it takes to win silverware after a long drought. Maybe Cech’s influence could be the final piece of the Premier League puzzle…

One of the best goalkeepers on the planet

“Petr is one of my best players. I want my important players. Petr is one of my important players.”

Although Jose Mourinho’s words about a month ago mean very little now, they do show how highly-valued Cech is/was. The 33-year-old’ keeper would have surely been first choice at about 90% of the clubs in Europe’s biggest leagues, but he was just been a little unfortunate that Thibaut Courtois’ age and ability led to an early move to fast-track him into the team.

But Chelsea’s loss is now Arsenal’s gain, with the Gunners able to boast one of the best goalies in Europe. He’s certainly up there with David de Gea, Manuel Neuer and Courtois.

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Signal of intent!

Over the course of the past two summers Arsenal have added Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, and now Wenger has followed his trend of getting proven talent in with Cech’s addition. Signing an established Premier League star and one of the best players in his position on the planet sends out a real message, and tongues are sure to be wagging at Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium after this. It’s time to take Arsenal seriously.

The fans are on board

Although fans cannot physically change a game, a positive mood in the support breeds a good vibe on the pitch. Arsenal supporters have been criticised for a perceived fickle nature in recent years, but if the current feeling of euphoria can be kept, the Gunners will have a solid base behind them…

It’s been an interesting few weeks in the world of Sergio Ramos.

Last month, he was a happy as Larry Real Madrid player; now he apparently wants out of the Bernabeu after offering himself to El Clasico rivals Barcelona, and has resultantly become a prime target for Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal wants an experienced defender with quality on the ball, so the former World Cup and Champions League winner, famed for his ability to contribute going forward, fits the bill pretty much perfectly.

There’s only one hitch, however; Los Blancos are unsurprisingly reluctant to sell, and have therefore slapped the 29 year-old with a rather incredible £63million price tag – which would make him the joint-fourth most expensive footballer of all time alongside James Rodriguez.

Thus, it’s time for the Red Devils to consider some cheaper alternatives, which is where Football FanCast comes in. We’ve listed FIVE alternatives the Old Trafford outfit should run the rule over, before splashing out copious sums on an ageing defender.

LEONARDO BONUCCI

Real Madrid are reportedly lining up Leonardo Bonucci as a potential Sergio Ramos replacement, so he’s on this list as an alternative to the World Cup-winning Spaniard almost by default.

That may seem like a rather indolent approach but no doubt, the 28 year-old is a well-proven defender, boasting four consecutive Serie A titles and 47 caps for Italy – he also played a pivotal role as Juventus reached last season’s Champions League final.

He’s imperious in the air and an exceptional reader of the game in typical Azzurri style. But Bonucci’s defining gift remains his quality on the ball and long-range passing game, having begun his career as a midfielder, which should sit particularly well with Louis van Gaal.

With two years remaining on his current contract, Juve could decide the time is right to cash in on the 6ft. 3″ defender. Italians, however, have a knack of rarely venturing far from their nests.

JAN VERTONGHEN

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has never quite rekindled the form that saw him claim a place in the PFA Team of the Year during his debut campaign at White Hart Lane.

But nonetheless, the 28 year-old is still one of the best centre-backs in the division when in top form and he’s now a highly-experienced international, with 69 caps for Belgium and a series of appearances at last summer’s World Cup.

A product of the Ajax academy and a ball-playing centre-half with enough turn of pace to fill in at left back when required, something tells me former Amsterdam ArenA boss Louis van Gaal will be particularly fond of the multifunctional defender.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has made a habit of only selling the club’s leading stars to divisional rivals for incredibly lucrative sums – or barring them from leaving altogether, with Luka Modric’s non-move to Chelsea being the biggest example.

But with Vertonghen’s contract now into its final year, he might be left with little option other than to cash in this summer.

BENEDIKT HOWEDES

Schalke skipper Benedikt Howedes is probably just outside the world’s centre-back elite and certainly some way shy of Sergio Ramos in terms of both ability and experience.

Yet, the 26 year-old has a lot to offer Manchester United’s squad, as a true defensive all-rounder famed for his ability to perform equally well at either full-back position, centre-half or defensive midfield.

Last summer, he was Germany’s left-back during their successful World Cup campaign – which is no easy feat when you measure in at 6ft. 2″ – whilst at club level he offers experience, leadership, with 53 outings in continental competitions, and status as being the Miners’ skipper since 2011.

The Red Devils have already missed the chance to snap up Howedes on the cheap through a now-expired release clause. But with his contract due to expire in 2017, he’s still a plausible target.

NICOLAS OTAMENDI

Manchester United are reluctant to meet Nicolas Otamendi’s rather overzealous £35million release clause, but with the pool of attainable centre-backs getting ever smaller, they might not have much of a choice.

Furthermore, the Argentina international was nothing short of sensational for Valencia last season, netting six times in 35 appearances whilst averaging 2.9 tackles, 3.1 interceptions, 7.3 clearances and 3.5 successful aerial duels per match. That’s almost 17 defensive actions per match!

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He’s a little on the short side at just 6ft. and hasn’t been exposed to the Champions League or international scene as much as some of the aforementioned names, but regardless, the 27 year-old is a phenomenal athlete with a fantastic reading of the game and is now verging upon his peak years.

Once again, however, £35million is rather steep to say the least.

RAPHAEL VARANE

If Real Madrid are refusing to part with Sergio Ramos, then why not their test resolve regarding Raphael Varane?

The 6ft. 3″ defender may only be 22 years of age but he’s already recorded a series of significant triumphs in his career, not least including winning the 2010/11 La Liga title, 2014 Champions League title and captaining the France national team.

Despite his limited experience, Varane seems destined for great things. Jose Mourinho has dubbed him the ‘best young defender in the world’ and indeed, he seems like the total package; formidable in the air, confident with the ball at his feet, an astute reader of the game and an incredible athlete, with pace and power in abundance.

He might not address the current dearth of leadership and experience at the heart of United’s defence, but Varane seems as safe a long-term investment as pretty much any player in Europe right now.

He’s been pushing for a guaranteed role in Los Blancos’ first-team for years, so Madrid’s hesitation to part with Ramos could well force the prodigious youngster to reconsider his options.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Huddersfield Town have made an approach to sign Monaco defender Terence Kongolo during the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old only joined the Ligue 1 holders from Feyenoord in the summer, but he has found first-team opportunities hard to come by and is set to leave the club on loan, with the Daily Mail saying the Dutchman is open to a Premier League move.

Terriers boss David Wagner obviously feels that even though his team are in 11th position and currently lie six points above the relegation zone in the English top flight, the fact that they have conceded 32 goals in their 21 matches so far this term means they need strengthening at the back.

Meanwhile, Everton are two places and three points above Town following a positive start to life under Sam Allardyce – despite a 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday – but they have let in the same number of goals as Huddersfield.

Defence may well be a position that Allardyce looks to strengthen in the New Year, and bringing Kongolo to Goodison Park could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Everton must hijack Huddersfield’s bid to sign Kongolo…

They need defensive reinforcements

Despite a marked improvement at the back since Allardyce took charge in November, the former England manager will still likely see the defence as a priority area that potentially needs strengthening during the January transfer window.

With the likes of Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams getting no younger, Cuco Martina unlikely to be a first-choice option in the long-term and Michael Keane struggling for form, the Toffees need to start looking to the future and the 23-year-old Kongolo could be the perfect addition to their backline.

His qualities

While he has only made six appearances in all competitions for Monaco this season, Kongolo showed his defensive qualities for Feyenoord last term.

According to WhoScored.com, Kongolo won 52 of the 59 tackles he attempted in 27 appearances in the Eredivisie and Europa League for the Dutch side, while he made 53 interceptions, 93 clearances and also won 61 of the 77 aerial duels he contested.

The fact that he is 6ft 2in tall also means that he is a decent height and is relatively strong, and those physical traits are something that will appeal to Sam Allardyce.

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His versatility

Kongolo often played at centre-back in his early Feyenoord days, but he has also shown that he can operate successfully as a left-back in recent seasons with the Dutch club, and in his rare outings for Monaco this term.

That versatility will certainly be an attractive trait to Allardyce, who will know that the 23-year-old can not only play at the heart of the defence as a left-sided centre-half, but he can also fill in at left-back when Leighton Baines isn’t fit, and provide cover when he is.

Do you agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below.