Jack Grealish discussing new deal at Aston Villa

Jack Grealish discussing new deal at Aston Villa

Jack Grealish has been allowed to leave the Republic of Ireland U21 squad to discuss a new contract at Aston Villa.


The 19-year-old has withdrawn from international duty in an effort to resolve outstanding issues regarding his domestic future.

He is expected to commit to an extension at Villa Park, allowing him to remain at the club he supported growing up and one that has nurtured him through their academy system.


Grealish has been billed as an exciting prospect since breaking into the senior fold and Paul Lambert is eager to tie him to fresh terms.

England are also hoping that the talented midfielder can be persuaded to switch allegiance before making a competitive senior appearance for Ireland, with U21 coach Gareth Southgate looking to bring him into his ranks.

That is a matter for a later date, though, with the youngster currently focused on talks that will prolong an agreement at Villa that is due to expire at the end of the season.

Ireland’s U21 boss Noel King said: “The facts are that he is in contract talks with Aston Villa and they have reached an important stage.

“His deal is up at the end of the year and his future is of paramount importance to him. So you can see why they would want to sort that matter out.

“I accept Jack’s reasons for withdrawing and understand it. I have no issue with it.”

Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish will not panic buy in January transfer window

Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish will not panic buy in January transfer window

Co-owner Steve Parish insists Crystal Palace might not need to spend heavily in the January transfer window.


Manager Neil Warnock set a £7m transfer record with the signing of midfielder James McArthur, just days after his arrival, and brought in defender Zeki Fryers and strikers Kevin Doyle and Andrew Johnson.

There will be more funds available in the New Year but Parish has faith in the current squad, who are currently sitting in 15th place in the Premier League with eight points.

Palace have made some astute signings, with Marouane Chamakh, Joe Ledley and Fraizer Campbell  all joining in cut-price deals, and the club will try to gain more value for money.

"There's money available - if we get the right targets," said Parish. "But sometimes you don't have to spend money.

"It's almost now like there's a league table of who's spent what. People believe that's how the real league table is going to finish.

"We will look at opportunities where we can strengthen our football club.

"We're not going to sign players and Neil won't sign players that he doesn't think are better than anybody we've got. That would upset the apple cart.


"That's not easy, signing players that are better than what you've got and then your academy kids coming through, it's not easy.

"We've built this club by taking people fundamentally that no one else wanted.

"The core group that are performing in the Premier League, for whatever reason have been undervalued."

Scott Dann has emerged as a key player after he was signed from Blackburn last January by previous boss Tony Pulis.

Palace are waiting to find out the full extent of his knee injury after he was stretchered off in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Hull and Parish admits he has been one of the club’s success stories.

"Scott Dann is a fantastic player. He's a much, much better player than I thought he was, I must admit," he said.

"Credit to Tony Pulis: he always liked him when he was at Birmingham.

"There's value in the market place everywhere if you look at it. Maybe sometimes you have to find it.

"That's the difference: we have to find it. It's a very imperfect transfer market.”

Angelo Henriquez eager to impress Manchester United staff

Angelo Henriquez eager to impress Manchester United staff

Angelo Henriquez hopes an outing on British shores will help him to catch the eye of parent club Manchester United.

The 20-year-old Chilean will be in Glasgow on Thursday for a Europa League clash with Celtic.

He will be turning out for loan employers Dinamo Zagreb, having agreed a season-long deal over the summer.

Henriquez is aware that he needs to make the most of his time away from Old Trafford, having previously taken in spells at Wigan Athletic and Real Zaragoza.

He needs to show those on the coaching staff at United that he has a future in England, with Sir Alex Ferguson having invested £3.5million in his potential back in 2012.

The highly-rated South American is confident he has what it takes to make a positive impact at a Premier League heavyweight, but is also aware that fierce competition for places may force him to look elsewhere.

Henriquez said: “I don’t think it was a backwards step in my career (joining Dinamo) but a good chance to play and get experience of European football.

“Dinamo is a special challenge for me because I know the club aspires to be the best in Croatia and that will help me achieve my goal.

“I have constant contact with people from Manchester United.

“Not (Louis) van Gaal, but people from Carrington, the coaches. They want to know every detail – from the intensity of training here, diet, life in Zagreb. With that amount of care for a year, I know I’m still being followed by United.”

However, on rumours that Dinamo will look to make his move permanent next summer, Henriquez added: “I heard about this idea but I honestly do not know what to say.

“Should I wait for the end of the season and draw the line and see where we are?

“Basically, I would not mind staying in Dinamo because it’s a great club and if things go well I would love to stay here after the expiry of the loan.”

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet delighted Lee Cattermole stayed at club

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet delighted Lee Cattermole stayed at club

Gus Poyet believes keeping Lee Cattermole was the best transfer decision he has made during his time as Sunderland manager.

Cattermole looked set to leave Sunderland in January after Poyet drafted in Liam Bridcutt from Brighton and Stoke made a move for the midfielder.

Poyet discussed the offer with owner Ellis Short but decided to retain the 26-year-old's services, a move he looks back on with great delight.


He told the Sunderland Echo: "In transfer windows, it's the best decision I have made, I've got no doubt about that. I'm sure, with all respect to Stoke and to Catts, he's happier here.

"His reaction to the decision was spectacular, because - and I'm not talking about Lee here - let's say we get an offer from a top-six team for a player and the offer is good, but it is possible for you to say, 'No'.

"Then you don't know what the reaction of the player will be after he has lost the chance to join a certain team.

"With everything that happened with Catts before we got here and the momentum of the team at that time in January, it was difficult, and with Liam coming in, he might have wondered how he fitted into the plan. That's only natural.

"But I spoke to the owner and he said if I did not want to sell, then I didn't have to. I made the decision and it has worked out well for everybody, I think."

Boucaud delight at call-up

Boucaud delight at call-up

Dagenham midfielder Andre Boucaud has spoken of his delight at being called up by Trinidad & Tobago.

The 29-year-old has made 17 appearances for the Caribbean side so far and is eager to add to that total in the coming weeks.

"Playing international football is huge, whatever nation or country it is," Boucaud told the official club website.

"A couple of months ago we played against Argentina and played against Messi.

"If I didn't play for Trinidad and Tobago, playing international football, I'd never have got that opportunity, so I'm grateful."

The call-up means he will miss two matches for Dagenham but Boucaud insists he is willing to fight for his place when he returns.

"It is always hard missing those games, I'm confident I can come back and prove myself again in training," he added.

Barcelona Unwise to Allow Gerard Pique to Make Manchester United Return

Barcelona Unwise to Allow Gerard Pique to Make Manchester United Return

A number of Manchester United supporters might point to the likes of Jaap Stam and Paul Pogba as players Sir Alex Ferguson would regret allowing to leave Old Trafford during his reign at the club.

But others would point to the departure of Gerard Pique in 2008 as a significant error by the wily United boss.

Ferguson had snatched Pique from under the noses of Barcelona in 2004, but after only a handful of appearances for United during his four-year spell, he returned to Camp Nou in a £5 million deal.

One year later, Pique helped Barcelona win the 2009 Champions League final against his former employers in Rome.

It was hardly the gratitude United wanted, but according to AS (per Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express), current Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal is going back to the future with a move for Pique.

It is no surprise United are seeking defensive reinforcements, particularly after the embarrassing loss of a 3-1 lead in the 5-3 defeat at Leicester City, and their former player fits the bill perfectly.

Pique played a significant role in Barcelona's dominance of European football under Pep Guardiola, and he has won numerous La Liga titles, Spanish cups and two Champions Leagues during his time at Camp Nou.

However, new Barca head coach Luis Enrique has thus far favoured a central-defensive axis of Jeremy Mathieu and Javier Mascherano, leaving a possible question mark over Pique's future.

But despite the occasional lapse in concentration, Pique epitomises the modern central defender with his excellent passing and natural ability to read the game.

It is little wonder Van Gaal is eyeing Pique for a possible move—he is certainly a better option than the Old Trafford boss currently has—but Barcelona are not going to be rushing to sell the defender.



Believability Meter: Low

It is entirely understandable that United and Van Gaal should be linked with quality defenders such as Pique after their disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.

However, the Spain international is still only 27 and still offers Barcelona with a strong defensive presence. Don't expect a Camp Nou departure for Old Trafford here.

Surely Manchester City Will Not Be Allowing Joe Hart to Leave for Liverpool?

Surely Manchester City Will Not Be Allowing Joe Hart to Leave for Liverpool?

To the external eye, the thought of Manchester City and Joe Hart parting company would seem bizarre.

While the England international has suffered dips in form in the past, he has also been one of the key components of the club's two Premier League triumphs in the past three seasons.

But Joe Bernstein of the Mail On Sunday mentioned a transfer to Liverpool is a possibility, with the Etihad Stadium club and Hart yet to speak about a new deal.

City have not been slow to offer new deals to key players such as Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Vincent Kompany in recent weeks, but there is still no word on the future of the goalkeeper, claims Bernstein.

The article quotes Hart as saying:

Anything about a new contract is news to me. I’ve heard nothing.

I’ve got a year, nearly two years, left on my deal. That is all I am aware of.

Whatever the reasoning behind the delay in negotiations with Hart, Bernstein threw a potential suitor into the mix: Liverpool.

The Reds have also been linked with former Barcelona No. 1 Victor Valdes, as Dominic King of the Daily Mail reported earlier this month.

But that deal is likely to hinge on the Spain international proving his fitness following the cruciate ligament injury he sustained with the Liga giants last season.

At 27, Hart is still, arguably, to reach his peak as a goalkeeper, which would make any transfer away from the Etihad Stadium somewhat bizarre.

It is true that Hart is facing greater competition for his first-team spot since Willy Caballero arrived at the club in the summer, but City manager Manuel Pellegrini has kept faith in his regular No. 1 so far this season.

But with Liverpool appearing to be in the market for a new goalkeeper, could Hart's future be 35 miles down the East Lancs road?



Believability Meter: Low


Manchester City surely won't be allowing Hart to run down his contract, which has less than two years remaining. It appears unthinkable, but stranger things have happened. 

Hart also represents home-grown talent. which helps City with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules, and despite the occasional slip, the goalkeeper has rarely let his team and Pellegrini down.

We expect Hart to be signing a new contract with City in the very near future.

Andy Carroll and Newcastle United Are a Perfect Fit for January Move

Andy Carroll and Newcastle United Are a Perfect Fit for January Move

By BR UK News , Featured Columnist 


To say that things have not gone smoothly for Andy Carroll since leaving Newcastle United in January 2011 would be an understatement.

The striker joined Liverpool at the same time as Luis Suarez as Kenny Dalglish spent the £50 million gained from the transfer of Fernando Torres to Chelsea.

But it was the Uruguay international who would go on to become a major Premier League star as Carroll failed to make his mark and live up to his £35 million price tag.

After 18 months at Anfield, Dalglish's successor, Brendan Rodgers, allowed Carroll to join West Ham United on loan.

The England international went on to sign a permanent deal with the Upton Park club, but his time in east London has been hampered by injuries.

Despite his problems, Alan Oliver of the Sunday People has reported that Newcastle are monitoring Carroll's recovery from surgery on an ankle injury.

According to the article, the forward was the subject of preliminary Newcastle talks in the summer before picking up an injury in pre-season.

However, even if Carroll returns to full fitness soon, he will be facing a fight to return to the West Ham starting XI, with Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho enjoying fruitful starts to the campaign for Sam Allardyce's team.

With the Magpies struggling at the foot of the Premier League and manager Alan Pardew under increasing pressure, the possibility of Carroll returning to the club where he scored 31 times in 80 league appearances is a hugely appealing one.


Believability Meter: High

It is arguable that Carroll and Newcastle are made for each other.

The striker has failed to find the form or fitness that saw Liverpool break the transfer record for a move between British clubs in 2011.

Newcastle are in need of a threat up front and Carroll fits the bill. Expect a loan move in January ahead of a permanent switch.

Manchester United Have Greater Needs Than Kevin Strootman

Manchester United Have Greater Needs Than Kevin Strootman

The link between Manchester United and Kevin Strootman never seems to have gone away, and Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror reported another one this week.

According to the article, the Old Trafford club have been quoted £60 million by Roma for the Netherlands international.

Subsequently, Nadia Carminati of Sky Sports noted that the Italian club's general manager, Mauro Baldissoni, will not be allowing Strootman, who is currently out with a long-term knee injury, to leave.

Baldissoni is quoted as saying:

We can’t wait until Kevin is back on the pitch. We miss him a lot, but he is getting closer to his return.

We are proud that Kevin is part of our squad and he is not for sale.

However, you do not need to be a keen student of the game to realise that a midfielder such as Strootman should be a secondary consideration behind defensive reinforcements for Manchester United in January.

After Mullock's article was published, United let a 3-1 lead slip and crashed to a 5-3 defeat at Leicester City, underlining the issues Louis van Gaal is facing with his back line.

Van Gaal, of course, is well aware of the abilities Strootman possesses after working with him during his time in charge of the Dutch national squad.

However, the Old Trafford boss will be the first to stand up to any over-inflated valuation set by Roma on their player.

Van Gaal will be looking at defensive options in January, the need for which has been highlighted by recent defeats for United. Forcing the price up too far for Strootman is likely to cost the player and Roma.


Believability Meter: High

This is a seemingly never-ending transfer story, one that will provide gossip columns with endless articles until the January transfer window closes.

There is clearly something in it, as it refuses to go away, but Van Gaal will need cash for defensive quality in January rather than paying over the odds to strengthen his midfield.

No Pirlo Party for Galaxy, Interest in Barcelona Star Piqued

No Pirlo Party for Galaxy, Interest in Barcelona Star Piqued

By BR UK News , Featured Columnist



We are still three months away from the opening of the January transfer window, but that has not prevented speculation and rumours continuing this week.

Joe Hart, Ross Barkley and Andy Carroll are among the Premier League players to have been linked with moves to rival clubs in the English top flight.

Andrea Pirlo is also interesting a high-profile Major League Soccer club, while Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been linked with a return to Manchester United.

But which moves are plausible? Let's take a closer look at the transfer gossip from this week.

Bournemouth ease to 2-0 victory over Wigan at Dean Court

Bournemouth ease to 2-0 victory over Wigan at Dean Court

Goals in each half from Yann Kermorgant and Simon Francis gave Bournemouth a 2-0 victory over Wigan in an assured display from the Cherries at Dean Court.

Kermorgant headed the hosts into the lead from a Matt Ritchie cross eight minutes before half-time and Francis started and finished a tremendous passing move in the 70th minute to seal the three points and extend Wigan's winless run to four games.

Midfielder Ritchie orchestrated the majority of Bournemouth's attacks in the first half. He surged down the right in the 16th minute and his dangerous cross was hooked away by Ivan Ramis as the lively Callum Wilson was about to convert.

Wilson had already gone close in the third minute, weaving inside of Wigan captain Emmerson Boyce from the left before shooting narrowly wide.

Bournemouth's strong start continued on 18 minutes as Richie failed to connect properly with a shot from 25 yards out, allowing Scott Carson to make a straightforward save.

He made no such mistake from an identical position after 25 minutes, but his signature strike flashed the wrong side of Carson's post.

Ritchie then turned provider for Bournemouth's opener, picking out Kermorgant with a teasing delivery, and the striker outmuscled Robert Kiernan to head the cross back beyond Carson and into the far corner.

Kermorgant had earlier been denied by an excellent one-handed save from Carson after twisting into space in the area, and his goal gave Bournemouth a deserved lead.

Wigan had come close when Emyr Huws cut into space from the right before sending his shot high and wide and again when Ramis headed a corner onto the roof of the net.

Wilson had a superb opportunity to double Bournemouth's lead on the counter-attack in the 59th minute but was forced wide after his initial effort was blocked by a last-ditch sliding challenge from Ramis and Wigan cleared at the second attempt.

Marc-Antoine Fortune brought a routine save from Artur Boruc, making his home debut for Bournemouth after completing a loan move from Southampton, with a bouncing header from a neat cross by Andrew Taylor.

Wigan manager Uwe Rosler looked to give his side some impetus with a double substitution in the 66th minute, replacing Robert Kiernan and Martyn Waghorn with Leon Barnett and Oriol Riera, but it was to no avail.

Four minutes after the swap, they were undone by an intricate passing move.

Wilson dummied Francis' pass, letting it run into the feet of Kermorgant, who returned the ball into onrushing Francis and the defender tucked the ball underneath Carson first time to secure Bournemouth's first league win in seven games.