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Germany 4-0 Portugal

Before the first match in last night’s round of World Cup fixtures all the talk was about Ronaldo’s fitness for Portugal’s game against Germany. And when he was judged to be fit, the world expected a fierce encounter between two of the world’s best sides.

But the Germans dominated proceedings after Joao Pereira pulled down Mario Gotze in the penalty box in the 12th minute, resulting in Thomas Muller scoring from the spot.

Mats Hummels then rose to head in a corner on the 32nd minute before Pepe got sent off for head-butting Muller (who went down rather easily just before after an errant arm from the notoriously hot-headed Portuguese enforcer.)

From then on it was a walk in the park for Germany, with Muller adding two goals to his penalty to become the first player in this year’s World Cup to bag a hat-trick.

It ended Germany 4 – 0 Portugal.

Nigeria 0-0 Iran

On the other hand there were no goals in the game between Nigeria and Iran, resulting in the first draw of the tournament.

Iran, led by former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz, were able to hold off the Africans with some good defensive work.

The African champions held most of the ball, but were unable to carve out a clear cut opportunity with the Iranians limiting them to long-shots and crosses.

It’s the first time Iran have managed a clean-sheet in the World Cup finals, but more importantly it’s a small step forward in their slim hopes of reaching the knock-out stages.

Ghana 1-2 USA

The last game of the day saw another dramatic ending what has so far been a World Cup of surprises.

Ghana have always seemed to get the better of USA and have knocked them out of two previous World Cup campaigns. However, this year, the curse was finally lifted as the United States started with a lot of energy before a late header gave them a 2-1 victory.

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Clint Dempsey was first off the mark, scoring the country’s fastest ever tournament goal, clocked at 30 seconds. The African side continued to pile on the pressure in search of an equaliser as Jozy Altidore was replaced through injury.

In the 82nd minute, Ghana’s pressure eventually paid off as Asamoah Gyan’s perfectly timed back-heel met Andre Ayew just outside the six-yard box before he sent the ball flying into the back of the net with only eight minutes remaining.

With the game looking likely to end in a draw, a Graham Zusi corner met the head of substitute John Brooks, who on his debut gave his team all three points with only four minutes of time left to be played.

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Of all the Premier League teams, Newcastle United were certainly one of the busiest in the summer transfer window, bringing in no fewer than nine new recruits. Whilst other top flight teams were equally as tireless in their pursuit of new additions, with Liverpool and Manchester United standing out due to their headline-grabbing expenditure, Newcastle’s dealings have been a particular source of interest.

After a number of seasons of modest transfer activity under the ownership of Mike Ashley, with new arrivals coming in their ones and twos – much to the chagrin of the Toon Army – the controversial business magnate appears to have conducted a much-welcomed u-turn in his transfer policy this summer. A tenth-placed finish last season was no disaster, though it was far from being a memorable campaign for the Magpies either with early elimination from both domestic cup competitions and losses in half of their league games.

His uncharacteristically gratuitous money spending seems to suggest a belated acknowledgement on Ashley’s behalf of the need for a new lease of life at Newcastle, with the idea being that a freshly remodelled squad may lead to happier times for the long-suffering fans this season.

However, spending money wisely, rather than freely, is the key to success, and upon closer inspection Newcastle have been glaringly myopic in their purchases. The underrated Jack Colback, signed for a free transfer from arch-rivals Sunderland, adds quality to the midfield, while World Cup semi-finalist Daryl Janmaat brings depth to a defence which conceded 59 league goals last season, only three fewer than relegated Norwich City.

Useful though these two additions may turn out to be, what Newcastle needed most was a proven goalscorer, and in this regard they have crucially failed to deliver.

Such a failure may be understandable as a single, isolated occurrence. Identifying a player for a specific position who is affordable, suited to the team and a realistic target is not easy and even not possible in every transfer window, especially for a team who lack the clout of the Premier League’s big spenders.

In Newcastle’s case, however, it has been a recurring problem ever since the departure of Demba Ba to Chelsea 18 months ago. Although this may not seem like a long time, the club has had four transfer windows to find an adequate replacement for Ba, with no success. In his one full season at Newcastle, the Senegalese scored 16 league goals in a campaign which saw the Magpies come close to qualifying for the Champions League and manager Alan Pardew consequently being named Premier League Manager of the Year.

Since Ba’s exit, and with no proven goalscorer coming in as his replacement, Newcastle have not come close to a top four finish.

 It must be noted that Newcastle have in fact signed four strikers this summer, which at least suggests that the club’s hierarchy is aware that such a problem exists. Moreover, last season’s loan signing of Loic Remy from Queen’s Park Rangers, who was excellent for the Magpies, shows that the club is capable of attracting top-class striking talent. However, failing to make the signing permanent was a huge disappointment, and arguably of no fault of the club’s when Liverpool and eventually Chelsea came calling.

The attacking quartet of Siem de Jong, Ayoze Pérez, Emmanuel Riviere and Facundo Ferreyra which Newcastle opted for instead will not soften the blow of seeing the French international at a different club this season, and with no prior Premier League experience between them and unremarkable goalscoring records at their previous sides, the prospect of one component of Newcastle’s new-look strikeforce emulating Remy’s feats last season is unlikely.

In the grander scheme of things, Newcastle’s shortcomings in the transfer market hint at an uncomfortable truth for the Toon Army. They are a big club with a fanatical fanbase and an impressive stadium who, since Ashley’s takeover in 2007, seem content with stagnation and mid-table mediocrity. The selling of the club’s best players has become commonplace.

Though Pardew is one of the Premier League’s longest serving managers, there seems to be no definite indication of where the club is heading or how it is progressing, with the impressive fifth-placed finish in Pardew’s award-winning season three years ago looking more like a fluke, a freak accident, than a sign of better things to come.

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Ultimately, it is perhaps a recent departure, rather than an arrival, which symbolises Newcastle’s striking problems and the club’s deeper malaise. After being with the club for nineteen years, loyal servant and fan favourite Shola Ameobi was released by Newcastle in the summer. Though the striker was never prolific for the Magpies, some of his most memorable appearances in the black-and-white jersey came in the Champions League. His equalising goal at the Nou Camp and his brace against Bayer Leverkusen happened during the twilight days of Newcastle’s last noteworthy era, at a time when the club was still considered a force to be reckoned with and serious contenders for qualification to Europe’s elite club competition.

Ameobi was the last relic of these happier times, the last remaining Newcastle footballer with memories of playing Champions League football at St James’ Park.

While Ameobi has moved on, Newcastle remain stuck in the mires of mediocrity, with a return to the heights of European football nothing more than a pipedream.

Many great England strikers have graced English football. Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Michael Owen, Teddy Sheringham, Jimmy Greaves and Geoff Hurst just to name a few. Scoring a vast number of goals in the best league in the world will have people saying our name for many years. Greaves and Hurst are prime examples of this. One striker in this generation that has always guaranteed goals at any level is Jermain Defoe.

The England international has set the Premier League alight in the past 10 years. After being spotted at Charlton Athletic by West Ham United, Defoe was shortly shipped out on loan to play for AFC Bournemouth. In 29 appearances for the Cherries, Defoe scored a respectable 18 goals. While at Dean Court, he was also breaking records, scoring in 10 consecutive games, the first player to do so since John Aldridge’s post-war record.

On his return to the Hammers in the 2001-2002 season, Defoe finished as West Ham’s top scorer under Glenn Roeder despite being used mainly as a substitute. The next two years saw the downfall of Defoe at Upton Park. In the 2003-2004 season Defoe’s disciplinary record showed his frustration at the club, being sent off three times up until January. A refusal to sign a new contract resulted in him moving to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

His time at the north London club is where everyone saw what Defoe is capable of. His first spell at White Hart Lane saw him score 43 goals in 139 games, before Harry Redknapp was eager to take him on board at Portsmouth, and soon, the English striker followed suit and joined the famous revolution at Fratton Park. In 30 games, Defoe mustered 14 goals, but then followed Redknapp at Spurs for his second spell with the club. This proved to be more successful than his first scoring 47 goals in 135 appearances in the famous white shirt, including netting five in the 9-1 rout against Wigan Athletic.

Now at MLS side Toronto FC, where he has bagged 11 goals in 19 games, the prolific forward is eager for another shot in the big time. There is no doubt there will be plenty of clubs after his signature, so what club would be best for him in the Premier League?

Would a return to Tottenham Hotspur be the right move or will Mauricio Pochettino look somewhere else? Spurs current crop of forwards Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Soldado and Harry Kane are struggling in front of goal, and for a side that is aiming for the top four, is disappointing to see that none of their forward line can score.

Aston Villa is another possible destination where Defoe could restart his Premier League career. The Villains goalscoring rate has been appalling this season. Currently sitting in 10th place, Paul Lambert’s side have only mustered four goals in seven league games, the join lowest along with bottom club Burnley.

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Finally, newly promoted sides Leicester City and QPR are also in desperate need of firepower in order for them to stay in the division. However, the most likely destination for Defoe will be QPR, considering he has strong connections with Redknapp. The Foxes have made a decent start on their return to the top flight, but lack the experience that is needed in this demanding league.

Overall, Defoe knows exactly what he wants which is to play at the highest level he possibly can. The MLS fails to fulfil his expectations, and just shows that hasn’t gone across the pond just for the pay package. His goal record says it all, and it’s no wonder why several Premier League teams still rate him as one of the most clinical finishers in the game.

What is a ‘cult hero’? The definition of such a player is often clouded, with many fans missing the point entirely to name stars such as Thierry Henry Didier Drogba and Steven Gerrard as their ‘cult heroes’.

But in truth, to qualify for such a tag a player must be out of the limelight, earning his reputation within his club through hard work, toil or perhaps one magic defining moment. It’s hard to put a finger on just what it takes to enter the pantheon of the ‘cult hero’, but here are FIVE currently plying their trade in the Premier League…

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Tony Hibbert

Unfashionable, a bit ‘old school’ and widely unappreciated outside of Goodison Park, Hibbert is, arguably, the current epitome of the ‘cult hero’. The 33-year-old Merseyside-born right-back has spent his entire career at Everton, but has rarely been thought of as a contender for one of the best players in his position in the Premier League or even a key man on the team-sheet. Yet he is loved by Toffees fans, whom admire his work rate, determination and fierce commitment. Also, he appears to have bought every pair of black football boots in England, which helps.

Jordan Henderson

Signed during the forgettable second Kenny Dalglish era, Henderson looked to be destined for the ‘big money flop’ tag after just a year at the club. But, despite Brendan Rodgers initially attempting to offload the midfielder, the former Sunderland youth star has blossomed under his Northern Irish manager, transforming from a flaky midfield drifter into an all-energy creative force. Away from Anfield some fans question the hype, but Kopites know that the now England star is a tireless worker with a sprinkling of star quality.

Martin Demichelis

At first Demichelis appeared to be scarily out of his depth as he arrived at City last year. Some cumbersome displays – capped by an embarrassing challenge on Lionel Messi in the Champions League – made him a laughing stock among his own supporters, but the Argentine recovered well. From his long hair to his un-trendy playing style, the former Bayern Munich man appeared every bit the ‘cult hero’, and provided some great displays around two thirds of the way through last season to back it all up.

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Julian Speroni

Over 300 appearances for the Eagles make Speroni a part of the furniture in south London. The Argentine stopper has been solid throughout his time at Crystal Palace, and is now keeping January signing Wayne Henessey out of the XI after producing numerous top class saves to keep his side in the top term last season. Despite this, Speroni is rarely talked about away from Selhurst Park.

Jose Fonte

By no means a local lad, the Portuguese defender is a loved man on the South Coast after rising through the divisions with the Saints. Fonte signed for Southampton back in their League One days, and his classy yet imposing playing style has been key in the club’s move from the third tier to Premier League safety. Again, despite his performances, the centre-back has widely stayed out of the limelight.

Emmanuel Petit believes that his former Arsenal and France team-mate Thierry Henry deserves more recognition in their homeland, and that things may be better in the country had been “overrun by the Germans” during World War II.

The New York Red Bulls’ MLS play-off loss to the New England Revolution over the weekend is expected to be the Gunners idol’s last ever game of professional football, with the 37-year-old expected to announce his retirement soon.

Henry’s impending exit from the beautiful game has been big news in England – where the forward played for Arsenal for eight years and now has a statute dedicated to him outside the Emirates Stadium in honour of being the club’s all-time record goalscorer – but the reaction has been slightly muted in France.

Even though the veteran hit-man played a key role in the World Cup 1998 triumph and represented Les Bleus in 123 occasions, he is not as highly regarded as some former stars, and Petit has launched a stunning attack on the people of his home nation in reference to the treatment his old team-mate has received:

“In England, they’ve built a statue of Thierry,” the ex-Arsenal midfielder told Sports.fr. “That means a lot. He’s adored there. It bothers me.

“What can we reproach Henry for? His handball against Ireland? He helped France qualify for the World Cup in South Africa. He has done nothing.

“France is hypocritical and cowardly. Sometimes I think that if we’d been overrun by the Germans, we’d be better run.

“He’s not hated but he’s certainly not loved. He got screwed by the French press after his handball and has since not spoken to the French media.

“In France, he has no collusion with the press, so what? Perhaps because he was not smiling when he scored for les Bleus! Well, that’s what I hate in this country.

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“I have great difficulty with the French, I have never seen such arrogant, smug, lying and hypocritical people.”

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Derby day ahoy! From the days of Arsenal battling for league titles while Spurs contented themselves in the middle of the table, the fortunes of both sides have rather levelled out in recent years, and this instalment of the epic contest looks likely to have a big impact on the race for a top four spot and a place in the money-spinning Champions League.

So, who would make a combined XI for the two sides?

We’ve had a look, and this is what we at FFC Towers have come up with in an ‘old school’ 4-4-2 formation… agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments below!

Hugo Lloris

With Wojciech Szczesny smoking in the shower block, we’ve given Lloris the nod in this XI. All joking aside, the Frenchman is certainly the better of the two goalkeepers, with his reflexes, agility and ability to play the ‘sweeper ‘keeper’ role effectively all major weapons in his, and any team he plays for, armoury.

Lloris himself has been in England over two years now and has been on the end of some drubbings in big games, but the victory over Chelsea – in which he impressed – hints that things may just be changing…

Mathieu Debuchy

Right-back is an area neither north London side is particularly strong in this season, making Debuchy as the stand out candidate for this combined team.

The Frenchman has missed large chunks of this season with injury and has even been fielded at centre-back, but on his day he’s an adept full-back when it comes to getting up and down the touchline, even if he can be a little rash in his own third.

Jan Vertonghen

Last season was one to forget for the Belgian, who seemed to be disillusioned with life at ‘The Lane’ but since Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival; he has moved back towards the form that earned him a spot in the team of the season during his debut Premier League campaign.

Vertonghen has developed a reputation for his classy playing style and mobility, making him a player most top sides would love to have in their backline.

Laurent Koscielny

Alongside Vertonghen we’ve gone for a very continental feel to our backline, with Koscielny. The Frenchman was sorely missed by the Gunners during his injury absence earlier this season, reflecting the change in fortune he’s had since a tricky opening to his Gunners career back in 2010.

Good on the ball and solid defensively, ‘Kos’ is firmly a fans’ favourite at the Emirates.

Kieran Gibbs

Like right-back, left-back is an issue for both Arsenal and Spurs. Danny Rose seems to be holding down the role for the Lilywhites, but, when fit and firing, Gibbs is, in our opinion, the better option. Ferociously quick and decent when supporting the attack, Gibbs is useful cog in the Arsenal XI.

Alexis Sanchez

An absolute shoe-in for this XI, and probably any other team for that matter, Sanchez has been spectacular since his £30m+ move to Arsenal over the summer. The Chilean is, perhaps, most useful just behind a main striker, but in this 4-4-2 set-up we’ve dropped him on the right flank, where his pace and eye for goal will still be useful.

Aaron Ramsey

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Another Arsenal player currently battling injury is Ramsey, whose career has been a constant struggle against knocks and strains. It’s brilliant to see that he’s fought back from a horror leg-break that once threated his career before it had truly started, and the Welshman is really justifying the fuss he earned in his teenage days as a youngster at Cardiff.

Christian Eriksen

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The man who makes things happen for Spurs this season has been Christian Eriksen. The Dane’s goals alone have won Tottenham 15 points, with his composure in the final minutes of games – whether that be from open play of free-kicks – deadly for Pochettino’s men.

He may only have one assist, but Eriksen’s 84% pass accuracy is also impressive.

Santi Cazorla

Very much the darling of Arsenal’s team at the moment, Cazorla takes up the left wing role for us.

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The Spaniard has been lethal in 2015, with his performance at the Etihad Stadium among the best any player has produced in the league this term. He has also shown great composure from the spot, stepping up on numerous occasions to help Arsenal turn their fortunes around.

Harry Kane

From being fringe player featuring in the Europa League against opposition from all corners of the continent to a staggering showing in a memorable home win over league leaders Chelsea… it’s been a massive season for Kane.

The former Arsenal man, although we’ll ignore that for now, is a hero at White Hart Lane right now, where fans of all ages cry his name from the stands.

Olivier Giroud

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Not always the most coveted of forwards, Giroud deserves a little more praise than he gets. Seven goals in 12 Premier League outings this season show that he has the deadly edge in the box, while a 50% accuracy rating is by no means poor considering he averages more than two efforts on goal per game.

Arsenal will be hoping to bounceback from Wednesday’s surprise 3-1 defeat to AS Monaco at the Emirates in the Champions League.

Arsene Wenger and his side received a lot of criticism for their failure again to deliver when they’re expected to and for conceding a third so late in the game when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had given the Premier League side a fighting chance in the second-leg.

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The Gunners’ defensive frailties were there for all to see as Dimitar Berbatov & co exploited Per Mertesacker’s lack of pace and the defensive unit’s lack of communication.

Arsenal’s big German was made to look particularly foolish by the former Tottenham Hotspur striker, with a rush of blood to the head, Mertesacker came charging out of defence to cut out the ball, only for it to be totally mistimed resulting in Monaco outnumbering Laurent Koscielny as they charged down on David Ospina’s goal.

Arsene Wenger clearly wasn’t happy with the World Cup winner and, as a result, Gabriel makes his Premier League debut against Everton today.

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Chelsea’s victory over Manchester United on Saturday saw them move within touching distance of claiming their first Premier League title since 2010.

Eden Hazard’s first half goal was enough to secure all three points for the Blues, and while the game was lacking the high levels of excitement we have been used to in recent meetings between the two, it still proved to be a fascinating encounter nonetheless with both sides able to come away from Stamford Bridge with plenty of positives.

United came into the match as one of the form sides in the Premier League thanks to six straight wins that included memorable victories over Liverpool and Manchester City. And while a trip to the league leaders will have seemed a daunting proposition not too long ago, the visitors were able to approach the match full of confidence and with great optimism.

Having moved up to third in the table and opened up an eight-point gap to Liverpool in the race for a Champions League spot, the pressure was off given the breathing space they have over those sides outside the top four. Finishing in the top four still remains the club’s primary aim and while victory would have been great, they ended the weekend in the same position they started it which made the defeat slightly easier to take.

And the manner of their performance will also have given them plenty to be pleased about despite the result. Even with a number of players missing through injury, a reshuffled side dominated the soon to be champions for long periods of the game and were unlucky not to come away with at least a point. They had a staggering 70% of possession which is unheard of when visiting Chelsea and led to claims from Louis van Gaal that it was his team’s best performance of the season.

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The way they controlled the game and retained the ball was impressive, with the performance of Luke Shaw also catching the eye given his lack of football in recent weeks. He looked full of energy down United’s left side, and particularly in the second half looked one of their biggest threats.

But in truth, despite being on the back foot for the majority of the game, Chelsea never really looked in danger and their victory was as comfortable as you could get when restricted to just 30% of possession.

Jose Mourinho felt the match went exactly to plan and it was no surprise to see his side defend the lead so well. They restricted United to just a couple of chances with Radamel Falcao’s effort rebounding off the post the only real opportunity they could conjure.

It was another brilliant defensive display from a Chelsea side that kept United’s in form player’s quiet throughout limiting the effectiveness of Marouane Felliani, Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney. Kurt Zouma was terrific in the middle of the park, and Hazard’s goal once again highlighted his ability as a match winner.

Didier Drogba worked tirelessly upfront in the absence of Diego Costa and Loic Remy and with Thibaut Courtois rarely troubled in goal, it was certainly a job well done for the home side.

To end the Red Devils winning run was one thing, but the celebrations on full time showed they knew how important the victory was in terms of the league title, and with a 10 point lead over Arsenal with just six games remaining it’s all but done.

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Chelsea know two wins in their next two games will guarantee them the league title, but with such a dominant lead they can even afford a few slip ups. With a trip to Arsenal next weekend, their latest performance could almost act as a dress rehearsal for their visit to the Emirates. A similar defensive performance means we could well be in store for another narrow win for Chelsea, something we have seen time and time again from Mourinho in the past, who may well be happy enough with a nil-nil.

As for United, the performance will give them plenty of confidence heading into their last five games and it should be just a matter of time before they secure a top-four finish. They still have a great chance of finishing in second place, which given their inconsistent start to the season would count as a great achievement, and the chance to finish ahead of their City rivals should spur them on to finish the season strongly.

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Since Steven Gerrard announced he was leaving Liverpool at the end of the season fans have looked to vice-captain Jordan Henderson to become their new leader.

Whilst Henderson has stepped into the role superbly so far this term, it looks like his future at Anfield may be shorter than anyone hoped. The midfielder is seeking a new contract worth £100,000-per-week before he commits to a long term future. It is believed he has already rejected a five year deal worth £80,000-per-week and, whilst everyone is fixated on the Sterling situation, Henderson’s needs sorting a lot quicker as his contract runs out in 2016.

Liverpool could have a fight on their hands convincing Henderson to stay at Anfield, as Premier League leaders, Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation. Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League with a top four finish are all but over following Saturday’s 4-1 at Arsenal.

The lack of Champions League action could mean that Henderson, despite saying he wanted to stay at Liverpool for a long time, could be tempted to look elsewhere.

The Reds’ boss Brendan Rodgers has already admitted it will be hard to attract big name signings. He said recently: “I think most players want to be in the Champions League.

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“Players want to play at the top level of the game and if you’re not in the Champions League it makes it difficult for you.”

After a difficult season trying to recover from the blow of falling at the last hurdle last year, Liverpool’s season now rests on winning the FA Cup. The team face a quarter-final replay at Championship side Blackburn on Wednesday night and if they make it through to the final maybe that will convince Henderson to stay. Trophies count in football. In order to attract big names you need to win them.

With all the unrest at the club, it is important things settle down. Whilst there is so much uncertainty it is bound to have an impact on the players. It was evident from the way the team played against Arsenal. There has only been good press recently about the Gunners and they looked a much more confident team than the one Liverpool put out. The news about Henderson not agreeing his contract is more bad press that the club don’t want as they go into the FA Cup match with Blackburn tonight.

After the upsets they have had in recent seasons when it comes to trophies, this FA Cup could be more important than they initially believed. Henderson needs something to show him that Liverpool is the place he should be. For Liverpool, there is no doubt they need to keep him. He has proved himself as a leader and while the club goes through a change as Gerrard leaves it is vital they keep some stability, otherwise they could see themselves having to completely rebuild.

At the moment the rumours are nothing huge. Henderson has already stated he wants to stay at Liverpool for the long run but if other teams like Chelsea, who can guarantee him Champions League football, start to show more of an interest then his eyes could start to wander.

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Win the FA Cup and that moment when he is holding the trophy to an ecstatic Liverpool crowd could be the deciding factor and the defining moment of his career so far.

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It is at this time of year that three whole squads of players effectively step down from the English top flight into the second tier.

Collectively they make up a list of personnel that ultimately fell short of the high standard required to survive the division.

There will always be a few diamonds in the rough though; players who clearly have the quality to return to the Premiership, either through promotion next term, or on the back of a move to a different club.

Relegated hitmen Charlie Austin and Danny Ings are almost certain to be two such souls, after impressive goalscoring campaigns.

Sifting through the rubble a little more carefully, though, makes it possible to identify less prolific casualties that could benefit buying clubs in the bottom half of the table next term…

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James Chester

Playing alongside the experienced Michael Dawson in the heart of the Hull City defence this year, Chester has impressed with consistent solid performances.

Hull were eventually relegated after a season of missed chances and injured strikers.

At the other end of the pitch, they were a lot more competitive and had the best defensive record of the leagues’ bottom seven teams.

Much of this was down to the assured form of 26-year-old Chester.

The former Manchester United academy graduate also chipped in with a few goals. The Warrington born centre-back formed a key part of Steve Bruce’s side during last year’s more successful campaign, scoring at Wembley, as Hull finished runners up in the FA Cup.

With one year left on his contract, he could be available at a knock down price. Don’t be surprised to see him at Leicester with Nigel Pearson already having signed him once in his career.

Joey Barton

Love him or loathe him, there is no denying that Joey Barton has the quality to play at a higher level than the Championship.

The midfielder has already moved through the Loftus Road exit door and although his destination next term is uncertain there are sure to be plenty of suitors despite his history of misdemeanours.

It seems though, that Barton is living a bit less controversially these days, with his advancing years a possible reason for less volatile recent seasons.

The 32-year-old is a proven Premier League player, having conducted important roles in the past for both Manchester City and Newcastle.

He was also a regular fixture in Ligue 1 for Marseille having spent the 2012-13 campaign on loan in France.

With his extensive passing range, tenacious tackling and sound set piece delivery, he should have no trouble securing a top flight employer.

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Kieran Trippier

Only five players saw more action in terms of Premier League minutes than the Burnley full-back this season.

This includes his own goalkeeper Tom Heaton, and two members of Chelsea’s imperious back four.

Indeed Trippier has been one of the most consistent right-backs in the country since initially joining the Clarets in 2011.

Rarely injured, always competitive and capable of scoring, either from range or from a dead-ball situation, the 24-year-old undoubtedly has a future in the Premiership.

The former Manchester City youngster has also represented England at every junior level. His energetic displays for a battling Burnley are bound to have alerted bigger sides but the right-back has two years remaining on his current deal at Turf Moor.