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Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck has been linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford this summer with Blackpool and Preston interesting in gaining his services for next season.

It is unlikely that the 19-year-old was due to return to Deepdale after an injury cut short his last loan spell and Darren Ferguson (Sir Alex’s son) will hope from a favour from his dad, but Blackpool are also interested, could a Premier League loan move be the making of the young striker?

Welbeck burst onto the scene on his Premier League debut scoring a 30-yard screamer against Stoke in a 5-0 victory for Manchester United in November 2008, but has failed to make an impact for the Red Devils.

Ian Holloway will want to bolster his striking options as his side prepare to take on the English top-flight next season, especially as it is unclear if they will sign DJ Campbell from Leicester, who are demanding £1 million for a player in the last year of his contract. Campbell starred this past season for the Seasiders scoring 11 goals during his loan spell, which included a hat-trick in the play-off semi final against Nottingham Forest.

The Blackpool manager has certainly got the best out of his team, who were tipped for relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship at the beginning of the season. Both United and the tangerine fans will be hoping that Holloway can continue his good work and get the best out of Welbeck like he has with his squad and particularly the aforementioned Campbell.

Also, the player has been deployed in a wider role than his preferred central striking position at United at times and would relish the opportunity to play as an out-and-out frontman. In a physical Premier League he could serve Holloway well as he has been compared to former Emmanuel Adebayor and Nwankwo Kanu in both his size and style.

The player may as well make the move as he is unlikely to get many opportunities in Manchester United’s attack next season as there are many other strikers already at the club such as Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, Javier Hernandez, Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf. Welbeck may get picked for a few Carling Cup games if he stays and perhaps during the early rounds of the FA Cup, but this is arguably not enough to aide his development.

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Even if he is not destined to make it at Old Trafford an impressive season at Blackpool could give Welbeck some resale value for Ferguson’s side.

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Danny Welbeck’s goal against Stoke:

[youtube N58TXFPDhZ4]

France international Nicolas Anelka has pledged his immediate future to Chelsea by signing a one-year contract extension with the reigning Premier League champions.

The 31-year forward will now stay at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2011-12 campaign.

Anelka said:"When I first came to Chelsea I wanted to stay much longer than what I did in the past with other clubs.

"It is a big club, you play with big players and I like this club, I like London. There is no need to move anymore and so I am very glad to sign a new contract and I know we will play in big games and win titles. I am very glad."

Manager Carlo Ancelotti added:"Nicolas is a fantastic player who has good technical qualities and movement.

"When I was coach at Juventus I wanted to buy him, so it is good now he has signed for me and I think Chelsea is his home. I look forward to working with him for one year more."

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Anelka, who has also played for Paris St Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and Fenerbahce during a nomadic career, has found the net 42 times in 123 appearances for Chelsea since arriving at Stamford Bridge in January 2008.

Anelka was sent home last weekend from France's disastrous World Cup campaign after arguing with boss Raymond Domenech at half time in the 2-0 loss to Mexico.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

At only the age of 21, Palermo’s Simon Kjaer has already established himself as a big-name player in the Italian football scene.

A number of clubs around Europe have already expressed their interest in the young centre-back which will surely see a scrap for his signature this summer.

Simon Kjaer started playing football for Lund IF, a small-time club near Horsens before making a move to the youth team of FC Midtjylland in 2004. In 2006 he made his first senior debut for the club in the Viasat Cup training matches and was promoted to the senior first-team a year later. Real Madrid could have signed the Dane after having a successful trail with the Spanish giants in August 2007, although, Midtjylland refused the offer that was put on the table. Instead, Kjaer signed a new five-year deal a month later.

Kjaer had attracted the likes of Middlesbrough and Chelsea, but it was Serie A side Palermo who signed the defender in the summer of 2008. Since his move from the Danish club, Kjaer has been impressing week in week out for the Sicilian club. In his first season for the Sicilian club, the young centre-back managed to make a total of 27 appearances and netted 3 goals. Last season, Kjaer firmly established himself as a regular in the Palermo side by playing a total of 38 games in all competitions and has formed a strong partnership with Cesare Bovo.

The centre-back was named the Danish Under-19 talent of the year in 2007 at the age of 17, and in 2009 was awarded the Danish talent of the year award. Kjaer has so far picked up 11 caps for Denmark.

Kjaer has been named in the 23-man Denmark squad for the World Cup in South Africa this summer, and has managed to start in both of his country’s matches so far.

The 6’ 2’’ centre-back has a reported £11 million buy out clause in his contract, which will no doubt see further interest increase after the world’s biggest tournament concludes in July. Kjaer is one of the hottest young properties in world football, and after impressing in Serie A for the past two seasons and in the World Cup so far, it is clear to see why so many clubs are interested in acquiring his services this summer.

Tottenham and both Manchester clubs are amongst the Premier League sides interested in the young defender this summer. All three clubs are looking to strengthen their defences and feel that Kjaer is the man to solidify the back-line.

Harry Redknapp and his Spurs side are preparing for a possible crusade into the Champions League next season, and Redknapp will want to add and strengthen his defence due to several injuries in this area last season. Manchester United see Kjaer as a possible replacement for the ‘troubled’ Nemanja Vidic as it is still unclear whether or not the  Serbian will be wearing the red of United this season. Manchester City on the other hand, have a huge amount of money to spend. Roberto Mancini is looking to rebuild his squad in order to go one better and seal a top four finish, the Palermo centre-back will certainly help the cause.

It would be great to see the Danish centre-back in the Premier League after the window closes, as he looks to have the right attributes and physique to play in the competitive English game.

The defender looks strong, quick, has good positional attributes as well as having a very good knowledge of the game at such a young age. Kjaer looks a very assured and dominate figure in the Danish back line as well as in Palermo’s, and once the World Cup has ended, you can expect to see a number offers coming through the Sicilian club’s door. Kjaer is highly rated in Europe and is tipped to be a world-class centre-back by many fans and pundits in the near future.

Palermo look powerless to resist a major offer and will evidently have to sell the player when the summer window opens…where he goes will be up to his employers and the player himself to decide. Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini told GR Parlamento earlier this week that there is strong interest in the young defender, and as a result, may have to offload the Dane this summer:

“I know of talks with the two Manchester clubs, Tottenham and Wolfsburg. In my opinion, when some offers come in for a player, he must leave. If there are a couple of offers important enough which we are discussing, then I’ll discuss with the player. I also need to seek a replacement. Kjaer’s valuation is 15-20million euros and that figure is important to us.”

He finished off by saying:

“He wants to go to another club and we don’t hold back anyone.”

It’s fair to say that which ever club does succeed in acquiring Kjaer’s services this summer will undoubtedly be adding a great asset to their squad for this upcoming season. Only time will tell where Simon Kjaer decides to continue and develop his promising football career…hopefully it will be in the Premier League.

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Click image below to see a gallery of the German babes at the World Cup:

Midfielder Darren Fletcher has revealed the prospect of becoming the most successful club in English football history is driving Manchester United on to reclaim the Premier League title.

The Red Devils currently stand level on 18 top-flight titles with bitter rivals Liverpool following their last success in 2009.

Last season Chelsea took their Premier League crown and Fletcher believes the prospect of becoming the undisputed kings of English football can push United past the finishing post this season.

"This club is all about breaking records and achieving a new status," said the Scotland captain.

"To be the most successful team in the English game would mean everything to the club and to the fans especially.

"They loved it when we equalled Liverpool's record, so to beat it would mean an awful lot to them.

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"As players, we want to put right the disappointment of not winning the league last year."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Why the newspapers are dominated with claims and counter claims with regards to the recent transfer bid for Scott Parker, I for one are left scratching my head over our club’s pursuit for a player. I don’t doubt that the boy has abilities; but is he really any better than what we have already got?

Parker aside I have been extremely confused at the nature of some of our transfer interests and what value to add to the team. We seem to be attempting to buy players because we feel we need to, rather than being more calculated with our choices.

So what does Parker bring to the Tottenham midfield that the likes of Jamie O’Hara couldn’t, other than a bit of experience? O’Hara showed on numerous occasions last season for Portsmouth that not only has he got the creative flair with the ball at his feet, but more significantly he has that steel about him in midfield and is certainly not afraid to put the boot in when need be. O’Hara is also 6yrs younger than Parker, therefore it surely makes greater sense to retain O’Hara and save ourselves a few million in the process.

It is clear listening to press conferences and media reports that a sense of frustration is starting to creep into Harry’s voice at the failure to secure deals, but it is a dead market out there and the current set-up with Levy doing the negotiations is the right one. I ask the question as to whether there is really the need to strengthen, what is already a strong squad? Maybe there is a case to bring in a top class striker, but looking at the squad that is the only area that really needs improvement in my opinion; although most clubs would be delighted to possess our attacking quartet. We must not buy players for the sake of buying them, especially in the cases of Bellamy and Parker, who in truth are no better than what we have already got.

Written By Matt Wright

With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery

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Billy Clarke is pleased with the way the operation on his serious knee ligaments injury went but admits he is finding it very difficult to watch his Blackpool team-mates playing in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old was told his season was over after he suffered the injury just two minutes into the Seasiders' opening pre-season fixture against Tiverton.

"The lads have done brilliantly but I'm not too good at watching," Clarke admitted."Winning 4-0 at Wigan was great but in my head I just wanted to be out there.

"The operation went well, according to the surgeon, and I'm just on a slow rehab at the moment.

"I need to get my leg working and bending and to make sure I don't lose much muscle in my thigh area. That's probably the plan for the next six to eight weeks.

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"I need to get a full range of movement back in my knee and then I can hopefully start cycling. I'll probably be able to start light jogging a month after that."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney insists he is 'only a human being', following a recent dip in form and damaging off-field allegations about his private life.

The 24-year-old England international is currently being troubled by an ankle injury, but insists that he will be back to his best in the near future.

He told reporters:"I'm only a human being. I hurt as well, but I need to get through this and get back to playing football the way I can do.

"I know I can play better, so I'm hoping to get a consistent run of games in the team. If I do that, I'm sure my form will be back to its best.

"When you're not playing at your best, you need to just continue playing and doing the simple things, then your form will come good.

"You always want to play well and give the manager no excuses to leave you out, but there are top players here, so you have to be at your best to keep your place.

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"If you're not, the manager has the players to leave you out. All footballers get left out at some stage, but I want to play every game.

"My performances could be better. I obviously missed pre-season and I've only played four or five games this season, but the more games that you play, the better your form will become, so I'm hoping to get a run of games."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Aston Villa and England winger Ashley Young’s optimum playing position has been debated fervently in recent weeks. Former manager Martin O’Neill used the right-footed winger on the left flank and even once described him as, “world class.” At 25-years old it may seem peculiar to have your regular playing position scrutinised. Yet both caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald and now permanent boss Gerard Houllier have experimented with the speedy Young. Given licence to roam can Young become an enduring fixture in the England squad and “make his name,” as Houllier has suggested?

MacDonald gave Young the freedom to oscillate between both wings in the early stages of the season and Houllier has stated that the player can excel as a second striker. O’Neill had argued that Young could compete with some of the best wingers in Europe. When quizzed on that assertion the new manager said, “As a left winger? No. He can play on the wing. Whether he can be one of the best in the world in that position … I think he can be one of the best in another position.” Evidently for the Frenchman that new role is behind a main striker where he can create chances and score more regularly for Villa. His view is not merely based on instinct as he witnessed the impact made by Young after switching positions in their Carling Cup victory over Blackburn. Trailing to Gael Givet’s first half strike, a change of tactics ensued as the England international was moved inside to support Emile Heskey. The two combined well, Young scoring two after the former international forward grabbed the equaliser.

Aston Villa’s No7 was granted an identical role just behind the resurgent Heskey in their weekend away win at Molineaux. But as an experienced winger, those wide man traits may be hard to desert as he invariably drifted to either wing which is where he attempted the bulk of his passes. Could the club miss his quick, direct approach on the wing? Accolades such as the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2008/09 season were received after impressing in that berth. He has been at his best when tormenting lackadaisical full backs such as, Arsenal’s Gael Clichy last season, managing to wriggle free and deliver numerous crosses. However earlier this year Young said of his markers, “At times this season teams have doubled up or even tripled up.”

Houllier believes the midfielder has a natural intelligence and awareness on the pitch and is composed in front of goal. This may point to a central role which would give him and the team a much needed air of unpredictability. Having placed a huge emphasis on pace, crossing and strong forwards, this is a trait the club have lacked, occasionally struggling to destabilise defences. Following James Milner’s departure there is arguably a dearth of creative talent in the centre and the team were outscored by their rivals for fourth place last season. Villa’s total goal tally was 52 whilst Manchester City registered 73, Tottenham 67 and Liverpool 61. Promising youngsters such as Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan can take the place vacated by Young.

Since taking charge, however, Houllier has not had Stephen Ireland available who will be expected to compete for a central creative position. Young may have the attributes to succeed in that role but his redeployment is arguably about team rather than individual improvement. The former Liverpool manager said, “He can be a star as a team player. It’s his work rate and attitude that can improve the rest of the team.”

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As a youngster at West Ham, recently recalled England international Joe Cole was renowned for his natural attacking ability, creative flair and artistic vision.

Yet by the time Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho inherited the attacking midfielder at Chelsea in 2004, The Special One was keen to mould the midfielder into a different type of player and attempt to control his famed offensive nature. Mourinho argued that Cole would become a better player by adding defensive steel to his forward-thinking mentality.

Mourinho is clearly a coach who prefers caution over creativity and one who believed there was no space in his Chelsea title-winning side for a traditional No.10 in the shape of Cole, a player who would roam the field with a lack of boundaries and restrictions. Shortly after his arrival, the Special One commented:

“He has a lot to learn,” said Mourinho. “I think he has two faces – one beautiful and one I don’t like. He must keep one and change the other one.”

“When he scored the game finished for him. After that I needed 11 players for my defensive organisation and I had just 10.

“Joe can be a regular but he has to improve when the team needs him to be part of a defensive organisation.”

Mourinho wanted Cole to track back and defend, something with the former Hammer obliged in doing. Cole developed as an all-round player, winning a place in the PFA’s team of the season in 2005 and becoming a key member of the club’s 2004-05 & 05-06 title winning side. Yet his natural attacking game suffered as a result and one of England’s most technically gifted, creative players of his generation was turned into a stereotypical wide player.

Cole first broke into the West Ham side at the age of 17 and flourished playing in a behind the striker role. Cole quickly endeared himself to the Upton Park faithful with his inventiveness, trickery and unpredictability, while his early performances seen him linked with a £10m move to Old Trafford.

This progress was under the guidance of current Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp who attempted to lure the 28-year-old to White Hart Lane this summer. Yet I’m sure Redknapp will be more than delighted with the services of Dutch maestro Rafael van der Vaart instead, a player who is currently demonstrating the advantages of having such an attack-minded, free-roaming player on the pitch with some early eye-catching performances for Spurs.

The Premier League has developed since Cole’s days as a youngster in East London and has become a more tactically controlled environment. Managers such as Mourinho and Rafael Benitez placed an emphasis on defence, while the league has become so competitive that many sides line up to avoid defeat over risking it all for a win. Foreign coaches such as Ancelotti, Benitez and Mourinho began to alter the league’s mentality slightly and cannot all be wrong with nine league titles and five European Cups between them.

Such defensive tendencies however have seen players like Cole suffer, a trend continued by Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge. Cole was marginalised at Stamford Bridge under the Italian and was allowed to leave without much fuss on a free transfer this summer. Ancelotti later made disparaging comments towards Cole’s intelligence and his ability to follow tactical instructions. Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun was brought in as his replacement, which prompted the Italian to say:

“Joe Cole is quicker than Benayoun but Yossi is better tactically. He understands what I tell him.”

Cole has since moved to Liverpool where Hodgson will give him the freedom to attack and create opportunities for his team-mates in the final-third. Cole has however had a difficult start at Anfield and Ancelotti’s decision to release him seems a correct one with the Blues currently topping the table and Cole’s new club floundering in the relegation zone.

Despite this, you feel Mourinho’s and Ancelotti’s criticism of Cole’s defensive play says more about the pair’s meticulous planning and importance they place on defense. Other managers have different footballing philosophies and coaches such as Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger would certainly see Cole’s ingenuity as a bonus.

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Cole’s creativity should be celebrated and encouraged and not buried behind defensive strategies and protective mindsets. While Cole may find the freedom he wants at Anfield he is unlikely to add to his medal collection during his time on Merseyside.

And in that regard, it’s difficult to question Ancelotti’s opinion on Cole’s perceived lack of tactical discipline.

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Six years on since his move, the name Henri Camara still carries a sour taste around the walls of Molineux. Since demanding a move as Wolves suffered relegation after just one season in the top flight, many fans were outraged of Camara’s treatment of the club which gave him his chance in England.

Camara only really impressed during the latter part of the season, with the majority of his time at Wolves spent firing shots all over the place…maybe it was those orange boots? Anyhow, his form attracted the interest of sides such as Bolton and Middlesborough, with the previous bidding for him early on in the transfer window.

Camara insisted on leaving the club and even refused to return for pre-season training after the summer break. He was quoted as saying he wanted to become African Footballer of the Year and go on to become one of the greats like Roger Miller, EL-Hadji Diouf, Kanu and George Weah…something he didn’t feel he could accomplish in the lower regions of English football.

With Kenny Miller, Vio Ganea, Carl Cort and Dean Sturridge, manager Dave Jones already had four established strikers and eventually gave up in his attempt to keep the Senegal striker. Despite offers from the Premier League, Camara chose to go on loan to Scottish giants Celtic.

18 games later, Camara found himself back in the Premier League with Southampton…where he suffered the same fate as the previous season, ending up getting relegated to the Football League. A brief return to training in Compton was the closest Camara got to playing in a Wolves shirt again, and was eventually sold for around £3 million to Wigan.

Wigan was a happier time for Camara, where he scored 20 goals in over 50 appearances. However, he again fell out of favour and had loan spells at West Ham and Stoke (failing to score for either) before his contract at the JJB stadium ran out.

At the start of the 2009/10 season, Camara eventually gave in and joined Championship side Sheffield United…at the same time that Wolves had just begun their Premier League campaign (funny how things work out isn’t it). Again, Camara struggled to make an impact, despite dropping down the leagues, and was released at the end of the season after managing just four goals.

But what about now? Where has the “superstar” striker ended up? Well, after a bit of digging, we have unearthed him plying his trade in the Greek Superleague side Atromitos, who currently lie 12th in the league. With one goal to his name this season, Camara has hardly troubled the goalscoring charts in Greece.

32-years-old and reaching the end of a “glittering” career, it seems Camara has had to settle for a life in the sun, instead of holding out for a new chance in England. Isn’t it nice how things turn out sometime eh?

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