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With January fast approaching, there could be a lot more action than usual in the mid-season window, mainly due to contract situations with so many players in the Premier League. With player power beginning to surface around the English top flight, players are now controlling the contract situations and the majority of the agents are always on the lookout for new clubs, and more money.

A staggering 113 players who were registered for Premier League football are out of contract at the end of this season resulting in many clubs looking to either move them on in the summer or risk making a loss in May. There will be plenty of chances to earn a new contract for the future Bosman players, but having now let their contracts run down to just over six months remaining, perhaps the clubs are eager to get rid of them.

The list of out-of-contract players is not just packed with squad players and bit-part first team members, but star internationals that have brought a lot to the Premier League in the past five years or so. Names such as Didier Drogba, Dimitar Berbatov and Ledley King head the list that is a scattered with house-hold names that may suggest a change in the tide of attitudes from Premier League clubs that are happy to lose their experienced heads when their contracts expire in favour of young players breaking through.

At the end of last season there was not a huge rush to snap up free signings from the Premier League as there was very little to choose from. Hargreaves, Ba and McFadden were about as glamorous as it got last May but this year a team could be built solely from free signings that could well finish in the top half of the league. A club could spend their whole transfer budget on wages for these players and have a better side than most in the Premier League next season. Some clubs however may struggle to recover from losing players for free next summer and need to either replace them or keep them to have any chance of being competitive in a year’s time.

Bolton Wanderers are a team that could particularly struggle, with an astonishing 13 players coming to the end of their contracts next summer, January could be a time to either sell them or offer them a new deal otherwise there could be a major issue at the Reebok. With the side struggling this season in the Premier League, players may not be eager to commit themselves to the club with the possibility of Championship football next season.

Kevin Davies, Gary Cahill and Jussi Jaaskelainen plus 10 others will all have big decisions to make over the next few months that could be a massive period of Bolton’s modern day history. It is surely a problem that many clubs must be tackling throughout the season. Of course some of the 113 players will sign new deals at their clubs before the end of the season, lying to bed all speculation surrounding them, however some will also leave in January, with the clubs looking to get at least a small amount of money for their players rather than lose out in May.

Here is a list of some selected players that are out of contract next summer, can you make your Bosman XI:

Goalkeepers –

Jussi Jaaskelainen,

Mark Schwarzer,

[divider]

Defenders –

Ledley King,

Maynor Figueroa,

Gary Cahill,

Carlos Cuellar,

Jose Bosingwa,

Sylvain Distin,

Fabio Aurelio,

[divider]

Midfielders –

Ryan Giggs,

Owen Hargreaves,

Danny Murphy,

Martin Petrov,

Saloman Kalou,

Junior Hoilett,

Tomas Rosicky,

[divider]

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Forwards –

Louis Saha,

Dimitar Berbatov,

Didier Drogba,

Kevin Davies,

Nicolas Anelka,

Andy Johnson,

And of course…. Emile Heskey!

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is set to move to West Brom, according to The Sun, in a record £7 million move.

Roy Hodgson has identified Reading striker Long as the man to fire them up the table this season and see’s him as the perfect partner for Peter Odemwingie.

Talks between the Irish strikers representatives and Albion took place over the weekend and the Premier League club are now ready to agree a fee with the Royals.

Hodgson wants the deal done as quickly as possible so he can have Long in place to make his debut against Manchester United on Sunday.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes the move will improve him as a player with the 72-year old Italian giving it his seal of approval.

Trapattoni said: “He can learn off a new manager in a better league against stronger opponents.

“This is an important step in his evolution. Roy Hodson can help Shane with different playing styles.” 

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If the transfer does go through it would prove to be a major coup for Albion with the player being courted by a number of clubs this summer.

They will have to be wary of late bids from the likes of Newcastle and Everton who still have Long in their crosshairs.

Finally Barcelona have sealed one of their top summer transfer targets: Alexis Sanchez. The young Chilean signed for 23 million which could rise to 33 depending on clauses. He is a very versatile player, and can play in all three attacking positions. However, it will be a daunting task for him to break into one of the most deadly attacking units in the history of the game.

Sanchez is a big signing for Barcelona, but a huge risk. He did not come cheaply, and he doesn’t have years of experience in La Liga or another top European League. There is no guarantee that he will fit into their style or be a success, so it is a massive risk for them to take, and it isn’t the first time they have done that over the last few years, and it has not always come off in their favour.

Where exactly will Sanchez fit at Barca? Well, he is highly unlikely to displace Messi, however, should Messi suffer an injury, he could provide back-up, but will he be content to sit on the bench? Clearly he will have to adapt to Spanish football so won’t go straight into Barcelona’s starting line up, but could he eventually dislodge David Villa or Pedro? Again it would seen crazy to disrupt a winning formation; Pedro and Villa have 98 goals between them in 62 games in the last 10 months, and Pedro has been absolutely fundamental to Barcelona. The competition for places though may inspire the team to even greater heights.

Sanchez is very young and is likely to be a signing for the long term, in the short term it seems as if it is versatility that he has been signed for, he can provide an option or a plan B should Barcelona need one. What does the signing mean for some of their youngsters though? Bojan, never quite made the breakthrough, though he was hardly given a chance with the quality ahead of him. He has just moved on to Roma in a convoluted deal, which means Barca can buy him back for almost the same price in two years time. Ibrahim Afellay is another bright young player who could be forced out by Barcelona’s transfer policy, as he finds himself even further down the pecking order.

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Having acquired Sanchez, Barcelona are now likely to step up their pursuit of Fabregas, yet again a player with undoubted talent and style but for the amount of money they will need to pay, it is difficult to see where he fits in. He isn’t going to dislodge Iniesta or Xavi, so would he serve as another bench warmer? Again he would be excellent cover should one of the two get injured, but why would a player like Fabregas be content to sit on the bench? Is there a complete lack of ambition amongst modern players? I can see that they want to play for the best team in the world, and win trophies, but if you aren’t going to play, then is there any sense in you being there? Over the last few years we have seen the same with players like Hleb, Henry and Gudjohnsen. Barcelona continually seem to buy players that they simply don’t need.

This is not to say that all their signings are bad, look at the signing of Pique, that was a great signing, he wasn’t hugely expensive, and he has proved very successful. Dani Alves and Keita are another two good signings, but for every one of those there has been an Ibrahimovic, Hleb or Chygrynskiy: expensive flops who are no longer at the club, having been loaned out cheaply or sold on at a loss.

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It seems that in relation to the needs of the side the signings-should they get him-of Fabregas and indeed Sanchez are far too expensive, and wholly unnecessary. To spend the amount they are spending on players who may play little more than a bit-part role in the side seems ludicrous. Surely, they should be addressing the real positions in which they need new recruits. The ageing Puyol is likely to be restricted in the amount he can play as he continues to struggle with injuries, so some cover at the back is clearly required. Sense must prevail in their seemingly senseless transfer policy and rather than just signing players for the sake of it, they should begin to address the real needs of the team.

What do you make of Barca’s transfer policy? Comment below or follow me on Twitter @LaurenRutter and let me know your views.

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Arsene Wenger reaffirms his commitment to Arsenal after reports in France suggested that he is considering his future at the end of the season. Apparently Wenger claimed that if he wasn’t able to get the best out of his players then he will look to move on, while also suggesting that the loss of Fabregas and Nasri was a significant blow to his plans for this season.

Elsewhere in the news Villas-Boas is slowly making his mark at Chelsea; Fergie claims Phil Jones was a steal at £16.5m, while Dalglish stands by Carroll.

 

Wenger reaffirms Arsenal commitment – Guardian

Terry and Suarez to back anti-racism campaign in Stamford Bridge clash – Daily Mail

Villas-Boas makes his mark – Daily Telegraph

Dalglish stands by Carroll after Capello fuels doubts – Independent

Chelsea plot £20m raid for Toon star – Mirror

Rafael van der Vaart says Adebayor is the reason for his great form – People

Blackburn boss Kean all set to net a ‘decent’ pay rise despite struggles – Daily Mail

Sir Alex: Phil Jones was a £16.5m steal – Mirror

Liverpool set to secure Chris Samba signing – People

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Blatter’s new controversy – this time over tickets – Independent

Nike closing in on St James’ Park deal – People

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After their latest in a long run of disappointing results, there are rumours that Roman Abramovich is ready to get rid of Andre Villas-Boas, after just eight months in charge. Speculation surrounding the man to take over has been rife, with some areas of the media suggesting that ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez could be in line for the job.

A change is likely to occur sooner rather than later, with the Portuguese coach rumoured to have lost the dressing room at Stamford Bridge. Abroamovich is not known for his patience, and this latest revelation could well prove to the straw that broke the camel’s back.

A move for Benitez wouldn’t be the most popular decision among supporters of the club, who are believed to want Jose Mourinho back. Benitez could however be a shrewd decision on the part of the Russian, with the former Liverpool coach’s tactical knowhow and relationship with Fernando Torres.

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Benitez’s finest bit of business in his last visit to the Premier League, was taking Fernando Torres to Merseyside. The striker was a revelation under the guidance of his fellow countryman, scoring and breaking records for fun in the north of England. However, after the dismissal of the ex-Valencia coach at the Reds, Torres’ form dipped, and then collapsed completely following his move to the capital. If there’s one thing Benitez does know it’s how to get the best out, on his day, one of the finest front-men in Europe, and this could be a deciding factor for Abramovich, who will be very reluctant to take a significant loss on the £50 million paid last January.

Another weapon in the coach’s armoury is his impressive record in the Champions League, a competition that the Russian billionaire has craved success in since his arrival at the club. Benitez steered his Liverpool side to victory in 2005, beating Chelsea on the way, with a squad that, arguably, had no right to win the tournament. He was again successful in 2007, coming runner-up to Milan, once more defeating Chelsea en-route. It’s no secret that failure in the competition has been a factor in the demise of previous managers under the Russian’s regime, which shows just how high the trophy, is on his list of priorities.

All of these successes were quite some time ago now, with Benitez having a less enjoyable spell at Inter Milan in the mean time, but Benitez’s knowhow in the world’s leading club competition, alongside knowledge of the Premier League, could make him an ideal candidate for the Chelsea role.

Although there has been no official contact as of yet, Abramovich wants the Champions League, and Benitez wants a job, it could be a match made in heaven.

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Aston Villa have clarified an approach to Alex McLeish, but Birmingham City still intend to prevent their ex-manager joining their rivals.New Championship club City have reiterated their right for compensation of up to 5.4 million pounds if Villa appoint McLeish to their vacant post.

Having led Birmingham to a League Cup triumph but also to relegation from the English Premier League, McLeish tendered his resignation on Sunday and has wore criticism from the club since.

City maintain McLeish is not a free agent, putting an approach from Aston Villa on Monday in dangerous territory. The English Premier League club has responded to Birmingham about the contact, claiming it was not an official approach.

Birmingham acting chairman Peter Pannu has hinted at legal action for McLeish, and is still likely to report the matter to the Premier League despite Villa’s reply to the allegations.

“I got an email from Aston Villa, finally replying to all of our queries. As expected, their legal department said, ‘Now Alex McLeish is a free agent having resigned, we’re free to speak to him’. This confirms all suspicions. This shows what has happened,” Pannu told Sky Sports.

“Within the first year he (McLeish), or the club who sign him, have to compensate us at 5.4 million pounds.”

“The first year expires on June 30. The second year starts July 1, when the compensation fee is three million pounds.”

“I’ll be seeking an injunction preventing Villa from hiring him.”

“I’ll be reporting what’s happened to the Premier League. This is like conspiracy to defraud.”

“It’s borderline criminal. That’s how strong I’ll put it.”

Blackburn Rovers will carry the threat of relegation and a major selection headache into their trip to Everton on Saturday.The Trotters are suffering an ill-timed slide down the English Premier League table as their form under manager Steve Kean worsens, slumping to 15th with nary a win from their past eight games.

There is just three points separating Blackburn from the drop zone and four points between them and last-placed Wigan Athletic, and with six games left – including visits from Manchester United, Manchester City and Bolton – there is little margin for error.

Making matters worse, the club is dealing with a sudden availability crisis due to a rash of injuries.

New Zealand international Ryan Nelsen limped from the field with a knee injury during Blackburn’s 1-1 draw with Birmingham City last Saturday and will not feature in the fixture.

So too is on-loan Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, who is battling a hamstring strain, and captain Chris Samba, who is laid low with a twisted ankle.

Add to that Steven N’Zonzi’s suspension for his red card against Arsenal, Gael Givet’s ongoing contract dispute and Kean’s apparent dislike for Nikola Kalinic and the Trotters are beginning to look thin indeed.

But in some better news, Junior Hoilett is expected to play despite suffering hamstring soreness last weekend.

The Canadian starlet fired his third goal in four games against the Blues and will be sorely needed in a Blackburn outfit short on attacking options.

The Merseyside visit will pose a test to Hoilett and his team-mates and Everton will be keen to keep their six-game unbeaten run alive.

The Toffees have staked a claim for seventh on the table with 44 points from 32 games, and could find themselves one point off sixth place and a possible Europa League berth if they win and Liverpool topple Arsenal on Sunday.

That Everton have managed to keep their season ticking along while carrying their own extensive injury list is a credit to boss David Moyes.

Moyes has had to do without a number of first-team regulars, including Tim Cahill (foot), Louis Saha (ankle), Marouane Fellaini (ankle), Mikel Arteta (hamstring) and Jack Rodwell (ankle).

Republic of Ireland international Seamus Coleman, who was shortlisted for the PFA’s Young Player of the Year award earlier this week, is also in doubt to play with a recurrence of an ankle injury.

Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio has described his new job as ‘destiny’ just days after taking over as manager of the League Two club.Di Canio, 42, accepted the job on Friday with the County Ground outfit who will play their football in the fourth tier of English football, after being relegated from League One this campaign.

It is a low-profile job for the Italian, who delighted fans with his career at the likes of Lazio, Juventus, AC Milan, Celtic and West Ham United, but his excitement was obvious when speaking to the press.

“This is my destiny,” Di Canio said.

“I feel like this is the most important thing for me. I was happy the last two years to work for a sports (TV) programme but a lion can’t stay in a cage, a lion has to stay on the pitch.”

“This is my job, this is my life. I think I am sure that I can help with my knowledge and experience every team to achieve their ambitions.”

“So, I am sure about my quality, of course (Harry) Redknapp maybe reckons that I was a little manager already when I used to play football.”

American business Thomas Di Benedetto is believed to be close to securing a takeover deal for Serie A club AS Roma.Di Benedetto landed in Rome on Monday for exclusive negotiations with Roma’s holding company Italpetroli and stakeholder Unicredit bank.

The reported US$108 million bid from Di Benedetto – an investor in Liverpool owners New England Sports Venture – is believed to be favoured over four other offers to purchase the club.

“Our aim is to make Roma one of the top clubs in the world,” Di Benedetto told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We want a team that the city will always be proud of, but of course this will take time.”

“Rome is a wonderful city and for us to be able to represent it in the world is a great opportunity.”

Roma’s widely-reported financial concerns – the club are believed to hold debts of up to US$56 million – are set to worsen if the club misses out on lucrative qualification for the Champions League.

Vincenzo Montella’s side are sixth in the table, six points behind Udinese in the last Champions League qualification berth.

“We all hope that Roma qualifies for the Champions League,” Di Benedetto said.

“Roma have recently recovered after a difficult period. But they still lack continuity.”

Di Benedetto is believed to represent several other NESV board members interested in purchasing up to 67 percent of the club.

“They’re my friends, they’re all successful businessmen or managers with the necessary economic resources for this deal,” Di Benedetto said.

“James Pallotta, one of the owners of the Boston Celtics, will provide his sports knowledge and he has already carefully evaluated the club’s potential.”

“Michael Ruane has had a successful career in investments funds and real estate and his involvement will mostly regard the plan for the new stadium.”

“Richard D’Amore is an expert in new media and will help us develop in that area.”

Fulham will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat at Blackburn by beating Newcastle who chasing a third straight Premier League victory in 2012.

Sitting just six points above the relegation zone in 14th wasn’t the position Martin Jol envisaged the Cottagers being in when he took over in the summer. The Dutchman has presided over a stop start campaign at Craven Cottage and he will have been angry that his players failed to build on their impressive win against Arsenal a fortnight ago. Their inability to beat struggling Blackburn, who played over an hour with 10 men, was typical of their inconsistent form. Fulham have won just four of their last 14 games usually following up victories with a string of defeats, which has made it difficult for them to climb the table. Lapses in concentration, missed chances and lethargic performances are certainly starting to take their toll although the first half of the campaign was hectic. The game at Ewood Park was their 37th of the season which is just one shy of a full top-flight campaign. Despite exiting the Europa League they had to endure a hectic Christmas period straight after and have hardly had any time to put their feet up and charge the batteries. Coming up against energetic Newcastle is the last thing Jol will have wanted as he tries to steer the club away from danger.

The Magpies have roared back into life in the New Year beating Manchester United and QPR at St James’ Park to leapfrog Liverpool into sixth. A minor blip over Christmas saw the pundits predict Alan Pardew’s men to struggle in the second half of the campaign especially with leading scorer Demba Ba heading off to the African Cup of Nations. Leon Best was the man charged with leading the line against Rangers on Sunday and his expertly taken goal proved to be the difference between the two teams. The Republic of Ireland international has played second fiddle to Ba for much of the campaign but proved his worth to the club with his first goal in four months. Admittedly Best has been a consistent performer for Newcastle since coming into the side at the start of 2011 following the sale of Andy Carroll and his work rate, hold up play and aerial strength has made him a real asset in black and white. A similar thing could be said for Danny Guthrie who returned from injury at the weekend to deputise for Cheick Tiote but found himself filling in for Yohan Cabaye as well after the Frenchman was stretchered off. Both Best and Guthrie typify the hard working and tenacious Newcastle United that will go to the capital confident of making three wins on the trot in 2012.

Fulham 14th : 23 points

Last six: L W D D L W

Team news: Moussa Dembele and Dickson Etuhu are doubtful after picking up knocks whilst this game will come too soon for Mark Schwarzer

Key Player: Danny Murphy

Despite his advanced years Murphy still plays a vital playmaking role in the heart of Fulham’s midfield. His guile and quality on the ball will be useful in breaking down Newcastle’s resolute midfield and defence.

Newcastle United 6th: 36 points

Last six: W W L W L D

Team news: Yohan Cabaye could miss out after injuring his ankle on Sunday although Peter Lovenkrands could return.

Key Player: Leon Best

With his strike partner Demba Ba away at the African Cup of Nations the onus is on Best to score the goals in his absence. The former Coventry striker notched his fourth of the season on Sunday and will be keen to add more before Ba returns.

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PREDICTION

Fulham are in a rut failing to build on some impressive wins and will need to start being more consistent. They’ll face a tough test against Newcastle who will heading to the Thames with all guns blazing in their pursuit of a Europa League place.

Score: 1-1

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