10 of the greatest loan signings

Loan signings are rife in football these days, with Pepe Reina the latest high profile player set to move in that fashion, joining Napoli from Liverpool.

Here are ten of the best loan signings in recent memory:

HENRIK LARSSON – Helsingborg IF to Manchester United (2007)

The Sweden and Celtic legend was 35 when he made the shock move to Old Trafford back in 2007. With Sir Alex Ferguson short on strikers, he called upon Henrik Larsson, who scored three goals in his 13 appearances, including one on his debut in the FA Cup against Aston Villa.

Although that may not sound like a particularly impressive goal return, it was his overall professionalism and team ethic that had an effect on the side. United went on to win their first Premier League title in four years, and Larsson played his part.

JURGEN KLINSMANN – Sampdoria to Tottenham (1997/98)

The German striker was already a hero at White Hart Lane after a memorable spell during the 1994/95 season, and his return on loan two years later was greeted with great joy by the Tottenham faithful. He didn’t disappoint.

In a season in which Spurs were battling relegation, Jurgen Klinsmann scored nine goals in his 15 league appearances, including four against Wimbledon in a crucial 6-2 victory. The North London side survived and Klinsmann was rightfully lauded for his impact on the side.

JERMAIN DEFOE – West Ham to Bournemouth (2000/01)

West Ham United manager at the time, Harry Redknapp, sent 18-year-old Jermain Defoe to Bournemouth to gain some regular first-team football at the start of the century. He scored an impressive 18 goals in 27 games, including a record-equalling ten goals in successive games.

These exploits propelled the youngster into the public eye, and many thought he could be the next Michael Owen. While he hasn’t quite reached those heights, Defoe, now 30, has enjoyed a terrific career with West Ham, Portsmouth, current club Spurs and England.

IVAN CAMPO – Real Madrid to Bolton Wanderers (2002/03)

The Spaniard was a regular for a while at Real Madrid, so when Bolton manager Sam Allardyce acquired his services back in 2002 it was a real coup for the Premier League strugglers.

The defender was a key man in helping The Trotters survive on the final day of the season. He enjoyed the loan spell so much that he signed on a permanent basis in the summer of 2003, staying until 2008.

CHRISTOPHE DUGARRY – Bordeaux to Birmingham (2003)

The World Cup-winning Frenchman is thought of as a true Birmingham legend after his spell at the club a decade or so ago. Much like Eric Cantona, Christophe Dugarry had an arrogance and aura about him which he backed up on the pitch.

He scored five goals in as many games and inspired those around him as Birmingham finished in a very respectable 13th place after promotion the previous season. Dugarry signed permanently in 2003/04, and although his form dipped he will always be held in high regard at St Andrews.

ROBBIE KEANE – Tottenham to Celtic (2010)

The Republic of Ireland’s all-time top goalscorer had a superb spell at the Scottish giants at the start of the decade, having fallen out of favour at White Hart Lane. Robbie Keane scored 16 goals in just 19 games for the club and, despite the fact he only played between January and May, he was awarded the club’s Player of the Year award.

ROMELU LUKAKU – Chelsea to West Brom (2012/13)

The ‘new Didier Drogba’ was loaned out to West Brom Albion last season and was terrific for The Baggies. He scored 17 goals in 38 appearances, in all competitions, and was a major reason for West Brom’s excellent Premier League campaign.

Romelu Lukaku is still just 20 years of age, and the Belgium international is now back at Chelsea looking to establish himself as the number one striker at the club under Jose Mourinho.

THIBAUT COURTOIS – Chelsea to Atletico Madrid (2011-present)

The 21-year-old, who is one of the most highly rated goalkeepers in world football, has been a revelation at Atletico Madrid over the last two seasons. With Petr Cech standing in his way at Stamford Bridge the Belgian made the loan switch to Vicente Calderon in 2011 and will remain there until next summer at least.

Thibaut Courtois’ shot stopping ability, positional sense and general presence mark him out as a special ‘keeper, and expect to see him replace Cech as Chelsea’s number one in the near future.

EDGAR DAVIDS – Juventus to Barcelona – (2004)

The Dutchman was an absolute revelation in his short time at the Camp Nou in 2004. The tenacious midfielder joined when the Blaugrana were languishing in mid-table, but his superb displays propelled his side to a second place finish behind Valencia.

Edgar Davids was seen as a catalyst for Barcelona’s dominance from that point on and, despite the short length of his stay with the Catalan giants, he is still thought of hugely at the club.

FERNANDO MORIENTES – Real Madrid to AS Monaco (2003/04)

Fernando Morientes was deemed surplus to requirements at Real Madrid at the start of the 2003/04 campaign, but little did they know how that decision would come back to haunt them. He scored 28 goals in 42 appearances for the French side, and was the Champions League’s top scorer with nine that season.

AS Monaco reached the final of the competition, where they lost 3-0 to Porto, but Morientes scored in both legs against Madrid in the quarterfinals. It was a great personal moment for the Spaniard, who returned to Los Blancos the following season. He left Madrid for good in January 2005, joining Liverpool.

Who do you think the greatest loan signing has been?

Ferdinand and Terry – Still England’s best centre-backs

On a weekend that saw Manchester United answer their critics in fine style with a 4-1 win away to Swansea, and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea open their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Hull City, two defensive veterans of England stood out among their peers.

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, 34 and 32 years old respectively, forged one of most reliable and respected English centre-back pairings during the mid to the end of 00s. Both have won every major trophy available in club football, captained their country and earned praise from great players across the globe.

With both now retired from international duty – Ferdinand voluntarily and Terry more controversially – it is easy write them off as ‘past it’. If their opening day displays are anything to go by then it could certainly be argued that they are still the two best defenders England have to offer.

The United man is one of those defenders you often don’t notice during games. Because his game does not involve thunderous tackles, bravery and brute strength like his partner Nemanja Vidic, it’s easy to think he’s not doing as much defensive work as the Serb. The truth of the matter is that his positional sense and intelligence as a defender mean he is rarely asked to lunge in or make a desperate clearing header away from danger.

When he plays there is an assured nature to United’s defending, and his influence in David Moyes’ side is still great. Against Swansea he was virtually faultless.

Terry, meanwhile, is very much in the Vidic mould. He may be one of the most loathed England footballers in history, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been a fantastic player during his illustrious career. Although injuries have crept up on him and his pace is not what it was, he still carries an aura about him.

Chelsea look a different team when he is on pitch, with his combination of great leadership and blood and guts style make the West London side a tough one to break down. He clearly didn’t get on with Rafa Benitez and his fitness has been a problem over the last year or two, but he looked back to his best against Steve Bruce’s side. Admittedly tougher games will come his way this season, but he looks raring to go.

So who could it be argued argue is better than Ferdinand and Terry in terms of English defenders at present?

The likes of Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott and Michael Dawson are all very reliable players for their respective clubs and will do a job for England, but there is not the same trust in them when it comes to facing one of Europe’s deadliest strikers. All three are in their 30s now too, so they don’t even have youth on their side ahead of Ferdinand and Terry.

Gary Cahill, Terry’s partner at the back during the win over Hull, is another talented defender but again he lacks a certain authority. There is no doubt that he will learn greatly from playing alongside the Chelsea skipper, but he lacks his consistency.

Phil Jones and Chris Smalling certainly represent the future for England, with both United men are superb prospects. Smalling is very much like Ferdinand in style, while Jones is more like Terry. Both will eventually become regulars at Old Trafford and for the Three Lions, but if they were so good now they would surely already have replaced Ferdinand in the United side, wouldn’t they?

Obviously this is all hypothetical because neither player will ever return to the international fold, but it is certainly a damning statement that Roy Hodgson would still almost certainly call upon them to save England’s shaky rearguard if they became available again.

You only have to look at the way they defended against an incredibly average Scotland side to see that Hodgson has issues at the back. If England do manage to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil, this is going to be a huge issue if it isn’t resolved between now and then.

They may not be universally popular players for various reasons, and they may also dislike one another after the incident between Terry and Ferdinand’s brother Anton, but there can be no doubting that Rio Ferdinand and John Terry have been, and still are, magnificent servants to English football.

Age is just a figure and should often be ignored, and the two veterans are still better than their counterparts after well over a decade at the top of English football.

Manchester United’s joint £28m bid for Everton duo rejected

Manchester United strolled past Swansea City 4-1 on Saturday, but new manager David Moyes must know that few surgeries are still required before the transfer window closes. The club has yet to sign any major names, while Moyes has been unsuccessful in landing his prime target Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.

The Red Devils were linked with Everton duo Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini in the summer earlier and Moyes has returned again to his former club, with a joint £28 million offer, only to be let known that neither of the two players are for sale.

United values Fellaini at £16 million while the left-back Baines for £12 million, but Everton insist neither of the two would be sold in this transfer window.

It is understood that the Goodison Park officials have been left outraged at such an offer for Fellaini, whose £23.5 million buy-out clause on his contract has expired recently, and consider the offer as derisory. They were furthered incensed when the Old Trafford club included Baines as part of the deal for a further £12 million. Needless to say, such offer was rejected outright.

A statement from Alan Myers, Everton’s new director of communications, on the club’s website said:

“Everton can confirm that it has received bids from Manchester United for two players. Those bids were immediately rejected out of hand as derisory and insulting.
“The Club did not make public these details as it was vital Roberto Martínez’s preparations for the opening game of the Premier League season were not disrupted in any way.”

The 25-year-old was signed by Moyes, during his time at Everton, from Standard Liege, for a reported fee of an initial £15 million that rose to £17.5 million. Everton believes that true market valuation of the Belgian is in excess of £23.5 million.

However, United officials feel just the opposite, which in itself is flummoxing, as Fellaini is not only an established member of the Belgian side but has made over 174 appearances for the Toffees in five years, with last season being one of his best, where he bagged 11 league goals.

Liverpool looking to make amends with mega deal for Willian as Tottenham plan a hijack

Tottenham Hotspur have joined Liverpool in the chase for £30 million rated Brazilian midfielder Willian and are looking to hijack the move, though the Reds are still favourites to sign him.

The 25-year-old was a target for Spurs last season and reports emerged that Chairman Daniel Levy even travelled to Ukraine to negotiate a deal, but in the end the move collapsed as he joined the Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

Willian has revealed his desire to play in the Premier League in the past, and Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas had tried to sign him before, during his stint with Chelsea.

Anzhi have suffered a financial loss and owner Suleyman Kerimov is not looking to bankroll the club’s big spending any more, with the entire first-team squad is now up for sale. It was understood that Liverpool are holding advanced talks with the player and would still appear as favourites to sign the Brazilian.

Willian is a terrific player, who can play on either side of the wings or behind the striker. If the Reds can pull off a deal for him, he would add sufficient quality to the Brendan Rodgers’ side, which could prove to be a deciding factor, as Liverpool are looking to break into the top four with a serious intent.

The body language in the dressing room is positive, following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Stoke City in the opening match of the season. And if they can add Willian to their squad, and with Luis Suarez returning after five more matches, Liverpool’s pursuit for top four will get a huge fillip.

Likewise, if Spurs can snatch him away from under the nose of their rivals, not only their chances of finishing in top four improves but an outside chance of challenging for the title cannot be ruled out either, provide they keep hold of Gareth Bale. An attacking trio of Bale, Willian and Soldado can wreak havoc to any team, on pen and paper and no wonder why Spurs are so keen to get hold of the player.

Also, it could deal a psychological blow to Liverpool. The Reds were heavily linked with two big money signings this summer – Diego Costa and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – and in both the cases, they have suffered rejections.

It is imperative that Liverpool tie up a deal for the charismatic Brazilian soon, not only because they need to strengthen but also because it is vital that their top four rivals do not widen the gap with them anymore.

Photos: Roberto Di Matteo Arrives Lagos For Guinness

For all football lovers, Roberto Di Matteo is live in Lagos!!! He touched down yesterday evening amidst fanfare from Chelsea fans in Nigeria. Guinness has once again reaffirmed its commitment to football.

  

While in town he will be launching the GUINNESS FOOTBALL MANAGER- a platform that put you in the driver’s seat and lets you ‘Be the Boss’ as you pick your team, call the shots, and, if you do well, win fantastic prizes. He will also be announcing the launch of the epic football show GUINNESS RAISE YOUR GAME- a weekly show that will bring you all the latest football news, amazing interviews with world-class footballers, epic live music performances and exclusive on-the-sofa chats! Continue...

Sign up, for free at m.guinnessvip.com and own your own team and be the first to know Roberto’s activities. Also tune in to super sports to hear Roberto’s analysis on matches to be played on Saturday August 16th, 2013 all these brought to you by Guinness.

As the new English premier league begins be sure to grab a bottle of Guinness and drink responsibly. Guinness is sold strictly to +18. For more information, go to m.guinnessvip.com as site to keep up to date with all the news about Di Matteo’s visit to Nigeria, all about Guinness Football Manager and so much more.

"ChannelsTv Embarrassing Me Backfired On Them” – Exclusive Interview With NSCDC’s Shem “Oga at the top” Obafaiye

I'm so sure you haven't forgotten him.After lying low for months, NSCDC's Shem Obafaiye has finally granted his first interview. And in it, he revealed how his life has changed after his 'Oga a the top' saga  -  the shame, the joy and the fame that came with his much publicized interview with Channels TV. 

Read excerpts of his exclusive interview with Theheraldng below:

• What is your opinion about the Channels Television interview that brought you instant fame?

 I have nothing much to say other than to bless God for everything. I thank God for all that happened; I thank God for my boss, his support and love. He is a good boss and I appreciate him. As far as I amconcerned all things work well for those who love God and in all things, the Bible says we should praise God.  The people that thought they were going to ruin me did not know that they would end up in announcing my destiny. Continue...

  In the history of humanity, there had never been any human being that had instant fame like I did especially in a case that was meant to end negatively.

 My brother-in-law in London is even so excited about the incident that he promised to assist me make big money out of this supposed mess. He had already handed the matter to an agency over there to trade mark “Oga at the Top.” But I just asked him to forget it.
 There is no need for that.

 Many of my class mates are in top positions in Nigeria currently, yet, they said I did not go to school. I can mention a lot of them here, including the Attorney General in Lagos State, Ipaye.

 But why should I do all that. All the same, I give all the praises to God.

It was not the first interview I would be having with them (Channels Tv). After that interview we shook hands and I even gave them my complimentary card. I could see that they were not really cheerful. If there was any effect, it was on them and not me. It was the same day I met with Governor Fashola of Lagos State.

 Theirs took place in the morning and I met Governor Fashola later in the day. Some people believed they were up to something, but I did not know. I was only being careful with words as a security officer. We apply caution in all that we say and do. It was a live programme, the whole world was watching us, so, I did not want to be too free.

 But like I said, I thank God for everything. I blame nobody for anything; I see everything as an act of God. They believe they would use it to destroy my destiny but God turned everything around for me, for the better. 

• How did your family take the development?

 The day of the interview, 16th of March, 2013, was the day my father was buried. It was as if it was designed to destablise me on the day of the burial of my father, but it was not so. It was three or four days after that they apologised and said it was not meant to embarrass me.

 Channels felt bad because it backfired. Anybody that wants to go for an interview in Channels will be very skeptical now and henceforth. I just felt it was my time for divine announcement, so I did not take it the way they thought I would take it.

 In fact, when I saw the T-shirt, I wanted to buy one. Some had thought that my transfer to Ibadan was a demotion, but they are wrong. It is not. They also claimed that my wife went to Channels over the issue. The question I asked was, to do what? She did not. The whole thing has only turned around to be God’s glory in my life.

• What is your philosophy of life and how did it apply in the case of “My Oga At The Top” case?

 My philosophy of life is to impact positively on this generation. I want to leave a legacy, a good and worthwhile legacy behind that will not make my family live or walk in fear when I am gone. I want to sustain my good name; and that is what I preach to my staff every day.
 I tell them to be open-minded; be determined; do what you will do with your best ability whether people are there or not. Note that there are people watching you and your work will speak for you when you are not there. This is what I always tell them.

• What is the lesson to be learnt in your “Oga At The Top” issue?

 Everyone should identify a lesson out of the whole saga.

Yvonne Nelson Has gone international! she shared these photos from her new movie shoot"One Night in Vegas". Which features, Akon, Djimon Honsou and Spartacus actress, Viva Bianca.