JOSHUA DANIEL'S BLOG: Guning for stars;Arsenal consider Berbatov, Suarez won't be rushed into new deal, Newcastle lead chase for Zaha and West Ham will target Hoddle if Allardyce gets the push.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will consider signing Dimitar Berbatov when the January transfer window opens.
Wenger has agreed that he should sign a new striker to boost Arsenal’s title hopes and Champions League campaign in the second half of the season.
But Wenger is wary of spending big money in January or indeed upsetting the balance of his squad with a big name acquisition. Suddenly Berbatov is on the radar.

Target: Arsenal could make a shock move for Dimitar Berbatov (right) in the January transfer window

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Although the 32-year-old Bulgarian has had a dismal season, scoring just one Premier League goal at struggling Fulham, he remains on his day a sublime finisher and the sort of player who could slot straight into Arsenal’s style of play.
With just six months left on his contract Arsenal could get him for free or a minimal fee and on a short-term deal.
The move to a bigger stage may in turn inspire the former Manchester United and Tottenham player to produce top form rather than walk around in an 'over coat and cigar' as was recently accused at Fulham.
Fulham’s new boss Rene Meulentsteen has made it clear he will not stand in Berbatov’s way and Arsenal are one of the club’s who the Bulgarian’s agent will contact.
Clubs in Turkey and Germany will also be interested.
.......................................................................
Luis Suarez is set to stay at Liverpool for the remainder of the season but won’t be rushed into signing a new contract.
Suarez has two-and-a-half years left on his current 100,000-a-week deal.
Sportsmail understands Liverpool - after Gareth Bale’s £86million move to Real Madrid last summer - reckon Suarez is now worth £100m. A new deal would push Suarez’s wages over the £200,000 a week 'platinum player' threshold but the club would also want to insert a buy-out close to a new world record figure.
But while the exact terms of Suarez’s clause were a matter of dispute last the summer, the player and his advisors will not want to compromise a move next summer with a golden handshake deal that might restrict his movement again.
If Liverpool manage to qualify for the Champions League then Suarez may stay at Anfield, but if not he is almost certain to leave.
Suarez, whose form and 13 Premier League goals since coming back from suspension has been such that along with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey he is the leading candidate to be voted PFA Player of the Year, had considered moving during the transfer window when he was in dispute with the club in the summer.
A move to Arsenal never got off the ground nor did a bid from Real Madrid materialise but the Suarez camp hinted he would still be up for a move mid-season
However, the Uruguayan international, who will face England at the World Cup, recognises he is in such good form that he does not want to interrupt his season ahead of the finals.
He is also less at odds with the Liverpool hierarchy and the club want to tie the player down now to a long-term deal but Suarez is in the driving seat and still harbours a dream of playing for Real Madrid.

Main man: Luis Suarez will not leave Liverpool in January but is not in a hurry to sign a new deal

At it again: Suarez was on target on Saturday as Liverpool thrashed West Ham in the Premier League

Wilfried Zaha has emerged as the most wanted PL player in the January transfer window, albeit on a loan deal.
As revealed in this column, Manchester United decided Zaha wasn’t ready for their team this season and felt it best to loan him out despite having only joined the club in the summer.
Zaha has expressed a preference for teaming up with his former club Crystal Palace who sold the player to United last January for £15m then leased him back.
But United will feel it is better for his development not to return to south London nor indeed a side now run by Tony Pulis who will play a direct game as they seek to haul themselves out of trouble.

Loan ranger: Wilfried Zaha (right) looks set to leave Manchester United temporarily in January

Newcastle is a possible destination but now West Brom are believed to be in for a player they think can lift them out of trouble.

Glenn Hoddle is the shock name on West Ham’s radar if The Hammers are locked in the bottom three by Christmas.
As it stands Sam Allardyce is not under imminent threat.
But Saturday's 4-1 humiliation at Liverpool means that Big Sam's position now comes under scrutiny.
Last week the pressure that was starting to mount on Allardyce eased with a 3-0 home win against fellow strugglers Fulham which brought about the end of Martin Jol's reign.
But the midweek defeat to Crystal Palace followed by the shambolic surrender at Liverool means third from bottom Palace, who beat Cardiff 2-0, are level on points with West Ham.

Tough times: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is under pressure after some poor results in recent weeks

So West Ham's next three Premier League games against Sunderland, Manchester United and Arsenal could well define Big Sam’s future at the club.
The general feeling of the board is they want to stand by Allardyce and trust him to lead the club out of trouble and allow him the benefit of playing Andy Carroll, back in training last week, to help him do so.
However the club’s hierarchy are aware that three seasons ago they made a mistake with Avram Grant by staying loyal for too long and paid the price of relegation.
At this stage there has been no open talk amongst members of the West Ham hierarchy about parting company with Allardyce.
That could change though after the manner of the defeat at Liverpool where Allardyce's tactical predictability and blind belligerence was exposed. One of the big problems is that if Big Sam went who is there to not only re-boot West Ham’s season but lead them forward?

Waiting in the wings: Glenn Hoddle could be considered by West Ham if they decide to replace Allardyce

But I understand that Hoddle – who is available – could be seen as a possibility on that front.
And it has been noted that the appointment of Hoddle would not be seen as taboo by many Hammers fans despite his long standing Tottenham connections.
Former England boss Hoddle has been out of mainstream management seven years ago after a two year stint at Wolves followed being sacked by Spurs.
But Hoddle has not been out of the game.
He has run several of his own soccer schools abroad and at home and has been invited to be part of the FA commission into improving standards.
Hoddle also keeps in touch in his role as a high profile pundit and his football philosophy and vision for development have much in common with West Ham traditions.

Troubled: West Ham were torn apart at Anfield but Allardyce is likely to be given time to turn things around

Intriguingly though Hoddle is now seen by some at the FA as a potential successor to Roy Hodgson despite the circumstance of his dismisal as England boss shortly after the 1998 World Cup.
Should West Ham decide to make a change then names such as former boss Harry Redknapp and former Croatia manager Slaven Bilic amongst several others would be discussed. But Grapevine hears that Hoddle's name could emerge as the favoured alternative to Allardyce .

Michel Platini is calling for yellow cards to be scrapped, with players instead being sent to a rugby-style sin bin.
UEFA president Platini believes the culprits should have an immediate disadvantage when rules are flouted instead of cards being accumulated and only kicking in later.
'I would change the system of cautions, the cards,' Platini said in an interview with a Spanish newspaper.
'I would make it like rugby, punishing the offender with 10 or 15 minutes out of the game.

All change: Michel Platini wants players to be sent to a sin bin instead of receiving a yellow card

'That way, the benefit goes to the team he is playing against, in the same match, instead of a sanction by cards which is carried out against a third team, the next on the calendar.'
Responsible for the decision to stage Euro 2020 across the continent as well as being a prime mover in the advent of financial fair play, Platini's latest suggestion will be viewed with scepticism by many stakeholders.
Only the International FA Board, the game's lawmakers comprising FIFA and the four British associations, can change established rules but Platini's comments would certainly find favour among those infuriated by players getting deliberately booked and "taking one for the team" when in danger of conceding a goal or losing.
'It is just an idea,' Platini said. 'Now it needs to mature and see if it really is good for the game. It is a proposal to be explored.'
I am hearing
That Andy Carroll has a massive incentive to get himself match fit and help save West Ham’s season.
Carroll, back in training last week, has been informed that if he can stay fit, play at the high level is capable of and weigh in with some goals for the second half of the season then Roy Hodgson is leaving a place open in his World Cup squad for the centre forward.

He's back: Andy Carroll could yet win a place in England's World Cup squad after returning from injury

I am also hearing
While Rio Ferdinand might have a point when he said that David Moyes’ delay in announcing his team might unsettle the minds of the Manchester United players, the public omission hasn’t gone down too well with the new United manager.
There is little chance of Moyes offering Ferdinand a new contract and Rio could join a 'Dad’s Army' exodus to the MLS next summer along with Jermain Defoe and possibly Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole
iSay
Monday: After throwing his toys out of the pram - again - by attacking Sportsmail's Neil Ashton for valid criticism, Andre Villas-Boas is then labelled 'immature' by Sam Allardyce. Big Sam’s not getting much right at the moment, but I can’t argue with that assessment.
Tuesday: Wenger complains at those, including the Match of the Day crew, who have 'written off' Arsenal’s title hopes. A bit ridiculous really. Who was it who said it was ridiculous to start talking of Arsenal in terms of title candidates just over a month ago Arsene? Yep, it was you.

Challengers: Arsene Wenger criticised those who said Arsenal couldn't continue their form and win the title

Wednesday: Carton Cole scored on Saturday, Marouane Chamakh on Tuesday and then Nicklas Bendtner weighs in with one against Hull. That comet which entered the earth might have fizzled out but not before setting these non-shooting stars on fire.
Thursday: It’s often said that sport and politics don’t mix. But sporting boycotts on South Africa - FIFA under Sir Stanley Rous first imposed one in 1963 - did eventually help erode the evil of apartheid. Nelson Mandela, Madiba to his people, RIP.
Friday: As soon as England were landed in a group with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica, FA chairman Dyke was caught on camera making a cut throat gesture. What a pity he wasn’t just caught picking his nose. It would have looked more patriotic
Y-Factor
Last week another trainer - this time Irishman Gerard Butler - was banned by the British Horse Racing Authority for five years for injecting steroids into a string of horses.
Why is it painkilling cortisone injections aka steroid shots - which can cause serious long-term harm to players - are allowed to be given to footballers?

Punished: Gerard Butler has been banned from racing for five years after injecting horses with steroids

iBet
After the World Cup draw, England were installed as third favourites to qualify from Group D at 8/15 with Coral behind favourites Italy at 4/9 and Uruguay at 1/2.
As for odds to win it, England drifted out from 25-1 to 28-1. It seems the pessimistic pound has taken over the patriotic pound - England were stupidly short odds of 6-1 at the 2010 World Cup.
It would seem a good time to play one of the exchanges and buy England now and sell them down the line given that I think England can emerge from the group where they would then face one of Colombia, Ivory Coast, Japan or Greece. Reaching the quarter-finals is definitely possible. And then...

Tough ask: England were drawn with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica for the World Cup in Brazil next year

BTW
The doom and gloom that seemed to surround many after the World Cup draw seemed rather odd.
What did people expect. An easy ride? It’s the World Cup, not the Watney Cup.
OK so France, the odd-ball in the draw, managed to get the dream ticket of a group with Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras.
But that’s largely based on ignorance. The Swiss under Ottmar Hitzfeld have become a powerful unit. As for other two 'unfancied' nations... well I bet they will fancy their chances against European opposition in their neck of the woods.
And by the way, look how England struggled last time around in a supposed easy group against Algeria, USA and Slovenia.
So perhaps a tough group will lower expectations but heighten performance.
Certainly it’s bizarre that some people are now suggesting that Brazil 2014 is no country for old men like Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

Still got it: An ageing Steven Gerrard can still inspire England at the World Cup in Germany next year

Yet at the same time the player painted as Italy’s man to fear is Andrea Pirlo.
Yes, Pirlo gave England a lesson at the last European Championships, but he is getting on now and will be 35 next summer.
OK, so Lampard will be nearly 36 and Gerrard just turned 34. But their experience is a must with so many youngsters in the England squad now. And in my book they are both fitter than Pirlo.
And here’s an interesting stat. Pirlo has played 107 games for Italy and scored 13 goals. Gerrard 108 games for England and scored 21 goals. Lampard 103 – 29.
So how about lionising our Three Lions veterans just as we revere an Italian stalwart like Pirlo.
FOTB
Theo Walcott jauntily spoke of how much he is looking forward to the World Cup finals in Brazil.
Foot on the ball Theo. How about getting back from injury, having a sustained run in the Arsenal team and proving you are worthy of a place in the England squad first?
Then you can think about being the world class player so many have been predicting since being oddly picked for the 2006 finals.

Prove yourself! Theo Walcott has five months to convince Roy Hodgson that he should go to the World Cup

Libero
In Sir Alex Ferguson’s book, which covers so much more ground than the snap shot shock headlines that emerged on publication, there are many hidden gems which would make mini-books in their own right.
Not least a 'Fergie on Football' coaching manual - a copy of which should be sent recorded delivery to the FA’s state of the nation commission and another to Roy Hodgson, post Haste.
Reflecting on England's display at the 2002 World Cup finals, Fergie who pretty much damns Sven Goran Eriksson with silence in the tome, argues that falling back on the long ball at international level seems to be woven into the fabric of the FA coaching psyche no matter what new badges, systems, training facilities or commissions they come up with.
As Fergie points out: 'It’s an indictment of England teams at youth level that so many have fallen back on this outdated tactic [route one, long ball].
'Too many played long ball. On one occasion we made a point of monitoring Tom Cleverley in the Under 21’s against Greece and our scouts reported that England played one up, with two wide men – Cleverley being one of the wide players - and Tom didn’t get a kick.

'Chris Smalling played and kept launching the ball forward.

Struggles: Tom Cleverley (left) was affecgted by England U21s long-ball game

Struggles: Tom Cleverley (left) was affected by England U21s long-ball game

'This is the area where England were always likely to be caught out. Because they don’t have enough technical and coaching ability, the years from nine to 16 are thrown away.
'So how do they compensate? The boys compete, physically. Great attitude they have. Sleeves up. But they produce a player.
'They are never going to win a World Cup with that system.'
Back Heel
Sir Geoff Hurst is 72 on Sunday.
As the draw for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil is digested it’s perhaps worthwhile recalling that Hurst - who picked the sphere that put England in their group with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica - had not kicked a ball in international football until four months before being the hat-trick hero in the 1966 success.
So while all the talk is now what Mario Balotelli or Luis Suarez might do to England or Wayne Rooney to them or whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi will be the star of the show, the ultimate hero could be a relative unknown like Hurst.

As Sir Geoff proved back in 1966, strange and great things can unfold at World Cup finals.
Certainly Hurst’s story gives hope to those England players on the periphery, or even those who haven’t yet made their debut.
Even Andy Carroll, of West Ham like Hurst was - should he ever get fit - has hope that making the finals in Brazil is still a possibility even if manager Roy Hodgson, who has used an incredible 54 players in 24 games in charge so far, has suggested he has finished with experiments.

Star: Sir Geoff Hurst (right) played his part in the World Cup 2014 draw in Brazil on Friday

And maybe another Hammer, the uncapped Ravel Morrison, has a chance too.
It wasn’t until February 1966 in a friendly against West Germany, who England would beat five months later in the final, that Hurst made his debut.
A couple of decent displays in the friendlies saw him scrape into the squad, but although Hurst was given the No 10 shirt it was No 21 Roger Hunt who would partner No 9 Jimmy Greaves at the start.
But when Greaves was injured in the final group game, a 2-0 win over France, Hurst came in to score the winner against Argentina in the quarter-finals.
While Bobby Charlton scored two goals in arguably his best perfomance in an England shirt in the semi-finals, Hurst played a big role and along with Hunt kept his place for the final, leaving Greaves a gutted figure as a spectator on the bench in the days before substitutes.
Everyone knows what happened next.
Hurst became the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final as England triumphed over the Germans 4-2. His second goal which put England 3-2 up in extra-time remains a bone of contention, and next summer will be the first time that goal-line technology will be used at a World Cup finals... the equipment being supplied by a German company.

Hurst's rise was more all the more remarkable because he had started out his career as left wing half (midfielder in modern parlance) at West Ham but a certain Bobby Moore had better defensive qualities.
As a consequence at the start of the Sixties, Hurst almost gave up on football to pursue a career in cricket.
But when Ron Greenwood took over as Hammers manager he changed Moore into a defensive partner for the centre-half as the No 6 position moved back to form a back four, while Hurst took on the No 10, as the old inside left role became a dual central striker, in this case alongside West Ham’s No 9 of the time, John 'Budgie' Byrne.
Hurst prospered and became a provider and taker of goals.
He scored 24 goals in 49 games for England and scored 248 goals in 499 in all competitions for West Ham before moving on to Stoke and then West Brom.
In 1979 Hurst succeeded Danny Blanchflower as Chelsea manager but only lasted until 1981 before drifting out of the game and moving into business, corporate hospitality and media work. He became Sir Geoff in 1998.

As a kid growing up watching West Ham Hurst, along with Moore and Martin Peters - who scored the other goal in the 1966 final - Hurst was an iconic figure.
All three played in the first match I ever watched on the opening day of the 1969-70 season with Hurst scoring the only goal in the 1-0 over Newcastle.
The previous year Hurst had scored SIX goals in one game and 8-0 win over Sunderland. He later admitted to punching the first goal into net, which caused a storm at the time. Such controversies are nothing new.
Yet for all the big moment, great games and great goals, for me it was a Hurst miss that sticks out in the mind.
Having beaten Stoke in the semi-final first leg of the League Cup 2-1 away West Ham found themselves 1-0 down in the second leg at Upton Park.
But with a replay looming suddenly the door was open to a Wembley final when Gordon Banks… England’s keeper in 1966 … brought down Harry Redknapp and a penalty was given.
Hurst v Banks.
What drama. Hurst hit a belter but Banks pulled off a stunning save.

After two replays Stoke made it to the final when they beat Chelsea to lift their one and only trophy.
But most of England and the rest of the world will always remember Hurst and that World Cup hat trick and perhaps more so than that controversial second, or the precise first, but the swashbuckling third.
Happy birthday Sir Geoffrey.

JOSHUA DANIEL'S BLOG

Saturday, 7 December 2013

Guning for stars;Arsenal consider Berbatov, Suarez won't be rushed into new deal, Newcastle lead chase for Zaha and West Ham will target Hoddle if Allardyce gets the push.

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Saturday, 7 December 2013

Guning for stars;Arsenal consider Berbatov, Suarez won't be rushed into new deal, Newcastle lead chase for Zaha and West Ham will target Hoddle if Allardyce gets the push.

More from Rob Shepherd...

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