<p><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2526" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/6/files/2009/12/Sevilla-Valencia.jpg" alt="Sevilla Valencia" width="500" height="318"></figure></div>In the last few years, the top six teams have distanced themselves from the rest of La Liga.&nbsp; Real Madrid and FC Barcelona represent the top two, and Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla, and Valencia compete for the next four places.&nbsp; Atlético Madrid continues their bumbling start into the Christmas break, and Villarreal picked themselves up from a shocking beginning, but a Champions League spot may be a bridge too far.</p>
<p>This season, the hierarchy seemed to be melding together as Sevilla and Valencia kept up with the two paragons of Spanish football.&nbsp; Valencia forced a 0-0 draw with Barcelona, but many would proclaim that <em>Los Che</em> outplayed the <em>Blaugrana</em>.&nbsp; Sevilla handed Real Madrid its only non-<em>Clásico</em> loss when Sevilla mauled <em>Los Blancos</em> 2-1 at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.</p>
<p>Heading into Round 12 on November 28, these four teams were separated by a mere four point: Barcelona on 28 points, Real Madrid on 27 points, Sevilla on 25 points, and Valencia on 24 points.&nbsp; Real Madrid and Barcelona were going to rumble in <em>El Clásico</em>, and the would-be contenders had a chance to stamp themselves legitimately in the title race.&nbsp; As La Liga takes a brief hiatus until the beginning of 2010, there is a ten-point gap from first to fourth.</p>
<p></p>
<p><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2514" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/6/files/2009/12/Alexis.jpg" alt="Alexis" width="500" height="281"></figure></div>For Valencia, playing on the pitch became a sanctuary from all of the rumors and backroom strife within the club.&nbsp; Change of ownership, lack of funds, and not-so-subtle transfer innuendo of their top players could have easily broken the tightest of clubs.&nbsp; When they defeated Sevilla 2-0 in the opening game of the season in a hotly contested encounter, the signs of greatness showed in their play.&nbsp; David Villa and David Silva, who supposedly had little chances of staying at Valencia, actually started for Valencia, achievements in themselves.&nbsp; Juan Mata and Pablo Hernández were coming into their own, as these young starlets rampaged down the flanks against a resolute Sevilla defense.</p>
<p>Their home form, however, has not continued since the Sevilla match, and they have lost points that will be difficult to recover over the course of the season.&nbsp; An overall record of 2-4-1, including inexcusable draws against Sporting Gijón, Atlético Madrid, and Mallorca, has held Valencia from fulfilling their unlimited potential.&nbsp; Those three matches came against solid teams, but late equalizing goals and lack of finishing contributed to a loss of six points that they let slip away.</p>
<p>Valencia’s recent results have been a microcosm for the whole of their season.&nbsp; As mentioned previously, their draw against Mallorca occurred because of an 84th minute penalty unnecessarily committed by Bruno Saltor and an abundance of goal-scoring opportunities abandoned by Valencia that would have made Borja Valero’s penalty goal a footnote in a Valencia win.</p>
<p>They went into the cathedral of San Mamés and pulled out a win against a strong Athletic Bilbao team who had held Barcelona to a draw and thrashed Almería 1-4 in the previous two weeks.&nbsp; Fortune favored Valencia as David López hit the post on another late conceded penalty, but their confidence away from home is unquestioned, and their 6-1-1 record away from the Mestalla distinguishes them as the best road team in La Liga.</p>
<p>Valencia’s clash against Real Madrid at home was a statement game to prove to the Spanish Old Firm that Valencia was not only window dressing but serious challengers to the throne.&nbsp; In the first half of that match, they executed their tactics to perfection, and Real Madrid was on their heels.&nbsp; To be fair, Real was without their two <em>galácticos</em> Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká, but even if they were on the pitch, Valencia still would have had the upper hand.&nbsp; A common theme throughout the season, Valencia missed multiple chances to open the scoring tally.&nbsp; The epic nature of the second half showed the best of these two teams, as Valencia counter-punched every Real advancement, but the Ezequiel Garay header to give Real Madrid their third different lead eventually broke Valencia’s spirit, and Valencia failed to win at home for the fifth time in seven matches.</p>
<p>The tête-à-tête between Deportivo La Coruña and Valencia was a drab draw that saw Depor passively sit back in their own third of the field, as they dared Valencia to bring men forward and break through their organized defense.&nbsp; Valencia took the bait, owning a clear majority of the possession, but it was Depor who created the best opportunities at goal, including a couple of swift counter-attacks that sent Adrián free and a looping header by Juan Carlos Valerón that hit the crossbar.&nbsp; Earning a point at the Riazor is no small accomplishment, but they fell another two points behind Real and Barça.</p>
<p style="text-align: center">
</p><p>Sevilla has been much more stable than Valencia, and after a third place finish last season, high expectations filtered from the dressing room and the media, as they proclaimed Sevilla as the team that could repeat the feat of Villarreal when they dislodged Barcelona from the top two in the 2007-08 season.&nbsp; After they lost their opener at Valencia, they went 8-1-1, including a thriller over Real Madrid at home.&nbsp; Standing three points behind Barcelona with a chance to get within one point after twelve matches, the situation could not have been more ideal.&nbsp; Facing a Málaga side that struggled in the relegation zone all season, pencil in three points for Sevilla.</p>
<p>Sevilla played as though winning was a foregone conclusion.&nbsp; Málaga did not stick to the script, as two first half goals stunned the <em>Sevillistas</em> inside the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.&nbsp; Luís Fabiano single-handedly brought Sevilla from the abyss with a brace in the second half to salvage a draw, but they missed a chance against a relegation favorite to inch closer to the top spot.</p>
<p>A similarly underwhelming performance against Real Valladolid the next week put themselves further away with a hint of never regaining it back.&nbsp; Even though Valladolid scored the opener, they were limited to ten men a few minutes later when Borja Fernández received a straight red card for a vicious tackle on Diego Perotti.&nbsp; When Fabiano scored a penalty late in the first half to equalize, it was not a matter of if, but by how many would Sevilla score in the second half.&nbsp; Frustration boiled over as Sevilla spoiled their well-executed openings, and another draw at home against a lower tier side began to irritate a normally loyal fan base.&nbsp; The whistles rained down, and the players knew that a win at El Molinón against a stubborn Sporting Gijón was paramount to abate the criticism.</p>
<p>They secured the three points at Sporting with a hard-fought 0-1 result, where there was little space to maneuver and physical play by both teams.&nbsp; The egg that Sevilla laid against Getafe, however, to end the calendar year had symptoms similar to Valencia: a poor performance at home, numerous opportunities spurned, an overwhelming majority of possession, and a plucky opponent who has an unending desire and spirit.&nbsp; Getafe’s Roberto Soldado certainly made a name for himself with two goals and ten goals overall, third in the <em>Pichichi</em> race behind David Villa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.&nbsp; There are rumors percolating of a £10 million offer by Sam Allardyce and Blackburn Rovers for Soldado’s services.</p>
<p>Five points out of twelve against teams they should defeat has Sevilla nine points behind Barcelona and seven points behind Real Madrid.&nbsp; Maybe the players started to believe in their own superiority as portrayed in the Spanish tabloids and media, but whatever the reasons, they have been humbled as they head into the holiday break, so that might refocus them as they start the new year.</p>
<p>Barcelona is on 39 points and Real Madrid is on 37 points, but the schism between these two and the next two looks to be a trend rather than a blip on the radar.&nbsp; Sevilla is on 30 points, and Valencia is on 29 points.&nbsp; There are twenty-three matches remaining, and both these teams have the capability of slashing this rift.&nbsp; On any single match day, they can defeat anyone in Europe.&nbsp; It may be presumptuous to declare Sevilla and Valencia as pretenders for La Liga, but until they show their mettle on the pitch for a string of games, a top-two finish for either of these teams appears unlikely.</p>

Sevilla and Valencia Are Pretenders Rather Than Contenders for La Liga

Sevilla and Valencia Are Pretenders Rather Than Contenders for La Liga - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1990" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/6/files/2009/09/Valencia.jpg" alt="Valencia" width="500" height="490"></figure></div>
<p>Based on their records coming into this fixture, the Valencia – Atlético Madrid Saturday fixture did not look to be an appetizing match, but knowing each team’s penchant to go forward, their stature in Spanish football, and their performances over the past few years, this game was the one to watch, and they did not disappoint.</p>
<p>From the opening moments, the predictable and customary caginess that occurs in a big match was absent as both teams looked to score immediately.&nbsp; Sergio Agüero obliged with a 7th minute goal whose build-up was more impressive than the actual finish.&nbsp; Making a run on the perimeter of the penalty area, Jurado took two defenders with him and audaciously back-heeled a pass to Diego Forlán inside the box.&nbsp; In plenty of space, Forlán squared a ball to Agüero who finished the attack with aplomb, and it was 0-1 to the visitors.</p>
<p>As is typical with this Atlético squad, a one-goal lead was not safe by any means, and <em>Los Che</em> responded with opportunity after opportunity without any tangible result to show for them.&nbsp; Atlético almost made Valencia pay for their lack of finishing in the 20th minute when Agüero intercepted a pass from Alexis at the midfield line and stormed toward the Valencia goal.&nbsp; Outpacing Alexis, Agüero was one on one with Valencia keeper Miguel Angel Moyà, but Agüero took the ball too close to Moyà, and he closed the angle just enough to have his shot roll by the right far post.</p>
<p>In a span of two minutes, Valencia showed why Atlético accumulated only two points from their first four matches.&nbsp; In the 25th minute, Éver Banega lofted a ball over the Atlético defense onto Pablo Hernández’s run into the penalty area.&nbsp; Atlético captain Antonio López was able to contest Pablo in the box, but Pablo’s touches bamboozled López, and Pablo was able to get by him and score from three yards out for the 1-1 equalizer.&nbsp; Two minutes later, Valencia would take the one-goal advantage when David Silva sprung David Villa open with a cutting ball through the heart of the Atlético defense.&nbsp; Taking a couple of dribbles into the left side of the box, Villa executed a clinical finish that explained why the big European clubs clamor for his services.&nbsp; As he was about to take the shot, he opened his body as if he were to go for the right far post.&nbsp; Atlético keeper Roberto, who is deputizing for Sergio Asenjo because of his involvement for the Spanish national team in the U-20 World Cup in Egypt, saw Villa’s body actions and leaned toward that direction.&nbsp; At the moment of impact, Villa closed his foot, lifted the ball to the near post, and slotted it past Roberto; Roberto thought he did everything correctly, but the brilliance of Villa made Roberto’s efforts seem feckless.&nbsp; The Atlético Madrid defense was supposed to be improved from last year’s forgettable fifty-seven goal tally, but thirteen goals in five matches does not bode well for an Atlético side looking to keep their Champions League spot for next year.</p>
<p>Throughout the rest of the match, there was always a feeling of inevitability that Valencia would concede as Atlético pressed for the second goal.&nbsp; With a man advantage for 65+ minutes against Sporting Gijón last Sunday, Valencia had complete control, but a 86th minute goal by Grégory ruined their 100% record and made David Villa publicly criticize manager Unai Emery’s tactics concerning their play when it was 11 vs. 10.&nbsp; Both teams equally fought for the next goal, with Villa hitting the post from an outrageous jumping back-heel in the 53rd minute and a trio of clear-cut goal-scoring prospects missed by Forlán, Cléber Santana, and Maxi Rodríguez.</p>
<p>In the latter stages of the match, Valencia continued to play a no holds barred style as they looked to salt the game away with a third goal rather than sit on the 2-1 advantage.&nbsp; While this strategy was commendable for its ambition rather than its cynicism, it left them with holes in the back from time to time, and Atlético capitalized in the second minute of stoppage time when Maxi scored to gain a valuable point and a 2-2 draw.&nbsp; Antonio López crossed from the left flank, and Alexis’ header failed to clear the ball towards the midfield.&nbsp; Instead, it flicked on to a wide-open Maxi, who was free on the right post to take the shot first time and beat Moyà.&nbsp; Valencia left back Jérémy Mathieu, who had a solid game before the second goal, was equally culpable as he fell asleep and gave Maxi the space when the ball arrived at his feet.</p>
<p>Usually the match of the week on paper does not fulfill its promise as such, but Valencia’s 2-2 draw with Atlético Madrid on Saturday night at the Mestalla proved its worth.&nbsp; With <em>Los Colchoneros</em> in the relegation zone because of earning two points out of the first twelve, Valencia knew to be wary of Atlético not only because of their attacking prowess but also of the wounded animal theory.&nbsp; In short, an animal is most dangerous when it is hurt because it will fight back with all its might just to survive.&nbsp; Atlético needed to embrace this attitude and that they certainly did; however, Valencia had the one-goal advantage into stoppage time and looked to win the three points.&nbsp; Another last stage goal concession by Valencia leaves them seven points behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, and with no signs of either club slowing down, the four points needlessly dropped against Sporting Gijón and Atlético Madrid should prove lethal in Valencia’s attempt to win La Liga for the first time since 2004 and possibly a Champions League spot.</p>


Valencia Unnecessarily Drops Another Two Points

Valencia Unnecessarily Drops Another Two Points - World Soccer Talk

<p><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft" src="http://valencia.theoffside.com/files/2008/12/valencia.png" alt="" width="194" height="194"></figure></div>As has been well documented over the past few seasons, Valencia CF have seen better days.&nbsp; A dismal 10th place finish in 2008 was followed by a respectable, but still disappointing 6th place finish in 2009.&nbsp; On the field, a love hate relationship with David Villa, spats with Quique Sánchez Flores,&nbsp; the <a href="http://valencia.theoffside.com/spain-la-liga/2-points.html">epic flop of one Ronald Koeman</a> and a resignation by former club president Juan Soler have turned Valencia into a real life telenovela, minus the beautiful Spanish debutantes.</p>
<p>With all of the trials and tribulations Valencia have faced on the pitch, their woes lie in the absolute Mount Everest of debt the club has racked up.&nbsp; In June 2008 the club was in the hole to the tune of EUR 502 million and was forced to stop construction on the <em>New Mestalla</em> in February, thanks to the bust of real-estate and construction markets in Spain.&nbsp; The club also fell behind on payments to David Villa and David Silva, Valencia’s biggest stars.&nbsp; The debt has forced the club to consider selling it’s new stadium for EUR 300 million to help repay it’s creditors.</p>
<p>To avoid administration, Valencia was forced to raise some serious capital, and turned to their loyal fans for support.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.valenciacf.com/contenidos/Actualidad/Noticias/2009/08/noticia_19176.html?__locale=es">According to VCF Chairman Tarsilo Piles</a>, Valencia raised EUR 18 million by selling shares of the club to fans for EUR 48.05 a piece.&nbsp; Piles said&nbsp; “The interest of the foundation is to democratize the club so that we do not end up in the same situation as before and also so no one has a large enough piece to control the entire club.”</p>
<p><strong>Valencia’s Assets</strong></p>
<p>The largest assets to a majority of football clubs lie with it’s players and Valencia is no different.&nbsp; David Villa has been rumored to come with a EUR 60 million price tag, but recent reports say Villa will stay put in Valencia after the club looked absolutly ridiculous this off-season with a footballing version of ‘He Loves Me’&nbsp; (we want him, we want him not, we wan’t him…).</p>
<p>Reports in May placed David Silva at around EUR 45 million when he was rumored to be heading to Anfield to reunite with former Valencia skipper, Rafa Benitez.&nbsp; At the same time, reports had Valencia offering a staggering GBP 135 million blockbuster deal to Manchester City for the duo.&nbsp; Yes, that was to Man City and it could have been for GPB 300 million the way the papers report it, but you get the idea.</p>
<p>The club could also look to offload highly touted Ever Banega, who never materialized at Valencia and was off on loan at Atletico Madrid until the start of this season.&nbsp; He was out of place his entire stay at the club.&nbsp;&nbsp; Valencia paid EUR 18 million for Banega back in 2008 and he quickly gained notoriety for his exploits in the homemade porno industry, or as Banega himself titled, <em>Banega, Always Big (I’ll leave the intrepretation to you).</em> Banega was set to go to Stuttgart for GBP 7.5 million, <a href="http://loco4losche.com/blogweb/index.php?/archives/267-Unai-Emery-and-Fernando-Gomezs-relationship-has-grown-cold-after-disagreement-over-Banega-transfer.html">but a rough patch between Unai Emery and VP Fernando Gomez has seemed to derail the train for now. </a></p>
<p><strong>A New Hope</strong></p>
<p>Reports say Valencia <a href="http://valenciacf.lasprovincias.es/noticias/2009-08-22/generalitat-avalara-prestamo-bancaja-200908221346.html">have been approved for a new loan</a> backed by the Generalitat, Valencia’s regional government, from Bancaja for 74 million euros that will be repaid from the proceeds of a further share sale.&nbsp; With the new influx of money, the club will rely heavily on season ticket holders to come through and renew.&nbsp; Valencia have always had a strong <em>socio</em> base and last season more than 9,000 renewed their season tickets even before the 2009 season came to a close.</p>
<p>Valencia will also need to cash in on their appearance in the newly formed Europa League.&nbsp; An impressive finish in the Europa League would leave the club with an influx of cash they can use to repay some of the club’s outstanding debt, and restructure for the future.&nbsp; Below is the rubric for $$ for the UEFA Europa League in 2009/2010.&nbsp; If Valencia rack up some wins and move on, they can have a significant amount of money into the club, as well as the increase in gate revenue for the Europa League matches at home and any shared gate during away matches.</p>
<p><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">UEFA Europa League 2009/2010:</span><br>
1st qualifying round: 90.000 €<br>
2nd qualifying round: 90.000 €<br>
3rd qualifying round: 90.000 €<br>
Playoffs: 90.000 €<br>
Group stage: 1.000.000 €<br>
Group match victory: 140.000 €<br>
Group match draw: 70.000 €<br>
1st knock out round: 200.000 €<br>
2nd knock out round: 300.000 €<br>
Quarter-finals: 400.000 €<br>
Semi-finals: 700.000 €<br>
Final: 2.000.000 €<br>
Winning the final: 1.000.000 € </span></p>
<p><strong>What do you think of the club’s future?&nbsp; Will ticket sales and selling shares keep the club’s head above water, or are they just avoiding the inevitable?</strong> <strong>Is there anyway else for the club to raise the necessary funds to avoid administration?</strong></p>


Valencia Fans Pitch In to Help Right the Club's Woes

Valencia Fans Pitch In to Help Right the Club's Woes - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_8397" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8397" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8397" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/utd.jpg" alt="Who will be in at Old Trafford this summer?" width="240" height="240"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8397" class="wp-caption-text">Who will be in at Old Trafford this summer?</p></div>
<p>With the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo adding £80 million to Sir Alex Ferguson’s usual £25-30 million yearly budget. A summer spending spree is surely on the cards. Looking at the side, it would appear to me a winger and some quality in centre midfield are needed, with possibly, a striker as the icing on the cake.</p>
<p>Looking at the players linked to Old Trafford, it would seem we have some familiar names.</p>
<p><strong>Luis Antonia Valencia – £15-18 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8398" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8398" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8398" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/valencia.jpg" alt="Luis Antonio Valencia" width="200" height="256"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8398" class="wp-caption-text">Luis Antonio Valencia</p></div>
<p>A flying right-winger has player over 80 games for Wigan and looks a very tidy player. His premier League experience will mean he can fit right into the side and wont need much time to settle. Nominated for the Best Young Player at the 2006 World Cup it appears the 23 year old who has 34 caps for Ecuador has a bright future. Some downsides may be the size of the fee, and doubts as to whether or not he is better than what United already have. In addition, his goal scoring record is quite woeful with only 7 goals during his time at Wigan and only 4 for Ecuador, he does have potential, but I only see him as a squad player at most. Wigan Chaiman Dave Whelan will not stand in his way and Sir Alex is a long time admirer, this transfer is pretty much nailed on.</p>
<p><strong>Franck Ribery – £40-50 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8402" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8402" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8402" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ribery.jpg" alt="Franck Ribery" width="250" height="233"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8402" class="wp-caption-text">Franck Ribery</p></div>
<p>A world-class player, a player, who would be the ideal replacement for the departing Cristiano Ronaldo. Apparently United put in a £60 million bid a few months ago and Sir Alex is keen to have him as part of the Old Trafford set up. His abilities are unquestioned, great dribbler, pace and immense skill, he also added goals to his repertoire scoring 14 in all competitions this season. Bayern have stated they would not keep him against his will and he has stated his desire to play in Spain. United would have a fight on their hands to persude him his future lies in Manchester, added to the hefty fee; Barcelona and Real Madrid are also circling thus increasing the price further.</p>
<p><strong>Karim Benzema – £30-40 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8403" style="width: 410px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8403" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8403" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/benzema.jpg" alt="Karim Benzema" width="400" height="254"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8403" class="wp-caption-text">Karim Benzema</p></div>
<p>The next great French striker in my opinion, and at 21 years old has plenty of time on his side. A seasoned Champions League performer, 24 caps for France and over 50 goals for Lyon in two seasons. He is tall, powerful and strong yet possesses pace coupled with a deadly eye for goal. Lyon have said he is not ‘untransferable’ and Ferguson has had an eye on him for years. The only issue would be his intention to stay in France during a World Cup year to maintain his place for <em>Les Bleus</em>.</p>
<p><strong>David Silva – £30-35 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8423" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8423" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8423" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/silva1.jpg" alt="David Silva" width="240" height="211"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8423" class="wp-caption-text">David Silva</p></div>
<p>A player I like a lot, he has pace, skill, vision, great technical ability and a lethal shot on him. Part of Spain’s Euro 2008 winning team he can play on either flank and behind the strikers. With Valencia harbouring a mountain of debt and in dire need to sell, Silva’s days are numbered at the Mestalla. Ferguson bid for him last summer and another attempt appears to be on the horizon, but with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool all interested, competition will be fierce for <em>el Chinito</em>. For me he would be an excellent addition and should be pursued vigerously.</p>
<p><strong>David Villa – £35-40 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8424" style="width: 183px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8424" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8424" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/villa1.jpg" alt="David Villa" width="173" height="240"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8424" class="wp-caption-text">David Villa</p></div>
<p>If a well-known brewer made strikers they would probably make David Villa. As with his namesake Silva, his days at Valencia appear to be numbered due to the moeny he would bring in to help clear debts. A fantastic goal scorer and leader of the Spanish front line, a transfer to Real Madrid collapsed last season and it could be the same again this season. Although it looks far more likely he will remain in Spain, Chelsea and Liverpool have both announced interest but United have apparently put in a cheeky bid. Villa would add some much needed goals previously brought to the Stretford End by Ronaldo. A transfer to United however, seems just out of reach.</p>
<p><strong>Mirko Vucinic £20-25 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8414" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8414" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8414" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/vucinic1.jpg" alt="Mirko Vucinic" width="240" height="164"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8414" class="wp-caption-text">Mirko Vucinic</p></div>
<p>The 25 year old Montenegrin currently ply’s his trade for AS Roma. This season having established himself as Roma’s number one striker, he has scored a number of important goals including two against Chelsea in the Champions League. With an impressive record of 48 goals in 83 games for the <em>Giallorossi</em>, he seems ready to step up another level and play for a top European club. Along with his excellent finishing ability he is also versatile, playing as a left-winger, and behind the striker during his time in Rome. Coupled with Roma’s lack of Champions League football and huge debts, it may be time to cash in on a very saleable asset.</p>
<p><strong>Douglas Maicon – £30-35 Million</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_8419" style="width: 360px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8419" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-8419" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/maicon2.jpg" alt="Douglas Maicon" width="350" height="230"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-8419" class="wp-caption-text">Douglas Maicon</p></div>
<p>The Inter right back is arguably the best in the business. He controls the right side, from corner to corner, strong in the tackle and great positional sense; he bombs forward with consummate ease to deliver a phenomenal quantity of crosses. Athletic and agile, he could be the answer on the right side. Sir Alex tried to sign him in 2003 but was refused a work permit. Reportedly unhappy in Italy, a move appears ever closer for the Brazilian.</p>
<p>Honourable mentions must go to Victor Valdes of Barcelona and Douglas Costa of Gremio. Both have been on the radar but I don’t see any developments in the near future at least.</p>
<p>Every one of the above has been linked with Manchester United at some point over the last few weeks. For me a ball winning midfielder should be high on the list of priorities though the rumour mill seems obsessed with attacking players.</p>
<p>A very eventful summer could come into fruition very soon and you may well find a few new faces strutting their stuff in the Theatre of Dreams.</p>
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<li><a href="http://epltalk.com/manchester-united-change-transfer-tact/8430" target="_self">Manchester United Change Transfer Policy</a>,</li>
<li><a href="http://epltalk.com/epl-talk-podcast/paddy-crerand-interview/" target="_self">Interview With Man United Legend Paddy Crerand</a>,</li>
<li><a href="http://epltalk.com/rafa-or-fergie-who-spends-more-in-the-transfer-market/8339" target="_blank">Rafa Or Fergie: Who Spends More In The Transfer Market</a>.</li>
</ul>


Manchester United: Summer Transfer Targets

Manchester United: Summer Transfer Targets - World Soccer Talk

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Manchester United: Summer Transfer Targets