Watch: Gomes Blunder v Real Madrid

Tottenham's chances of progressing into the semi finals of the Champions League were pretty much dead in the water before this game even started. It would have been the biggest and best comeback in Champions League history if it were to have been completed, but it was never very likely. Spurs held hope as they kept it a 0 - 0 a half time, but when a Ronaldo shot left the former Manchester United players' right boot, Tottenham's 'keeper, Gomes was left looking like another Robert Green.

It was all too much for Gomes and Spurs, and this goal simply emphasises the overpowering force that Tottenham faced over the two ties. A very good team who are entertaining and attacking, with two fantastic wingers and a brilliantly creative midfield were outdone by a team who are filled with international superstars, worth in today's money, fees of £60 and £80 million.

Tottenham had a great journey on their debut season in the European competition, and they entertained throughout, but this was one comeback that proved too much. Next up for them is Arsenal, a completely different prospect. A win against Wenger's side may just make up for this quarter final tie forget.

Nani Can't Have it All

Luis Nani has been vital for Manchester United, creating 16 and scoring 9 goals this season. He has all of the qualities of a winger; explosive pace, good passing and crossing, can dribble around his man and can shoot capably with both feet. He has demonstrated that time and again this year with United, and despite what the Portuguese said only yesterday, we will be seeing his excellent qualities for a while in the future. Nani said:

"I try to enjoy playing now, but it is not always possible because I have a responsibility to the team."

"But something of the street remains in me. It is not easy to show at United because Sir Alex does not allow very much freedom and I cannot do the tricks and things I did with my friends."

"But when the game is under control I take a risk and it makes me very happy if things work out."

Nani may be a little unhappy at the restriction he feels Sir Alex has put on him in terms of tricks and show boating, but whether he realises it or not, he is benefiting from it. Ferguson commented on his players progress earlier in the season too, saying that Nani is better at this stage of his career than Cristiano Ronaldo was. Like his Portuguese compatriot, Nani did start off his United career over elaborating in attacking moves and attempting the impossible when the simple pass was on. 

Ronaldo certainly improved in this area, and turned the 30 step overs in one run down the right wing into winning goals and valuable assists for his team mates. Nani started last season doing just that, and has come into his own this season, and moved away from the label of 'Ronaldo wannabe'.

Of course, there is still room for improvement. Perhaps the 24 year-old's biggest criticism is his tenancy to go down too easily from a challenge, and his theatrics have not made him many fans from opposition teams. But that is just what he does - frustrate the opposition - he wouldn't be doing his job if he was pleasing the opposition fans.


His top form also has him considered for the prestigious Ballon D'or. Asked about winning the Ballon d'Or, Nani told Don Balon: 

“I don’t know about that. I recognise that things have gone well but that’s for other people to decide.

"If my name ends up on the list, I will be happy. I want to be the best player in the world, but I am not living obsessed by it. My only real concern is to help my club and my national team and keep playing well.”  

Nani to Move to Central Role?

Early in Nani's Manchester United career, he was criticized by certain football fans for imitating Cristiano Ronaldo at every opportunity. The nationality obviously can't be helped, but certain similarities in their playing style plus resemblances in some mannerism's prompted people to label Nani as a Ronaldo "wannabe".

Nani has recently asked to not be compared to his former team mate as he has been having a fantastic season as one of United's main providers of goals with 15 assists for the season as well as plenty of goals. But there is one area of Ronaldo's time at United that Nani would be pleased to copy.

Rumours that Ashley Young is pushing for a move to Old Trafford have been building, but one must ask where he would fit into the United team if he does arrive in the summer. With Antonio Valencia soon to return and surely certain to start whenever fit, Giggs signing a new contract, Ji Sung Park soon to return and Young best on the wing - competition out wide would be fierce. Alexis Sanchez is also another prospective winger who has been linked toa move to United.

Ronaldo moved from the wing to a central role in his time at United, and became one of the most prolific strikers in the world. He was able to make the position his own - pushing Rooney out wide and away from the goals, and fought for the title of the best in the world with his very worthy opponent, Lionel Messi.

What is to stop Nani doing something similar? Perhaps not as the leader of the line, but he could certainly cut it as an attacking midfielder just off the striker. Which striker may be the dilemma for Ferguson, as he has watched Berbatov become top scorer and Hernandez close behind, while guaranteed starter Rooney has lagged behind in possible the worst season of his career.

The more quality and creativity on the pitch the better, and Nani's much improved final ball doesn't have to be missed; Valencia's delivery is superb, as is Young's while Sanchez's ability to shimmy around players with his low centre of gravity could cause chaos among opposition defences.

Nani has all the potential to follow in his compatriot's footsteps - perhaps not to the extent of being worth £80 million, but certainly a very valuable player to Manchester United - as he has been throughout the season. Sir Alex Ferguson commented on the two Portuguese attackers in the past, claiming Nani has settled into English football quicker than Ronaldo:

"Ronaldo was exceptional, a once-in-a-lifetime player, but it did take him time to settle and develop in the English game.

"I think Nani has done it a bit quicker."

Confirmed £30 million Bid for Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez is proving hot property, with clubs from England, Italy and Spain all seemingly interested in acquiring his compellingly attractive services. Being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't do your on the field reputation any harm it must be said, and it is therefore perhaps no surprise that Manchester United have been very strongly linked, as the £80 million from the Ronaldo sale still lingers pleasingly in the bank awaiting usage.

Now his club Udinese have confirmed that a 35 million euro bid has been placed for their star attacker, but frustratingly, they refused to identify the club who placed the substantial bid. 35 million euros is equal to £29.7 million. And because Udinese have not named the bidders, it opens the door to speculation as to who it was.

Udinese's chairman Franco Soldati said:

"Sanchez is of interest of British and Italian teams.

"Somebody has already offered (for Alexis Sanchez) a figure close to 30-35 million euros but I cannot say by whom (we have received it)".

What a tease!
He justified the large asking price by citing recent Premier League signings including Liverpool's signing of Luiz Suarez, and Chelsea's double splurge of cash on Fernando Torres and David Luiz - a combined total of around £90 million. Doldati continued:

"A evaluation of €25 million for Sanchez? Looking at what has been paid for (Luis) Suarez, (Fernando) Torres and David Luiz in England, I think Sanchez will also apply to more than €25 million,"

"But right now we don't want to look at the market. Each assessment will be made at the end of the season."

The 23 year old Chilean international, who has scored 11 goals in 23 games this season for Udinese has done what most footballers do when they are linked to bigger, better clubs - repeat the question and avoid answering it. In other words, he doesn't want to commit himself to his current club, just in case the speculation, or in this case solid bid, turns into a possible transfer:

"My future? For now I want to play football, this is my only desire."

"At the end of the season we'll see what happens. Udinese? We are playing very well, the coach motivates us every game as if it were a final. "

Manchester United, Chelsea, City, Inter and Real Madrid have been linked. We'll see where he goes - it'll be interesting. More news here whenever it comes.

Nani Interview: Don't compare me to Ronaldo

Manchester United's winger Nani has been an integral part of the team this season, providing tantalising crosses, and constantly threatening defenders on the wing, leaving them for dead when he turns inside and unleashes a belter into the top corner. 

His nine goals have all been pretty special, while his delivery and creativity has made 11 goals for his teammates. In short, Nani is a devastatingly explosive winger, with the fantastic ability to produce moments of magic at any given time.

The player himself recognises that this season has been a special one, but despite similarities in their playing style, as well as obvious similarities such as nationality, he refuses to be compared with Cristiano Ronaldo:

"It is my best season at United. I don’t compare myself to Ronaldo or anyone else, I just think about myself and the club and what I can do for them. I hope to improve much more.

“It is good to have that many goals and assists but the most important thing is to win the trophies with the team. When I have won the trophies I will look back at how I have contributed.

“It is good for your confidence to know people are looking at you to win matches for the team. When you are on the pitch, it means you want the ball all the time because everything is going so well.

Nani is always looking to improve however, just like all good footballers do, while keeping himself in top physical condition so he is always ready for competitive football. Despite Ronaldo's move to Madrid, him and Nani are still very much in touch:

“I know, though, that I can do better. That is why I’m training hard every day and staying fit for every game.”

“We are good friends. He spoke to me before the Marseille game and wished me good luck. He always tells me how well I am doing.

“I know people liken me to Cristiano but I just want to be Nani, a good player who people enjoy watching.”

Nani wasn't always a first team regular however, mainly because of Ronaldo's massive presence in the team, and he spoke of his increased frustration at being left on the bench:

“I have ambition and it is not easy to give up on Manchester United. But at the same time, you come to this club to play.”

His manager Sir Alex Ferguson was not going to let him go in any case - he saw his exciting potential, and is delighted that the potential has been realised this season:

“Nani wasn’t close to leaving because he’d have had to get by me! Of course we sat down and talked. You do that with all your players.

“I don’t need to trumpet his improvement, he’s been consistent all season. He’s a match winner – he creates goals and he scores goals. Every time he gets near the ball, you think something special is going to happen. That’s the sign of a great player.”

New Arsenal Signing Sent out on Loan

Ryo Miyaichi, the young Japanese attacker who joined Arsenal in the new year, has been sent on loan to Feyenoord in an informal agreement.

He was offered a contract by Arsenal at the end of August 2010, but officially agreed to join the club at the start of the new year, which was exciting news for Arsenal as he has been compared to former Manchester United winger/striker, Cristiano Ronaldo - in terms of ability.Wenger praised the 18 year-olds "raw ability" and "potential" which delighted him and attracted Arsenal to bring him to London.

He will now begin to fulfill his potential in Holland with Feyenoord as Arsenal director Richard Law said:

"We don't believe in a co-operation by signing contracts and documents. It's much more important to build up a good relationship. We have similar relationships with other players and already have a good relationship with Feyenoord."

"If we can help each other out, then it is something we will look into. I see this as a shake of hands agreement."

The move is apparently part of a wider strategy to strengthen links between the two clubs - who both have similar footballing philosophies, and Arsenal believe that the Dutch club will be a good place for youngsters like Miyaichi to learn their trade before returning to England.
The Arsenal Director, Richard Law continued:

"Feyenoord must fully trust us when we say that he is a very good player. We feel they will use him in the right manner. We have not put any demands on them and it will be up to them where he will play and how much he does."

Arsenal Sign 18 year-old Japanese Striker

[Video Below]
Arsenal have confirmed that Ryo Miyaichi, an 18 year-old Japanese striker who impressed during a trial for the London club, will join them in the new year.

He was offered a contract by Arsenal at the end of August 2010, but he has now officially agreed to join the club, which is exciting news for Arsenal as he has been compared to former Manchester United winger/striker, Cristiano Ronaldo - in terms of ability.

Arsène Wenger said:

"I am delighted Ryo will be joining us in the New Year.

"He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world.

"I look forward to helping him fulfil his potential here at Arsenal.”

The player broke his leg during a trial with Ajax after his stint with Arsenal, but is expected to make  full recovery before he joins up with his new Arsenal team mates in January 2011.

He does look pretty impressive in the video below. He isn't afraid to run with the ball at his feet, and his ability to get around defenders is very good - although the quality of the defenders he is running around is another matter. However, if there is anyone that knows about young players and how to turn them into world class stars, its Arsene Wenger, and I will be looking forward to seeing this young player setting the Premier League on fire next season.

Lukaku Targeted by Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool

Romelu Lukaku has generated a lot of excitement over his abilities, and at the young age of 17, has already been compared to Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

He has been linked with major clubs including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus and Chelsea, and now Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have been added to the list, but according to some sources, Liverpool are "in the driving seat" to sign the player.

The Belgian striker currently plays at Anderlecht, and finished last season as the Belgian Leagues top scorer - at the age of only 16 years and 10 months. Okay, so the Belgian League isn't quite the English Premier League, and the quality may not be any where near as high, but you must be pretty special to be scoring goals for fun at such a young age against players much older and experienced than you.

Rumours in the summer of 2010 suggested that Tottenham had a £17.5 million bid rejected for Lukaku, while Chelsea's Didier Drogba apparently spoke to the Belgian striker and tried to persuade him to join Chelsea.
Real Madrid admitted their interest as manager Jose Mourinho said:

'It is true we wanted Romelu, but he has a very clever dad. He wants Romelu to stay at Anderlecht for one more year. I wish all dads were like this."

While Cristiano Ronaldo was full of praise for the young man:

“He has to make his own choice but I’m sure that he will have a great career.

“At 17 when he is not playing in a major championship, he has managed to make himself known to many people like me. I think that he’s a really fantastic young player.

“I’m curious to see what he will do in the coming months or at the end of the season. But Lukaku is on track; he must continue to work this way.”

Liverpool and the other English clubs certainly have stiff opposition in the competition for the players signature on a contract from top teams from all over the world, but Chelsea seem the team who Lukaku sounds keen to join. On a school trip to Stamford Bridge, he was photographed in a Chelsea shirt and said whilst there:

"I'm very pleased to be here – unfortunately, I didn't meet Drogba. If ever one day I will cry, it will be when I sign for Chelsea."

This player is a genuine talent. Standing at over 6 foot and 3 inches and weighing in at over 14 stone, Lukaku is immensely strong for his age - out muscling the opposition regularly in tussles,while his aerial ability is described as "awesome". He is quick, clever on the ball, intelligent in positioning and has the finishing of an expert. His abilities are vast, while his age is the opposite.

It seems too good to be true.

Javier Hernandez to Real Madrid? Ridiculous!

According to some reports, Real Madrid are masterminding a plan to snatch Javier Hernandez away from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

You can call it "audacious", like some newspapers have reported it to be, but I think absurd, ludicrous and fantastically laughable is putting far more accurately.

Apparently, Jose Mourinho will be making a move for the young Mexican striker when the January transfer window opens in just under 2 months. Firstly, I'm not sure Hernandez, who has started brilliantly for Manchester United, after agreeing to sign for £7 million in April 2010, would even get into the first team of Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 12 goals in 15 games this season, Gonzalo Higuain, has scored 7 in 15, and attacking midfielders such as Mesut Ozil, Kaka and Di Maria are in the team - Javier Hernandez wouldn't get ahead of them, despite his good form.

Secondly, Hernandez has just broken into the team at Manchester United, and is proving his worth by scoring vital goals in vital games. He would not risk a move away, after just settling in at England and getting into his stride. He knows it is a rare opportunity for a young player like himself to get into the team ahead of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, even if they are off form. It is his time to prove that he is both worthy of playing in their place, and standing in for the when they are not available, or un-fit.

Finally, and most importantly, Sir Alex Ferguson. In 2008, when Real Madrid were shamelessly chasing Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson said:

"Do you think I would enter into a contract with that mob? No chance. I would not sell them a virus."

The United manager did end up selling Ronaldo, but it was for a world record breaking £80 million, while Ronaldo had expressed his desire to leave for Madrid. It is fair to say, that Ferguson's relations with Madrid are far from close. He would hate to sell them another of his young stars, especially one that he has only just bought, and one that holds obvious qualities.

Maybe Real Madrid should find themselves a player from places other than Manchester United. United are obviously better at finding promising young talent than the Spanish team, and by attempting to buy Javier Hernandez, they would embarrass themselves in a move that is ridiculously senseless.

Man United Scouting the "next Ronaldo" and the "next Ozil"

When Manchester United signed Anderson in 2007, he was tipped to be the "next Ronaldinho". 58 games, one goal, and a serious car crash later, and it looks as if the pressure of being compared to such a high calibre player may have gotten the better of this promising talent (although at the young age of 22, there is lots of time for him to improve). United will therefore be hoping that Alexis Sanchez and Ilkay Gundogan, of Udinese and FC Nurnburg respectively, will live up to the stars that they have been compared to, rather than being a bit of a disappointment.

The "next Ronaldo" is the first player I mentioned, Chilean 21 year old, Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez has fantastic dribbling ability at explosive pace, with excellent technique and an eye for goal, his attributes extend to his good crossing ability, as well as being able to play on either wing, and up front as a striker. His finishing may not be up to scratch, after having only scored 9 goals in 73 Udinese games, but when United bought Ronaldo in 2003 (admittedly younger than Sanchez) the Portuguese had only scored 3 goals in 25 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, so the Chilean winger could certainly improve at United.

The player’s agent Fernando Felicevich said in an interview:

“Yes they (Manchester United) are watching him, and it could be a possibility in the future.

“I have heard that another Premier League club also enquired, but they didn’t contact me. For the time being the only thing I have heard is from Manchester United."

So, there is definitive contact from Manchester United to the agent about the player. This isn't just a rumour.

The "next Mesut Ozil" is 20 year old German midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan. This is just a rumour, so don't get excited about how much truth it involves, but reportedly, United have been scouting the German, and he has "impressed" them. He scored twice in FC Nurnberg’s 3-2 win over Werder Bremen at the weekend and is valued at around £8m.

Manchester United were know admirers of the "real" Mesut Ozil in the summer, but Real Madrid - the team that seem interested in any player that Manchester United are also interested in, tempted the German to Spain. Now, Ferguson may be looking for a cheaper, younger option of a similar German player, and someone who can set his midfield alight.

Ferguson has recently been signing more youngsters than big name signings, maybe to start on his "new generation" of stars and legends to replace the likes of Scholes, Giggs and Neville, or maybe it's because the big money isn't there. However, exciting youngsters with flare and determination are always welcome at Manchester United, and these two players tick the boxes.

Is Nani Really the Best He Can Be?



Thumbs up for Confidence: Nani

Manchester United's flying winger Nani indulged in a bit of self-appreciation in a midst of arguments over his seventh goal of the season against Tottenham on Saturday as he claimed he is "one of the top players in the world".
The Portuguese said:

"As a player I think I'm close to being as complete as I can be, now I can say I'm one of the top players in the world.

"I play for the best club in the world and my role in the team is as a decisive player, scoring goals or setting up and so the team can win.

"You have to believe in yourself and believe in your abilities on the pitch. Big games are for big players.

"I want to be one of the best. I'm not scared to play in the big games, they are the most beautiful in football - you play with very high quality.

"Beautiful football, that's what everyone likes. And that helps lift my performance too."

When you are asked who the best player(s) in the world are, the common answers are Lionel Messi and/or Cristiano Ronaldo. Not many people regard Nani as one of the best in the world at the moment, but not many would deny that he has the potential to become a player of superior quality.

For much of his Manchester United career, he was playing in Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow, however, with United lacking much attacking creativity in the midfield, Nani has stood out as one of United's best players so far this season. His flare on the wing, and fearlessness to try something few else in the team would try, mark him out as someone to watch for the opposition team, and someone United should make the most of. His ability is obvious to see, and after these comments, he obviously has the confidence in himself to succeed.

Ability and confidence are the key to success. Nani has both, but he has not yet reached his best - nor is he one of the best in the world, but he is getting excitingly close.

Liverpool to start Re-building with two new wingers

So far, Liverpool have had an odd season. Their poor performances have seen them drop into the relegation zone, and their top players have been out of sorts - finding it tough to have a good game in a red shirt. Compare this misery with the relief of having new owners, ones that promise not to plunge the club in debt but willing to invest, and Liverpool fans may be unable to decide whether the season so far has been good or bad.

They have plenty of time to decide however, and one person whom will be a catalyst in the answer to that question, is Roy Hodgson. The Liverpool manager has been promised a substantial amount of money to spend in the January, and summer transfer windows. He will have £30 million to spend in each period, and those keen mathematicians will have already worked out that this totals £60 million - a sum that the previous Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez could only have dreamed of under the previous owners.

Hodgson is already reported to have identified a couple of player that could dig Liverpool out of the mess that they currently find themselves in.

Chris Brunt of West Brom is a rather surprising rumour that is circulating. The Irish winger is very versatile and has been a big player for his current club, inspiring his team to a shock win against Arsenal this season, and generally being a source of many goals in the newly promoted team. He is able to play on both wings as well as playing just behind the striker, and it may be this versatility that has caught Hodgsons eye.

Being Albion's best player this season, they will be looking for around £9 million for him, a sum that Liverpool can now easily afford.

The other player that Hodgson is monitoring is the Portugese left wing-back, Fabio Coentrao. He impressed in the World Cup for his native Portugal - delivering excellent crosses for Cristiano Ronaldo, and being a big threat throughout the tournament. He caught the eye of Carlo Ancelotti too, and that summer, Chelsea were reportedly interested, but no deal materialised. The Benfica man will probably cost more than Brunt, but a player of his quality, of which he displayed in the World Cup would be welcomed with open arms at Andield, as the team are in dire need of some pace and creativity.

Hodgson does not have great support from the Liverpool fans, as some are calling for him to be sacked already, so his activity in the transfer market will be heavily scrutinised. Without the excuse of greedy, unwilling owners to hide behind anymore, the Liverpool manager will have to deliver the goods, or risk the wrath of the fans.

Ferguson: "The Player [Rooney] is adamant he wants to leave"

After so much media speculation over the future of Wayne Rooney, Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager has admitted, in a statement that he read to the media that Wayne Rooney, Manchester United's star striker wants to leave Old Trafford.

It is bitterly disappointing news for the Manchester United fan, who adore Rooney - chanting his name at Old Trafford, and supporting him, even through the recent difficult times in his exposed private life.

Ferguson said:

"I can't answer questions about why Rooney is doing what he is doing. It doesn't matter a dickie-bird. But the player is adamant he wants to leave. But I can do no more than I'm doing at the moment ... but we are leaving the door open

We have done nothing but help him since he came to this club, that is why this is such a mystery to us. We've helped him with his private life and other matters ... so we're as bemused as anyone can be because we can't understand why he would want to leave a club that is successful as we are in British football."

This shocked me, as I'm sure it is shocking you now, as United fans will have to come to terms with being without Wayne Rooney for next season. So many questions will be asked from now until January, or the summer transfer window, when Rooney is most likely to leave. Where will he go? How much will he cost? Why is he going? But most importantly for Manchester United; Who will replace him?

When Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United in 2007 for a World Record fee, it was questioned if Manchester United would be able to cope without him. Up stepped Rooney, to fill the goalscoring void, and he was on fire - scoring goals and being at the centre of attention for all the right reasons. Times have changed, and with his questionable private life no longer private, and no goal from open play since March for Manchester United, he obviously feels it is his time to move on.

Will the young Javier Hernandez, Federicho Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf step up into the spot light? Will they be able to fill the massive hole to be left by the "adamant" Rooney? Or will Ferguson rip open his cheque book, and buy a top quality striker who will score goals, just like Ronaldo and Rooney did?

Lionel Messi to Inter?

The Inter Milan owner, Massimo Moratti has claimed that he may hold talks with Barcelona over the availability of arguably the best player in the world, in their star player, Lionel Messi.

He said:

"[Lionel] Messi? Everyone asks me to buy a strong player. He is the strongest of all. So I'm starting to ask me the question.

And I still have not answered neither 'yes' nor 'no'. On Sunday, I jokingly said that I would bring Messi to Inter.

But we could only really talk about it with Barcelona. Let's see what happens in the coming days."

If Inter were seriously going to have to have any chance of prising theArgentinian away from Camp Nou, then they would have to b prepared to pay a massive sum of money to both the club, and Messi himself. Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for £70 million to Real Madrid - a world record fee, and it is widely regarded that Messi is as good if not better than the Portugese record breaker.

Messi seems very happy at Barcelona, and has had a lot of success at the Spanish club, so why would he want to change his magnificent routine? There are very few reasons why a player would want to leave Barcelona during such a succesful period whilst playing alongside brilliant players such as Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol - the list goes on. Maybe he just wants a change? Rafael Benitez would certainly welcome the player to Inter Milan.

Evertons Heitinga wants to join Bayern Munich

Looking Elsewhere: Heitinga

One way of putting a massive metaphorical question mark over the top of your head, as well as giving your passionate fans a reason to take a bit of a disliking to you, is to claim, whilst still playing for Everton, that you rather wouldn't be.

But that is what John Heitinga has done, as he said

 "I have to admit that I feel flattered that I’m being linked with a big club such as Bayern - I’d definitely be interested in joining them.They play Champions League football and I’m still eligible to play in the competition, since we don’t play European football with Everton. 'Every footballer wants to reach the top and I’m already 27. So this could be the right moment."

He went on to say that familiar phrase which became Cristiano Ronaldo's catchphrase in the couple of years build up to him joining Real Madrid; "You never know what will happen, especially in the world of football".

It is very risky business, considering he admits himself that Bayern Munich have not contacted him or Everton at all about a possible future transfer. It seems that "being linked" to Bayern Munich is purely based on rumour, so John Heitinga may not be a fan favourite come the weekend Mersyside derby, in which both Liverpool and Everton are in dire need of points.