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According to reports in The Sun, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is ready to sell £14m-rated Dutch defender Daley Blind as part of a huge summer clear-out, and Premier League rivals West Ham United should move to snap him up.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun says that after a trophy-less season Mourinho is ready to move the deadwood out of his squad, with Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian all set to go alongside Blind, who earns £75,000-a-week according to the Daily Mail.

The Sun says that Mourinho will be able to spend all of the money he receives from incoming transfers this summer, and the 28-year-old Netherlands international is rated at £14m by the Red Devils.

Meanwhile, West Ham United are set to appoint Manuel Pellegrini, whom Irons fans on Twitter are keen to see link up with £140,000-a-week attacker next season, as their new manager and may make some big changes in the transfer market themselves this summer, with the centre-back, left-back and left wing-back positions specific areas that could be prioritised for new signings.

How did Blind do this season?

It was a tough campaign for the Dutchman, who fell completely out of favour under Mourinho at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old only made 17 appearances in all competitions – with six of those coming in the Champions League and with just 360 minutes of playing time in the Premier League – as he found himself behind the likes of Ashley Young and Luke Shaw in the pecking order for the left-back spot.

The versatile player can play as a left-back, left wing-back, centre-back and defensive midfielder, and that fact and the quality he has means he could be in demand this summer.

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Would he be a good signing for West Ham?

He certainly would.

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Blind is hugely experienced and the fact that he can play in so many positions is a huge plus.

The 28-year-old would certainly be considered by many to be an upgrade on Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku in those positions on the left-hand side of the pitch – whether it be centre-back, full-back or wing-back – and the fact that he could be available for just £14m in this day and age mean that the east London club should waste no time in snapping him up as Pellegrini’s first signing.

According to reports on Italian media outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Premier League sides Stoke City and Watford have joined Serie A giants Napoli in the race to sign Ajax winger Amin Younes during the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old has been with the Eredivisie club since 2015, but he doesn’t want to extend his contract that is due to run out next summer, and he is looking more and more likely to leave the Dutch capital next month.

The Germany international is wanted by Napoli, who are ready to offer the player a five-year contract worth €1.5m (approximately £1.33m) per year according to Tuttomercatoweb, but they are reportedly concerned about the financial offers that the attacker could attract from the likes of Stoke in the English top flight.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are just a point above the relegation zone following their 1-0 defeat to runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, and manager Rafa Benitez will be keen to strengthen his goal-shy squad in the New Year.

The experienced Spaniard may be particularly concerned about his attacking options, and bringing Younes to Tyneside could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Newcastle should hijack Stoke’s bid to sign the German…

Competition out wide

Considering Newcastle have only scored 19 goals in their 20 Premier League matches so far this season, Benitez may well be looking to bring in some competition in the wide positions to try and boost the creativity in his team given he usually favours a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation.

While he has the likes of Christian Atsu, Matt Ritchie, Jacob Murphy and Rolando Aarons available to him, he may want to add a little more competition and quality on the flanks and bringing Younes to St James’ Park would certainly do that.

His qualities

While he has struggled with injury and for form with Ajax this season, his overall record with the Dutch giants proves that he would be a brilliant addition for Newcastle.

The 24-year-old has scored 17 goals and provided a further 24 assists from out wide during his time in the Dutch capital, with his performances being rewarded with five full Germany caps, in which he has netted twice.

According to WhoScored.com, the winger’s strengths are his passing, ability to hold on to the ball, ability to make key passes and his dribbling, and he has successfully completed 39 of the 64 take-ons he has attempted in just nine Eredivisie appearances this season, while he managed 99 in 29 league games last term.

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Price tag

Benitez may not have the biggest of budgets in the January transfer window, and the fact that Younes’ contract runs out in the summer means that if Ajax choose to sell the 24-year-old next month, it should be for a cut-price fee.

That is certainly something that will appeal to Newcastle and their Spanish manager if they are aiming to bring quality players to St James’ Park for a potentially low price, and it should also mean that they are able to offer a more lucrative financial package for the Germany international in order to persuade him to join them over the other interested parties.

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

New Manchester United boss David Moyes finds himself under pressure already after guiding the Champions to their worst start to a season in nine years.

And the last thing he can afford to do is have to explain how United managed to lose to two bitter rivals in a week, which will no doubt add to the weight of pressure currently stacked up on his shoulders.

And if the pressure of a potential cup exit wasn’t bad enough for Moyes, the news that Brendan Rodgers will have Luis Suarez available after his 10-match suspension means his hopes of an easy ride against a weakened Liverpool side are over.

Liverpool haven’t won at Old Trafford since 2009, but they do have a good record against United in this competition – three wins and a loss in their four previous League Cup meetings. And if it’s records like that one that gives Liverpool hope of a first Old Trafford victory in four years, it’s also worth noting that their unbeaten in their last six away matches in all competitions.

Despite the rivalry between these two sides, we can still expect both managers to make several changes to the ones we saw in the Premier League over the weekend.

Nani and Wilfried Zaha are both expected to start for the hosts, but Robin van Persie is set to miss out again as he struggles to overcome a groin strain. Brendan Rodgers will be without Glen Johnson, Philippe Coutinho and Joe Allen, although Daniel Agger could feature after a rib injury.

Moyes’ side will want to put their humiliation at the hands of Manchester City behind them, but Liverpool will be equally desperate to add to United’s so-called ‘downfall’ since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Liverpool also have a disappointing result to get over – their 1-0 home loss to Southampton at the weekend – and they’ll be confident of doing just that now they’ve got Luis Suarez back in the side. Suarez was Liverpool’s goal-machine last season and, aside from being such an important team player, he’ll want to get back in amongst the goals for personal reasons too.

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With all things considered, this Capital One Cup round three tie has everything about it to be a classic.

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On Saturday afternoon, Andy Carroll embarked on his new East London adventure with a performance that drew both a smile and a tear from Sam Allardyce. Having escaped the intrinsic triangles of Brendan Rodgers’ ‘tiki-taka’ regime, the pony-tailed assassin fled down route one to Upton Park where he tormented the Fulham rearguard with his aerial prowess and impressive link-up play. However, despite being hailed as the vital component in Big Sam’s master plan, is the former Geordie talisman worth jeopardising the club’s financial well-being?

Just a fortnight ago, in the wake of West Ham’s first failed attempt to secure the services of Carroll, co-owner David Sullivan revealed the worrying implications of a potential move.

“It was a terribly expensive deal with the loan fee and with his wages, which were enormous – too much for a club like ours.”

“Then there was a huge transfer fee which would have blown our budget for several years.” (Daily Mail)

Is this a wise move for a football club in today’s unstable economic climate, especially one that is still recovering from the debts accumulated since their previous departure from the Premier League? It was only 15 months ago that Sullivan admitted, “this club is in a worse financial position than any other in the country”. (Guardian)

If nothing else this transfer highlights the extreme measures employed by clubs as they desperately seek to avoid relegation. With the ever-increasing financial rewards from sponsors and broadcasting deals, maintaining status in the Premier League is becoming an achieve-at-all-costs philosophy. However, significant investment in player acquisitions doesn’t immediately equal success, as highlighted by the contrasting fortunes of QPR and Swansea last season.

There is no questioning that Carroll’s debut in the claret-and-blue was a revelation, not just for the player but also for the team as whole. He played a key role in each of the goals and was perhaps only denied a place on the score sheet himself thanks to an injury picked up in the 68th minute. David Gold announced on Twitter that he thought Carroll would be sidelined for three weeks but reports today suggest he will be on the treatment table for between five and six weeks, which is a huge blow for both club and country.

Throughout this period West Ham will continue to subsidise his wage packet, which is believed to total a six-figure sum. Should the team revert to their previous uninspiring performances in his absence then the pressure will once again fall on his young shoulders to revive a club’s ailing fortunes. It’s hardly an ideal situation for a man who’s spent the last 18 months trying to satisfy the expectations of The Kop.

Let’s presume Carroll returns from injury and fires The Hammers to safety, even if he plays a small part the owners will feel compelled to sign him. They may even have to tie up a deal before January as rumours continue to circulate that Liverpool will attempt to recall him at the earliest opportunity. The club is then faced with a huge financial burden and will be unable to strengthen the squad in other areas unless a number of individuals are shown the door. As I gaze at the current squad I fear there isn’t a single name that would generate even half of the amount needed to purchase Carroll on a permanent deal.

Life in the top-flight is worth a reported 40 million pounds in additional revenue (Deloitte LLP), but the minimum guaranteed payments in the following four seasons – if they drop down – is 48 million. So even if West Ham were to suffer the heartbreak of relegation, the continued financial income coupled with the number of experienced Championship members of their squad should see them bounce straight back up. Portsmouth proved that spending beyond your means can bring you short-term success, but I think the supporters would gladly hand back their FA Cup trophy in order to bring stability and hope back to the current League One dwellers.

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West Ham’s chances of survival have been boosted by the arrival of Carroll but they’re playing a very dangerous game if they depend solely on his ability to score goals. Afonso Alves was meant to lead Middlesborough to the promised land and look what happened there.

Do you like your football news condensed into less than 140 characters? Then follow me on Twitter @theunusedsub

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Rangers have failed to finish in second place in the Scottish Premiership again after rivals Aberdeen won at Celtic Park and the Light Blues drew 5-5 in a dramatic game against Hibernian at Easter Road.

In what was undoubtedly the best game of the entire season in the Scottish top-flight, Rangers were both impressive in attack and woeful in defence, which is actually rather fitting considering how their season as a whole has gone.

Fans were frustrated with the performance and result, but did find one silver lining – the fact they may not have to see Russell Martin in their defensive line anymore.

The player’s loan deal is up now it’s the end of the season and he hasn’t exactly made himself a fan favourite since joining from Norwich City in January after a series of dismal performances.

Supporters are hoping the arrival of Steven Gerrard will see effective signings being made in defence this summer, given it is the weakest area of their team by far.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on what could be Martin’s last game for the club…

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If you cast your mind back to last summer, Southampton had lost their manager to Spurs, sold most of their best players to Liverpool and brought in a new manager in the shape of Ronald Koeman – a relative novice when it comes to Premier League football. And despite all of the above, the Saints managed their best ever Premier League season, leaving those who predicted relegation for the South Coast side with faces redder Fergie’s nose.

Koeman’s men of course achieved this through, in part, good signings like Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle. Koeman’s knowledge of Eredivise was vital as the club bagged two names others had overlooked in the past.

Now to this summer, and the Saints have already sold a couple of their big performers from last season in Nathaniel Clyne to Liverpool (shock) and Morgan Schneiderlin to Man United. Suggestions of a relegation threatened campaign have been mooted for the Saints in some corners. Sound familier?

But as we saw last season, write the Saints off at your peril and Koeman will trust his instincts in the transfer market to challenge, and perhaps improve on, last season’s achievements.

One man the Dutchman will be hoping can fill the boots of departed midfielder Schneiderlin is fellow Oranje, Jordy Clasie, signed from Feyenoord for £8.4m.

Koeman already appears confident of the impact that Clasie will have in Hampshire.

He told Sky Sports: “He’s a perfect replacement for Morgan in that position.

“I know that because I worked for three seasons with Jordy. Of course, he’s still not Schneiderlin – but he’s still young, he has to develop, he has to adapt to the Premier League, the intensity is what you need. It’s a great signing.”

Koeman is evidently confident in his signing, already hailing the Dutch international as “great”, but will he be the man the Saints need? And how will he adjust to the Premier League?

These are key questions, but for just £8.4m it does look like another great bit of business by the Saints manager.

As Clasie is just 24-years-old, like Koeman said, he has time to develop and he will improve as he plays, so in a couple of good seasons it is quite possible that Clasie could easily be worth double what Southampton paid for him.

That is looking far ahead, however, and Saints fans will just be hoping that Clasie can fill the sizeable boots of their former midfielder for now.

When comparing the two there is a big difference in terms of height. Clasie stands at just 5ft 7″, whereas the Schneiderlin is more imposing at 6ft 1″. But both players perform similar roles for their sides – defensive midfielders capable of winning the ball and controlling the midfield. Clasie’s lack of height may be a worry to some, however, it shouldn’t be. He more than makes up for it in his aggressive, tenacious style which allows him to compete in the midfield. And it is this style and intensity in his play that will help the Dutchman to make an easy transition to the Premier League.

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Clasie is not exactly the same player as Schneiderlin, but the Netherlands international will be able to offer the Saints something else. He is not a prolific goalscoring midfielder, but Clasie has more creative abilities in his game.

He is arguably a better passer, has better vision on the ball and has the ability to open defences up far more than Schneiderlin.

He won’t perform the exact same role, yet Clasie is a very shrewd signing for the Saints and he is the right man to replace Schneiderlin.

Phil Neville has told Bill Kenwright that he wants to be considered for the manager’s job at Everton.

Neville is coming to the end of his playing career, although he has yet to make a cast-iron decision on that and is waiting to have his knee injury looked at, and has already moved into coaching helping out Stuart Pearce at England under-21 level whilst working towards his Uefa pro-licence.

The departure of David Moyes to Manchester United has changed his immediate plans for next season and now, along with fellow internal candidates Alan Stubbs and David Weir, he has spoken to the chairman to say he would like to be considered.

Neville told the Guardian: “It would be a really good job to get. I know there are players who have gone into jobs and failed but I just think I have prepared.

“I have prepared for the last five seasons and I have got some really nice decisions to make. I am prepared for every eventuality.

“I’ve not reached the end of my career and thought: ‘I know, I’ll be a manager.’ I have had a lot of experience, studying coaching practices. I’ve got files on every training session from the last three seasons.

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“I have been away with the Under-21s. I’m half-prepared for what I am going in to. I pick his [Moyes’] brains constantly.”

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Newcastle fans are reconsidering the futures of Islam Slimani and Aleksandar Mitrovic, after the Algerian international did a great Mitrovic impression on Saturday.

When Aleksandar Mitrovic was loaned out to Fulham in January, pretty much everyone in Newcastle knew why.

The Serbian striker certainly has talent, but his lack of discipline just could not be trusted, especially with a fight for Premier League survival to come.

Mitrovic showed exactly why that decision was taken in his side’s recent win over Millwall, and fans were certain his Newcastle career was over as he swung an elbow at Millwall’s Tim Cahill.

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However, Islam Slimani was brought in as a January replacement for Mitrovic, and the towering Algerian could now miss the rest of the season after kicking out at West Brom’s Craig Dawson.

With Slimani brought in primarily due to the lack of trust in Mitrovic, fans are now leaning towards Mitrovic for who they want up front next season.

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Both players now have question marks over their discipline and attitude, but only one of them is scoring goals.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Manchester United look set to be making a surprise bid for World Cup superstar Thomas Muller.

The Independent has reported that Louis van Gaal believes the German ticks all the boxes for his team and his philosophy. With Manchester United being weak up front the manager is looking to improve his attacking options for next season. Muller and van Gaal have a fantastic relationship as the 25-year-old midfielder had his career breakthrough whilst the Dutchman was in charge at Bayern Munich. It is believed Muller has a £40million price tag but Van Gaal would be a very happy man if they managed to entice such a star to the club.

The rumours started that a move might be possible, earlier in May, when Muller opened up in a press conference about his “special relationship” with the 63-year-old leader. Muller told the press, “Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes beyond that which is normal between a player and a coach.” The German has a contract with Bayern until at least 2017 with an option to extend until 2019 so it is unlikely he could be joining this season but Van Gaal is a very determined man.

It was believed that van Gaal was interested in signing Muller last season but Bayern made sure the midfielder signed a new contract whilst he was in Brazil at the World Cup with Germany so van Gaal, who was then managing the Dutch national side, could not entice him away from them.

Van Gaal has spent the season, teaching his players how he likes to play football but as the transfer window draws closer it looks like van Gaal is looking to bring in players who already know his style. The Red Devil’s first signing, Memphis Depay, has played under the gaffer before so will fit straight into his team. This is unlike Angel Di Maria who, despite having a lot of talent, has struggled to find form this campaign. Van Gaal does not want to bring in another set of players who he has to teach again and Muller is versatile, determined and a strong player who also knows just how the Dutchman likes to set up his team and the philosophy behind it.

While Muller would fit into the team extremely well, the German World Cup winner is still a beloved favourite at Bayern Munich. At Manchester United there have been many rumours that Robin van Persie, who was instrumental in his first season for the club but has struggled this campaign, could be out of the club during the summer transfer window. The Dutchman’s future at the club is in doubt and with van Gaal looking to raid his own club; Muller would be the perfect replacement. He has scored 21 goals and racked up 13 assists in all competitions this season and would be the perfect replacement with out of luck van Persie who could be on his way to Roma.

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Muller is Bayern Munich’s version of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard so it will take an awful lot to make him be tempted to leave the club but if the right offer was on the table there is a chance he could be tempted away and it would be only for one reason – his relationship with Louis van Gaal.

A Champions League place maybe out of Everton’s reach due to a lack of investment in the club, according to Leighton Baines.

Everton are still in the hunt for a top four spot come the end of the season but they look more likely to make it into the less glamorous and less lucrative Europa League.

Baines, who is seen as one of the club’s most valuable assets, says the lack of investment in the club is once again coming back to haunt them as their squad depth is nowhere near as strong as their rivals.

“We have been steady over the years. We have been shy of challenging for the Champions League places and are managing to edge our way closer,” Baines said.

“We have not had that big push in terms of giving the manager that backing to go and buy the players who would really put us right in the mix.

“It is one thing having it and obviously you have to spend it wisely.

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“You have to get the right players and those who fit, so it would not be a given if we were to get a good amount of money, but it would definitely help.”

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