Tag Archives: Feyenoord

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Feyenoord reject bid for Man Utd target

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Feyenoord have rejected a €6m bid for defender Stefan de Vrij from Serie A side Lazio and it now appears that Louis van Gaal may be in the driving seat to take the 22-year-old to Old Trafford.

It is understood that the Eredivisie giants want around €12m and Feyenoord sporting director Martin van Geel has spoke to RTV Rijnmond and stated if the club received an acceptable offer than they would not stand in the player’s way if he wished to depart the Rotterdam club.

“It’s logical for him to leave but it has to be for the right club for Stefan at the right price,” Van Geel said. “I am happy that we did not accept Lazio’s offer as it was too low. A second higher offer has not been received as of yet.”

Sources in Italy suggest that Lazio are thought to be lining up a counter-bid, however, it is unlikely to be near the €12m figure that the Rotterdam side value him at.

Van Geel continued: “Until a sufficient offer has been received then Stefan will be a Feyenoord player after he returns from his leave after the World Cup.”

New Manchester United boss Van Gaal led De Vrij and his Oranje team-mates to third place in the World Cup this summer and now beginning life at Old Trafford has led to many stories linking members of the impressive Dutch squad to a move to Manchester.

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FEATURE

Feyenoord – A bright future ahead

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In the Dutch squad for this past summer’s World Cup, Feyenoord contributed more players than any other Dutch club.  A total of nine of the squad either had been a youth player trained and educated at Feyenoord at their famous Varkenwood academy, still played for them or had left to a club in another country.  Their names are Bruno Martins Indi, Daryl Janmaat, Stefan De Vrij, Terence Kongolo, Jordy Clasie, Robin Van Persie, Jonathan De Guzman, Leroy Fer and Georginio Wijnaldum writes Andries Oosterveen.

At the time of writing due to Holland’s excellent run at the tournament, the big clubs from some of the biggest leagues have already come calling. This has led to sad but inevitable break up of a Feyenoord side that I believe had a very strong opportunity to win the Eredivisie title, KNVB Beker and make an impact in the Champions League.

Ronald Koeman has left to coach Southampton with his brother Erwin Koeman in the English Premier League and has been joined by Graziano Pelle for a fee of €8m.  His goal to game ratio for Feyenoord was lethal and is certain to be missed though hopefully properly replaced. Daryl Janmaat made it three by joining Newcastle United for a modest fee of €5m.  The latest player to leave is the speedy versatile giant of a defender Bruno Martins Indi who has signed for FC Porto of Portugal in a €7.7m deal.  The latest rumour concerns young defender Stefan De Vrij and a possible €8m transfer to Lazio in Italy or a possible €10m transfer to Manchester United.

What is good however about the above transfers is that these players will move to highly competitive leagues with top teams who play top teams each weekend, are coached by world class coaches and are rarely out of European competitions.  The value of that in terms of their own personal development and different experiences is priceless and can only benefit the Dutch national team in the future and add another positive note and reference to Feyenoord’s highly successful Varkenwood youth academy.  There is also the funding for the new 75,000 capacity stadium that needs to be found and considered.

Yes, both Koeman and those players need replacing and the easy thing would be to buy outside of Holland like clubs in the Premier League do. However, this is Holland, where quality recruiting and youth player development has always been top of the priority list.  As a result Koeman´s replacement was chosen as Fred Rutten.

Rutten is 51 years old and spent his whole playing career at FC Twente.  After retiring he managed FC Twente, Schalke 04, PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse Arnhem.  His management win ratio at those clubs was 52% FC Twente, 41% Schalke 04, 70% PSV Eindhoven and 55% Vitesse Arnhem.

Rutten will also keep the Feyenoord playing style alive as the fans expect the players to work like they do, chase opponents down and play at a high intensity.  This would also be in line with the famous club saying of “Geen Woorden Maar Daden“ which in English means “Not Words But Deeds“.

In 2010, Feyenoord was almost made bankrupt which was the catalyst for them to turn to youth first before looking elsewhere to provide players for the first team squad.  There was no cash for new players so the youth academy was the main supply for the squad.  The academy is known as Varkenwood and has been voted now for the fifth year running as Holland’s best youth academy since 2009.  The head of youth development is Damien Hertog and the Academy manager is Rob Kurvers.  Proudly in May 2014, they again collected the Rinus Michels Award for this achievement.

The great story of Feyenoord’s Varkenwood youth academy was started by the great Stanley Brard who was a player at Feyenoord for most of his career.  In February 2006, he was appointed chief of the youth academy and in the 8 years since turned Feyenoord’s youth academy into the best in Holland.  Sadly Stanley Brard has now left Rotterdam to coach in Azerbaijan at FC Gabula but the success is continuing and the fanatical Feyenoord fans now have a homegrown team which is more than capable of achieving sustained success.

Besides appointing a new head coach, Feyenoord have in this month signed the experienced former Dutch international defender from Brondby in Denmark known as Khalid Bouhlarouz, who at 32, will add experience in defence, but recruiting from within to replace those sold is surely the priority as the success of Varkenwood shows.

In line with the great work being done at Varkenoord, here are some youth players to look out for and who could fill the void left by those already gone:

TERENCE KONGOLO (Defender)

Ronald Koeman has described him as the perfect defender.  He made his Feyenoord debut this season.  As he is tall, fast and intelligent, he is seen as a natural defender and is potentially the best defender of the De Vrij, Willems, Veltman, Indi, Rekik, Bruma and Denswil generation.  His talents were noticed by Van Gaal and as a result he was included in the Dutch World Cup squad ahead of more experienced players.

ANASS ACHAHBAR (Striker)

A stocky striker, strong with the ball, lots of ambition and handy in the use of his body.  Roy Makaay, Feyenoord’s attacking youth coach was once told by Achahbar that Feyenoord should not sign Graziano Pelle as they had him.

TONNY VILHENA (Midfielder)

Seen as a box to box midfielder in the Steven Gerrard or Patrick Vieira mould, he combines his technical abilities with a strong physical appearance.  He possesses offensive and defensive qualities and is able to nick the ball away and create danger with sharp crisp passing.  Former PSV coach Aad De Mos once called Vilhena the biggest talent in the Eredivisie.

JEAN-PAUL BOËTIUS (Winger)

A fast winger who combines speed with technique and creativity; he enjoys taking on right-backs with no fear and pressure.  He is consistently proving to be a rising star which was evident in his debut goal against Ajax in October 2012 with a composed finish.

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Stefan De Vrij – A bright future ahead

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As of the 19th of July it seems almost certain that Stefan de Vrij will become the latest player to leave Feyenoord this summer, after Graziano Pelle, Daryl Janmaat and Bruno Martins Indi. He has been strongly linked with a move to Lazio of Serie A and the latest info seems to be that the Rome club have bid  €7m for the 22-year old while Feyenoord are holding out for a figure closer to €9m.

This disagreement in transfer could leave a small gap for another club, such as Manchester United, to swoop in and sign the player, but this is unlikely because reports are saying de Vrij is keen on Lazio. Stefan de Vrij missed only 2 games in the Eredivisie last season and contributed 4 goals which helped his side to finish 2nd and earn a Champions League qualifying spot. However it now appears that de Vrij will join the growing list of names in Feyenoord’s ‘talent drain’.

De Vrij was born in Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel, a small village in the province of South Holland. He is the son of Jan de Vrij who played for local team vv Spirit. When he was 10 years old he was talent spotted by Feyenoord as a midfielder and was later turned into a defender. He developed rapidly and in July 2009 he signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord. In 2012 he replaced Ron Vlaar as the captain but was stripped of the captaincy last season after a poor run of form.

The Oranje international has now made 19 appearances for the national side; with his only international goal coming at the 2014 World Cup in the infamous 5-1 win against then World Champions Spain. Together with former club teammates ‘Concrete Ron’ Vlaar and Bruno Martins Indi he formed a rock solid partnership that conceded only 4 goals in 7 games at this World Cup, which is the same as World Champions Germany.

Overall he is an accomplished centre-back who is comfortable on the ball, very strong and is good in the air both attacking and defending. Whatever club he goes to, Lazio or somewhere else, as long as he gets significant game time then he certainly has a bright future. It looks like the only way is up for another Feyenoord youth product.

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FEATURE

Who could be Eredivisie 2014/15 top scorer?

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The top goal scorer in the Eredivisie last season was won by the Icelandic international and SC Heerenveen striker Alfred Finnbogason. He top scored with 29 goals proving that he was worthy of his market value.

Although this coming season, the Eredivisie will not be home to the likes of Finnbogason or the runner-up of last season’s title Graziano Pellè, who scored 23 goals last term for Feyenoord.

Both strikers have left the league for their new clubs. Finnbogason signing for the La Liga side Real Sociedad and Pellè joined his former manager Ronald Koeman at Premier League side Southampton.

As both first and second place top scorers of the league last season have departed along with other competitors such as Dušan Tadić. The Serbian international notched 16 times last season and finished fourth top goal scorer for his club FC Twente. Tadić has also recently transferred to Southampton and this leaves a massive opportunity for other young talented players to make a name for themselves this coming season.

Here are a number of players that I consider will be competing to win the ‘Golden Boot’ in the Eredivisie.

LUC CASTAIGNOS

The Dutch born striker who plays for FC Twente showed us why he deserves to play for the Jong Oranje last year as he went on to score 14 goals, unlike other strikers strangely none of his goals came from the penalty spot. His playing style has led the media to compare him to the French legend Thierry Henry and he also holds the all-time Netherlands Under-17s leading goalscorer honour.

Twente lost their top scorer from last season Tadić, this should mean that the club will rely on Castaignos even more during the coming season to provide them with more goals than he usually is expected to score.

ARON JÓHANNSSON

I have high expectations for this AZ Alkmaar striker during the 2014/15 campaign. During last term, he managed to score 17 finishing third behind Finnbogason and Pellè.

He is also returning from the World Cup in Brazil, where he represented the United States during their very successful campaign. Jóhannsson made his World Cup debut during America’s opening match against Ghana, coming on for the injured Jozy Altidore, himself a former player for AZ. His experience was short lived though, as he made very little impact and did not play in their last three matches of the tournament.

The 23-year-old will have to undergo ankle surgery and will be out for the opening six to eight weeks of the season. Considering the only two players that scored more goals than him last season have both left the league means that he should be in with a shout this season no matter if he misses the opening few weeks of the season for AZ.

MEMPHIS DEPAY

This left winger for PSV Eindhoven has always come up with the goals when their needed, but most importantly his World Cup success with the Dutch, finishing third overall in the competition, will come as a massive learning curve for this young talent. After scoring twice during the tournament, Depay’s confidence will be sky high coming into the start of the season. Once Depay is given the license to play an attacking role for his side then he should bag more than his fair share of goals during the 2014-15 campaign.

LEX IMMERS

The number 10 for Feyenoord is sure to score more than a few this season. The departure of Pellè will mean that more will be expected of Immers and he has proven that he is a threat to any defence in the league after notching 12 times last campaign.

This attacking midfielder should be more than just competing for the Eredivisie championship this season.

THE OTHERS

Other names such as NAC Breda’s new signing Erik Falkenburg will also be attempting to make an impact at his new club and to become the top goalscorer would be the perfect way to do it.

Names such as Bryan Linssen (Heracles), Jens Toornstra (FC Utrecht) and Jurgen Locadia (PSV) are players that cannot be ruled out to challenge for the title of leading goalscorer in the Eredivisie during the upcoming campaign.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Porto sign Martins Indi – Clasie to follow?

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After signing Bruno Martins Indi on a four year deal, Portuguese giants FC Porto are now said to be interested in acquiring the services of Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie.

With the Dutch club looking more likely to lose Stefan de Vrij, and Daryl Janmaat, Graziano Pelle along with Martins Indi already gone, in such a short space of time, they are in no hurry to part ways with the holding midfielder. Clasie’s agent has spoken but only to confirm that there are clubs interested in his client, but no concrete offer has been received by Feyenoord.

Defender Martins Indi today signed a four year contract with Porto, settling on of the most anticipated transfers of the summer, for a 7.7million fee.

Martins Indi told VI.nl: “This feels like the right time to leave, I have played over a hundred games for the club and played in my first World Cup. I have said from the start that I hoped that if I ever make the next step in my career that it would be for better for I or the club. Feyenoord have received great financial benefit for me while I’m looking forward to a new challenge in Portugal. “

In regards to Jordy Clasie, Feyenoord technical director Martin van Geel, has said in De Telegraaf that, “With Jordy there is less pressure to leave, he is happy at Feyenoord and we would definitely not want to lose him.” One of the main objectives this summer for Van Geel was to make Feyenoord financially more stable and he is currently doing that with two big sales, so the club are in no way being held to ransom by their own bank account. Although, relations between the club are good seeing as Porto have already signed ex-Feyenoord man Bruno Martins Indi recently.

In so far as other players are concerned, this may not be the case. Van Geel admitted that players like Stefan de Vrij, who only has one year left on his contract, may be be sold if the right offer comes along. Clasie’s contract runs until the summer of 2018 which gives the club a little more control over the matter when an offers comes in.

The 23-year-old made his debut for Oranje in 2012 and has since represented his country on 10 occasions, the latest as a substitute in the semi-final defeat to Argentina in World Cup 2014. Clasie is your typical Dutch defensive midfielder, who has no gaping holes in any area of his game. He enjoys when the ball is at his feet and can defend capably. Porto are certainly in the market for a defensive midfielder, and it appears Clasie can be the man to fill that role, if they can only convince Martin van Geel that the price is right.

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Introducing Daryl Janmaat – Newcastle’s new signing

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Newcastle United has signed a fourth Dutchman to their ranks with Daryl Janmaat joining from Feyenoord for a reported £5m. But Geordies may be asking, who is Daryl Janmaat, well… Will Burns reveals all.

FACTFILE

– Janmaat was born on 22nd July 1989 in a small town called Leidschendam in the south of the Netherlands.

– As a child, he played in the Feyenoord Academy till he was a C-Junior (age 13/14) but in 2007, he was later released after not proving himself sufficiently.

– He was signed up by ADO Den Haag and made his full debut in 2007 against FC Zwolle, he went on to score twice in 25 appearances.

– At the end of that season, Heerenveen signed Janmaat to a four-year deal and he appeared in 84 games for the Friesland club.

– He eventually returned to Rotterdam in the summer of 2012 and starred in 63 games over the last two seasons for Feyenoord.

– At time of writing, he has earned 19 international caps and recently starred in four of the Dutch’s games in the World Cup campaign in Brazil.

WHAT DOES JANMAAT BRING TO THE TOON?

Janmaat is an attacking right-back that Toon fans will notice instantly that he is a similar player to the outgoing Mathieu Debuchy. The 24-year-old (25 next week) always has the desire to surge forward, and will look to overlap the winger or cut inside to look to play the best ball possible.

However, unlike most forward thinking full-backs, Janmaat can cover well in defence. His great pace helps him catch the opposition if the possession has been lost, and he has been known to slide in a great recovery tackle to halt tricky playmakers in their stride.

If needed, he is also quite capable in the air to cut out those long balls. He is physically strong, so he should cope well with the hustle and bustle of the Premier League and keep the ball when battling shoulder to shoulder with the opposition’s winger.

Attacking is where the Magpies will see the benefits of Janmaat. Last season for Feyenoord, he created 36 chances for Feyenoord, in which five of them became assists and as well as notching twice in 40 appearances.

A fantastic defender he is not, although he is solid and very reliable and if a partnership is created a cautious right wide man, we could see a successful career on Tyneside.

All statistical information used in this article is courtesy of Martijn Hilhors.

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NEWS

Feyenoord forced to wait for Dost

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New Feyenoord head coach Fred Rutten would love to have Bas Dost sign as a replacement for the outgoing top scorer Graziano Pellè who joined Southampton yesterday.

However, a chain of recruitment dealings is delaying Dost’s transfer from Wolfsburg to Rotterdam, as the Bundesliga side are waiting to get the all clear to sign a replacement for the Dutchman.

Wolfsburg have enquired to Chelsea for the availability of young Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku and until they get a decision from the London club, they will not allow the Dost negotiations take place.

Feyenoord are set to start a Champions League qualification campaign next month and are heavily dismantled from last year’s squad. Rutten has a big job at hand with talisman Pellè already left and Bruno Martins Indi is set to join Portuguese giants FC Porto in a €9m deal, already agreed during the World Cup. With rumours of the Rotterdam club ready to receive offers for Daryl Janmaat, Stefan de Vrij and Jordy Clasie also, Rutten and technical director Martin van Geel could have a massive rebuild to do if he wishes to challenge for the Eredivisie championship this coming season.

Dost would be a great start and welcome addition up front. The 25-year-old has notched 12 goals in 45 appearances for Die Wölfe and at 6ft 4 inches could fill that void that Pellè has left as the big guy in attack. Before heading over to Germany, Dost had a very successful two seasons at Heerenveen under Marco van Basten. The striker managed to find the net 45 times in 66 games before landing a €7m transfer over to Germany.

If Feyenoord can divert any bids for any more of their stars and invest in Dost, the Rotterdam side may be prepared to push rivals Ajax and PSV to the limit once again  this year.

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What will Graziano Pellè bring to Southampton?

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Big Italian striker Graziano Pelle is heading to Southampton to once again work with Ronald Koeman for a reported snip of €8million. Will Burns discusses on what the striker has in his arsenal as he is set to replace the outgoing Rickie Lambert…

Factfile

– Pellè was born on 15 May 1985 in San Cesario di Lecce, Italy.

– The Italian started out at a hometown club Lecce in 2001. As a youth player, he helped his team to win the 2002/03 Coppa Italia Primavera and the Campionato Primavera twice (in 2003/04 and 2004/05).

– He made his professional debut in a Serie A game against Bologna in January 2004. Failing to settle in, between 2005 and 2007, Pellè played out on loan at Catania, Crotone and Cesena.

– In the summer of 2007, Pellè made the move to the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar scoring 14 goals in a total of 72 games.

– After a stint of four years in Holland, he returned to his homeland as he moved to Parma.

– Again failing to click in the team he went on a loan to Sampdoria from Parma in January 2012. While in Sampdoria, Pellè managed to find the net four times in 12 games.

– Once again looking for a new start, Pellè returned to the Netherlands on a season-long loan to Feyenoord.

– Pellè became a goal machine scoring 11 goals in his first ten appearances.

– After impressing, on 5th January 2013, Pellè signed a four-year contract with the Rotterdam club.

– In 2012/13 season he notched 27 goals in 29 games and then last season scored 23 in 28 appearances.

What Pellè brings to Southampton?

Graziano Pellè is a player I have admired for the past two seasons and I feel he is a perfect fit for the Premier League. At 6ft 4 inches, even though he is tall and physically strong, he is a delight to watch on the ball.

Playing as a target man, he can overpower any defender to keep the ball at his feet to feed into any overlapping player or better still, create a chance for himself. With great ability of playing with both feet, he moves real good for a big guy, which can provide source of goals when his back is to goal.

If Southampton can find two great crossers on their wings, then the Italian will deliver goals. Inside the box, Pellè is always looking for the ball, losing his marker to usually head home from either near or far post. The power in the 29-year-old’s legs makes him leap like a salmon and defeat the tallest of defenders. So from any cross whether it be in-play or from a set-piece, Pellè is a real aerial threat to the opposition’s goal.

One downfall could be his temperament. The Italian is a bit of explosive when things to do not go his way and has been known to sulk if his side are losing an important games. Please check out this link which explains some incidents from last season that got Pelle in hot water with the KNVB and Feyenoord management.

Despite the behavioral issues, I personally think this can add to his game as the passion he shows, displays a great will to win. With great finishing with both feet and his head, I see goals from Pellè and successful tenure under Koeman on the South Coast.

Anyways, don’t take my word for it Saints fans… take a look for yourself

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Manchester United target to join Lazio?

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Lazio’s Sporting Director, Igli Tare, has declared that Feyenoord centre-back Stefan de Vrij wants to join his club, despite claims that Manchester United were targeting the Dutch international writes Robbie Dunne.


While the “Dutch international to Manchester United” rumours need to be taken with a pinch of salt, it would not be unthinkable given how well he played during Netherlands run to the semi-final of the World Cup. He was pivotal to the Netherlands’ solid defensive setup, alongside Ron Vlaar and Bruno Martins Indi as a back three.

Lazio were initially interested in the defender, but their interest believed to have cooled due to the fact that Manchester United and, more importantly, Louis van Gaal had become interested in the 22-year-old but Tare remains adamant that de Vrij wants to play in Italy and for Lazio.

De Vrij is comfortable as a centre-back but can also play as a right-back and he burst onto the scene during the 2009/10 season with his current club Feyenoord. He has since amassed 135 appearances for the club, despite being only 22 years old.

Louis van Gaal played the defender in all six of the Netherlands’ World Cup 2014 games and he really excelled in the spotlight. He was immense against Costa Rica and Argentina, in particular.

Manchester United’s depth at centre-back is poor having lost club captain Nemanja Vidic and veteran Rio Ferdinand during the summer. Lazio, on the other hand, could also do with a boost at the position.

De Vrij’s contract runs until the summer of 2015 and could cost as little as €5 million, but Feyenoord are hoping to hold out for more as the transfer window draws to a close.

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Feyenoord does not tolerate Newcastle’s Janmaat bid

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Martijn Krabbendam of Voetbal International reports that Newcastle United have had an offer of €6 million rejected for right-back target Daryl Janmaat, writes Robbie Dunne.

 

The Oranje defender has only one year to run on his contract, and is unlikely to sign a new deal, but Newcastle are in desperate need of a replacement at right-back since Mathieu Debuchy left the club for London-based club Arsenal.

As reported by Krabbendam, Janmaat arrived from Heerenveen on a free transfer in 2012 and so any transfer sum receieved would be a profit for the club, who at this point should probably start looking for a replacement.

Newcastle’s alternatives are Serge Aurier of Toulouse – who would cost more than Janmaat – and Ajax defender Ricardo van Rhijn – who just signed a new contract with his current club. In reality, Janmaat is the most realistic option for the club and the 24-year-old is said to be keen on a move, given the fact that it would be a step forward in his development and career.

The bid made by Newcastle is also believed to be an opening bid and so, there is a long way to go in the negotiations over the defender. The Magpies have tested the waters and were rebuffed, however, don’t be surprised if the team’s reach an agreement before the end of the transfer window.

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Southampton-Pelle deal… ON

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Southampton have agreed a fee in principle to bring Graziano Pellè to St.Mary’s from Feyenoord, as reported by Voetbal International’s Martijn Krabbendam, a respected source in the Netherlands writes Robbie Dunne.

Krabbendam also reports that there are still some of the finer details that need to be worked out but a fee, believed to be around €8 million, has been agreed to by both clubs – who are still negotiating. The club are certainly on speaking terms though and it appears that it is only a matter of time before the deal is concluded.

In relation to the player, Pellè has already agreed to work for Koeman at his new club, according to Krabbendam. Southampton had been having trouble with the price tag put on him by his club of €12 million, and for a player that is turning 29 with limited sell-on value, you’d have to respect their stance.

Ronald Koeman managed Feyenoord during Pellè’s time at the club, so he knows exactly how much he is valued at. There seems to be mixed feelings about just how good Pellè really is amongst supporters. While he is adored at Feyenoord, he struggled in the Serie A, and it is a common belief that the Premier League is even quicker than both, and whether or not Pellè can adjust to such an environment remains a massive question mark.

As stated, Koeman has had the player in his squad for the last two seasons and if anyone knows, it is the former Dutch International, which should go a long ways to easing Southampton fans’ worries. Pellè will also be given the unenviable task of replacing Rickie Lambert – who won over the Saints crowd from day one of his arrival.

Feyenoord, on the other hand have their sights set on Bas Dost from Wolfsburg to replace the outgoing Italian before the start of the Eredivisie campaign in August.

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Pelle’s Southampton talks stall… or have they?

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Reports this morning stated that Southampton’s talks with Feyenoord over the possible signing of Graziano Pelle have come to a standstill. The problem apparently stems from the valuation of the player and The Saints’s unwillingness to budge on their €8 million offer. Rumour has it, Feyenoord want something more in line with €12 million for the striker’s services.

However, Feyenoord could do a lot with €8m and with the upcoming €8.5m sale of defender Bruno Martins Indi to Portuguese giants FC Porto, this would give new boss Fred Rutten an excellent war chest to push Ajax to the limit this year and challenge for the title. With the new Saints manager Ronald Koeman, knowing his former club inside out, including a great relationship with Feyenoord’s technical director Martin van Geel. The Dutchman surely will know how much money it will take to get Pelle to the South Coast of England, so we feel the reports this morning may be inaccurate.

The Italian striker has scored 23 times in 28 appearances for the Rotterdam club last season but he turns 29 on the 15th of July and Southampton are stalling on paying this much for a striker at this age. There is also an element of unproven ability with Pelle, who has only really ever excelled during spells in the Eredivisie.

A fruitful spell at AZ Alkmaar yieled 14 goals in 78 appearances but a year at Parma where he only scored once and a subsequent loan move to Sampdoria was just as unsuccessful. He went on loan to Feyenoord at the beginning of the 2012 season and almost scored a goal per game with 27 in 29, and continued off in similar form last season with his strike rate.

While Southampton have sold a main crop of their young talent that has taken them to the dizzying heights of the top half of the Premier League table, they are not yet desperate enough to spend money needlessly and they might feel that their need for a striker is being used against them in this negotiation. The sale of Rickie Lambert to Liverpool is at the crux of Southampton’s need to find a replacement and Feyenoord will be aware of this fact.

Koeman was at the helm during Pelle’s most prolific period of goalscoring and wants to be reunited with the Italian in order to develop the same kind of productivity that was evident over the past two seasons.

Pelle is also garnering attention from Premier League newcomers Leicester City but Pelle’s loyalty to Koeman might play a huge part in the unravelling of this transfer story.

If the negotiations do break down, Southampton might look to FC Twente’s Luc Castaignos as another possible replacement for Rickie Lambert.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Newcastle United looking to sign another Dutchman?

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While many people associate Newcastle with the French connection that has been establishing itself over a number of years, the growing Dutch influence on the squad is beginning to develop. The Magpies have been linked now with right-back Daryl Janmaat ahead of Mathieu Debuchy’s departure from St.James Park and have already completed a deal for Ajax striker Siem de Jong this summer writes Robbie Dunne.

The Netherlands have cruised to a World Cup semi-final on the back of some solid defensive displays after many didn’t give them a chance in a group that involved a fancied Chile side and the holders Spain. Their path to the semi-final has meant added transfer rumours with Daley Blind, Memphis Depay and Daryl Janmaat at the heart of much of that speculation.

The 24-year-old right back had previously been linked to Manchester United, but the Manchester club are said to be stalling on paying the £7 million asking price considering his contract expires next summer and can be picked up on a free trasnfer at that point. They value him more as a £4 million asset and are unwilling to match the asking price. Napoli were also said to be interested in the Dutchman’s services but Newcastle are believed to be in the driving seat regarding his transfer.

Newcastle, however, have a more pressing need at right-back given the departure of Frenchman Debuchy and will be looking to invest some of the money gained from his departure in a new right back to fill the void. The alternative was another Dutchman in Ricardo van Rhijn, who had also garnered attention from Chelsea and Everton.

Janmaat’s delivery from out wide is on of the aspects of his play that has been highlighted with an eye for a key pass central to his game. He has not featured for the Netherlands since being dropped in place of Paul Verhaegh ahead of the first knockout game against Mexico and has not been able to reestablish himself in Van Gaal’s plans despite playing quite well when given his chances.

Newcastle fans are eager to see players being replaced after being sold with growing pressure on owner Mike Ashley to show more ambition to the fans. Janmaat would certainly be a step in the right direction and could give Newcastle a boost, especially if he returns from Brazil with a World Cup Winners’ medal.

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