All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

Summer Transfer Rumours – Joe Hart

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English goalkeeper, Joe Hart, faces a summer of uncertainty regarding his future. The Manchester City keeper has arrived back after a season on loan at Torino, in the Italian Serie A. Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, hasn’t been shy when admitting that Hart isn’t apart of his plans at Manchester City and explained his ‘lack of ability with the ball at his feet’ was a big factor. Still regarded as England’s number one despite fierce competition, Hart will now have to see how Manchester City will act upon his future.

After his Italian endeavour, it’s clear that the Englishman still hasn’t recovered from his nightmare at the 2016 European Championships and desperately needs a fresh start this summer. Here are some of the odds that SkyBet are offering on Joe Hart’s future as of September 3rd 2017:

West Ham- 6/4

After a rocky season for West Ham and Slaven Bilic, stability is required for the following season at West Ham. Following fans disrupt regarding the new stadium and the Dimitri Payet saga, a signing like Joe Hart would definitely be a step in the right direction, for all involved. Hart would profit hugely from this potential move; the new setting and competing against Premier League team’s weekly is key for Hart on his road back to the top. This would be a clever transfer for Hart, but is it realistic?

Chelsea- 9/2

The Premier League champions have had a terrific season and are now setting up for an even bigger one after regaining Champions League football after a season without. Back-up goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic has waved Stamford Bridge goodbye and has left a space that Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, will need to fill. Joe Hart will be attracted to a big club like Chelsea, but would probably riding the bench all season turn him off? Thibaut Courtios had an incredible season so it’s unlikely Hart would replace him as first choice goalkeeper.

Liverpool- 9/2

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, is recruiting for a huge upcoming season for ‘The Reds’ who will be playing in the Champions League. Current first choice goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, divides opinion amongst Liverpool fans hence why Hart has been linked to Anfield. He can create moments of magic but also makes some howlers. Klopp seems to be happy with his goalkeeping options but must be slightly tempted by an available Joe Hart.

SkyBet are also offering odds on Hart to move to:

To Stay at Manchester City- 6/1

Manchester United- 9/1

Everton- 16/1

Crystal Palace- 20/1

Leicester City- 20/1

Roma- 20/1

Torino- 20/1

Summer Transfer Rumours – Wayne Rooney

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The status of a Legend doesn’t get thrown around too often in the Premier League, which is just who Wayne Rooney is. Legends are the upper echelon of Premier League greats, the players who left us on the edge of our seats, providing first class footballing entertainment every weekend.

From when he first came onto our television screens, it was clear he was special. Wayne Rooney had an eye for goal unlike no other; his tenacious, bulldog-esc mannerisms made him feared by many defences across the globe. Having joined Manchester United back in 2004, 183 club goals later and it appears Wayne Rooney could be on his way out of Old Trafford. The 31-year-old has been gradually pushed out of the starting eleven and has failed to impress too often when given his chance this season. All good things must come to an end and it seems this heroic legacy could be coming to an end.

With plenty of rumours surrounding the Englishman’s future, here are some of the odds SkyBet are offering on Rooney’s future come September 3rd.

Any Chinese Club- 8/11

The Chinese Super League is becoming a mouth-watering prospect for many football players due to its astronomical wealth. The weekly wages for some of Europe’s average players who moved to China are gobsmacking, and could be a very tempting option for Rooney. Having created a longstanding legacy at one of the World’s largest clubs, Rooney has achieved what many professionals dream of. So, no one could blame him for moving where the money is and collecting a few huge pay checks before hanging up his boots. It would be a shame to see a player still with so much talent fly over to China, as many still believe he could survive in the Premier League.

To stay at Manchester United- 7/2

To remain a Manchester United player is what every ‘Red Devils’ fan would love to see. However, his frustrations in his lack of game time has led to the transfer saga he and the club now find themselves in. With Manchester United and Jose Mourinho looking to once again dominate European football, its questionable whether a 31-year-old, Wayne Rooney, is a valuable enough asset to keep hold of. It would be a wonderful thing to witness Rooney end his career at the club he has seen so much glory at. So, it’s tough to see if he has the stomach to leave the club if he is told he won’t be played as much as he’d like.

Everton- 5/1

Going back to where it all started. A very young Wayne Rooney began his illustrious career at Goodison Park and is surely tempted in a return to his childhood club. The dynamic of the Everton side would really find value in Rooney’s ability, with the almost definite departure of Ross Barkley being another factor that would attract Rooney, for game time. Also, young attacking players such as Tom Davies can only profit off training every day with a legend like Rooney. This would be a good move for the Englishman if he wants to continue competing at a high level.

SkyBet are also offering odds for Rooney to move to:

Any MLS Club- 8/1

Crystal Palace- 28/1

Stoke- 8/1

Celtic- 25/1

Newcastle- 33/1

Summer Transfer Rumours – Virgil van Dijk

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Dutch centre-back, Virgil van Dijk, is being heavily rumoured with a transfer away from his current club, Southampton. The 25-year-old has turned a lot of heads during his time at Southampton, having showcased great leadership and stability at the back whilst also being a credit to Southampton’s attack, popping up with some crucial goals.

Injury ended his 2016/17 campaign early back in January and the defender has been amidst transfer rumours ever since. With interest now hotting up in van Dijk, Southampton will have a mission on their hands to keep a hold of him. Will he stay or will he go? Here are some of the odds SkyBet are offering on van Dijk’s future come September 3rd:

Liverpool – Evens

Jurgen Klopp hasn’t been shy in admitting he needs defensive reinforcements this summer. Having qualified for the Champions League next season, Liverpool need a new centre back now more than ever. A young, abrasive, fearless leader would be perfect for ‘The Red’s’ and Virgil van Dijk fits the bill. Having expressed his own interest in a move to Anfield, it’s no surprise that Liverpool are favourites to snap up the centre-back. Though Liverpool have recently come out and stated they do not wish to move for the player due to Southampton believing the Reds had earlier tapped the player up.

Manchester City- 11/2

Van Dijk would be accepted by all Manchester City fans if he were to sign for ‘The Citizens’. Pep Guardiola didn’t have his dream first season at the Etihad but was able to attain Champions League football for next season. Manchester City’s defence took a hammering from pundits during the 2016/17 season, conceding too many easy goals through sloppy play. The general consensus is a player of van Dijk’s calibre and standard would be a fantastic addition to their defence. He could strike up a youthful and exciting partnership with John Stones, a sight all City fans would love to see come September 3rd 2017.

To stay at Southampton- 2/1

There is no doubting that van Dijk is Southampton’s most valuable asset. His value is through the roof and if sold, could bring the club an awful lot of money to then spend on other young talents. However, Southampton have remained firm in insisting that the centre-back is worth £70 million, according to The Daily Mail. The Dutchman has clearly been tempted by Champions League clubs interest, however hasn’t insisted his future is not with ‘The Saints’. It would be a huge boost to Southampton if he were to stay, as they will look to improve on their previous efforts in which van Dijk was side-lined for half of the season.

SkyBet are also offering odds for van Dijk to move to:

Chelsea – 8/1

Arsenal – 12/1

Everton – 20/1

Manchester United – 20/1