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According to reports from The Metro earlier this week, Manchester United are considering a summer bid for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Belgium international has been in stunning form since Tim Sherwood took the Villa Park reins from Paul Lambert in February, going on to claim ten goals in ten appearances across all competitions – including a hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers and the opener in the Villains’ 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool.

But whether he’s quite at the standard of 13-time Premier League winners Manchester United remains open to debate. After all, the Red Devils have boasted some of the greatest strikers in world football down the years and their current strike-force – Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao – isn’t too shabby either.

So before the Old Trafford out fork out a whopping £30million for the beastly Belgian, Football Fancast feels compelled to consider some alternatives on their behalf. Would one of these FIVE be a better fit for United?

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HARRY KANE

After just one season of superlative form, snapping up Tottenham’s Harry Kane this summer would be a huge risk on Manchester United’s part, but nonetheless one that offers huge goalscoring rewards.

After all, the 21 year-old is the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League this term with 20 goals in 30 appearances – a total only surpassed in the top flight by Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero.

More than simply his goals, it’s the England international’s all-round game that truly stands out. He’s good on the ball, dangerous in the air, deadly in front of goal and infectious in his enthusiasm, earning him comparisons with Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller and England greats Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham.

Admittedly, it could be a summer too soon for the Tottenham talisman. He’d hardly be the first or the last one-season wonder in the Premier League, and he still has a lot to learn.

But United have made a point of maintaining their synonymy with the England national team throughout the years and Kane appears to have an incredibly bright Three Lions career ahead of him.

CARLOS BACCA

After two fantastic seasons at Sevilla, Carlos Bacca’s £21.3million release clause is almost certain to be triggered by one of Europe’s top clubs this summer.

Indeed, the Colombian international’s 21 goals last season fired the La Liga outfit to the 2014 Europa League title, but he’s already surpassed that impressive haul this year in seven less outings, bringing his total for Los Rojiblancos to 45 goals in 97 appearances.

Powerful, quick and unorthodox in style, the 28 year-old seems like a natural suitor the physical demands of Premier League – and he’d add some much-needed penetration to United’s often static front-line.

Admittedly, however, Bacca’s relatively untested compared to some of the other names on this list, having spent the majority of his career in South America and with Belgian side Club Brugge.

But based on his current form, £21.3million is an absolute bargain – and £9million cheaper than Benteke.

Paulo Dybala

Palermo prodigy Paulo Dybala is the striker everybody seems to want this summer – including Manchester United.

His return of 13 goals and 10 assists in 32 Serie A appearances has attracted interest from the Red Devils, Arsenal, Liverpool, PSG and Juventus to name a few, whilst earning him comparisons with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez.

High praise indeed, but the 21 year-old certainly shares the latter’s drive and potency on the counter-attack – which is exactly why the Premier League’s top clubs should be trying to snap him up this summer.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has made no secret of his desire to cash in on the young Argentine, continually hyping Dybala in the tabloids like some sort of boxing mogul.

His £29.5million release clause is more than affordable for United; the bigger challenge is beating their continental rivals to the striker’s signature.

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

Robert Lewandowski may have moved to the Allianz Arena only last summer, but he’s struggled to adapt to the style of Pep Guardiola’s highly technical Bayern Munich side – despite a return of 23 goals in 43 appearances this season.

Indeed, the Poland international is your classic No.9 of the Alan Shearer or Didier Drogba mould, but he’s utilised more as a poacher by the Bavarians boss – and, on occasion, even found himself fielded on the left wing.

There’s been some grumblings of discontent in the tabloids and if founded in truth, the Red Devils would be wide to offer Lewandowski an escape route to Old Trafford.

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There’s no questioning the 26 year-old’s talent; few strikers throughout the history of the sport have scored four goals in a single game against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu and he boasts a potent return of 126 goals in 228 appearances from his time in Germany.

Furthermore, having signed the 6 foot striker on a free transfer last summer, the Bavarians might be more willing to part with Lewandowksi than some would expect – for the right price, of course.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC

If PSG don’t intend to sell Edinson Cavani this summer as recent tabloid speculation suggests, then they’ll probably be forced to part with Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who, rather timely, is now verging upon the final year of his Parc de Princes contract.

Admittedy, at 33 years of age the enigmatic Swede doesn’t offer too much in the way of longevity – and you get the feeling he and Louis van Gaal would either hit it off or completely hate each other.

Yet, Ibahimovic is indisputably the greatest striker of his generation, the only genuine competitor to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the last five years and a natural winner – he’s not ended a campaign without a title since 2003. That’s right, twelve seasons on the bounce.

And 28 goals in 31 appearances this term suggests the former AC Milan and Barcelona star still has a bit left in the tank. Although he’s clearly fond of Paris, the Premier League is one of the few remaining challenges left his career.

Peter Schmeichel recently claimed Ibrahimovic was ‘born to play’ for United, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper is set to end his time on Tyneside in the summer after the North East club refused to offer him a new contract.

Harper has given 20 years of service to his boyhood club but has made just 155 league appearances for the Magpies as the 38 year old continues to play second fiddle at St James’ Park.

Shay Given dominated between the stick for the majority of Harper’s time at the club and now Dutch hotshot Tim Krul and impressive stopper Rob Elliot have the one and two spots between them.

Whether you feel Harper has shown great loyalty to the club or a distinct lack of ambition, it is extremely rare to see a player stick to a single club for 20 years and that is something to praise.

Harper is continuing to pick up his coaching badges but is yet to make a decision on his long term future after the summer.

“It has been a privilege to be a professional at such a fantastic football club,” Harper told the Evening Chronicle.

“If you had said to me as a raw kid from Seaham I’d be at the club for 20 years as a professional, I would have said you were mad.

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“People describe the club as an emotional roller-coaster and it certainly has been. I’ve had some fantastic times here. There have been some difficult times as well, but I have enjoyed it all.”

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Writing in his column for The Evening Times, former Rangers hero Lee McCulloch believes Graeme Murty should select Kenny Miller for this weekend’s massive Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic.

What’s the story?

Sunday’s fixture represents Rangers’ last chance to win silverware this season and an opportunity to show progress has been made against Celtic this season.

Having failed to beat the Hoops since Brendan Rodgers arrived at the club, it’s an enormous task for Graeme Murty and his men but Lee McCulloch reckons that selecting Miller will go a long way towards securing a result.

Writing for The Evening Times, the former Gers captain said:

On an occasion like this, you need to use your experience and there is nobody more experienced than Kenny Miller. I know it is only one game and one goal, but he came in and his confidence will be high. He would be in my side.

The way Celtic play, you are all but guaranteed that they will score. So Rangers need to score at least twice if they are going to win.

Having Miller and Morelos in there gives you a real threat. You need to turn up with a belief that you are going to win the game and you need to set out to win it.

Can Kenny Miller be the difference in what will be a high tempo, high pressure match?

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Derby hero

Miller has one of the greatest scoring records against Celtic of any Rangers player, scoring 10 goals in 18 matches including one in a Scottish Cup semi-final which the Light Blues went on to win on penalties.

Although he’s been a less important figure at the club this term, he has scored five goals and created five assists, demonstrating he still has what it takes to produce for the club.

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It’d be a big ask for him to start Sunday’s match but perhaps a role from the bench would be more suitable if the game is tight in the second half.

There aren’t many other players you’d fancy more to bag a goal on the big stage against the Hoops than the former Scotland international.

The Premier League might be about to receive a bit of a shake up.

While Mourinho has been his loud usual self and Manchester City have been taking the headlines, Arsenal have been quietly getting on with business each week. The Gunners had a fantastic game against their London rivals West Ham at the weekend and if they carry on playing like that then anything is possible.

Arsenal could be set to retain the FA Cup, steal second place in the Premier League and they are still in with a chance of progressing in the Champions League. Monaco may be in extremely good form at present – conceding just four goals in 17 outings – but Arsenal’s form is equally as impressive.

Their latest victory, the 3-0 thrashing of West Ham, was Arsenal’s fourteenth from their last 17 outings in all competitions. At the start of the season no one would have believed it was possible.

They failed to beat Everton, Leicester, Hull, Swansea and Stoke – so how have they become one of Chelsea’s closest rivals for the title?

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Manchester City failed to win again at the weekend, losing 1-0 to relegation contenders Burnley, and with their chances of securing the title for the second year in a row looking less likely, Arsenal appear to be showing some intent on upsetting what initially looked like a forgone conclusion.

The Gunners have won four in a row since their defeat in the first leg of the Champions League against Monaco and they have had over 20 different goal scorers in all competitions this season. At the beginning of the season there was a clear divide in the Arsenal fan base between those who wanted Wenger to stay and those who wanted him to go, but he could be about to pull off their best season in a number of years.

The camp is still divided, though, as many believe it is time to start the post-Wenger era of Arsenal’s existence, but the Gunners’ manager is confident that they can overcome a first-leg 3-1 defeat to beat Monaco tonight and is proving he might still be the perfect man to guide Arsenal forwards.

Realistically, Arsenal look set to be the only English team who could qualify for the next round of the Champions League. Manchester City lost their first-leg against Barcelona and, with their current form, it seems unlikely that they can come from behind at the Bernabeu.

If Arsenal manage to beat Monaco and City are knocked out, it could be the final push Arsenal need to force a way in to the top two of the Premier League.

They are only seven points behind leaders Chelsea and, with them already of the Champions League, the Blues; against PSG seemed to be playing on their minds during their 1-1 home draw with Southampton on Sunday.

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Wenger’s critics seemed to have quietened down over recent weeks and their win over Manchester United in the FA Cup an  fantastic performance against West Ham means things may just be improving for the veteran manager.

If their form continues until now and the end of the campaign hen it may just be one of Arsenal’s best seasons in quite a few years.

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Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes that Cristiano Ronaldo return to Old Trafford would be great for British football and not just the Red Devils, according to talkSPORT.

The Real Madrid winger has been linked with a return to Manchester in the summer as the harmony around the Madrid squad was at an all-time low earlier this season after falling so far behind Barcelona in the league table.

Atletico Madrid are also heading their neighbours in La Liga and Jose Mourinho’s future at the club may be defined by how far the Galacticos go in the Champions League.

Ronaldo scored in both legs against his former club as Madrid progressed at United’s expense in controversial circumstances.

It is possible that both Ronaldo and Mourinho will leave Madrid in the summer and both of the Portuguese stars could be on their way to Manchester.

Neville believes that Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford would not just benefit United, but the whole of British football.

“The rumours are growing around Manchester from the fans because he left in [exceptional] circumstances.

“Not many players would leave United and say they wanted to leave United and still get such a great reception, but they always recognised it was his dream to play at Real Madrid.

“There is no secret to the fact that he misses the security, the stability and the friendships that he had in Manchester and the reception he got the other night was special for him.

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“Forget Manchester United, I think, from a British football point of view, having Ronaldo back in the Premier League would be a great result for everybody because to watch him week in, week out, would be a pleasure.”

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Paul Heckingbottom says he is still deciding who to keep or sell this summer, and fans have been recommending plenty of names to put in the sell category.

When Paul Heckingbottom replaced Thomas Christiansen in February, fans expected a bit of a bounce from the new manager at the very least.

That didn’t happen though, and Leeds have gone from playoff hopefuls to mid-table obscurity in the space of a few months.

Since Heckingbottom took over, his side have won just twice, but while plenty are calling for the 40 year-old to leave this summer, many fans are hopeful he can make a positive impact with a full transfer window under his belt.

The ex-Barnsley man insisted at his pre-Sunderland press conference on Thursday that they are purely focused on the impending games, but also admitted he is considering his options for next season.

Several players have taken a lot of stick from supporters in the second half of the season, and deservedly so.

Fans have been reacting to Heckingbottom’s comments on Twitter, and it seems they are expecting a massive squad overhaul this summer.

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Some of the best reactions can be found below…

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From the dizzying run towards a first ever Premier League title last season, which evaporated with Luis Suarez’s tears at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park, to a midtable scrap, 2014 was a rollercoaster for Liverpool. The Reds saw their Uruguayan exit, have been without Daniel Sturridge for some time and have endured the Mario Balotelli sideshow rumbling away, which all contributed to the slide.But, 2015 has been, so far, much better for Brendan Rodgers and his side, who are now mounting a – albeit late – charge for Champions League qualification. However, could next season see another push for the biggest prize? We think so, and here are FIVE reasons why…

Future is bright

The rise of Jordon Ibe over the course of the past few days has opened the door for much praise to be sent in the direction of Anfield. The 19-year-old – who is exactly 365 days youngster than Raheem Sterling – was re-called from an impressive loan spell at Derby in January and was thrown into the starting XI by Rodgers for the first time this term away at Goodison Park… some test. However, despite playing at wing-back – Ibe is winger by trade – the teenager shone, and was a genuine outlet for the Reds down the flank. He once again starred against Spurs, with his driving forward runs and decision making in the final third making it hard to believe that he’s so young.

And Ibe is not the only youngster shining on the red half of Merseyside, with Lazar Markovic and Sterling 20 and Emre Can 21, just! As well as these first-teamers, Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno and Philippe Coutinho are by no means ‘old timers’.

Improving record

The first half of the season was one to forget for the Reds. The adjustment period from the exit of Luis Suarez was always going to be tough, and Daniel Sturridge’s injury only served to make the transition even more rocky. Losses to both Aston Villa and Manchester United were limp, yet home draws with Hull and Sunderland were particularly worrying given the lack of attacking guile on show.

But, the turning point came after Christmas as Rodgers switched to a 3-4-2-1 with Sterling up front, and the results have been staggering. The Reds are currently top of the 2015 form table with 20 points since xmas day, some turnaround. With the problems now looking a distant memory, maybe… just maybe next season can be a non-stuttering one.

Gerrard replacement has been found…

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Gerrard’s looming exit has given the end of the season a ‘farewell tour’ feel with ‘Gerro’s’ last clashes against some of the Premier League’s elite teams enough for lazy headline writers to relax for the coming months. Even though his powers are waning – his pace and power have faded – he 34-year-old’s move to LA Galaxy will leave a massive hole in the Anfield midfield.

But the man to plug the gap could be Can, who, despite playing in a back three recently, looks set to move up the pitch when needed. A cameo in the middle third against Spurs showed just what the 21-year-old German offers, with composed passing, energy, explosive power and driving runs all hallmarks of his game. The future is bright!

Mignolet is back

Bombed out of the XI for Brad Jones (who would barely make the team for many Championship clubs) ahead of the Man United loss, Mignolet’s future looked bleak. Goalkeeper links dominated gossip columns through January, but a welcome back into the side at Burnley – Jones got injured – has coincided with an upturn in performance from the ex-Sunderland man.

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Mignolet appears to have grown in confidence with a solid back three in front of him, with the erratic Dejan Lovren’s exodus, potentially, playing a part. ‘Migs’ has always been a good shot-stopper, but he now appears more commanding in his area, while his distribution is now a little more assertive.

Potential summer signings

A £110m spend is unlikely to be repeated, but even if a top four finish is not secured, it’s likely that Rodgers will have some cash to splash. Divock Origi is already booked up to head in from Lille when his loan spell ends, while the lure of Anfield will always pull top players to Merseyside, even if Liverpool have struggled to get marquee men in for some time.

While clubs scour the globe to find the next goal scoring gem to fire them up the table, their answer could be closer to home than they are looking.

Darren Bent is a man who has been frozen out completely in the Paul Lambert regime at Aston Villa, despite no public confirmation of the two falling out. However common sense would suggest that something is wrong when a manager isn’t playing a striker who has scored more Premier League goals than anyone else over the last four seasons, bar Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

While appreciating the fact Christian Benteke has done well up front for Villa this season, he is still a raw talent and I can’t personally see why Lambert would shun a proven goal scorer such as Bent while his side face a relegation battle.

I understand the 28-year-old is one that will divide opinion for his lack of contribution in games apart from the goals themselves, but regular scorers like him are gold dust as at the end of the day, goals win games.

He is the kind of player who enjoys the responsibility as well, and one who won’t shy away from putting himself in the right positions even when the chips are down.

Going back to his record over the last four seasons, while Rooney has an impressive 72 to his name, followed by Van Persie on 68, it is Bent who comes in third with 62 in 117 games worth of Premier League football, impressive by any standards.

By pointing out those stats, I am not for one second suggesting that he is a striker that clubs with title aspirations should be looking to bring in, but if you’re asking me if I think he would have scored more goals than the likes of Giroud and Podolski have for Arsenal? I would be inclined to say yes, although I am aware that more was expected from the pair and that Arsenal’s ambitions are beyond players such as Bent.

I am making a point that you don’t always have to bring in players from abroad. Although it is understandable that a lot of the time managers do this to avoid the inflated transfer fees often given to Premier League players. I am targeting this piece at clubs who could afford to sign Bent.

When you look at the likes of Steven Fletcher, who moved from relegated Wolves to Sunderland, and Demba Ba who earned himself a switch to the European Champions from Newcastle, it shows the success that can be gained from looking closer to home when it comes to transfer dealings.

For a club fighting for survival, it is even more of a risk signing a player from another country in January and pinning the hopes of survival on them, without any time for him to bed into his new surroundings. It is also a lot easier to settle into a club that is doing well, as Papiss Cisse’s January move to St James’ Park showed last season.

Alan Pardew’s Newcastle have to consider themselves in a relegation battle now. After losing Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse looking a shadow of his former self, and Shola Ameobi never being the most prolific, the Magpies boss is on the search for a new source of goals as it is very difficult to stay up with a lack of fire power in the team.

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I wouldn’t put it past QPR boss Harry Redknapp coming in with an audacious bid for Bent either, after already snatching Loic Remy from under the noses of Newcastle in a bid for survival. While he had his own altercations with Bent during his time in charge of Tottenham, famously commenting on a chance the striker had missed during a game as one his “missus could have scored”, he will be aware of his qualities.

The England international has just returned from an injury lay off and of course Lambert may rule out any move for him this winter, with his side in a very delicate position in their fight to stay in the Premier League. However if he was to become available, even if it was in the summer, then I believe clubs should take a look at him.

At 28-years-old, he still has plenty to offer and if Villa do let him go, then I feel it could be a suicidal move and the difference between them staying up and going down.

England’s two friendlies were supposed to give Gareth Southgate a clearer picture of who should and shouldn’t be part of his World Cup plans.

But if anything, the 1-0 win over the Netherlands and the 1-1 draw with Italy only highlighted the impressive array of options the Three Lions boast in a somewhat unorthodox 3-5-2 formation.

Southgate’s setup put offensive-minded players in favourable positions, allowing them to roam and break forward from practically any area of the pitch.

Key to that though, is the balance provided by the holding player at the base of midfield – something Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier both did to good effect against Oranje and Azzurri respectively.

Indeed, the 37-cap Liverpool captain provided a real platform in midfield as England beat the Netherlands on Friday night, especially in terms of possession. In addition to winning the ball back with three assists, he completed 95% of his passes, including 16 long balls, and registered the most passes of any England player – an impressive 91.

But the Tottenham utility man, who Transfermarkt value at £36million, was given his audition against Italy and produced an equally solid display.

Although he was less influential in terms of winning the ball, registering just one tackle and one interception, he added aerial protection in front of the defence and was metronomic on the ball as well – completing 92% of his passes and recording the most touches of any England player.

With both holding options showing the solidity and vital balance they can offer this incredibly mobile and fluid in England team, Southgate is left with a key decision to make for the World Cup – especially if he sticks with a 3-5-2 system that allows for only one defensive midfielder.

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So, England fans, who do you think is the better option? Let us know by voting below…

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“Could Guidetti’s place be under threat? Yeah. We have big competition in the team,

“John hadn’t played football for two years before he came here. He started well and now he has had a dip.

“He must be physically stronger. Scoring once from 14 chances is way too little and it is the second match we have done it.”

Ronny Delia’s words were pretty damning for John Guidetti, who once again misfired against Dundee as Celtic slipped to a 2-1 loss. The Manchester City loanee has been a success in Glasgow since his summer arrival, but a recent slump has led to calls for the Swede to be axed from the starting XI, which now appears to be a genuine option for the Bhoys’ boss.

Although there are no suggestions that he may be shipped back to Manchester City next month, things can escalate quickly in top level football, so we think it’s important that Celtic stick by their Scandinavian marksman… and here are FIVE reasons why…

He’s been in top form

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Ten goals in 15 outings is some going. Even with his recent mini drought, Guidetti has an average of two in three for the Glasgow giants, illustrating just how well he has adapted to Scottish football.

For all the criticism aimed at football north of the border, putting the ball in the back of the net is still putting the ball in the back of the net, which the player himself has done well.

Man City are ready to sell

While Guidetti’s contract expires at the end of the season, there are suggestions that Man City are keen to sell next month in a bid to get some cash in for their striker. While paying up when he’s available for free soon is by no means ideal, a £3m hit may be enough to ensure that the Swede stays in Glasgow, with other clubs across Europe sniffing around ahead of Bosman swoops.

Proven scorer when fit

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Guidetti’s career has, so far, been one interrupted by injury. Although just 22, the forward has spent large chunks of time on the treatment table, but during spells of full fitness he’s been deadly.

His spell in Holland with Feyenoord is perhaps the best example of how lethal Guidetti can be, with a return of 20 goals in 23 games having led to suggestions, at the time, he had a big future with Man City. Fitness problems curtailed this, but now he’s back to near peak condition, he’s banging in the goals for Celtic. Coincidence? Probably not.

Long-term option

At 22, Guidetti has plenty of time in front of him. The powerful ace has all of the skills to be a top marksman, and could be a long-term option for Celtic. If he maintains his form it may be tricky to convince the youngster to commit the bulk of his career to Scottish action, but two or three years is not beyond the realms of possibility.

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The new Henrik Larsson?

It may be a little lazy to draw the Larsson comparisons between two Swedes, but Guidetti does have the potential to be a Celtic talisman, as his compatriot once was. The current Bhoys ace differs from the man who went on to represent Man United and Barcelona in a lot of ways, but the two players’ output can be measured in goals.