Manchester United and Real Madrid battle it out for Wigan winger

Manchester United and Real Madrid will battle it out to get the signature of Wigan Athletic winger, Luis Antonio Valencia, at the end of the season. The news could well mean an end to the pursuit of Spurs’ Aaron Lennon by United, as Sir Alex Ferguson seeks a cheaper and more versatile option.

It is also no secret that Madrid are planning a big change of playing staff during the summer and it is thought that Valencia will fit into the La Liga style of play very well. It is much less physically demanding than the Premier League, which could be a big factor when Valencia has to make his decision.

Wigan manager, Steve Bruce, has all but given up on attempts to try and keep Valencia, now admitting he is likely to move. He said today: “It is inevitable Antonio will leave, but where to I am not quite sure. There have been no deals done so far, I keep reading the story but nothing has been done so far.”

So it seems that all parties involved may be waiting for the official end of season or the opening of the transfer window to happen before any action is made. It is a well known point in football that at this point in the year the rumour mill is normally in full flow and this may just be a case of a story getting way out of hand.

However, it is important and necessary to look at where would be best for Valencia if there are some elements of truth. United have proved themselves to be by far and away the strongest team in Europe over the last two seasons and there is no where better for the prospect of success than at Old Trafford.

Valencia also has first hand experience of how good United are and is already settled in England. He is likely to have already learnt the basics of English and if United make a bid then there is little doubt that he would snap the hand off of whoever makes the offer.

However, the history and calibre of Spanish football and Real Madrid is also very lucrative. Valencia is not a big person and he may suit the more gentle style of Spanish football, no doubt the quality would not be the same over the course of the season but he may well be up for the challenge.

Although Bruce is unlikely to disfavour United, having once played for them, he may prefer a bid from Spain as he would not want to see one of his main assets leave to go and play for another English club.

A move to Spain would also move Valencia back to a more familiar setting as it would feel closer to his South American roots despite the geographical gulf. This is a factor that money can’t buy and something United can do nothing about if this is what Valencia is looking for.

Where he ends up is right now a complete mystery. Wigan will have to take the offer that is right for the player and right for the club. United will probably be favourites but the solidity of their interest is unknown.

Carlo Ancelotti close to Chelsea switch.

Chelsea are close to securing a replacement for Guus Hiddink as further reports have emerged that AC Milan’s, Carlo Ancelotti, will step into the Stamford Bridge role at the end of the season.

Ancelotti is rumoured to be increasingly unsettled at Milan and with Hiddink poised to return to his full time post with the Russian national side, Chelsea have been forced to rapidly seek alternatives for the managerial role.

According to English newspaper reports today Ancelotti has agreed a deal in principal to become Chelsea boss when the current season finishes. The problem is that Milan insist their man is going no where and appear likely to be as uncooperative as possible if Chelsea try to force the move through.

Speaking in the Italian media, Milan’s head, Silvio Berlusconi, said: “After Inter drew with Chievo on Sunday I thought we had been given another chance, but Juventus's equaliser against us has blown our chances.”

“It's all Ancelotti's fault. With the players we have we could easily go head to head with Inter. Lots of times this season we have made tactical mistakes. We should have used Ronaldinho more. Too often we gave away goals in the last few minutes of the match. If we lose the Scudetto then it is all down to Ancelotti.”

Ancelotti would be a very high calibre replacement for Hiddink and one that does not know the English game at all well. However, he obviously has a gifted eye in terms of transfers and the European game. He made the move of Ronaldinho to Milan a reality and has been in charge of one of the only teams to break English dominance in the Champions League in recent years.

The most probable reason as to why possible negotiations are cauisng so much unrest at Milan is the simple fact that the season has not finished yet and Milan still have important games to play for. The gap between themselves and their city rivals, Inter, has been huge this season and many blame this on Ancelotti’s constant distractions.

Whether or not he is the best man to take charge of Chelsea is debateable. They would do well tp negotiate with the Russian FA and try to get Hiddink to stay on in a permanent role. This is for the simple reason that yet another new manager would otherwise come in and change things around yet again.

This seems pointless when Chelsea seem to have setled under a simple system and under a manager who does not appear to have a big head. Given the choice Hiddink would probably like to stay there if his Russian ties were taken away. After all England is one of the few countries he hasn’t made it in yet and the players all seem to like him.

The introduction of Ancelotti could turn out to be a master stroke but it could also turn out to be disastrous. There seems no point in throwing away a gifted boss without a fight and destroying what has become a settled team. The fact that Chelsea missed out on the Champions League final by seconds should not be something that is factored in.

Sheffield United secure their place in the £30 million match

Sheffield United have secured their place in the Championship play-off final after beating Preston North End 1-0 last night and 2-1 on aggregate. A bullet header from Greg Halford in the second half was enough to see United through a feisty encounter that never seemed to stop from start to finish.

Both sides were quite rightly going for it and Preston must be praised for soaking up so much pressure and doing themselves and their fans a massive amount of good. However, wave after wave of United attack was too much to hold out and the result probably justified the performance of United over the two ties.

Despite the victory however, one or two problems were highlighted in the game that Reading and Burnley would do well to pay attention to. The defence, lead by veteran Chris Morgan, looked slow and vulnerable to someone with real pace. Also, as always with Sheffield United, they looked a bit lacking in the personal discipline department as on more than one occasion players getting riled was more than evident.

These are areas they will have to sort out ahead of the final because teams are obviously going to look to exploit them. Kevin Blackwell was quite rightly over joyed and feels the promotion would be justice for the club’s debatable relegation from the league in 2007. He said: “A lot of people have contacted the club. They feel it would right a wrong. I don’t think that sits well in English football.”

Well the point is whether you love them or loathe them United are a side with a lot of ambition, but they do need to curb this rearing ugly head that lets them down so many times in terms of arrogance and player discipline. If they don’t then whoever finds themselves in the final beside United will bring a lot more riled fans, ready to make a lot more noise and give their side the extra added push they will undoubtedly need.

Preston can take pride from the fact they got into the play-offs in the first place from an unlikely position. They should not feel down about the defeat but inspired to push on next season and make sure they are promoted automatically in a league that is bound to have a couple more big names coming down.

Alan Irvine has shown himself to be one of the modest and gifted managers in the football league and there is no doubt that he is destined to be at the helm of greater things, if not with Preston then with another big side.

At the moment United probably won’t care who they play in the final but the point is that it is going to be a tougher test than they have just had. Reading will want revenge for the 1-0 United defeat the recently suffered and this is all new territory for Burnley which could mean they have stronger feelings than anyone in the United side. Bring on the final.

Everton and Spurs linked with Welsh winger

Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Welsh winger, Joe Ledley, of Cardiff. Ledley has not signed a new contract for Cardiff and looks to be seeking a move to the Premier League after his current side missed out on a play-off spot.

Everton and Spurs have been reported today as leading the running to sign Ledley if he chooses to leave Cardiff ahead of next season. David Moyes could well get his signature as this is a classic example of his club operating on a shoe string budget and dipping into the Championship to poach the best talent that could easily play at a higher level.

The theory behind a Spurs bid however, is a lot more interesting. Ledley is a player who can operate on either the left or the right flank, in a similar vein to Aaron Lennon. This could be the first signs of a strong hint the Lennon could be on his way out of the club, with Manchester United reportedly ready to make a big bid for him.

An insider at Cardiff has said: “We offered Joe a contract that included a get-out clause which would allow him to leave for a Premier League club but he did not want to know. There is no way we would let him walk away for nothing.”

This is the very problem that Cardiff are faced with. If Ledley sees out the length of his current contract and does not sign anything else which ties him down, then the only bid another club would have to make would be over personal terms as he would become a free agent.

Cardiff quite rightly must try everything they can to make sure that one of their best players does not leave the club for free. Ledley should see sense and make sure that Cardiff are able to net a decent amount of money from his move but it is unlikely that he will want to relinquish any personal virtues that would come his way.

If he does leave then realistically Everton would be his best choice. Spurs will be going for a Champions League spot next season and are much more likely to bring on high profile and better calibre players than Ledley. This would mean if he went to Spurs that he would be sitting on the bench for a large part of his early Premier League career.

Regardless of any amount of personal wealth there is nothing a professional football player hates more than having to sit on the bench and not play. Therefore Everton would offer him a better chance, as they are not at their strongest in the flanking positions.

He would also compliment the Merseyside club’s style of football, which likes to blend experienced players with raw talent and flair. There is no doubt that Ledley will one day get a Premier League move, but let’s hope the personal issues that surround Cardiff are quickly dealt with so both parties can move onto a better future.

Late penalty gives Burnley the edge

A dramatic late penalty gave Burnley the edge in their Championship play-off tie as they secured a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor. Graham Alexander stepped up to score from the spot for Burnley after Reading defender, Andre Bikey, had hauled down Steven Thompson.

The goal gives Burnley a slender lead going into the second leg in what was an otherwise lacklustre match. Reading played out of their skins and probably should have won the game at a canter. The Royals dominated large periods of possession but could never seem to find the cutting edge in the final third.

To make things even worse for Reading Bikey was then later sent to the showers early after he was sent off for a stamp on Robbie Blake. The frustration was all to clear to see on Reading faces as they battled so hard but could not quite get their noses in front. Combined with the inability last week to secure an automatic promotion spot, Steve Coppell’s men now have their work cut out if they are going to make the play-off final at Wembley.

This match was similar to the Preston North End v Sheffield United encounter in the respect that it was so obvious what was at stake for both sides. As these stakes are so high neither team wants to go out flying and virtually secure the match in the first leg and due to this we are treated to not as great football.

Reading’s new system of 4-3-3 didn’t seem to work. It narrowed the side, as the two players supporting the main striker did not drop off enough to make the team a lot wider. They will have to play more freely in the return leg at the Madejski stadium if they are to overturn this difference and run away with the tie.

The score line really did not reflect the match but now Burnley have a chance to regroup and reorganise to make sure they are a lot more compact. Reading played a good game but it is likely to be even better on their own ground, meaning that Burnley will have to be doubly disciplined to make sure they do not throw away their early advantage.

So far there has been a marked difference between the play-offs this year and the play-offs last year. Last year it seemed that the sides were a lot more willing to play expansive and attacking football in order to get a big advantage moving into a second game. The stakes are similar to last year, if not slightly bigger, so there is a slight understanding for more caution this time round.

However, both Championship play-offs are fascinatingly poised. It really is difficult to call at this stage but it would not be a surprise in the slightest if the finalists for this season are decided by the medium of extra time or penalties. Burnley will be happier of the pair so far but Reading are by no means out of it and showed how dangerous they can be at key times.

Reading begin their bid to get back into the top flight of English football

Reading will begin their bid to get back into the Premier League later this afternoon as they meet Burnley in the second of the Championship play-off matches. Burnley by no means must be counted out and will provide an interesting match to the determination that Reading are sure to display.

After missing out on automatic promotion last weekend at the hands of Birmingham City, Reading will be doubling their efforts to make sure that they do not miss out on promotion at the first attempt. Burnley arrive at the match on a fantastic run of form and will be looking to cause the bookmakers an upset.

Burnley will also have the home advantage for the first leg and will be looking to stamp their authority on the tie before the two teams travel back to the Madejski stadium in Reading. Rhys Williams, who has been in top form for 6th placed Burnley, will not feature as his loan deal from Middlesbrough has expired.

They will also have two players facing late fitness tests but otherwise they go into the match at virtually full strength. Former Burnley player, Glen Little, could well feature in the match and will look to cause a big upset to his former side.

Kevin Doyle is likely to replace Dave Kitson after the latter’s poor performance against Birmingham last weekend, but Steve Coppell has no other major injury concerns ahead of the game.

It is a tie that will have big financial benefits and will offer a place in the Premier League to play against England and Europe’s best. Whoever comes out on top over the 180 minutes will have to have played majestically and will be inspired on from their success.

For Reading they will not want another crack at life in the Championship. After the bitter heartbreak of relegation from the Premier League last season they will want nothing more than to set the record straight. Although Burnley shouldn’t feel the under dogs they may feel just this way and approach the game as though they have nothing to lose.

This is a dangerous attitude to adopt but one that could easily turn the first leg of the tie into a massive advantage. If they go out all guns blazing then they could get a one or two goal led, which ultimately could be enough considering Reading’s poor home form of late.

It is a game that guarantees magnificent and passionate football. The stakes are high and both sets of fans will be up for it. The players will either experience sheer ecstasy or the worst feeling a professional football player can probably feel.

A lot depends on the other tie between Sheffield United and Burnley but for now these two will want to take care of their own business and approach the second leg and a possible day out at Wembley in great form. They won’t like the fact that they have to go for it through the play-offs but if it all comes off then what a prize they have waiting at the end of the tunnel.

The race for the biggest prize in football is about to start

The race for the biggest and most lucrative prize in football will start tonight as Preston North End take on Sheffield United in the Championship play-offs. The eventual winners of the final will receive a place in the Premier League, which brings with it nearly £30 million to compliment the endless glitz and glamour.

Sheffield United will be slight favourites for the match, they finished in third place in the normal league table and just missed out on an automatic slot. Preston on the other hand will be buoyed by the fact they managed to sneak into the play-offs from a near impossible position just a couple of weeks ago, something that could well see them through.

Preston will have the home advantage in the first leg and will welcome back winger, Ross Wallace, after a one game suspension. Richard Chaplow and Michael Hart are the only absentees through injury. Sheffield United are missing two players through injury but are otherwise at full strength.

Neither team can afford to sit back and either of the semi-final legs and it will be a classic cup tie atmosphere with the likely winner being the club that just wants it more. A day out at Wembley is not the prize that will be though of, the chance of playing against the best teams in Europe will be.

Drama, passion and excitement are all guaranteed and after the League Two play-offs kicked off last night, the Championship games will move onto the centre stage.

United’s strength in squad depth could see them get an edge after this game. They have the good combination of talent and experience, but the unpredictable nature of manager, Kevin Blackwell, sometimes shoots the club in the foot and hopefully for them this will not be such an occasion.

Preston will do everything they can to get through the tie. The support they have received from the local community could have an impact on the match, in a similar fashion that has been happening at Stoke in the Premier League. Preston have also been at the head of some of the most dominant performances in the Championship this season and there is no doubt that if they are on song then it could be a long night for Blackwell’s men.

Obviously goal advantage is handy but in a match like this it is more necessary not to fall too far behind. The players raise themselves for a big second leg performance so a one or two goal advantage can easily be over turned as the history of the play-offs has shown.

From a neutral perspective many will want Preston to win over the 180 minutes to see yet another new side having a chance at Premier League glory but United have the added advantage of having been there before and no doubt the players that suffered their previous Premier League relegation will not want to let it happen again.

So the advice is sit back and watch the drama unfold, if you have your team to support then get right behind them. For the winners after the two games, their future looks very good.