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QPR chairman Tony Fernandes says that his side’s next Premier League campaign will be a more enjoyable and sensible one than their last.

The Super Hoops booked an immediate return to the stop tier on Saturday as they won the Championship play-off final at Wembley against Derby thanks to a late Bobby Zamora effort.

Harry Redknapp’s men were widely tipped to bounce back to the big time at the first time of asking, despite a disastrous 2012/13 campaign, which saw them finish rock-bottom of the division.

The club are also paying the price financially for the excesses of their foray into the Premier League, with their wage bill reportedly higher than that of La Liga champions and Champions League runners-up Atletico Madrid.

Fernandes says that this time around things will be different thanks to the harsh lessons his club have learned:

“Hopefully we’ll have some fun next year in the Premier League,” he told talkSPORT.

“It was great to see the kind of spirit we’ve cultivated in the club at Wembley, to see that passion from the team and the fans, it’s something I’ve always dreamed about.

“We learned so much last time [in the Premier League], you’re always learning really because even the big clubs make horrendous mistakes.

“We’re a lot smarter now and it’s been good for us down in the Championship, we’ve taken stock and been able to get the culture of the club right.

“We’re going to careful in the transfer market this time, we’re not going to rush into things. We’ve learned a lot [financially].

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“We want to build the right culture at the club and bring in the right type of player and we want guys who are going to run and run and run.

“Derby showed that in the final, they had loads of young guys running around non-stop and causing a lot of problems for us. But experience also counts, you need to find a balance of both.”

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A year on from reportedly being on the brink of a transfer out of Serie A, there’s now no longer any doubt about Miralem Pjanic’s importance to Roma.

Back then, Pjanic was being forced out for comments he made following Roma’s Coppa Italia final loss to city rivals Lazio. He, rather than Erik Lamela, looked destined for the exit at the Olimpico.

But Pjanic may not have ended up at Roma had it not been for the intervention of his father back in 2011. At Lyon at the time, Pjanic was said to be on Arsenal’s wanted list to replace the recently departed Cesc Fabregas, with a deal said to have been close on deadline day.

Still only 21 at the time and having only experienced top flight football in Ligue 1, the excitement would have been well short of what Mesut Ozil’s signing generated last summer in north London. Back in 2011, Pjanic was an extremely promising talent, though one that had some way to go to reach the level he’s at now.

And what a climb it has been for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international. Rudi Garcia made himself known in Italian football almost immediately after signing on as manager. He urged the club to go after Gervinho, in spite of the Ivorian’s struggles during his two seasons at Arsenal, and campaigned to retain Pjanic and build the team around the former Lyon midfielder at the expense of the then far more popular and effective Lamela.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Latest transfer news

Pjanic was at the hub of Roma’s ascent up the Serie A table, displaying his credentials as one of the team’s leaders in the absence of Francesco Totti with his two goals – one from a free kick and the other from the penalty spot – against Napoli on the way to recording 10 straight league wins. There were other memorable goals for the 24-year-old during last season’s campaign, but none more emphatic than his waltz through the Milan defence to help Roma to a 2-0 win.

Perhaps known more as an advanced midfielder, Pjanic has shown his comfort in dropping deep into the centre of midfield and helping to dictate the play. In 2011, Arsenal’s only obvious options in replacing Fabregas were in the signing of Mikel Arteta who, despite being able to create, falls well short of offering what his compatriot did, and Aaron Ramsey, who was still in the early stages of recovery from that injury suffered at Stoke.

Pjanic, however, would have offered something different. He didn’t have the complications that had plagued Ramsey’s career up until that point and would have been considered a bargain for what he is now worth, moving on from Lyon for only €11million. Importantly, he would have added some craft and guile to an Arsenal attack that, without Robin van Persie, was severely lacking.

Roma’s recent business has been extremely positive. They saw two major sales in Marquinhos and Lamela last summer, but spent wisely for replacements and additions. Even their business this summer – which includes Juan Iturbe bolstering the attack and Ashley Cole and Seydou Keita adding experience for the upcoming Champions League campaign – has been astute.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Latest transfer news

But looking back, none may have been more important than what came with Pjanic’s signing in 2011, just as important on the field for Roma’s revival as Garcia has been on the touchline. An understated player without the backing of a monster transfer fee or a stylish national team, but with the performances that can justify the tag of  world-class midfielder.

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What would it have meant for Arsenal, however? Santi Cazorla did arrive a year later to somewhat fill the creative role left by Fabregas, and Ozil joined 12 months on from that. Would Pjanic have blocked one or both of those arrivals? Possibly, but it’s conjecture for now.

What is clear now – and especially after Pjanic reminded us of his talents with a goal against Manchester United on the weekend from inside his own half – is that the Bosnian would have represented the most obvious replacement and eventual lift from the disappointment of having lost Fabregas to Barcelona.

Roma know exactly what they have in the 24-year-old, who will be key in their efforts to build on last season. The idea of selling Pjanic, a year on from almost being forced out, is not worth thinking about.

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Liverpool escaped an embarrassing return to Champions League football with a last gasp 2-1 victory over Ludogorets at Anfield.

The Bulgarian minnows frustrated the five-times European Champions and looked set for a famous draw before summer signing Mario Balotelli popped up in the 82nd minute for his first Liverpool goal.

Ludogorets then silenced the Anfield crowd with a 91st minute equaliser when Dani Abalo rounded Reds stopper Simon Mignolet and slotted home in front of the euphoric travelling Bulagarian fans.

But Liverpool raced down the other end and earned themselves a penalty when goalkeeper Milan Borjan clipped Javier Manquillio in his own area, and Reds captain Steven Gerrard calmly slotted home from the spot to save Brendan Rodgers’ side’s blushes.

It was similar performance from Liverpool that saw them fall to a 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, which has further strengthened the claims that Liverpool may not be able to replicate their title challenge from last season, as well enjoy a successful run in the Champions League.

So here’s three things we learned from Liverpool’s latest frustrating performance at Anfield…

They really do miss Daniel Sturridge

The fact Liverpool have lost a Premier League game at home to Villa and then struggled to beat minnows Ludogorets in the Champions League since Daniel Sturridge was injured whilst on England duty suggests Rodgers is struggling to work without him.

He may have Mario Balotelli at his disposal to score the goals in Sturridge’s absence, but even then there’s no real evidence that the Italian can make the exact same impact as the England striker.

There’s also a shift in the way Liverpool line-up when Sturridge is unavailable, and that clearly has a detrimental effect to Liverpool’s hopes of another successful campaign.

Balotelli’s first Liverpool should give him the confidence to go on get more, though, but only time will tell…

Adam Lallana has been rushed into action too quickly

Lallana’s performances for Southampton over the last few years have no doubt warranted his call up in to the England set-up, but a knee injury during the summer has halted his chances of replicated such efforts for his new club.

Lallana finally made his debut in the loss to Aston Villa last weekend but after his performance against Ludogorets it’s clear to see he is no where near the fitness or pace needed to make the required impact just yet.

Luckily the Liverpool fans realise that and are refusing to get on his back just yet…

Coutinho looks a shadow of his former self

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Last year, Coutinho was one of Liverpool’s top performers as they went so close to winning their first ever Premier League title. But so far this season the 22-year-old Brazilian has been well off the pace.

He doesn’t appear to be the confident, free-flowing and exciting midfielder Liverpool had the pleasure of enjoying last season. Instead he has been sloppy, reckless and less effective in the middle of the park for Rodgers’ side.

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After Mario Balotelli’s latest Liverpool no-show against Real Madrid, Reds hero Jamie Carragher described the Italian as a “panic” buy. In truth, there is some logic to this, with the Merseysiders having taken a massive £16m gamble in a bid to replace Luis Suarez with Brendan Rodgers having realised he’d entered the season with a lack of options up top.

Although Balotelli has been, well… awful so far, he is not the worst ‘panic purchase’ ever, with these TEN the pick of the bunch…

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CLICK ON ROBINHO TO REVEAL THE TEN

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10) Roman Pavlyuchenko

We’ll kick off with Pavlyucheno at Spurs. Fresh from selling Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane in 2008, then Lilywhites chief Juande Ramos asked chairman Daniel Levy for David Villa or Samuel Eto’o… before getting the Russian in. He wasn’t the worst buy ever, notching 42 goals in 113 games, but he failed to hit the highs expected of him after his late move and was not of the qulity of his predecessors.

9) Savio Nsereko

Who? Hammers fans may have repressed the memories of Savio, who arrived late in January 2009. The Germany U-20 international cost £9m as was drafted in after Craig Bellamy left. He now plays in Kazakhstan. ‘Nuff said.

8) Paul Konchesky

“One of the very best left-backs in the league and certainly deserving of a place in the England set-up.” Then Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson.

Despite the glowing praise from ‘Woy’ in 2010, Konchesky was by no means the answer to Liverpool’s left-back woes. When Hodgson was replaced after six short months at Anfield, Kenny Dalglish shipped out the former England star to Nottingham Forest on loan.

7) Marouane Fellaini

The most recent panic buy on our list, Marouane Fellaini’s move to Manchester United last year was an odd one. After a summer in which David Moyes missed out on a host of big names, he was force into a late £27.5m deal to bring one of his former Everton charges with him. Had he moved a matter of weeks earlier a release clause of nearer £20m could have been triggered, but instead the late panic sees United still lumbered with the big-haired Belgian.

6) Robinho

In 2008 Robinho was seen as the man to kick-start the big money Abu Dhabi reign at Manchester City. The club paid a massive £32.5m to beat Chelsea to his signature from Real Madrid… with the player’s infamous press conference slip revealing that he thought he actually signed for the Londoners. A bright start soon tailed off as it became clear the Brazilian was signed with no real plan of action.

5) Benni McCarthy

At just £2.5m, West Ham thought they’d bagged a bargain in 2011 after landing McCarthy from Blackburn. The South African had been decent at Ewood Park during his four year stint, but question were asked of his fitness and desire towards the end. The Hammers went on to be relegated a matter of months later with their strike saviour failing to score in 14 outings.

Vice-chairman Karen Brady also described the player as “a big fat mistake” after his contract was terminated at a cost of £1.5m.

4) Park Chu Young

Signed in during Arsene Wenger’s August 2011 late splurge, Park Chu-Young is undoubtedly one of the very worst panic buys in Premier League history. The Gunners chief needed to add more flair and guile to his team so took a gamble on the South Korean, who had been impressing in France with Monaco. You can count his number of Gunners performances on one hand, and the striker now plies his trade in the Middle East with Al Shabab after awful loan spells at Watford and Celta Vigo.

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3) Alfonso Alves

Right up there as one of the worst ever panic buys is Alves. Middlesbrough broke their transfer record in 2008 to lure the Brazilian to Wearside in a £10m deal, with Gareth Southgate then saying: “His goalscoring record in Holland in particular but in Sweden, too, has been prolific. We hope he will reproduce that sort of form for us.”

That he didn’t, as Alves cost the club roughly a £1m per goal – a far cry from the bang Heerenveen got when he netted 45 in 38 games – with half of his tally coming in the space of two games against Manchester United and Manchester City. When ‘Boro were relegated to the Championship in 2009 he was sold to Qatari side Al-Sadd.

2) Fernando Torres

With Chelsea desperate to challenge for the title, the £50m addition of Fernando Torres was seen as a sure fire way to overhaul Manchester United’s dominance. But, the move – a deadline day one in January 2011 – was an absolute shocker, with the Spaniard failing to achieve the highs he produced with such regularity at Liverpool. Reds hero Jamie Carragher has since revealed the utter shock at getting such a fee for a player whose best days were behind him, and Torres is now seeing out his Blues contract on a two-year loan at AC Milan.

1) Andy Carroll

After Liverpool mugged off Chelsea in the Torres deal, they promptly went and blew £35m on Andy Carroll after just a few months of decent form in the top tier. Newcastle repeatedly knocked back big offers from the Reds until, in a state of blind panic, the Merseysiders laid down their current record fee to convince the Magpies with minutes of the transfer window remaining. Carroll is now at West Ham after a terrible spell at Anfield.

Diafra Sakho has hit the ground running in the Premier League to say the least – but it isn’t just beginners luck.

The 24-year-old has scored in every Premier League match in which he has started – a feat unmatched by any player in England’s professional divisions. Quite a record to have.

We all know that some players seemingly have the knack of being in the right place at the right time, and those players are some of the greats in the history of the Premier League (i.e. Ruud van Nistelrooy). The Dutchman was lethal for PSV before he made his move to Manchester United in the Premier League and he managed to continue in that form through his time at Old Trafford and beyond at Real Madrid. Diafra Sakho had no such lethal prowess to carry with him into the Premier League and although his most recent season was a successful one for the Senegalese international, it was in the French 2nd division – not considered as a true test of a player’s ability ahead of a Premier League move.

After he scored his first few goals in the Premier League there was understandable a case that he may have been a bit fortunate, and his goal against Hull City was certainly just that, however when you’ve scored six in six appearances for your new side, surely it’s no fluke?

‘Big Sam’ made a good point following his fifth consecutive Premier League goal, when he suggested that Sakho was experiencing such an easy ride in the Premier League due to the fact that he has so far been underrated by the opposing teams. Professional clubs at the top level of football will spend the majority of their week analysing the approaching opposition, however it’s no surprise that a previously untested Senegalese striker from the French second division may go unnoticed. The West Ham manager also suggested that times will get tougher for Sakho when teams realise they have a prolific Premier League goalscorer on their hands. Only time will tell.

One thing is for sure, Sakho is excelling at West Ham and is in the form of his life. Sometimes signings like this happen – not very often but they do occur. He’s come out of nowhere to light up the Premier League and there’s no fluke to be found. There’s more goals to come from Diafra, and although he won’t continue to score every time he starts, it’s been a truly wonderful run that West Ham fans don’t get to appreciate very often. Teams will look to make it tougher for Sakho in the coming weeks, but clubs try to stop the best strikers every week and rarely manage to do so. It’s impossible to predict the future in football, and we’ll see how he does.

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Christmas day has come and gone and now we’re all focusing on the New Year – a time for parties, over-intoxication and of course, Premier League football.

But before we usher in 2015, it’s time to reminisce over the last twelve months. And what better way to regurgitate the footballing memories than mulling over some of the best goals of 2014?

This article takes a look at  Manchester United and their most memorable strikes of the calender year, featuring the likes of Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez to name a few.

So without further ado, sit back and remember 2014 through the Red Devils’ top FIVE goals!

ASHLEY YOUNG VS CARDIFF CITY (JANUARY)

It’s not been an easy twelve months for winger Ashley Young, with persistent accusations over his infamous inability to stay on his feet – especially inside of the penalty box. But the former Watford and Aston Villa star kicked off Manchester United’s 2014 and reminded doubters of his quality with this sublime effort against Cardiff City in January.

WAYNE ROONEY VS WEST HAM (MARCH)

The eventual winner of Manchester United’s Goal of the Season award for 2013/14, Wayne Rooney’s wonder-strike against West Ham in April was always going to make this list. In echoes of David Beckham’s famed effort against Wimbledon way back in 1996, who was rather eerily, watching in the Upton Park stands that afternoon, the England and Red Devils captain swivelled on the ball at the centre-circle and hit it on the half-volley over helpless Hammers goalkeeper Adrian.

PATRICE EVRA VS BAYERN MUNICH (APRIL)

Patrice Evra wasn’t best known for his goal-getting during his nine seasons at Manchester United. In fact, the French full-back netted just ten times in 379 appearances for the Red Devils, giving him a potent strike-rate of 0.026 goals per match. But before moving onto Juventus this summer he left United with a parting gift – this absolute worldie against then-European champions Bayern Munich. The phrase ‘saving the best until last’ certainly comes to mind.

ANGEL DI MARIA VS LEICESTER CITY (SEPTEMBER)

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Manchester United splashed out a record-breaking £59million on Angel Di Maria this summer but the Argentina international is already be proving to be worth every penny. He’s notched three goals in eleven Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, with of the pick of the bunch being this deft lob against Leicester City, unsurprisingly winning the club’s Goal of the Month award for September.

ROBIN VAN PERSIE VS HULL CITY (NOVEMBER)

Just when doubts were beginning to surround the ageing Robin van Persie, he responded in November with this long-range piledriver against Hull City, instigating a run of five goals in his next six Premier League outings. The quality of the strike is no more than we’ve come to expect from the clinical Dutchman, but it’s his ability to shrug off a challenge and place the ball onto his stronger foot with one eloquent movement that particularly catches the eye.

Southampton were at their stubborn, resilient best once again on Saturday as a late Sadio Mane strike earned them a priceless 1-0 victory at Queens Park Rangers. The win kept the Saints firmly lodged in the top four, with a staggering 45 points from 24 games.

We’ve ran out of superlatives to describe how good a job Ronald Koeman has done at St Mary’s this season, so it’s just best to look at the Premier League table and believe what you see. The disappointing run of at the start of December aside, the Saints have been incredibly consistent, and everyone involved in the club must now believe they have a genuine chance of securing Champions League football for next season.

But the Southampton boss has other ideas. I’m sure deep down he’s silently optimistic, but Koeman has gone for the ‘under the radar’ approach. Sometimes a bit of reverse psychology is just what a club needs when they are exceeding their expectations. After the Saints’ last-gasp victory over QPR on Saturday, the ex-Ajax and Feyenoord boss was quoted by Sky Sports as saying:

“I still look down more than up. Maybe in three weeks it will be different, but we are watching the teams around us at the moment and behind us. That’s our focus, rather than second or first place. It’s not all about the top four places in the table.”

Koeman added: “We are trying to reach a European position for next season, that is the target. Seventh place may be enough for that or sixth.”

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Last week, Southampton were bitterly disappointed to lose at home to Swansea City when a late Jonjo Shelvey goal sealed all three points for the Swans. The manner of the defeat against Swansea made the win at Loftus Road even sweeter for Koeman, with manager again telling Sky after the game:

“How we played today and the result was very important. In a season you always have some key moments and one of these was today. After last week’s defeat, we needed to show how we like to play football and to have a good result and get three points. That’s very good. It’s our fourth win away in a row and that’s fantastic.”

So is the Saints boss doing the right thing by playing down his side’s top four chances? Well, as always in these situations, the talking will be done on the pitch. You have to strongly believe that every Southampton player who steps across that white line has real ambitions of getting into the top four. For a team who were tipped to struggle this term, to be third in the league at this stage of the season is a monumental achievement in itself, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign.

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The South Coast club have as good a chance as any of the sides challenging for a Champions League spot – the Saints have the squad, the backing and certainly the manager to pull off what seemed an impossible task at the start of the season. If Koeman’s side do get the job done, then it will surely have to go down as one of Southampton’s greatest achievements of all time.

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Theo Walcott is now 26.

At this stage of his career, the flying winger should be established as a top star for a Premier League club and playing week in, week out… especially as he burst onto the scene as a teenager!

However, Walcott is far from integral to Arsenal, who have plenty of options and the luxury of rotating the speedster in and out.

Don’t get us wrong, Walcott offers the Gunners plenty in terms of what he’s good at, but maybe it’s time for Walcott to think about himself and chase a big move to get his career on track.

There are options waiting for the versatile ace, and many clubs would be thrilled to have him… Here are FIVE potential moves for Walcott.

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Liverpool

The links have been there and Walcott is a Liverpool fan.

So this move could make some sense, then! The speedy winger seems suited to a Brendan Rodgers style of play, with his pace and direct running both traits that the Northern Irishman covets in players.

Liverpool also have the cash to fund a move and can attract players of Walcott’s stature due to their standing in the game, so the player himself may be swayed.

However, Walcott wants to play centrally, which will put him in competition with Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana, while his, arguably, weak passing is another problem.

Spurs

Now this would be a shocker!

No player has crossed the north London divide since Sol Campbell and Walcott’s ‘2-0’ gesture has put him firmly in Lilywhites fans’ bad books, but he would be a good fit at White Hart Lane.

With Aaron Lennon’s future unclear, Tottenham could do with genuine pace to accompany the creative threat of Christian Eriksen, while his ability to get wide and deliver the ball might give Harry Kane the ammunition he needs.

Unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

Southampton

He left the Saints when they were in the Championship in search of big time football, but with Southampton having caught him up, could a return be on the cards?

Who knows, but with the ambitious South Coast side challenging for European qualification, they could look to lure a marquee man to St Mary’s.

The mega TV deal and money left over from last summer’s sales means that there could be cash in pace to land Walcott, but whether he’ll want to step away from an ‘elite’ club or not remains in doubt.

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Manchester City

Manchester City need homegrown players and a few Arsenal stars have relocated to the Etihad Stadium in the past… Walcott could be just what the Sky Blues need, with a lack of English players set to become even more of an issue as James Milner edges closer to a free transfer to join Micah Richards in exiting this summer.

From a non-cynical perspective, the Gunners ace could offer City another dimension and function well in a front two alongside Sergio Aguero or as an alternative to the Argentine, while he may also be an upgrade on Jesus Navas on the right.

Europe

Broad, we know, but possibly a move away from England could help Walcott to get his career back on track. La Liga is, arguably, the best division on the planet and favours pacey, skilful players, while Serie A has attracted Englishman such as Ashley Cole and Micah Richards.

The Bundesliga is not dissimilar to the Premier League in terms of style, or perhaps Walcott could earn himself a massive salary in the likes of Turkey.

Liverpool have a serious mess on their hands regarding Raheem Sterling.

The player, who is at the centre of increasingly difficult contract negotiations, has given boss Brendan Rodgers further headaches recently with his off-field activity.

Tabloids have honed in on Sterling since he publicly rejected a new deal of £100,000 a week and he appears to have been caught up in multiple controversies in recent weeks.

With the situation around Sterling apparently going into meltdown, Rodgers and the club must act now for the purposes of damage limitation.

Similarly they must tie down Sterling’s promising team-mate, Jordan Ibe, to a new deal in order to stop history repeating itself.

Ibe has also become involved in some of the recent unwanted headlines, appearing on, as Brendan Rodgers reminds us, the wrong side of the newspapers.

Like Sterling, the wideman is currently on a deal which expires in 2017.

However, the 19-year-old is some way behind his team-mate in terms of development and consequently does not yet represent such a valuable commodity. His contract renewal should not be any less urgent a priority for the Reds though.

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The Anfield side allowed Sterling to terrorise defences and gain a formidable reputation as one of Europe’s best young attackers without taking action to secure his services long term.

Now they find themselves under pressure, financially from the player and his representatives but also from rival clubs as the time on his current deal ticks down.

As soon as the 20-year-old began to sparkle in the Premier League, Liverpool should have moved with a contract extension. However, they failed to obtain the signature and now circumstances are heading out of control.

The Reds may still be able to resolve the matter but it will cost them substantially more than if they had acted a year ago.

With Ibe it seems lessons might have been learned. The young winger is on the verge of a comeback from injury and reports on Merseyside are suggesting a new contract offer could coincide with his return to action.

The deal would be a fraction of the figures quoted in the Sterling furore but would represent a significant increase for Ibe.

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If he signs, the former Wycombe teenager would be committed to Liverpool for a further five years. Having shown great promise during his side’s unbeaten run early in the year, he represents the club’s next big financial asset so it makes perfect sense to invest in him now.

Sterling meanwhile is till performing well on the field but is rumoured to be of interest to Manchester City among others and Liverpool may struggle to keep him if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers may be forced to cash in on the player, but regardless of whether Sterling stays or goes it is clear the manager has a difficult task in keeping his young stars off the front pages between now and the end of the season.

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Nothing is official as of yet, but there are massive rumours that Jurgen Klopp will be managing a Premier League side next season. Twelve months ago the British media had Klopp lined up to replace Arsene Wenger. That rumour never came to fruition, but a year on Klopp has now announced he will be parting ways with his Borussia Dortmund side. With the German standing down, will this result in a Premier League raid of Dortmund?

Klopp has made it clear that when he does leave Borussia Dortmund on July 1, he will not be taking a year out from football. Klopp’s departure has gotten everyone in football talking, and it is massively rumoured that he could replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City. Should Klopp go to City, just who would he take to the Premier League with him? It would be no surprise if Klopp signed one of his current Dortmund squad to his new club – I mean, how many time did Harry Redknapp sign and re-sign Niko Kranjcar?

One Dortmund player Klopp could bring with him, and it would be no surprise if he did, is Marco Reus. Reus has stuck by his manager and his team, even when his team-mates Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski moved on to bigger things. Yet, on the other hand, Reus may be adamant to commit his loyalty to the club.

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He already has experience in the Premier League, so Shinji Kagawa could make a return with Klopp. Kagawa’s time in England may not have been perfect, but under this manager, he is sure to have plenty of playing time. Playing for a direct rival of his former club could be an issue, but it is not unheard of.

Klopp leaving Dortmund could be perfect for Manchester United. They have been linked with Mats Hummels heavily, and this could be the time for them to finally seal the deal. Hummels would be a great fit for Louis Van Gaal’s side – a world class defender is exactly what they need.

Ilkay Gundogan is thought to be on the radar of both Manchester United and Arsenal. With Klopp out of the picture, it’s thought Manchester United have upped their interest in the midfielder.

But could Dortmund really lose so many players? It would absolutely cripple the Bundesliga side. But, no doubt, quite a few will depart, particularly to England. Hummels to United is one rumour that refuses to go away, and Klopp’s departure has the rumour mill on overload.

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