Newcastle United have taken a ride on the managerial merry-go-round, as relegation-threatened clubs often do at this point in the season, and on paper, at least, it’s seemingly paid off.

Nothing is assured in the ever-unpredictable Premier League but the Magpies have swapped a manager whose greatest triumph was reaching the UEFA Cup final once in Steve McClaren with another who has won the tournament twice, not to mention lifting the Champions League trophy with Liverpool in 2005, and was donning the dugout at Real Madrid just a matter of months ago.

Indeed, if Rafa Benitez isn’t one of the best in the business, he’s at the very least one of the best of the rest, claiming domestic trophies throughout his spells in England, Spain and Italy, boasting a phenomenal record in Europe and a vast level of experience in all matters Premier League from six campaigns with the Reds and Chelsea.

Yet, with just 10games remaining to save Newcastle’s season and Premier League status – starting with a floodlight visit to table-toppers Leicester City this evening – this remains arguably the greatest and most unique challenge of Benitez’s managerial career, not least because he’s far more acquainted with life at the opposing end of the table. Although the Spaniard remains a coup in theory, question marks still linger over his suitability to the daunting task facing the Magpies.

Benitez has already insisted otherwise: “I’ve heard I’m not used to relegation battles but I’m a coach from the [Spanish] third and second divisions originally so I have some experience. People say it’s not the same, but I think it is. You have to approach the games the same, you have to be calm, you don’t want to make mistakes.”

It’s true the 55-year-old does boast a brief history of attempting to avoid trap doors; his Extramadura side came close but ultimately failed to stave off relegation from La Liga during the 1998/99 campaign, missing out on safety by a single point.

But that was in a foreign top flight almost twenty years ago involving a side he’d won promotion with the season before. In contrast, Benitez is now inheriting a team designed by his predecessor that he’ll have to improve almost instantaneously. By no means impossible – Benitez had a quick impact during his interim spell at Stamford Bridge – and many of the Spaniard’s managerial skills are certainly transferable, but Newcastle nonetheless represent a considerably different kind of challenge.

Perhaps the biggest concern is whether Benitez can work with players of significantly lesser quality than over the last 15 years of his career, especially considering man management has never been his defining strength – in fact, it’s arguably his inherent weakness. He and Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t see eye-to-eye at Real Madrid and Steven Gerrard surprisingly made similar claims about his relationship with Benitez last year.

The Liverpool legend wrote in his autobiography; “Rafa was appointed as Liverpool’s manager in June 2004 and I was playing for England in the Euros in Portugal that summer. Even though he was being replaced by Rafa, Gerard Houllier still loved Liverpool and he remained very close to me. He and my mum flew out to Portugal to watch me play for England against Croatia — and they bumped into Rafa. Gerard introduced Rafa to my mum. Rafa shook her hand, said hello and then immediately asked her a very blunt question: ‘Does Steven like money?'”

There won’t be time for such pleasantries on Tyneside anyway, let alone discussions about money. Likewise, Benitez’s quality as a tactician is indisputable and over the course of 10 games, you’d expect it to lead Newcastle to at least a handful of valuable wins. This is, after all, a manager who has mentally duelled with some of the game’s all-time greats.

But in a relegation battle, and especially when inheriting a side lacking confidence and form, the ability to motivate effectively is arguably more important than tactical nous. That particularly rings true in regards to next weekend’s derby against relegation rivals Sunderland – a fiercely-contested fixture that usually sees the playbook discarded after the first ten minutes as half of 22 players involved pick up early yellow cards.

So could Newcastle have found a better candidate to succeed Steve McClaren? Don’t get me wrong, Benitez is a real coup on a three-year contract considering the Magpies’ league standing. But in the context of the current campaign and the three-horse relegation battle Newcastle now find themselves in – with Aston Villa all-but-mathematically down already – there were certainly more suitable alternatives within the club’s reach.

Former West Ham, Portsmouth, Southampton and QPR boss Harry Redknapp has spent much of his career battling the Premier League’s trapdoor, sometimes successfully sometimes not, and is one of the Premier League’s best when it comes to galvanising the dressing room. Nigel Pearson masterminded Leicester City’s great escape at the end of last season and although some of his public antics bewildered to almost inexplicable levels, he always seemed to have the players on side. David Moyes knows about both ends of the Premier League table and everything in between, whilst his uncomplicated yet effective football could’ve really helped a side who don’t have the time to reinvent the wheel.

So was Benitez the right appointment, with the aforementioned also available? Only time will tell and I’m not going to make any predictions now, especially before Newcastle have even kicked a ball under the Spaniard. But if there’s one certainty, it’s that the 55-year-old is a talented manager who won’t buckle to the demands of Mike Ashley, who will insist upon freedom in the transfer market, who offers an encyclopaedic knowledge of world football and who has brought success to the majority of his employers.

If Benitez can mastermind Newcastle’s survival this season, the next three years on Tyneside could see the club finally move in the right direction. Regardless of the Spaniard’s quality, however, that’s still a very big if at this moment in time.

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It’s July 1st and it’s a very warm, sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. On TV , the presenter on Sky Sports has just announced something that turns every Spurs fans day black as storm clouds gather overhead.

Yes, Harry Kane has left Tottenham Hotspur.

Alan Sugar has just thrown his Spurs shirt from his penthouse appartment, declaring that Daniel Levy should be fired, fans take to the streets in anger and stunned amazement, as Kane is chauffeur driven away to his next big pay day and the chance of something he won’t get at Tottenham. Trophies.

Dumped out of the FA Cup to Leicester, dumped out of the Capital One Cup to arch rivals Arsenal and now Dortmund have kicked the title-chasing Londoners from the Europa League. Trophies this season. Nil.

If Kane wants to win things, to play in the Champions League regularly and become a top English player, then he needs to leave White Hart Lane and he will, this summer.

Forget all the bleeding heart stuff about Kane saying he’s staying, the lure of bigger lights and glory will turn the head of the 22-year-old England striker and he won’t look back. It’s been done before.

Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham manager, has said many times Kane will not be sold and insists the sought-after striker has no interest in leaving White Hart Lane anyway.

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The Premier Leagues leading goalscorer, said recently: “I’m happy at Spurs.Yes definitely. There are always going to be rumours flying around but I’m happy here.”

Tottenham refused to entertain any thought of selling their prize asset in the summer – and Man United will know it remains a long shot to lure him away from White Hart Lane. However, despite the fact that Spurs chairman Levy has gained a reputation as a fierce negotiator, he has repeatedly sold his best players.

Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale all had their price. The question is how much it would take to make him do a deal over Kane.

The Spurs and England striker, the subject of interest from Real Madrid as well as Manchester United is on Jose Mourinho’s wanted list. The Portuguese tactician will be aware of the club’s lack of goals this season, while Kane leads the Premier League scoring charts. Still, the 22-year-old England international is likely to cost as much as £60m.

If Kane leaves, and I believe he will, Tottenham are already lining up replacements and so in this wonderful industry where legends are born, players still come and go and say one thing and do another. Kane will be no different.

A footballer’s career is a short one, so why not take the money while he can and enjoy the experiences of another club and possibly one in a major European league. It will benefit the player and England.

With Tottenham, it’s a comfort zone and at some point when the goals dry up, the fans that adore him now will be asking the club to sell him.

Man United have the money to sign even the biggest players in the world like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A bid of £60m could get Spurs around the table.

And then on July 2nd, Kane signs for another team and Tottenham hearts will break once more.

Oh well, that’s football.

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Premier League fans usually let out an apathetic sigh when the domestic season makes way for an international break, but with EURO 2016 just around the corner, the current one offers real excitement and relevance in a distinctive change from the norm.

Indeed, not only are the Netherlands and Germany heavyweight opponents who’ll provide some measure of England’s credentials for the coming tournament in France, but the Three Lions squad is the most competitive it’s been for years with not much to choose between a well-varied roster.

Indeed, only a few names are nailed on for the tournament and even those could suffer injuries before the end of the season, so every position has five or six players looking to edge out their counterparts for a place on the plane to France.

In some cases, the coming friendlies could prove the deciding factor in who Roy Hodgson selects for the European Championship, representing the players’ last chance to impress their gaffer before his 23-man squad is drawn up. With that in mind, here are FIVE England stars who need to impress Hodgson the most if they want a place at EURO 2016…

DANNY DRINKWATER

Let’s start with the obvious – Danny Drinkwater.

It’s been a phenomenal season for the hardworking midfielder, who has been a near ever-present member of Leicester City’s starting Xi amid their sensational rise to the Premier League’s summit.

But this is the former Manchester United youngster’s first ever call up for England at senior level and with just three months to go until the tournament kicks off, he’ll have to put in a sensational performance to guarantee a spot in Roy Hodgson’s plans.

The Three Lions gaffer is already privy to a vast array of options in the middle of the park, many of whom have limited international experience, so he’ll be reluctant to make room for another when younger alternatives are at his disposal.

Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott has featured regularly for England since his 2006 debut and is the second-most capped player in the current squad after Liverpool midfielder James Milner. He’s also been in decent knick for the Three Lions lately, notching up three goals in six outings during 2015, and offers versatility as a winger-forward blessed with blistering pace.

But it hasn’t been a great season for the Arsenal star at club level, scoring just four times in 22 outings despite spending a significant chunk of the season in his ‘favoured’ centre-forward role, and Roy Hodgson does have alternatives as he plans for the tournament in France.

Indeed, Gunners team-mate Danny Welbeck offers likewise positional flexibility and penetration, Raheem Sterling is a Hodgson favourite and one England’s most exciting youngsters and the Three Lions’ strike force is the strongest it’s been for well over a decade.

Walcott’s still in with a good chance of making it to the Euros for the aforementioned reasons, but failing to impress against the Netherlands and Germany could see it decline dramatically.

DANNY ROSE

Left-back is arguably the position where Roy Hodgson will face the toughest choice ahead of Euro 2016, with a host of home-grown No.3s impressing in the Premier League this season and not much to choose between them.

Indeed, Leighton Baines, Danny Rose, Ryan Bertrand, Aaron Cresswell, Kieran Gibbs and even Bournemouth’s Charlie Daniels are in with a shout, whilst the prodigious Luke Shaw – a Hodgson favourite – could well return from injury just in time for the tournament in France.

Many would argue Rose has performed the best this season, providing width and attacking threat for a Spurs side chasing the Premier League title.

But the 25-year-old is yet to make his debut for England – although he’s been called up to senior squads before – and that could well count against him with just a matter of months to go until the tournament and so many experienced counterparts also in the mix.

Likewise, although Rose has proved his quality going forward, he’s by no means the most balanced of full-backs. But a strong defensive performance in one of the coming friendlies, against two sides boasting considerable talent in attack, could propel him into Hodgson’s plans.

Nathaniel Clyne vs Kyle Walker

There will only be so many defensive slots in Hodgson’s squad for the Euros and a number of centre-halves have experience filling in at No.2, such as Chris Smalling and John Stones, so the chances are that he’ll only select one specialist right-back.

Nathaniel Clyne has been Roy Hodgson’s first choice in recent selections, with all of his nine England caps coming after the 2014 World Cup. But he’s not impacted at Liverpool as expected since signing from Southampton last summer and certainly won’t be entering Euro 2016 in his best form.

Kyle Walker, on the other hand, is enjoying a strong season with Tottenham Hotspur and although he’s picked up just 13 caps with England’s senior team, has been selected in a number of squads since his 2011 debut.

Consequentially, it’s a real tossup between the two as the tournament in France looms but both will get their chance to impress in the coming friendlies, likely issued a start each. Hodgson’s final selection could well depend on who makes shines the most.

ADAM LALLANA

Roy Hodgson’s clearly keen on Adam Lallana, issuing him 19 caps since his 2013 debut. His versatility adds tactical options to England’s squad and technical players of the Liverpool midfielder’s variety tend to perform well at international level.

But with so many prodigious talents bursting through and capable of performing similar roles, such as Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Dele Alli, Hodgson may find Lallana somewhat besides the point as he draws up his 23-man squad for the Euros.

Likewise, despite his regular inclusions, it’s not as if the 27-year-old has made a huge mark on the Three Lions’ fortunes, yet to find the net and most commonly featuring as a substitute.

Hodgson clearly likes the playmaking ace in cameo roles but Lallana needs a performance in the coming friendlies to prove he’s still relevant to the England cause.

Ian Ayre is a divisive figure at Liverpool. Although it’s hard for anyone outside of the inner workings of the club to cast judgement on what the Chief Executive does on a day-to-day basis, his every move, or supposed move, is debated and criticised.

Ayre himself is set to step aside in early 2017, but this summer could be the one that defines his legacy at the club. Simply put, he must do all he can to ensure Jurgen Klopp is given every leg-up possible to build a competitive team. The German has the pedigree, experience and personality to lead a great club, he now just needs the players and set-up to match his own standards.

The coming months will determine what will happen for the next few years, and here are FIVE issues Ayre can assist Klopp with…

Give Klopp the significant say in all dealings

Every club has a panel consulted for transfers, but Liverpool’s mistake was to give it a label. The now infamous ‘transfer committee’ has been a hot topic among Reds fans, and the wider football audience, for some time, with a mini war having raged, (in the media, at least) between Brendan Rodgers and the powers that be on Merseyside.

It would be naïve to say Klopp will be given carte blanche over deals, but he needs to be given a huge say in the process. No longer can Liverpool thrust players at their manager, nor can whoever is in charge be left solely responsible for a certain player’s failings. A balance must be struck, but with Klopp given the heaviest say.

Funds for a top striker, midfielder, goalkeeper and winger

Although Liverpool’s squad, when fully fit, is actually very good, there are a few holes that need plugging this summer. The glaring issue seems to be a goalkeeper, as Simon Mignolet continues to blow hot and (mostly) cold. The Belgian’s lack of command at the back has not settled nerves in a shaky rearguard, and despite the new contract handed to him recently, it’s hard to see him being a long-term answer. Targets from Klopp’s native Germany have, naturally, been mooted.

Next on the list will be a central midfielder to support Emre Can and Jordan Henderson, with the physically demanding style Klopp plays not in tune with Joe Allen’s skills (or stature). Other options such as Lucas and Kevin Stewart are not quite akin with the end goal under the German either, so names have been mooted, with Granit Xhaka of Borussia Monchengladbach an ambitious, yet ideal, target.

In terms of width Klopp has little to work with, although Lazar Markovic’s return from a loan spell could help. Mario Gotze can be used from wide, and is a widely reported target.

Lastly a striker seems needed, albeit the futures of Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli will impact both the calibre of player targeted and the funds available.

The pre-season Klopp needs

The commercial demands of modern football cannot be ignored, but Klopp needs to be given time to work with his players. Liverpool’s pre-season will be undertaken largely on North America, but there are indications that travelling within the USA will kept to a minimum, which should give the ex-Dortmund boss the freedom to condition his players and work on tactical plans.

Parachuted in late last year, Klopp is yet to have any extended period of time with his players thanks to the club’s hectic fixture schedule, which he’s already bemoaned a few times.

Ensure there’s patience from the bosses

This one spreads more into the season than just the summer. Ayre acts as the go-between between Klopp and the senior management team, so he could play a massive role in how much leeway the manager is given. The German has been given an extensive amount of patience by the fanbase despite some questionable performances, and although there are no indications that FSG are in anyway anxious, a season with no signs of progress could make some trigger fingers itch slightly. Given his experience and pedigree, Klopp will surely ease the problems at Anfield, although he may be unable to do it instantaneously.

Allow him to shift the deadwood

With the summer a relatively short period of time for transfer activity – only shortened by the EUROs – there isn’t a lot of room for manoeuvre. Talks about players that are sure to have not future on Merseyside must be rumbling away behind the scenes, but deals cannot be officially done until the window opens, at which time Liverpool cannot be too hard in terms of fees they want. The money is there, and it’s more important to remove the bad apples/deadwood and allow Klopp to work with the players he wants.

It’s that time of the year again. As the nights grow longer and (slightly) warmer, the transfer window kicks into gear and Premier League clubs search high and low for the very best additions to their squads.

After a truly underwhelming season which saw them finish in the bottom half of the table for just the second time in ten years, a new revolution has blossomed at Everton.

An outgoing Roberto Martinez has been replaced by the incoming Ronald Koeman; a serious managerial upgrade in anyone’s estimations.

With such a disappointing campaign in 2015/16, the new man at the helm will likely demand a serious re-shuffle of the playing squad.

Here are three players who look set to leave Everton this summer, plus three potential new arrivals…

IN – Vincent Aboubakar

Tall, strong, powerful, great finisher, good in the air – sound familiar?

At just 24, Vincent Aboubakar has already established himself as a clinical goal scorer and has been in fine form for Porto, scoring nearly a goal every two games in the famous blue and white.

Rumours are circulating that the Cameroon international is being lined up for a move to Goodison Park. Whether this is as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku or not remains to be seen.

IN – Jasper Cillessen

A man who Manchester United were rumoured to be interested in last summer, Jasper Cillessen could well be the man Everton choose to replace Tim Howard, who is heading Stateside after 13 years away from home.

The 27-year-old is in the form of his career, starting every game for both club and country and is bound to work well with Koeman, a legendary figure in the Netherlands.

Should the keeper settle on Merseyside, he could well be first choice between the posts for the next decade.

IN – Virgil Van Dijk

A revelation at Southampton last season, Virgil Van Dijk has a number of reported suitors, who are looking for a no-nonsense, ambitious and tactically astute centre-half.

Signed by Koeman from Celtic last summer, the Dutchman is rumoured to be keen on a move to Everton, especially as his former manager has offered him first team football at Goodison Park.

However, it is expected that any move for Van Dijk would hinge on whether John Stones remains a Blue or not.

OUT – John Stones

This transfer saga has been rumbling on so long, even John Stones must be fed up of hearing about the future of John Stones.

However, with such a dramatic change in management within the Premier League elite club, it is expected that one of the new men will make a serious move for the best young centre-half in England.

Early reports suggest that both Manchester clubs are the front runners for Stones’ signature.

OUT – Romelu Lukaku

There is no hiding the fact that Romelu Lukaku wants out of Everton. Before the European Championships, his father and agent confirmed his son’s desire to look for a new employer.

At just 23, Lukaku has a potentially lucrative career ahead of him and there will be no shortage of European clubs ready to compete for his signature.

Everton may find it tough to replace the young Belgian’s goal tally and will likely hold out for a considerable transfer sum before letting him leave.

OUT – Kevin Mirallas

Frustrated by a lack of playing time at Goodison Park, Kevin Mirallas almost left Everton earlier this year, after purported interest from Monaco and West Ham.

Despite his obvious talent, Mirallas has always remained a controversial figure on Merseyside, with his frequent tantrums and inconstancy.

If Ronald Koeman cannot guarantee first team football, it is likely that the Belgian will move on to pastures new.

Raphael Varane is being linked with a reunion with his old Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

United could certainly do with an extra defender, Chris Smalling is currently injured whilst Daley Blind is continuing to have to fill in in a position that isn’t his best. New signing Eric Bailly seems to have fit in quickly though and Mourinho might think that if Varane comes in he’ll have a defensive partnership for years to come.

The young French defender has found it hard to break into the Madrid defence with Pepe and Sergio Ramos forming a strong partnership and there seems to be no sign of an imminent change to this – but would Real really want to let go of their third best defender?

We’ve teamed up with 7 Of The Best to bring you a footballing treat for the coming campaign. It’s free to play and the best team each week wins £1,500, as well as monthly prize of £4,000 for the best individual.  Want to win bigger? Nab yourself a whopping £500k if you get all seven of your selections correct for seven consecutive weeks.

So in that spirit, here are SEVEN alternatives to Raphael Varane, just in case Madrid don’t want to sell…

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Marquinhos

Marquinhos is quick, reads the game well and has plenty of years ahead of him – he’s a very suitable alternative to Varane. The Brazilian defender finds himself behind Thiago Silva and bizarrely David Luiz in the pecking order in Paris and that must surely be frustrating. Meanwhile United have a ready made position for him and a certain former team-mate in Zlatan Ibrahimovic to help him settle in.

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Niklas Sule

Sule is an imposing presence for Hoffenheim and is only going to get better. German fans are excited to see him come through to replace Mats Hummels eventually but you could argue he needs to join a bigger club to truly fulfil this huge potential. It’s a big step up from Hoffenheim to Manchester United but if Sule is going to be the national team’s next stalwart he must have the ability to cope.

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Alessio Romagnoli

AC Milan signed Romagnoli from AS Roma last Summer and the Italian instantly became a permanent fixture in the side. Milan are looking to return to their glory days and will fight desperately to keep the man they no doubt feel is the one to replicates the likes of Alessandro Nesta but if United come calling with the money they have, can they honestly be confident in keeping him?

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Jairo Riedewald

The Netherlands have a lot of good young players coming through now as they look to avoid failing to qualify for a big international tournament as they did for Euro 2016. Riedewald will be a big part of that in the future and as is so often the case with the most talented Dutch based players, he’ll soon be on the move to a bigger league. United should really consider him as a possibility.

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Jesus Vallejo

Vallejo is on the books at Real Madrid himself so Mourinho might feel if he doesn’t fight too hard for Varane he might be able to get the Spaniard in instead. Vallejo has shone in La Liga and will be knocking on the Spanish national team doors before long leaving Madrid and indeed United with a choice to make. Varane or Vallejo? The future of one may just impact the others.

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Daniele Rugani

It’s bittersweet for Rugani at Juventus. He has the opportunity to learn first hand from three of the best centre-halves in the game in Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci but because of this he also doesn’t get to play as often as his talent deserves. He’d certainly play at United though and with the experience he will have learnt in Turin, he’d be a big hit.

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Aymeric Laporte

Laporte is arguably better than Varane so it’s anyone’s guess why none of Europe’s biggest clubs have snapped him up yet. The Frenchman plays for Athletic Bilbao and despite his young age he is a real leader at the back. A centre half pairing of him and Eric Bailly would not be bullied and if Mourinho wants to go for him, he has the financial backing to do so.

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Since 2011 Chinese domestic football has not been the same since.

It was the first year Guangzhou Evergrande claimed the Super League title. Six years later, the club have been victorious in defending their crown each time with them claiming four titles since their first. But can the team managed by Luiz Felipe Scolari be stopped after stumbling on the final hurdle of this campaign?

Four games remain in the 2016 Chinese Super League season and just two wins separate the Asian Champions League winners from a sixth title in as many years. This is in-spite of the enormous sums of money that have changed hands over the past 12 months between a number of teams in the division.

Foreign acquisitions have been secured by the league’s richest clubs with astonishing sums of money swapping hands, so the eyes of the footballing world have been placed, to an extent, on the most populated nation on the planet. for example, Graziano Pelle was signed over the summer for a staggering €38m fee as he swapped Southampton for Shandong Luneng.

Former Manchester City and Everton striker Jo is now plying his trade for Guangzhou’s rivals Jiangsu Suning along with a number of other Brazilians. Ex-Chelsea player Ramires and once Liverpool target Alex Teixeira have both been signed in big-money moves financed by the government to bring the sporting culture in China to the focal point of the world’s media.

Guangzhou have themselves benefited greatly from the investment. The club is owned by China’s richest man, Jack Ma. The owner of the nation’s largest media company, Ma has pumped millions into Evergrande’s cause to become Asian football’s top side. Ma’s backing has seen players such as Robinho, Paulinho and Jackson Martinez make the switch to the Far East.

Unlike a number of foreign stars who have been imported by the league’s richest sides, Guangzhou’s purchases have been a proven success story. Midfielder Ricardo Goulart was signed in 2015 after some impressive displays in Brazil and has since contributed 50 goals in just 81 games. You would have to search far and wide to find anyone with better statistics.

Goulart has won a number of awards such as Chinese Football Association Footballer of the Year, AFC Champions League Top Scorer, AFC Champions League Most Valuable Player and AFC Foreign Player of the Year – not bad for a player who had never experienced Asian football prior to his arrival in southern China.

To mold such talented players into a side with a number of average players is no easy feat. Tasked with the challenge of blending the players together and finding a suitable formation and style is former Brazil, Portugal and Chelsea manager Luis Felipe Scolari. The 2002 World Cup winning gaffer has been in charge at the club since Fabio Cannavaro departed in June 2015.

Scolari came to China with the task of ensuring they remain Chinese domestic champions and also win the Champions League. The Brazilian did just that in his first couple of months at the helm and gave Chinese football  another continental crown.

Often clubs are able to convince big-names managers to join the league but once they grown tired of the country, they regularly depart with an unknown Chinese minnow replacing a big-name and a downward spiral soon follows. Guangzhou hold the aces in the pack with Jack Ma’s ambition constantly being able to attract some of the games biggest names to the club. This is certainly an aspect of the Super League that sees no other side competing at the five time champions’ level.

Now the club has taken an approach that doesn’t see ludicrous money being spent. Ma is proud of his Chinese background and wants Evergrande to be the forefront for the national team’s future success. The country’s top domestic stars have been signed for minimal fees and they hope to encourage the next generation of footballers with the government hopeful of qualification for the World Cup soon with success by the time the 2050 appears. Bold, eh?

Evergrande Football School is front and centre in the push to bring footballing glory to a nation currently languishing in the lower echelons of the sport. China’s leader has made no secret of his love for the beautiful game. He’s also made it clear he wants to see China qualify for, host and one day win, the World Cup.

In just 10 months, and at a cost of $185m, real estate company Evergrande who own a 60% stake in the club, turned an area of rural southern China into the biggest football school in the world. If all goes to plan, the kids learning to trap and pass a ball today could be the ones pulling on a first-team shirt and running out at Guangzhou Evergrande’s Tianhe Stadium in a few years.

For all these reasons it’s not likely that we will see Guangzhou’s Evergrande supremacy relinquished at any stage. Failure in the league for one season would not result in a decline in the club’s fortune because the club’s outlay is now far more superior to any side in the country. Whether it be from pursuing a bargain Brazilian, investing in youth or acquiring a big name manager, no side can close the gap on Jack Ma’s Guangzhou Evergrande in the near future.

Jose Mourinho is desperate to add Atletico Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann to his ever-improving squad this Janaury, and has accepted that he may have to once again break the world record transfer fee – according to reports from the Mirror.

United splashed a record-breaking £89 million on securing the services of Griezmann’s fellow countryman Paul Pogba this summer, and the Red Devils will have to be prepared to once again flash the cash in order the bring the striker, who finished second is this year’s UEFA Best Player in Europe award, to Old Trafford this winter.

The former Real Sociedad man was the top scorer at this summer’s European Championship, with his six goals doubling any of his closest rivals as France went close to glory in their home country, only to lose to Portugal 1-0 after extra time in the final.

A return of 57 goals in the past two seasons for Atletico has seen Griezmann become one of the most sought after players in world football, with Jose Mourinho a noted admirer.

We think Mourinho should reignite his interest in the French forward this coming January, and even be prepared to once again break the world record transfer fee in order to get his man.

Here are five reasons why, do you agree?

Track Record

It has now been three seasons on the bounce – one at Sociedad and two at Atleti – that Griezmann has netted 20 plus goals in a La Liga campaign, and that is no fluke.

The Frenchman has proven himself on both the domestic and international stages and he is capable of scoring consistently, something he would surely continue to do in the Premier League.

Ibra’s Heir

There is no doubting the importance and stature of the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United this summer, with the Swede already proving his worth with four goals in his first four games for the Red Devils.

However, at 34, even the great man himself would admit (or maybe not) that he is coming to the latter stages of his career and can’t be the man Mourinho needs to take United into the 2020s.

Griezmann can be that man at only 25, and could learn a lot from Ibra if he were to join whilst the former PSG striker remains at Old Trafford.

Versatility

These days Griezmann tends to operate as an out-and-out striker, however it is still not that uncommon for the Frenchman moves out-wide to operate as a winger as he did at Real Sociedad; or even drops in behind and plays as a number 10 in a deeper lying role.

That versatility is a rare trait in many modern day players, but something Manchester United have utilised perfectly over the past decade in a number of their players including Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia and even the great Eric Cantona.

The French Connection

France can count themselves as mightily unlucky not to have walked away from Euro 2016 as Champion’s this summer, as Les Tricolores were by far the most impressive side of the tournament.

While Griezmann was undoubtedly the star, a number of United’s other Frenchmen also shone – including new man Paul Pogba, youngster Anthony Martial and Morgan Schneiderlin who made the squad at the last minute in the place of Lassana Diarra.

Griezmann would be in familiar company if he were to join United, which can only be good for him and the club.

On the Up

Looking at Griezmann’s career scoring record so far, it only continues to grow.

In his seven seasons of top flight football in Spain, the Frenchman has bagged 6, 7, 8, 11, 20, 25 and 32 goals respectively per season.

That is impressive reading and shows a player who has the desire to continually improve and better himself.

Thank goodness that game’s over.

‘Super’ Sunday offered us Middlesbrough v Watford and whilst the pre-match consensus was perhaps seemingly premature in writing this one off as a poor fixture, the two clubs did nothing to make us think otherwise come the final whistle.

In a game that finished 1-0 to Watford, there was very little to actually discuss. A good goal from Jose Holebas briefly highlighted that this was indeed a Premier League quality game on show and Roger East did his best to liven things up a bit with some controversial decisions, but nothing seemed to work.

It wasn’t the best game of football and one that won’t live long in the memory for most. For Middlesbrough, it perhaps signalled the start of a long slog this season. Meanwhile, for Watford, it highlighted that they should be able to earn mid-table safety this year.

Not a classic, then, but here are five pictures to help sum it all up…

 Boro in trouble

This was a game Aitor Karanka will have felt Boro could have won but in truth, they never looked close to doing so. They were ponderous and lethargic and threatened very little, leaving them right in the relegation battle after eight games. It could be a long season on Teeside.

 East inconsistent

Roger East didn’t have a good game in the middle yesterday. He was inconsistent and got things wrong throughout, particularly with Antonio Barragan, and it seemed as though the quality of the game rubbed off on his officiating. This picture just about sums his performance up – it was as if he couldn’t see for some periods.

 Isaac a success as Barragan baffles

Isaac Success was handed his first Premier League start and immediately looked at home as he set about tormenting the Boro defence. He twisted Antonio Barragan in knots and the Spaniard was very lucky to not have been sent off before eventually being subbed in the second-half. You’d imagine, then, that Success will start in the Hornets’ next game.

 Thank goodness for Holebas

Had it not been for the left-back’s goal, we really would have been consigning this game to the Premier League scrapyard. The Greek international showed a bit of alertness to seize the loose ball on the edge of the box and crashed it home in the second half. Things soon got poor again but for those few seconds we could at least enjoy some good football.

 A battle, but boring

This game really was devoid of much quality. Middlesbrough never looked like threatening whilst Watford needed the magic of Holebas’ left-foot to get them the win. Both will need to up their performances considerably from this if they want to do anything this season but the Hornets, at least, will go home happy with the three points.

The most depressing thing about Spurs’ Champions League campaign this season is that the phrase ‘fun whilst it lasted’ does not even come close to being at all suitable.

In truth, Spurs have had a torrid time of it in Europe’s premier competition this year and went from calamity to calamity, winding up by getting outclassed by Monaco tonight to see them crash out of the tournament.

Not even the most ardent Lilywhite can say they deserved to progress, either, with them being consistently underwhelming in the competition despite being in a group that, at the start of it all looked (whisper it quietly) winnable.

Heady days indeed but oh how Spurs have come down with a bump since. They lost 2-1 tonight to the Ligue 1 outfit when it could have been more and will now have just the Europa League to play for in the final round of fixtures.

An embarrassing night for Spurs, then, and here are five pictures to help sum all of it up…

 Son fluffs his lines

Heung-Min Son had the chance to settle the early Spurs nerves after he sprung away from an incredibly high Monaco defensive line and went clean through with a good amount of time to decide what he was going to do.

Indeed, it looked as though he had too much time as he attempted to round the ‘keeper and instead pushed himself far too wide. He desperately squared the ball in an attempt to spare his blushes but Monaco had regrouped and the chance was long gone.

 Lloris at it again

Hugo Lloris once again proved just how indispensable he is to this Tottenham team.

In the Champions League this year he has been absolutely crucial and without him it’s more than likely Spurs would have already been out before this point.

With this penalty he highlighted his world class abilities to get down low to his right and parry away before having to switch on once again for the remainder of the half. Lloris has easily been Spurs’ best player in the competition this season.

 Cue madness

Djibril Sidibe nodded home to open the scoring for Monaco on the night and sparked an incredible chain of events for the ensuing four or five minutes after.

It was a lovely, worked goal from the Ligue 1 side as Sidibe beat the inundated Hugo Lloris just after half-time. It was a massive wake up call for Spurs who would go on to respond and then immediately blow it again.

 Kane offers brief hope

Spurs quickly won a penalty after conceding and despite Harry Kane seeing his strike get a hand to it from Danijel Subasic in the Monaco net it had enough power to nestle in the corner and give the Spurs fans a glimmer of hope.

Surely, they’d go on to at least get a point from this, then, you could hear the Lilywhites supporters thinking ‘they’ve been poor up to this point but they’ll be alert to everything now, won’t they? Won’t they?’

 Lemar makes it two

They won’t. After Harry Kane’s penalty you’d have expected Spurs to just shut up shop for a minute and regroup after a frantic start to the second half but they did the exact opposite.

The Lilywhites were asleep from the restart at 1-1 and seconds later found themselves kicking off from the centre circle as Thomas Lemar drove home from close range across Lloris. It was the kind of moment that made you think one thing; ‘only Spurs could do this.’