The MLS 2010 season came to a close with Colorado Rapids winning the MLS Cup and LA Galaxy winning the Supporters’ Shield. Now that league and cup competitions are approaching their climax, Major League Soccer has gone on a break and waiting for the 16th season to start on March 15th, 2011.

Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC will make their MLS debut – taking the total number of clubs to 18. Both the Timbers and the Whitecaps will join the Western Conference and Houston Dynamo will move into the Eastern Conference.

As far as the kits are concerned, adidas is the lone supplier of the kits for all the clubs playing in the league. Because of that, questions are raised about the amount of involvement by the club in the final decision of the kits. For example, when Seattle Sounders’ third kit for 2011 was unveiled, fans and media personnel wondered whether the Sounders actually opted for electric yellow or was it forced upon them.

The general consensus is that, clubs do have a final nod in the decision of the kits they will wear. So yes, Seattle Sounders did opt for electric yellow as their third color only after joining MLS in November 2007.

You can see the 2011 MLS jerseys here for all the 18 clubs participating.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

As expected, defender Rafael Marquez is on the verge of leaving Barcelona after seven seasons at the club.

Recently, the Mexico international has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer and the New York Red Bulls, and according to new Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zuzibarreta, only a few loose ends need to be tied up to seal the 31-year-old’s exit from Barca.

Marquez arrived at Barcelona from AS Monaco in a 5m deal in 2003. In his seven seasons at the club, Marquez made 240 appearances, scored 12 goals, and played a key role in Barca collecting 12 trophies in that time, including four La Liga crowns and two Champions League titles.

Marquez has 94 caps for Mexico, and at the World Cup, he netted the equalizer in a 1-1 draw against South Africa in the tournament opener.

If, as has been mooted, he joins the Red Bulls, he’ll become the club’s second marquee signing of the summer following the recent arrival of former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

England

Chelsea To Sign Benfica Star?

As reported here earlier, Chelsea will sign Benfica midfielder Ramires next week for £20m, according to ESPN Soccernet sources.

Analysis: If you need to be impressed, see here and here (you’ll especially enjoy what happens around the 1:15 mark). Chelsea are getting a good one, and he’ll only get better learning from some of the best midfielders in the world.

Milner Saga Turning Ugly?

Well, it appears we’re going to ‘he said, he said’ territory with the James Milner to Manchester City saga. After Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill said yesterday that Milner told him before the World Cup that he wouldn’t be signing a new contract with the club, that he wanted to leave, and that a deal could be done at the right price, the Daily Mail reported today that a ‘friend’ of Milner’s said that Milner said no such thing.

Analysis: Well, considering that O’Neill’s comments weren’t exactly of the scathing variety, then there’s really no reason for such a report to come out aside from just wanting to cause problems. Besides, you’d have to seriously question why a manager of O’Neill’s reputation would come out and attribute such comments to one of his star players if it wasn’t true. Come on.

Poulsen To Replace Mascherano At Liverpool?

According to Goal.com, Liverpool could move for Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen if Javier Mascherano leaves for Inter Milan.

Analysis: No disrespect to Poulsen, who’s a solid and accomplished midfielder (and quite the bringer of pain), but this would be a bit of a step back in quality for Liverpool. If he’s not starting regularly for Juve, I don’t see him as more than a squad player at Liverpool.

Stoke To Cough Up Crazy Cash For Cole?

According to ESPN Soccernet, Stoke City are set to make a £14m bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

Analysis: With his height, Cole’s head would certainly be a perfect match for some long Rory Delap throws into the box, wouldn‘t it? Cole would fill the need for a double-digit goal scorer, which is what Stoke are in need of if they want to make a move up the Premier League table, but £14m? With that, Stoke would do well to put in the highest bid for Nice’s Loic Remy instead of helping West Ham be able to fund their own bid for Remy.

Spain

Ozil Close To Barcelona Move

According to an exclusive report on Transfer Market Web, Barcelona have agreed terms with Werder Bremen star Mesut Ozil.

Analysis: Makes perfect sense if it happens. Sure, Fabregas would be the ideal capture, but he is unavailable as unavailable can be. Ozil, however, is available, for a far cheaper fee at that, and he’ll bring every bit the production and plenty of potential. Still too soon though to write this one off as signed, sealed, and delivered yet.

Stuttgart Star Sets Sights On Spanish Switch

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Sami Khedira has stated that he is currently deciding on a move to Real Madrid, and he will make his decision within the coming days. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: Well, I can’t say I see him staying. He has only a year left on his contract, and I think Stuttgart would much rather get a relatively decent fee for him this summer instead of losing him for nothing next summer.

Italy

Milan Hot On Honda

According to Goal.com, AC Milan are in the midst of discussions to land Japanese star Keisuke Honda. Milan reportedly put in an offer of €13m to CSKA Moscow on Thursday, which fell short of CSKA’s asking price of €15m, but sources say that a deal could be struck soon.

Analysis: Whether it’s to Milan, Madrid, Merseyside, or elsewhere, it’s been quite a quick rise for Honda, and I’m not surprised. When I first saw highlights last year when he was still with VVV Venlo, I was very, very impressed. He’s only gotten better in the last year, and the best is yet to come.

Germany

Wolfsburg Stick To Stance On Stars

Wolfsburg sporting director Dieter Hoeness says that striker Edin Dzeko and attacking midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic are not for sale this summer, at any price. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: No surprise here, despite all of the speculation and both stating their desire to leave. They are two players that Wolfsburg needed to keep in order to make a serious run at the Bundesliga title and at the very least land a Champions League place. Throw in their new arrivals, and I fully expect to see it happen. If it doesn’t, then I can see Wolfsburg softening their stance next summer.

Hertha Star Heads To Hamburg

It’s a third new face in the span of a week at Hamburg SV, as the club have landed Hertha Berlin midfielder Gojko Kacar. According to reports, HSV have splashed out an initial £4.5m for the 23-year-old, with a further £800k dependent on their qualification for European football. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Hamburg have added three players in Kacar and defenders Heiko Westermann and Dennis Diekmeier who will boost the club’s hopes of being able to earn a Europa League spot and perhaps even make a run at a Champions League place.

Greece

Riera Signs For Olympiakos

Olympiakos have completed the signing of Liverpool winger Albert Riera. Liverpool will receive £3.3m up front for the former Espanyol star, and they will receive a further £1.6m if Olympiakos capture the Greek league title. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Look at the reception that Olympiakos fans gave Riera upon his arrival yesterday. Perhaps they just wanted a good reason to party it up, or they think just that highly of their new arrival. Either way, don’t let ‘em down, Albert.

Russia

Spartak To Land Gervinho?

According to French media sources, Lille have accepted a €20m bid from Spartak Moscow for highly-rated Ivorian forward Gervinho. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Curious move this would seem to be, what with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, and others mentioned as potential destinations. But Spartak are going to be in the Champions League (qualified for the group stages via a runner-up league finish last season) and would offer him some handsome wages, not to mention more than enough funds for Lille to land a replacement. And he would be just the player Spartak need to put them back into contention for a Champions League place, as they currently sit seventh in the league, 14 points behind Zenit St. Petersburg after only 13 matches.

USA

Marquez Moves To MLS

Thierry Henry could be joined by a former Barcelona teammate in New York. Goal.com reports that veteran defender Rafael Marquez has agreed a release from his Barcelona contract and is set to move to the New York Red Bulls on a four-year deal that will be confirmed next week.

Analysis: Marquez has looked primed for an exit this summer, so this wouldn’t be unexpected. Another wage off of Barcelona’s books, which comes in handy right now. For the Red Bulls, adding Marquez would only aid their chances to catch up and pass Columbus in the Eastern Conference in the second half of the season.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Forbes’ inaugural SportsMoney 50-50 list (a system used to rank the 50 most valuable teams and the 50 most valuable athletes across all world sport) were announced yesterday and, whilst the individual standings were stacked heavily in favour of American sports stars (NBA players occupy 14 slots, NFL players 9), there are six footballers that feature in the top 50.

Despite his various recent infidelities, golfing icon Tiger Woods tops the list with an estimated annual income of over $100 million (thanks to his lucrative tie-ins with Nike and Gillette amongst others) with boxer Floyd Mayweather Jnr and basketball player Kobe Bryant making up the top three.

It should come as no surprise that topping the footballers’ standings (though only making fifth position in the list proper, one place behind golfer Phil Mickelson) is one David Beckham, who has become somewhat of a one-man global super-brand over the past decade of his career – raking in nearly $44 million in endorsements and salaries from high-profile companies such as Adidas and Yahoo!.

Here’s how the sextuplet of footballing superstars fared in comparison to one another…

1. David Beckham, LA Galaxy (5th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated income: $43.7 million (£28.6 million) / Age: 35

Beckham is currently overseeing the development of a range of underwear and fragrances that will bear his name, so we can expect his income to swell further over the next couple of years.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid (13th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated income: $35.8 million (£23.4 million) / Age: 25

Ronaldo is currently the world’s most expensive player having transferred from Manchester United to Real for $132 million, but the Portuguese forward did not receive a cut of the fee.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi

3. Lionel Messi, Barcelona (26th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated income: $27 million (£17.7 million) / Age: 23

Despite his relatively tender years, Barca’s diminutive Argentinian winger already has $multi-million sponsorship deals with Adidas, Gillette, Konami and Pepsi.

4. Kaka, Real Madrid (31st on Forbes’ list)

Estimated income: $25.6 million (£16.7 million) / Age: 28

The Brazilian didn’t enjoy the best of seasons at the Bernabeu last term, but his endorsement deals with Sony and Adidas (amongst many others) will go someway to softening the blow.

5. Ronaldinho, AC Milan (32nd on Forbes’ list)

Estimated income: $25.1 million (£16.4 million) / Age: 30

The buck-toothed show pony is a shadow of the player he once was, but his image still sells – especially in his homeland of Brazil.

6. Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls (39th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated income: $23.5 million (£15.4 million) / Age: 33

Henry can already count Reebok and Gillette amongst his current cache of sponsors, but his recent move to the MLS will provide vast scope for further additions.

* * * * *

Please note that Forbes’ calculations are based solely on the individual’s sponsorship revenue, and the income figures displayed do not include club salaries and/or bonuses.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

England

Manchester Move For Ibrahimovic?

The agent of Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to meet next week with officials from Manchester United and Manchester City. (Goal.com)

Analysis: It’d seem that the only way United would be able to work a deal out for him is if he significantly dropped his wage demands or if United went well above their current wage structure, neither of which I see happening. One can never say never, otherwise they wouldn’t be meeting with his agent, but I’d have to say that he’s bound for City or AC Milan.

United Target Not For Sale

Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo says that winger Alexis Sanchez, who is a target of Manchester United and Roma, is not for sale this summer. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Sanchez made a big step from his first season at Udinese to his second, and he’ll be a big part of Udinese’s hopes to get back into Europe after last season’s surprising 15th place finish. If he continues his progress, I fully expect him to make a move next summer.

Fulham Want Fair Fee For Schwarzer

Arsenal have offered £2m for Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer, but that’s not going to cut it, as the Cottagers are looking for £4m for the experienced shot-stopper. (The Sun)

Analysis: 4m for a 37-year-old keeper might be considered a bit much, but given how long he’s been one of the best in the business, his importance to Fulham, and the fact that he still has plenty left in the tank, 4m isn’t really that much at all.

‘Pool Eye Park

According to the Sun, Liverpool are set to make a £6m bid for Monaco and South Korea star Park Chu-Young.

Analysis: Now, his numbers at Monaco might not blow you away, but there’s no doubt that he has the talent to be the next Korean success in the Premier League.

Birmingham Back For Babel

The Daily Star reports that Birmingham have rekindled their interest in Liverpool’s Ryan Babel, with an £8m bid set to be made soon.

Analysis: Roy Hodgson is still very much evaluating who he wants to keep and who he doesn’t, so he might yet decide that Babel still has a future at Liverpool. But with no guarantees as to how much Babel will figure into his plans, the need to raise funds for strengthening the squad, and an all-too-willing buyer in Birmingham, perhaps there will be less bumps in the road with this move this time around.

Fresh Sunderland Bid For Valdez

Sunderland have made a second bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Nelson Valdez. The 26-year-old, who started four of Paraguay‘s five World Cup games, is also receiving interest from PSV Eindhoven, among others. (The Mirror)

Analysis: If there is a Paraguayan striker that plays for Borussia Dortmund that Sunderland should be after, it’s Lucas Barrios, but he might be out of their price range.

Keinan Set For Blackpool

Israeli defender Dekel Keinan is set to undergo a medical ahead of signing a two-year deal with Blackpool. The 26-year-old recently had a trial with the newly promoted club, and he‘s set to become their first new acquisition of the summer. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: We’ll see how prominently he figures into Ian Holloway’s plans, but he has a great deal of experience on club and international level, including experience in Israel’s 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign and in the Champions League last season with Maccabi Haifa, which will prove valuable.

Italy

Milan Target Podolski

AC Milan executive Adriano Galliani says that the club could move for German forward Lukas Podolski, but it‘ll happen only if Klaas-Jan Huntelaar leaves the club this summer. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Considering Podolski’s propensity for profligacy on the club level in recent seasons, perhaps AC Milan might as well keep Huntelaar instead of giving Cologne a friendly cash injection.

Cavani Set For Napoli

Napoli have reportedly reached an agreement for Palermo striker Edinson Cavani. Napoli will take the Uruguayan on loan for the upcoming season and then pay €16m next summer to make the deal permanent. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Well, there are certainly no excuses for Napoli not making a serious push for a Champions League place (at the very least) and going deep in the Europa League. Defensively, they should be solid once again, but with one of the most dangerous front lines in Serie A, with Cavani, Lavezzi, and Quagliarella, we should see a lot fewer 0-0 and 1-1 draws (11 of those last season).

Germany

Bayern In For Van Der Wiel

Bayern Munich have made an approach for Ajax right back Gregory Van der Wiel, who‘s coming off of an impressive World Cup showing in the Netherlands‘ run to the final. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: This will only serve to increase speculation about the future of Philipp Lahm, who stands a good chance of leaving Bayern this summer, with Manchester United once again interested in him.

Surprise Contender For Campbell?

Newly promoted Bundesliga side St. Pauli have offered defender Sol Campbell a one-year deal worth €90k (£75k) per week. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Well, I don’t see this one as being too likely to come to anything, though it’s certainly worth it to take a shot. Not a bad offer monetarily at all, and it wouldn’t tie him to the club even if they immediately go back down, but I imagine he wouldn’t want to jump into a relegation battle at this point in his career.

Wolfsburg Loan Cicero

Wolfsburg have signed Brazilian midfielder Cicero on loan. Cicero spent the last two seasons at Hertha Berlin, starting 61 games and scoring 10 goals and assisting on nine more. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: Another solid signing for Wolfsburg. Cicero has been a quality performer in the Bundesliga over the last couple of seasons, and he was one of the bright spots in a dismal campaign for Hertha Berlin last season. He should step in and be an impact player from the outset for Wolfsburg.

Scotland

Rangers Swoop In For Eagles

Rangers have made an approach for Burnley winger Chris Eagles. The former Manchester United starlet scored two goals and assisted on three more in 20 Premier League starts last season. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: With Eagles out of contract next summer and not a sure thing to remain at Burnley past the end of that deal, it’s best to cash in now and at least get something back for him. And with Burnley back in the Championship after a Premier League season in which Eagles yo-yoed in and out of the starting lineup, the timing isn‘t bad.

USA

Henry Seals MLS Move

Thierry Henry has officially completed his move to Major League Soccer, as the New York Red Bulls have confirmed that they’ve signed the veteran striker to a multi-year deal. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: Isn’t it only fitting that, given his longtime ties to Arsenal, that he’ll be making his debut in a friendly against Tottenham?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Thierry Henry has officially made his first tentative steps into semi-retirement after finalising his protracted move from Barcelona to the New York Red Bulls this afternoon.

After three largely underwhelming years at the Camp Nou, the 32-year-old striker has joined the MLS outfit on a ‘multi-year’ contract – although the actual terms of the deal are as yet undisclosed.

A statement issued on the club’s website reads thusly;

“Red Bull New York announced today that it has signed star French forward Thierry Henry to a multi-year contract as its second designated player [MLS sides are allowed to sign two 'designated players' that breach the league's salary cap ruling].

Henry, a World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League winner, will be available for selection for New York pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and after the July 15th international transfer window.

His debut for the Red Bulls is expected to be on July 22 against English Premiership club, Tottenham Hotspur, in the Barclays New York Challenge at Red Bull Arena.”

The former Arsenal forward, who will be officially unveiled to the press at a media conference on Thursday at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, is relishing the prospect of (drum roll please…) trying his hand in the American leagues, telling the site;

“This marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life. It is an honour to play for the New York Red Bulls. I am fully aware of the team’s history and my sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship.

Knowing Red Bull’s significant commitment to soccer locally and internationally, I am confident that my team-mates and I will succeed.”

Henry’s move to the Red Bulls is very much being spun by the club as a fairly prosaic ‘global star in his prime’-style coup, in stark contrast to the grotesque Hollywood sheen that was used to hype David Beckham‘s arrival in the MLS last summer – a PR storm that polarised many impartial observers.

A companion piece published alongside the aforementioned statements on newyorkredbulls.com contains some fairly misguided guff which details the subtle differences between Henry and Beckham’s respective transfers;

“Henry comes in his prime, a player one year removed from being the catalyst for Barcelona’s dominant run through La Liga and the Champions League.”

Hmmm.

“It was Henry, after all, who created a stir with followers of the English Premier League, selling tens of thousands of Arsenal jerseys in this country.”

Surely it’s fairly insulting to measure the impeccable form he consistently produced at Highbury over the years in merchandise sales?

“Thierry Henry belongs to us. In his prime no less.”

Again, hmmm.

“From his fashion to his hair to the shirtless posing, Beckham earned his critics for the business side of his brand. Henry comes with no such baggage.”

Gillette, Reebok, Renault, Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger…

“Henry is not saddled with the hype and controversy of Beckham.”

I can think of a few million Irish people who may disagree.

Try as they may to differentiate between the pair’s moves to the MLS, the parallels are fairly obvious – both are/were relatively ageing superstars who watched their careers begin to wane in Spain, and therefore opted out in a bid to seek one last bout of total admiration before calling time on their glittering careers with a freshly topped-up bank account.

The only difference is the prominence of  the accompanying bullsh*t.

* * * * *

Whereas there’s no doubting Henry’s class, his legs have begun to go now (as we witnessed last season at Barca) and it’s hard to view his Stateside endeavour as anything other than a lucrative halfway house between his golden past and the knackers yard.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

With the World Cup heading towards the latter stages, we’re already seeing things rapidly heating up in the world of transfers. Up to this point, there’s been mostly speculation and little substance, but that’s about to change in the next several days.

Manchester City’s second straight summer super spending spree (that’s a lot of s’s to take in, I know) is set to kick off in a big way over the coming days, with not one, not two, but at least three – and maybe more – deals set to be done this week.

But the Citizens aren’t the only club who’s got big money to spend and big names to spend it on, and it’s safe to say that we’re going to start seeing the summer transfers lists start to become a lot more filled up with well-known names soon.

England

City Close On Silva, Toure, And Milner

The entrance at Manchester City is about to become very, very congested.

Spanish reports suggest that City are nearing a deal for Valencia winger David Silva. City could be set to sweeten the deal by including striker Roque Santa Cruz. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Everyone wins here. City would get their target and offload a bad investment a surplus squad member, while Valencia would get even more funds to add to their squad and land a new striker without having to spend any of those funds.

First in the door, however, looks to be Barcelona’s Yaya Toure, who’s set to finalize his move to Eastlands within the next few days. (Metro)

Analysis: A report in the Daily Mail yesterday said that there could still yet be a twist, with Toure set to hold talks with Barcelona’s new president before making his final decision. However, I think it’s all but a done deal now.

And it also looks like Aston Villa’s James Milner could join the party soon as well, as according to reports, City could wrap up a £25m deal for the England midfielder by the end of the week. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Aston Villa will certainly hate to lose him, but the 25m will soften the blow. With that, Martin O’Neill can make the kind of reinforcements that would make Villa an even better overall team than they were even with Milner in as fine of a run of form as he was last season.

Arsenal Land Koscielny

Arsenal have finally agreed a deal with Lorient for center back Laurent Koscielny. Arsenal will pay £8.1m initially in a deal that could rise to £10m with add-ons, and the 24-year-old will pen a four-year deal with his new club. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Center back was one of the top priorities last summer and Arsenal addressed it early with the signing of Thomas Vermaelen, and it’s good to see that they’ve moved quickly to address it this summer with it once again being a priority thanks to multiple expected departures at the back.

Blackburn Target Bance

Blackburn are also considering a move for FSV Mainz striker Aristide Bance. The 25-year-old Burkina Faso international scored 10 goals last season in helping newly-promoted Mainz finish an impressive ninth. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Bance certainly has the physical attributes to be able to hold his own in the Premier League. At 6’4’’ and over 200 pounds, he won’t be muscled off of the ball easily, that’s for sure. He also knows how to find the back of the net well too, and at £3.5m, he’d be a sound investment for Blackburn.

Birmingham Big On Di Natale And Mbokani

Birmingham City have also made an approach for Udinese striker Antonio di Natale. (The Mirror)

Analysis: The money that Birmingham would have to fork out for the fee and his wages is indeed a little higher than a club with their budget should normally pay for someone who’ll soon be 33, but Di Natale has only gotten better with age, so he’s worth the investment if Birmingham make it.

Birmingham have also entered the race for highly-rated Standard Liege’s Dieumerci Mbokani. The 24-year-old had been linked with a move to Fulham, but with that move falling through, Birmingham are now in contention to land the £8m Congolese striker. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Mbokani’s first name means ‘Thank you God’, and Alex McLeish will certainly be thanking the man upstairs if he can land him, as he’ll have that front line that he needs for Birmingham to be capable of bettering last season’s impressive finish and perhaps challenging for a spot in Europe.

Hammers Target Remy And Juarez

West Ham are interested in Nice striker Loic Remy and versatile Pumas and Mexico star Efrain Juarez. Remy scored 14 goals for Nice last season and is valued at £10m, while Juarez, who can play at the back and in midfield, is set to be the subject of a £6m move by the Hammers. (The Sun)

Analysis: West Ham are going to need to splash a little cash if they’re to avoid another relegation scrap and actually have a chance to make some noise this season and beyond, and this is the way to do it. Remy and Juarez are two very promising young talents that not only have the goods to be key pieces of Avram Grant’s plans for the future, but to step in and make a big difference immediately.

Everton Bid For Gueye

Strasbourg striker Magaye Gueye says that Everton have agreed a fee for him, after it emerged that the Toffees had made a bid of a little less than £1m for the 19-year-old. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: This one’s certainly more for the future, but if Everton have a rash of injuries up front as was the case last season, he could well get his chance to impress sooner rather than later.

Spain

Real Sign Di Maria, Tevez To Follow?

Real Madrid have confirmed that they’ve agreed a deal for Benfica winger Angel di Maria. Di Maria will pen a six-year deal with the club, and he becomes Jose Mourinho’s first signing since taking over at Real. (BBC Sport)

Analysis: As promising as Di Maria already was, he took a huge step forward last season and had a stellar campaign in leading Benfica to a league title. Prior to last season, it could be said that he wasn’t quite ready to make that step up to one of the European powers, but he clearly is now.

According to reports, Real will also try to land Carlos Tevez for €48m. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: It would seem unlikely at this point that City would entertain offers for Tevez, but perhaps it’s not out of the question. Anyone can be considered expendable there now with all of the expected movement in and out, and Roberto Mancini openly said that just as much a couple of months ago when Tevez mentioned his unhappiness with the training regime.

Henry To Leave Barca

Barcelona have confirmed that striker Thierry Henry is leaving the club. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: This one was only a matter of time, really, with the combination of his limited impact last season, the signing of David Villa, and the speculation surrounding a move to the U.S. Good to get it quickly so that he can sort out his future as soon as possible, whether it be a move to MLS, a return to the Premier League, or something else entirely. He may not be the same Henry as even two seasons ago, but he still has plenty of goals left in the tank.

Italy

Inter In Swap Swoop For Bastos?

Inter Milan are set to offer Lyon cash plus out of favor winger Mancini in exchange for Michel Bastos. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Perhaps Lyon would prefer straight cash, but this could be a solid deal. AC Milan are reportedly interested in holding onto him after his loan spell there last season, but a move somewhere he’d start regularly could be just what Mancini needs to fully rediscover his brilliant form from his time with Roma.

Turkey

Fenerbahce Up Huntelaar Bid

After AC Milan rejected their €18m bid for striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Fenerbahce have come back with an improved offer of €23m. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Reasonable offer that is, considering that AC Milan snapped him up for 15m last summer, and it’s true that his future at AC Milan is anything but certain. I imagine Turkey isn’t Huntelaar’s ideal destination, but even a move there is in the cards, Milan would be wise to not act until a deal for a new striker is already in place.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

First off, welcome to this space, hopefully to become your one-stop-shop for USMNT analysis along with the rest of the world of U.S. soccer. I’m extremely passionate about the beautiful game as it continues to develop in the U.S., and hopefully we’ll have some interplay on the topic in the coming weeks and months.

With that said… I’ll kick this off with a little shock news.

Mr. Henry… Mr. Dribble-step-over-Cruyff-turn-to-rainbow-to-upper-90-blast… that guy… he’s coming to MLS.

We think.

If reports are accurate – and with how many have cropped up I would assume they are – Henry will be making his way Stateside to ply his trade with the resurgent Red Bulls in their new palace.

Forget for a moment that he’s a 32-year old who never really fit in with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side. Forget that he’s had injury issues and has been somewhat of a lightning rod in Catalonia over the last few seasons.

Do not forget – America needs Henry more than Henry needs America. I’ll stop short of calling him an ambassador for the game, but N.Y. hasn’t had this much reason for excitement since Pele in the 70′s. I don’t think I’m being too optimistic in saying Henry’s tenure will be better received than Pele’s. Plus, the league needs stars in big markets. The idea of having Beckham on the Pacific and Henry on the Atlantic – hopefully both of whom stay consistently healthy – is an exciting prospect. It’s another reason to buy tickets.

Amongst the largely soccer-apathetic American masses, Thierry will not arrive in New York with the pagentry of a David Beckham, but that’s no surprise. I’d even call it a good thing, escaping the crushing weight of over-expectation. Amongst the soccer-soaked world fan base, Thierry is slinking away from European football with a whimper after being an afterthought at the Camp Nou this season. Saying you didn’t fit in with one of the great club teams in recent memory isn’t too much of a stain on your reputation.

But let’s think for a minute on the state of MLS. The league is desperately seeking these exemptive players, and Sunil Gulati has, on several occasions, indicated that the league’s goal is to support one such player on each team. Maybe even more if the league continues to grow. Players like Freddy Ljungberg are nice. Players like Thierry Henry are nicer.

Henry’s skill set has undoubtedly diminished over the course of his 32 years, every bit of which he carries in his heavier legs. He’s no longer the spry forward dashing down the flanks with his trademark speed. Much like Ronaldinho, he’s a showman now with light feet, a withering strike and outstanding field vision. His tools are worn, but they’re still in better shape than most.

That is, of course, enough for MLS. It’s more than enough. The league and the country suffer from lack of individual skill on possession, its last major hindrance on the world stage. Americans are renowned for their stamina but not for on-ball skills. Little Michael Bradleys are everywhere in U.S. soccer academies, running for days and making bee-line passes. Finding players with a real creative streak here is decidedly harder. That’s why Henry is different. That’s why a player like Henry can have a nice niche career in the league.

Of course, it’s all contingent on the brittle player staying healthy. In an up-tempo league like MLS, Henry can fill a role. How well he fills it is up for debate, but the idea that he’s being given a try is encouraging.

If Henry can avoid the Beckham comparisons, the better off he’ll be. Beckham and his ridiculous contract were more important from a PR perspective than anything he’d bring on the field, which in itself has not been entirely insignificant. What’s encouraging is that Henry seems to be a bigger duel threat. It’s more of a soccer move than anything else, but he’s a known entity throughout the world, including here. Anything the league does on this level has a modicum of outward reach to it, but Henry can make a difference on the field. Of that there can be no question.

In summation, Henry coming to New York, where he can supply a player like Juan Pablo Angel and still be a dominating figure, is a win-win for the league. The more ex-European superstars the league can cram into its rosters, the younger that threshold gets. MLS is not yet 20 years old, and it was born into turbulent waters. To stoke the fire, these moves are not only beneficial but entirely necessary. It’s akin to jamming used paper into the barrel when bullets aren’t available.

Unfortunately, the league needs depth as much as it needs exposure, and Henry himself cannot bring that. What he can bring, however, is more interest. That begets fan interest, which begets player interest. Every raised eyebrow helps. If baby steps are the name of the game, this is a very positive one in any light.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

An international glare briefly dwelled on Major League Soccer in Week 18. Former England captain David Beckham made his LA Galaxy return against New York Red Bulls and the Galaxy raced into a 3-0 lead sparked by stunning strikes by Alecko Eskandarian and Landon Donovan, Beckham’s most high-profile critic.

New York eventually pulled back a goal through a Juan Pablo Angel penalty, but were toothless in an uneventful second half. The circus then moved on to Los Angeles, where Beckham’s angry controntation with the Galaxy’s Riot Squad predictably soured the visit of AC Milan.

But at Giants Stadium, another story bubbled away from the glitz and flashbulbs. Once again, the Red Bulls had been swept aside with little trouble and, though the Galaxy are resurgent, it was yet another result which highlighted the team’s inability to get a grasp on matches – home or away – and drag itself out of the mire.

In fact, they’re the worst team in the league – and they’ve played the most games.

After 20 matches of the 2009 season, the Red Bulls have put just 10 points on the board, won two matches and scored only 16 goals. A goal difference of -17 tells its own story. Stranded at the bottom of MLS, all hope of a repeat of 2008′s MLS Cup Final appearance long since dashed, the rest of 2009 will be about introspection, planning and playing for pride. And for one man in particular, it’ll be about hoping he keeps his job even long enough to earn a stay of execution.

Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio is under fire and if a turnaround is not forthcoming then he is surely coming to the end of his time in charge. RBNY managing director Erik Stover and technical director Jeff Agoos were summoned to Austria earlier this month amid reports that Red Bull is growing frustrated with the team’s performances. Despite returning with a vote of confidence for Osorio, it would be difficult to argue that the embattled coach is in the clear. Agoos himself is probably also at risk.

As Ives Galarcep notes, the very fact that Red Bull’s ownership has intervened is bad news indeed for Juan Carlos Osorio. Results are needed, and needed fast.

10 points from 20 games

New York Red Bulls, formerly MetroStars, came into the 2009 season off the back of their most successful MLS post-season. Last November they played Columbus Crew in the final of MLS Cup, losing 3-1 at the Home Depot Center.

MetroStars were taken over by energy drinks giant Red Bull in 2006. While their top-to-bottom rebranding may be crass, Red Bull has a proven sports pedigree. It owns its local football club in Salzburg, Austria, another in Brazil and two Formula 1 racing teams, as well as being the creator of Red Bull Air Race. It recently purchased a football club in Leipzig, Germany.

With a growing knowledge of sports ownership, Red Bull has looked upon RBNY’s efforts this season with frustration. 20 matches in, prospects don’t look good for New York and Osorio. They last won in the league on 8th May, embarking upon an eleven-game winless streak which has cemented the team to the bottom of the table.

The scene was set by a first kick thrashing by Seattle Sounders, but it is the Red Bulls’ form against fellow strugglers which is perhaps most alarming. They drew with New England Revolution way back in March, but suffered a 4-0 defeat at Gillette Stadium on 7th June on an evening which saw Taylor Twellman fire in his 100th career goal. FC Dallas, for so long the 2009 poster-boy for failure, bettered New York in early July. Jeff Cunningham’s brace in three heady first half minutes was enough to see off the Red Bulls despite Juan Pablo Angel’s consolation goal. Angel has scored seven so far, but lapses all too often into the poor finishing which characterised much of his time at Aston Villa.

The two wins came, unsurprisingly, at home. Way back in April, Angel was joined on the scoresheet by his bright young partner, Mac Kandji, as New York picked up a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake, a team distinctly worse on the road than they are at home. In their second win the team looked as if it were clicking, and certainly accentuated the ineptitude of their opponents. After their 4-1 win (in which all four goals were scored in a blistering first half), few would have predicted New York would be three points behind San Jose Earthquakes after week 18.

The difference between RBNY and its closest rivals since that win on 8th May is the occasional moments of positivity in Dallas and San Jose. Both have more wins on the board and both have beaten teams much higher up the league. The Quakes’ three home wins came against Houston Dynamo, RSL and LA Galaxy, while FCD picked up maximums against Toronto FC, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew and – predictably – New York.

Osorio on borrowed time?

While and FC Dallas consider the season disastrous, they are both trumped by Juan Carlos Osorio. Formerly on the coaching staff of Manchester City, the former MetroStars assistant returned to Major League Soccer via Millionarios. He led Chicago Fire to the playoffs and returned to Giants Stadium to coach RBNY for the 2008 season. Despite taking the team to MLS Cup Final last year, Osorio has taken the team through a dignity-sapping 2009, achieving one of the worst records in MLS history and being not only the worst team in MLS, but allegedly the worst in American sports.

A poll as far back as 8th June on Red Bulls Offside returned a majority of 62 percent in favour of firing Osorio and the blog’s author, Dave Martinez, made his view clear: “That was then, and this is now. Quite frankly, after weeks of failed expectations and hopes of a turnaround, I am throwing in the towel…Juan Carlos Osorio has to go.” Support is incredibly thin on the ground, something even Red Bull will be painfully aware of.

While it’s never pleasant to see supporters calling for a coach’s head, it is a reality of football that heads roll on the back of failure, and there is no other word to describe New York’s 2009 season. It is increasingly unlikely that Osorio will see out the campaign in-post, let alone return in 2010. And unpalatable though that may be, it’s difficult to argue that there is any option.

Chris Nee writes at twofootedtackle and co-hosts The twofootedtackle Football Podcast.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

There are plenty of promising players in Major League Soccer, and many of proven quality too. Despite Europe’s negative perception of the United States’ flagship football league there is a good deal of talent currently plying its trade Stateside.

Many players have played on both sides of the Atlantic already. Juan Pablo Angel moved to New York Red Bulls from Aston Villa, David Beckham to Los Angeles Galaxy from Real Madrid (and back to Europe to play for AC Milan) and Darren Huckerby left England to have a crack at MLS with San Jose Earthquakes. Terry Cooke’s been in the USA for a while, and the British trio of Danny Dichio, Rohan Ricketts and Carl Robinson play in Major League Soccer’s Canadian outpost, Toronto.

Americans have had an impact in Europe, too. Kasey Keller starred in the Premier League and now plays in goal for Seattle. Brian McBride was a proven Premier League striker before returning to Illinois to lead the line for Chicago Fire. Bobby Convey plays for the Quakes with Huckerby and spent time in England with Reading. Others, including Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley and Freddy Adu, are currently flying the Stars and Stripes in Europe.

A predictable clutch of MLS players look capable of playing in Europe, Landon Donovan and Rapids goal machine Conor Casey being the obvious current candidates. But who else is playing in America and perhaps sneaking under the European radar? This is by no means a comprehensive list, and there are many omissions.

The players listed are not all Premier League quality or even of Premier League potential. Some would fit in better in other English leagues, others elsewhere on the continent. But I think they all have the potential to cross the Atlantic, earn a little more money – because that’s what football is about these days – and make a success of it.

The most defensive man on this list is a player who has the attributes to make an excellent holding midfielder. For my money, Major League Soccer’s goalkeepers are still generally lacking composure, dominance and the nous to effectively apply their agility and athleticism. But despite my sweeping generalisation there are one or two promising stoppers in MLS currently and the USA’s traditionally successful export of goalkeepers is unlikely to be at its end. There are good defenders too, but this is a position in which players will struggle to make an earth shattering impact.

As Week 12 gets underway, here are five surprising players who’ve caught the eye this season (and aren’t too old to make the move):

1. Macoumba Kandji (New York Red Bulls)

Despite the Red Bulls’ lumbering start, 23-year-old Mac Kandji has been bang in form. The big forward has only scored twice this term but has contributed three assists and forged a promising partnership with RBNY hitman Juan Pablo Angel.

Kandji’s physique would be ideal for the Premier League and he uses it well. He’s 6’4″, a wirey athlete with deceptive pace, great touch and decent vision, and he’s brimming with confidence. He’s definitely one to watch. If Kandji were to cross the pond, the Premier League is definitely the league for him, perhaps via France. His physicality and speed of thought would be an ideal asset for clubs in Europe’s more robust leagues.

2. Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders)

Colombian forward Fredy Montero took Major League Soccer by storm in the early weeks of the season as Seattle got off to a roaring start in their first season in the league. Montero’s stylish South American swagger makes him an ideal candidate to play his home continent’s traditional number ten role, a creative pivot sorely lacking in certain European leagues.

Montero has so far racked up four goals from nine outings for the Sounders, including an ambitious strike from distance which found the net against Real Salt Lake at the end of March. As well as an eye for goal, Montero has plenty of pace and a good range of passing. With his off the pitch travails behind him and his first MLS red card out of the way, all eyes at Qwest Field are on Montero as the Sounders hunt for a playoff berth.

Fredy’s football brain and number ten style make him the perfect candidate to bring a little trequartista entertainment to Serie A. Perhaps clubs in mid-table which now play one striker and one withdrawn striker on the peninsula would get the best out of the Colombian youngster and with Napoli soon to be without Ezequiel Lavezzi, Naples could be his perfect destination.

3. Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)

Real’s former Colorado Rapids midfielder might be a choice slightly out of left field, but the dreadlocked skipper deserves recognition. The 27-year-old has been capped by the United States and is, to my mind, a little under-rated.

Beckerman holds together RSL’s midfield, providing protection for the defence and the occasional blockbusting shot at goal. He has boundless energy and that wonderful ability to be in the right place at the right time and play simple. Beckerman’s attributes could be well suited to England, perhaps in the middle of the Premier League, but arguably he could also thrive in the Bundesliga.

4. Chris Pontius (DC United)

“Party Boy” was acquired by United in the 2009 SuperDraft and has made a huge impact at RFK in just 12 matches of his rookie year. Quickly becoming one of DCU’s key players, Pontius’ versatility enables him to be effective as a striker, just behind or – at a push – on either wing. He has already netted three league goals for his new club including a lovely late strike to trigger a blistering last few minutes at home to Toronto and a stoppage time winner in New York. In fact he’s already something of a Red Bulls killer, having struck twice in DC’s Open Cup win between the two – from defensive midfield.

Pontius has bundles of energy and has a little bit of everything to his game: an accurate shot, aerial ability, skill and a decent cross. While I’m tipping him now for a possible move to Europe, the truth is he probably needs to settle into a more regular position for a couple of years first. Right now, the fact that he is more than proficient in such a variety of roles is doing United the world of good.

5. Gerson Mayen (Chivas USA)

20-year-old Gerson Mayen debuted in MLS this season after progressing from Chivas USA’s developmental squad to the first team squad in 2008. In fairness his inclusion here is something of an ambitious one, as he has only seven appearances under his belt, but I think this is a talented young player. He’s a midfielder with stacks of ability and one thing he possibly has to his advantage over Pontius is a ruthless eye for the killer pass. Four assists have been chalked up by Mayen, the highlight being a perfect through ball for Eduardo Lillingston in Chivas’ 2-0 win at Dallas in March.

While Mayen’s selection will likely come as a surprise to any American readers, he is one player I’d like to see a lot more of. It’s possible he’ll develop into a more attacking midfielder than he is currently and adding a few goals to his repertoire would be a huge step forward – midfielders who can score and create are worth their weight in gold. That said, it’s too early to identify a European destination for Mayen. But he’s definitely one to keep an eye on.

Of course, this is all a matter of opinion. Who else is currently playing in Major League Soccer and has caught your eye? Who are the league’s best players, and should its homegrown players be getting a chance for the USMNT?

Chris Nee writes at twofootedtackle and co-hosts the twofootedtackle podcast.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News