SportsRooter.com

Rumors have spread about Fernando Torres and his troubled loan for AC Milan. Various sources have stated that due to his disappointing performances, the Italian club wishes to terminate his loan early.

Fernando Torres for Liverpool [Image from flickr by Saw]

Fernando Torres was expected to stay with AC Milan for two seasons on loan, which then would turn into a permanent contract. After consecutive poor performances in Chelsea, and turning into somewhat of a laughing stock, the striker made a move to Serie A to impress and shine once again.

Unfortunately it has not worked out for Torres in Italy either as he has only scored one goal in his last ten appearances. The once considered world-class player has now turned into a disappointment. According to the Daily Express, Torres’ contract is set to be terminated in January, which would send him back to Stamford Bridge to try his luck with Chelsea once again.

Football fans worldwide recognize that Fernando Torres was once one of the best strikers in the game at his time with Liverpool. He was sold, however, for 50 million pounds to rival club, Chelsea. Liverpool supporters never got over the fact that the once Kop idol could betray them in such a matter. Most admit that they are still not over the loss of Fernando Torres. Nonetheless, the following question is still present; would supporters want Torres back at Liverpool in given the chance to in January? The surprising answer is yes. Supporters have confessed that even after everything that has happened, the Spanish striker would still be welcomed with open arms by most. It would be a difficult choice, especially for Manager Brendan Rodgers.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard fans in Bangkok [Image from flickr by Tim Gerland]

Liverpool’s current strikers have had recent issues scoring goals; therefore an addition of a new striker is something Rodgers must look into. There’s no doubt the upcoming January transfer window will be an interesting one!

Chelsea FC [Image Credits: Emoty xD]

Chelsea still undefeated in Europe have been flirting with greatness. Jose Mourinho however noted they still not ripe yet. I have seen the Blues have a weakness and that is their failure to assert themselves on away games. The "Special One" needs to come up with a formula. Opposition coaches will start to pick up the trend and frustrate the Champions in waiting. They have failed to win at Maribor, Manchester United, and Manchester City, and recently at Sunderland. Jose Mourinho will probably retire with the greatest home record in his coaching career. The Blues struggle to kill these games off. They fix this and the London based side could be really frightening. The Sunderland result could be a Champions league hangover. Chelsea still remain six points clear at the top and with the busy December here, first up they face a rejigged Spurs this week. Wins on away games would leave the title race, being a one horse race and Chelsea invincible...
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2

What we have learned in the season so far....

UEFA Champions League Trophy [Image from Flickr by: Daniel]

Just over four months since the inception of the European leagues we have managed to understand a few things:

Messi's brief moment in the lights was after the Argentine captain saw his hat trick against Sevilla take him to the top of the all-time top goal scorer as he overtook Telmo Zarra. The feat was one of few highlights as the headlines have belonged to Leo Messi's rival and current La liga top goal-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo. Out of curiosity, I went to look up how far off he is from Messi. Call it what you will but Ronaldo is a better la liga star as the Madrid man is 56 goals behind his adversary despite having played 113 less games. A superior strike rate of 1.12 compared to 0.9. Call it what you will but Ronaldo is a more lethal finisher in Spain than the league's own goal scoring king! Hail the Argentine who has set broken the Spanish leagues' record and sets his sight on the European record held by a Spanish legend! Be warned the Portuguese has peaked, as the the Messi GPS has been wandering.

Jose Mourinho [Image from Flickr by: Ronnie Macdonald]

Chelsea have been special, Jose Mourinho has rubbed off on his team as they continue their unbeaten start to not just the Premier league season but to their entire season. "Bus?" The blues are combining all forms of transport as you know them. Parking a bus when there is need to but also having the stylish Ferrari when needed. Cesc Fabregas has been the key to the stylish, panache, mercurial football that the side has shown. The Spaniard has been the key while combining with compatriot Diego Costa and Belgian Costa. The real star of Jose's army is none of the above stated stars, not even Oscar who has been a shining light but the giant of a man in the defensive midfield role who has quietly gone about his business anchoring and watching what tries to derail their crusade. It is inevitable the Blues will lose, but the question is; what will this group of players achieve?

The Bundesliga is a lovely league and has recently been dominated by two forces, Bayern Munich and Dortmund. The men in blue and yellow have struggled lately as they find themselves in the unknown, sitting two places above the relegation zone. This leaves only one real competitor for the title in Bayern Munich who continue to blossom. It seems the title is wrapped up there. Only one man can halt that challenge, some call him Lord Bendtner others Nicklas Bendtner. The Dane's international pedigree is impressive but can Wolfsburg finally get the best of the striker? Kevin has been the star of the show, and fans would hope  that he would finally come of age, consistently producing the goals. I call it the Bendtner effect. Without playing well at all, we have seen him scoop the Serie A title, FA Cup and who know maybe the myth is true... A Bundesliga league title!

Arsene Wenger's legacy of an unbeaten season will long live in the memory of not just Gunners' fans but that of football fans, a feat rarely ever seen. The manager however has not lived up to those expectations in a football sense. Arsenal have moved to a new stadium, nurtured some talented youngsters but have failed on the pitch. Settling for fourth every season, even a nine years barren trophy run which ended last year. The French man may have overstayed his tenure as that magical touch he once possessed has left. Its time Mr. Wenger found another challenge before arsenal slip into a new low. Losing to the weakest Manchester United in this era and then glowing about dominance in defeat show a massive drop in standards. Would a Jose Mourinho or a Pep Guardiola revel in such circumstances? The Spaniard was clearly not happy after a 4-0 Hoffenheim win. Wenger's time is up.

Southampton FC [Image from Flickr by: Ronnie Macdonald]

Credit to Southampton who have been fantastic. They face a tricky four, five weeks as they face Manchester United, City and Arsenal among the elite sides. This will test their mantle. The acid test, will they manage to come through it? David Moyes is n the road to redemption as he opened his la liga account with a 0-0 draw away at Deportivo la Coruna. This is a pivotal job for the former United manager as it will either redeem him or further alienate his coaching prowess from the world, who have seen him fail at Old Trafford. Luis Suarez has now settled in at Barca but the Premier League is glowing with the quality of two South American born forwards Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa. Who will grab the golden boot? Could Alexis Sanchez sneak in and claim it? A lot is left to be desired in what will be another great football season!

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2

According to Europe's press, Marco Reus could join Chelsea next season.

Other big clubs such as Real Madrid, Man City, Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal are also said to be interested in capturing the services of the Germany forward.

Marco Reus [Image by: Michael Kranewitter]

The West London club are among the favorites to sign Borussia Dortmund star

It is understood that this would be his last season at the current Bundesliga club.

It is believed that the 25-year-old will leave BVB and the club could chose to swap him with Andre Schurrle to secure the deal.

This news has got all the Chelsea fans too excited.

It is believed by many that if the Blues sign the classy German, they will dominate at home and abroad.

Reus signed with his former club Borussia Dortmund in January 2012, for a transfer fee of €17.1 million on a five-year deal. He scored 32 goals in 67 appearances for BVB.

Mario Balotelli's 16 million pound move to Liverpool is all but done, with the announcement expected in the coming days. Many are suggesting Super Mario is the perfect, albeit considerably cheaper, replacement for Luis Suarez. I think it's fair to say that even if Mario hits the ground running for the red half of merseyside he won't immediately enjoy the same glittering and near title winning campaign that his Uruguayan predecessor managed last term. However Balotelli is indeed a fantastic signing.


Whereas Diego Costa for Chelsea and Luis Suarez for Barcelona are "safe" signings in that both are proven goal scorers with Atletico and Liverpool respectively, the acquisition of Balotelli is somewhat risky. The controversial Italian is yet to have a season whereby he fires consistently an example of this is Didier Drogba's 29 goals in 2010 which helped Chelsea win a third premier league title. This may be being harsh to Mario as it's never really worked out for him at any club thus far. At Inter, he never really got Mourinho's trust and often played third choice behind Diego Milito and ex Chelsea man Samuel Eto'o. This was bound to have frustrated Balotelli and he soon got his move to a team of newly found wealth, Manchester City. Upon arrival at the Etihad, much was expected of Balo. Two years of controversy and spats with Roberto Mancini, his only real achievement was passing to Sergio Aguero consequently winning the Premier League for City. Like at Inter, Balotelli was again third and sometimes fourth choice, this time behind Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez. The infamous training ground bust up between Mancini and Mario spelled the end of the rebellious striker's time in Manchester and he got his "dream move" to Milan in January 2013. Finally Mario Balotelli got what he wanted, he was the main man, he was first choice. Unfortunately he was first choice at an average, mid table AC Milan side. He scored a lot of penalties at his time at the San Siro and also an absolute screamer against bologna but still wasn't what you would call clinical mainly due to his team mates not providing the chances.

In many ways Balotelli's move to Liverpool is a match made in heaven, he will be the main man at a major team in Europe for the first time and it is well deserved. The only issue one might see is that Liverpool's high energy, high pressing style doesn't really suit Mario's lazy and instinctive approach to football and he will have to adapt. He is more than capable of doing so, and Brendan Rogers is as good as anyone at getting the best out of his players. One way or another, expect fireworks at Anfield this season.

Article contributed by: George Gray

Twitter: @george_gray1

According to some reports in Italy,  FC Shakhtar Donetsk forward and Arsenal and Manchester United target Douglas Costa is the now at the top on AC Milan's transfer wishlist.

Douglas Costa in action against Manchester United

Due to the current political crisis in Ukraine, the Brazil international is also keen to leave his current club.

According to Tuttosport, AC Milan is leading the race for the 23-year-old. Earlier, The Emirates and Old Trafford had been reported as possible destinations for Costa.

The Ukrainian club want over £30m for their star play-maker Costa who was bought for £4m in January 2010.

Milan are also looking forward to sign other players, including Torino winger Alessio Cerci and Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi. However, Adriano Galliani, Milan's CEO, is to open talks with Shakthar, as Costa is their top target.

Marco Reus could sign for FC Barcelona ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal

According to El Mundo Deportivo,  a Spanish nationwide daily sports newspaper, Marco Reus could sign for FC Barcelona ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal.

The newspaper reports that the Spanish giants have a unique advantage that these two English clubs lack. According to the reports, Albert Valentin, a friend of Barcelona’s sporting director, spoke with Reus’ agent in Germany to finalize a deal for goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The club's good relation with the player's representative makes it easy for FC Barcelona to convince Reus. The only problem reported is the German midfielder's commitment towards his present club Borussia Dortmund.

BVB manager Jurgen Klopp has never expressed any desire to sell Reus and wants to keep the player for as long as the player himself wants to play for the club. Reus' contract does not expire until the summer of 2017, which means BVB are not under any pressure to do a deal.

The 25-year-old scored 16 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances last season and provided 22 assists in all competitions, when Dortmund finished in second place behind Bayern Munich.

Fernando Torres being replaced by Romelu Lukaku during a game.

According to British newspaper 'Express', Manchester United have been given a huge boost as the Bundesliga player remains coy over new contract.

Reus has been an exceptional performer for Dortmund this term. He has scored 23 goals and has helped the team by setting up another 22 in all competitions.

His magnificent form has led him to being linked with a move to Manchester United, where he would join his former team-mate Shinji Kagawa.

The German international  is reported to have been offered a new deal to stay at Dortmund. Reus has a £28 million buyout clause in his contract, which sounds very appealing to a many teams for a player of his calibre.

Reus has reportedly refused to comment if he has been offered a new contract but claims that he is happy at the club.

The 24-years-old winger has scored 42 goals in 87 appearances for Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester United to make a shock bid for Barcelona midfielder Song

Manchester United to make a shock bid for Barcelona midfielder Song

Manchester United are prepared to spend €15 million to bring in Alex Song from FC Barcelona, but will have to face competition from Liverpool, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.

The former Arsenal player has appeared in 28 of Barcelona's 53 matches in all competitions this season but has struggled to build a reputation for a regular first-team spot. The 26-year-old is prepared to consider offers from other clubs even though he has three years remaining on his contract.

Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan has committed his future to Borussia Dortmund by signing a new contract

Ilkay Gundogan has committed his future to Borussia Dortmund by signing a new contract

The German midfielder had attracted interest from many top European clubs, and Manchester United too were reportedly chasing the 23-year-old in January.

Gundogan has ended all speculations about his future by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2016.

According to 'AS' and 'Sport', Tata Martino will leave Barcelona at the end of the season. The Spanish giants want Jürgen Klopp to take over.



It is said that even a victory on Wednesday in the final of the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid would not be enough to change the future of the relationship between Gerardo Martino and Barcelona

Tata Martino will be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season and the Spanish giants want Jürgen Klopp to take over

Given the high possibility that Tata is going to leave at end of the season , the club has already started to short-list suitable candidates for the position. The first to come up in the list was that of the Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp, who already has decided to leave the team despite of the fact that he renewed his contract till 2017 just a year ago.

Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has apparently ruled out a move to Liverpool after revealing that he intends to stay in France and is interested in a summer switch to Marseille.

Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa wants to snub Liverpool and join Marseille

Liverpool are said to be interested in signing him as back-up goalkeeper for first-choice Simon Mignolet.

Serie A side AC Milan are also keeping tabs on the player they need to find a long-term replacement for Christian Abbiati.

According to Daily Mail, West Ham manager is set to travel to  Germany to scout FC Nürnberg's Josip Drmić.

Sam Allardyce to travel to Germany to scout FC Nürnberg's Josip Drmić

The 21-years-old has scored 16 goals in 27 appearances this season and looks to have a promising future.

The Swiss striker is also been watched by Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton, It is reported that Borussia Dortmund even made enquiries about the striker last week.

Several players are expected to leave Upton Park in summer and the Hammers' manager is looking to add some fresh leg to the squad.

It is also understood that Drmic's market value is around £8million but has a buy-out clause of around £4.5million only.

West Ham would have to fight with the other big clubs to sign the promising striker.

Drmic still has three years left on his present contract,