The vast alumni of world-class talents Louis van Gaal has issued league debuts too verges upon legendary; Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert were all promoted to first team level by the Dutchman first.

So it’s a good job van Gaal finds himself at Manchester United – a club famed for it’s ability to develop young players, including the famous documentary-making class of ’92.

The new era at Old Trafford will be built from the ground up, so which academy starlets are currently in van Gaal’s thinking?

Just in case he’s a little short on a few ideas, here’s FIVE budding youngsters to five LVG food for thought.

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JAMES WILSON

James Wilson burst onto the Premier League last season during Ryan Giggs’ short caretaker spell at Manchester United, netting twice against Hull City:

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He’s since earned some promising monikers, including ‘the next Michael Owen’, and has done enough to claim a bit-part role in Louis van Gaal’s first team squad, making five substitute outings in the Premier League but still awaiting his first start under the Dutchman.

Meanwhile, he’s been bagging some stunning goals for the U21s, including this strike against Aston Villa’s second string earlier this month:

Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao are both notoriously injury prone and LVG prefers Wayne Rooney at No.10, so the 18 year-old should see a fair bit of action this season.

Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville have both been singing the young striker’s praises recently, with the United assistant telling TalkSport; “He’s a brilliant prospect. I’ve always said about younger players that you can give them the chance but they have got to take it.”

Here’s the England U19’s highlights from last season – a campaign which saw him score at every age level for the Red Devils:

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JESSE LINGARD

21 year-old Jesse Lingard has enjoyed some productive spells in the English lower tiers, impressing on loan at Birmingham and Brighton last season to net three goals apiece for both Championship sides.

The attacking midfielder comes with a nimble frame, fluid agility and a deadly eye for goal, his preferred position being just behind the centre-forward in a shadow role. Here’s a clip of Lingard in action:

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He’s impressed on prior pre-season tours and became a surprise inclusion in Manchester United’s starting Xi on the opening day of the season against Swansea, suggesting the Warrington-born midfielder has already caught Louis van Gaal’s attention.

Unfortunately, Lingard’s inaugural Premier League outing ended in injury, but highly talented and a regular for England across the junior levels, most recently amassing four caps for the U21s, it won’t be long before he’s pushing for a first team place once again.

SAIDY JANKO

Manchester United fans won’t remember David Moyes’ eleven-month tenure too fondly, but they could be thanking the Scot in the years to come for signing former Zurich youngster Saidy Janko during his only summer at the club.

The 19 year-old won the Reserves’ Player of the Season award during his debut term at Old Trafford and has since earned his first senior appearance for the Red Devils – a substitute outing in the 4-0 Capital One Cup defeat to MK Dons.

Janko’s famed for his blend of pace, power and versatility, being capable of playing anywhere along the right-hand flank. Here’s a look at the teenager in action:

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With Rafael out injured and Louis van Gaal reverting back to a 3-5-2 in recent weeks, the Switzerland U19 could be the perfect deputy for the likeminded Antonio Valencia in the wing-back slot.

He’s still got a lot to learn however so a January loan move to gain more experience certainly isn’t out of the question.

PATRICK MCNAIR AND TYLER BLACKETT

Manchester United look set to spend untold fortunes on defensive reinforcements in the January window but could a far cheaper solution be right under Louis van Gaal’s nose?

Considering their inexperience at Premier League level and lack of leadership in United’s defence, both Patrick McNair and Tyler Blackett have excelled since their top flight debuts earlier this season.

United have won all four Premier League fixtures where McNair has started for example, and the 19 year-old is now involved with the Northern Ireland senior squad. He even kept beastly front-man Romelu Lukaku at bay when Everton visited Old Trafford back in October:

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Likewise, Blackett, although occasionally cumbersome, offers a good reading of the game for a 20 year-old centre-half whilst his mixture of height and pace is perfect for the Premier League. Here’s a look at the 6 foot 2 starlet in action:

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Both were at the heart of United’s 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend, defending admirably, and although they’re still quite far from the finished article, the centre-back duo have surely done enough to be considered in Louis van Gaal’s long-term plans.

ANDREAS PEREIRA

Arguably Manchester United’s most anticipated academy player, Sir Alex Ferguson fought off interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool to sign Andreas Pereira from PSV Eindhoven in 2011.

The young midfielder has since become integral for the Red Devils at Junior level, captaining United’s successful 2013 Milk Cup campaign, where he won the Player of the Tournament award after netting three times en route to the final.

A real, old-fashioned No.10, the Belgian-born Brazilian, whose father played for Royal Antwerp, is famed for his creativity and technical ability, as shown in the video below:

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The 18 year-old’s leadership qualities will impress Louis van Gaal too and he’s already caught the United gaffer’s attention, earning a place in the Red Devils squad that lost to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.

The Old Trafford outfit are currently blessed with a plethora of top class No.10s however so Pereira’s unlikely to feature at first team level any time soon.

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When Brendan Rodgers first became Liverpool boss two-and-a-half-years ago, although results were inconsistent, his progressive, possession-based philosophy was continually praised.

It was viewed as modern and vibrant yet befitting of the club’s ancient values – reminiscent of the definitive give-and-go’s of the 1970s and 1980s – but this season it’s manifested into something dangerously dogmatic.

Unless Rodgers accepts his Liverpool side must begin taking a more balanced approach, the Reds will soon be walking in the footsteps of another top Premier League club forever shackled by their own philosophy – Arsenal.

Both sides have struggled this season for precisely the same reasons, although materialising in slightly different ways. Arsenal’s 62% possession average is the highest in the league and Liverpool aren’t far behind on 57%, whilst they boast 86% and 84% passing accuracies respectively. As a consequence, the Gunners rank second and the Reds fourth in terms of chances created this season.

Yet, football is decided by a side’s efficiency to score goals – not domination of the ball. You can have the ball for 30 seconds and still win a football match; you can have the ball for a whole 90 minutes (plus stoppage time) and still draw 0-0.

Meanwhile, Arsenal and Liverpool can both be accused of overlooking their defensive problems. Manchester United’s second goal against the Gunners at the weekend – a counter-attack involving just a handful of passes as pushed up full-backs left Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta as the only men behind the ball – was all too predictable, as was Ludogrets’ last-minute equaliser from a converted corner against the Reds yesterday evening, marking the 13t goal they’ve conceded from set pieces since the summer.

Not that Rodgers has ignored Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses in the same manner that’s turned so many supporters against Arsene Wenger in recent years. He somehow allowed Arsenal to enter the season with one defender less than last year, whereas the Liverpool boss has spent around £57million to bring six new defenders to Anfield since taking the hotseat in summer 2012 – not to mention an extra £10million on holding midfielder Emre Can. To claim he’s not at least attempted to rebuild the Reds from the back would be folly.

Yet, when all have struggled to prove good value for money – except perhaps Kolo Toure, who arrived on a free transfer – you have to start considering the nature of Rodgers’ philosophy and whether he’s beginning to echo Wenger’s worryingly idealistic approach.

For example, Rodgers insists upon the Reds playing out of the back as much as possible, even with impending danger looming on his defenders. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that – just ask Barcelona – but Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel all give the aura of centre-halves continually battling against the unrealistic demands of Rodgers’ possession football.

It’s no coincidence that Liverpool’s backline takes far more risks than the vast majority of its Premier League counterparts and the Reds have inflicted upon themselves the second-most errors leading to goals since the start of 2014 with 18, only trumped by the ever-self destructive Tottenham with 23. Unsurprisingly, Arsenal are third at 13.

Likewise, consider the style of team Liverpool have come unstuck against this season; Aston Villa, West Ham, QPR, Hull, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace. All direct, well-organised and physical sides – the phrase ‘a rainy Wednesday night in Stoke’ – who, incidentally, Liverpool face on Saturday – quickly comes to mind.

These are the rough-n-ready calibre of opposition that have haunted the Gunners for years and one can see them troubling also Liverpool for the campaigns to come. Much like Arsenal, Liverpool currently lack the height and athleticism throughout their midfield and attack to deal with this type of opponent, with both managers clearly preferring the more diminutive, technical variety of player.

In foreign top flights, La Liga for instance, such imbalances would be overlooked. But we’re talking about primary requisites of the Premier League here; Liverpool will never be able to grind out wins against the division’s rank and file sides or compete with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea without having a more complete, better-rounded starting Xi that can win games in more than one way. Vigilantly keeping hold of the ball has rendered Liverpool and Arsenal both worryingly one-dimensional this season.

Fortunately for Rodgers, Arsenal provide the perfect template of where Liverpool are heading under his current philosophy.

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They should serve as enough warning for the Ulsterman to accept the Reds can’t get by on possession football alone; it was all well and good when Liverpool were enjoying their best form for nearly a decade last season, but when momentum alone isn’t attaining positive results, we need to see a different, grittier and more direct side to the Anfield game.

The prevailing concern however, is that in direct parody of Wenger, Rodgers would rather live and die by his own ideals than adapt to their limitations.

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Ask any Arsenal fan what the club’s priority should be in the summer transfer window, and the answer will likely be ‘a holding midfelder’, someone to lighten the burden on Mikel Arteta, Abou Diaby and Mathieu Flamini.

Out of nowhere, it looks like Gunners youngster Francis Coquelin – a box-to-box-cum-full-back-cum-midfield-enforcer – seems to fall into that category.

With an integral performance during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester City three weekends ago as the most defensive element in a midfield triplet, Coquelin has thrown his name into the hat as a serious contender to step up into this role for the Gunners.

The type of midfielder Arsenal – and, in reality, every club that has European ambitions – need is becoming an ever-rarer breed; convincing Claude Makelele impersonators were once ten-a-penny, but few remain at the top end of the beautiful game. Those that do – Javier Mascherano, Thiago Motta, Javi Martinez and Sergio Busquets, for example – are already plying their trades with Europe’s biggest clubs.

And in truth, the role has evolved since the Chelsea midfielder left the Premier League in 2008. With the extra man now more commonly in the pocket ahead of midfield rather than behind it, defensive-mids have to be productive, influential and confident in possession too. The game has become too quick for sideways passers. A concern that should particularly resonate with Arsenal, being the most technically-demanding side in the Premier League.

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So once again, holding players that fit those unique requirements, midfielders who blend monolithic physicality with quality on the ball, such as Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic and Yaya Toure, are hardly in copious supply – even if you have the money to spend. And one need only take a quick gander over the other side of North London to consider the consequences of buying a knock-off; Tottenham have spent £42million on Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Moussa Dembele as potential midfield anchors, but all are now surpassed in the pecking order by academy duo Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason.

Likewise, City’s Fernandinho and Fernando, signed as more conservative partners to Yaya Toure, cost the club £46million, but their performances have rarely reached the worldly level one would expect for such lofty price-tags. Indeed, defensive midfield seems to be a particularly tough and unforgiving role in the basket-ball-esque tempo of the Premier League.

Coquelin still has some way to go before proving he’s the long-term solution to the dearth of defensive quality in Arsenal’s engine room. Despite the impressive show against the Citizens, he still lacks the experience other options on the market – such as Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin or Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira – could offer the Gunners. Likewise, the depths of his physicality are limited to just a 5 foot 10 frame, so he may soon find himself being bullied by the Premier League’s many midfield powerhouses – especially as the increase of his importance to the Gunners brings a higher level of focus upon him.

Working in the 23 year-old’s favour however, is his understanding of Arsenal’s philosophy, engrained within him through his many years within the Emirates fold. He also has the platform that options on the market won’t, in proving his suitability to the Gunners between now and the end of the season.

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So whilst some may view the Frenchman as a gamble – or rather, Wenger’s refusal to take one in the transfer market – does he constitute a greater risk than the £30million-rated Morgan Schneiderlin, a midfielder impressing in a more progressive role for Southampton that’s never plied his trade at Champions League level? Or Sami Khedira, who has spent the best part of the last two seasons sidelined with injury? Or £25million prodigy William Carvalho, who offers physicality in abundance but lacks technical quality?

In my opinion, no. And their potential transfer fees could be spent on further extending the depth in quality of the squad as a whole.

Coquelin’s name may not yet be mentioned in the same price brackets as those he’s inevitably going to be compared with just yet, but the confidence of a new contract and continued expose to first team football – particularly in the Champions League – could well bring bring him to a similar level. Why spend unnecessary fortunes in the transfer market, when the solution is already offering himself for free?

Compared with previous winter transfer windows jam-packed with excitement and sensation, January 2015 turned out to be a somewhat flat affair. Yes – the likes of Juan Cuadrado and Wilfried Bony made their moves to Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, but other than the odd interesting deal here and there, the transfer market remained somewhat muted.

Perhaps this is good for Europe’s top leagues though. The instability and ‘panic buy’ nature of the January window often leaves teams in worse positions than they initially began. But as this is just the kind of behaviour that we football fans tend to love, maybe negations could have gone that little bit further throughout last month.

In light of such inactivity, here are FIVE transfer deals that potentially should have happened this January:

Rickie Lambert -> Aston Villa

Whilst the Reds only signed the former St. Mary’s favourite a mere six months ago, Rickie Lambert has simply failed to show any real indications that he suits playing for a club the size of Liverpool. That seems to be the overall feeling among many within the footballing community anyway, but as the burly striker still has time to do the business at Anfield, perhaps such statements remain slightly premature.

That said, at 33-years-old, time isn’t exactly on Lambert’s side. He may have a sweet shot on him – and better technical ability than most would give him credit for – but it ultimately seems that this potentially dream move never lived up to such a lofty status in reality.

Sky Sports reported that Aston Villa were interested in the former Saints man and this could have represented the perfect deal for all parties involved. Villa need goals right now, and although Rickie Lambert hasn’t offered up too much in the striking department so far this season, the striker could still thrive at a club where his place in the starting line-up would be more concrete. The £5 million supposedly required according to Eurosport, does seem a bit steep for a 33-year-old, however.

Carlton Cole -> West Brom

Another striker who could have done well given more first team opportunities this year is West Ham’s Carlton Cole. The Hammers striker, who has developed an undoubted cult-hero status at Upton Park in recent seasons, may also be approaching the twilight stages his career. But as his three important goals this season could yet prove, the former England international may just have enough left in the tank.

Thanks to the form of West Ham’s other leading front men: Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and – when not injured – Andy Carroll, the former Chelsea youngster has simply not been given much time out on the pitch this campaign. His goalscoring record certainly has been infrequent, but especially as he has recorded more league finishes than Mario Balotelli this season, a team like West Brom could have certainly benefited from the West Ham man’s services.

Tony Pulis’ side seem to have developed a bit more of a direction in their play since the Welshman’s arrival, yet with Sky Sports reporting that Shola Ameobi was being considered a transfer target at the Hawthorns this January, a low budget move for Carlton Cole certainly wouldn’t have done the Baggies any harm throughout the rest of their campaign.

Ezequiel Garay -> Manchester United

Whilst the Red Devils’ interest in this proposed deal could still easily be completed over the summer, according to reports in The Mirror, when the chances of a last minute inflated price tag being tantalisingly hung over the Argentinean defender’s head are less likely, Ezequiel Garay could still have made a big impact for Manchester United this campaign.

Despite spending what was quite frankly a crazy amount last summer, Louis van Gaal’s current defence simply doesn’t do justice to the Man United rear guard of old. The likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, for all the effort they give out on the pitch, just haven’t matched the expectations that many placed on upon them arriving at Old Trafford. Whilst new boy Marco Rojo seemingly lacks the discipline and organisation required to play efficiently at centre back.

The newly acquired Sporting Lisbon defender still has enough time to come good at United however, but if he had had the chance to play alongside fellow Argentinean Ezequiel Garay this season, the Red Devils could have been a more solid defensive unit.

Xherdan Shaqiri -> Liverpool

The ‘Magic Dwarfs’’ lack of first team action with Bayern Munich made him a decent target for pretty much every top European side. As it transpired, Inter Milan eventually landed the stocky Swiss star on loan, but given Liverpool’s interest in the World Cup star according to The Express, they could have been in with a good shout of landing Xherdan Shaqiri in January.

Pep Guardiola would have obviously been keen to not let the skillful playmaker depart Munich permanently, however. The fact that he has moved to Serie A merely on a loan basis acts as evidence for Bayern Munich’s continued admiration for the player. But as Shaqiri’s place in Bayern’s starting line-up was never very likely, Anfield really could have been a great place for the Swiss talent to relocate to.

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He would have fitted in very nicely among Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho – and whilst Luis Suarez will never truly be replaced at Liverpool any time soon – Shaqiri’s creative qualities could have seen the ‘Alpine Messi’ somewhat emulate the Uruguayan star in the Premier League.

Emmanuel Adebayor -> QPR

Although the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid striker certainly hasn’t been short of critics in the Premier League throughout his career, perhaps a last minute link-up with former boss Harry Redknapp wouldn’t have gone amiss for QPR. Such a deal would have been a big gamble seeing as the Togolese striker hasn’t exactly been credited as the most hard-working player the English game has ever seen, but as he certainly has goals somewhere in his game, the Hoops may have just about benefited enough for such a deal to be worthwhile.

This potential transfer comes in as the most risky on the list however. After all, several QPR fans would have likely rejected the chance to sign Adebayor despite the club’s interest in the player being reported in the Evening Standard. As Harry Redknapp knew his game well and what he could best offer this current Queens Park Rangers team however, perhaps the veteran manager could have eventually got the best out of his former man.

Redknapp’s subsequent departure from the Loftus Road dug-out clearly puts this one to bed. This potential deal could have made a positive impact on QPR’s hopes of successfully avoiding relegation this season but wasn’t to be.

Since he first arrived at Upton Park off the back of a pretty low key switch from Ipswich Town at the beginning of the season, Aaron Cresswell has simply been one of the surprise acts of the 2014/15 campaign.

The 25-year-old left-back has reportedly gained the attention of both Chelsea and Manchester City for his consistently strong performances this season – and in a footballing climate currently defined by mostly non-home-grown players coming from high profile backgrounds – that has to come as a great individual achievement on the defender’s part.

West Ham’s no. 3 has drawn untold praise from fans and pundits alike this season, with speculative talk involving a future England career also being suggested for the former Portman Road favourite in the not too distant future.

So then, with all the discussion and debate currently surrounding the PFA’s hand selected team of the season at the moment, should Aaron Cresswell ultimately have been included in the illustriously star-studded XI?

Well regardless of what the player in question eventually goes onto achieve in his Premier League career, West Ham and Sam Allardyce got an absolute bargain on their hands when they landed their new first choice left-back for as little as £3.75million in the summer. The Hammers have notoriously struggled in the full-back positions in recent seasons, so Cresswell’s contribution throughout 2014/15 campaign has been nothing short of miraculous for the Upton Park faithful.

To many within the game, the former Ipswich Town man seemingly has all the qualities of the ‘perfect full-back.’ He is quick on the turn and has proven to be very dangerous in the final third for Big Sam’s side this season, yet he can additionally provide a more than adequate presence at the back for the Hammers whenever required.

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If the 25-year-old were of different origins than his English upbringing – maybe South American say – perhaps the no. 3 would be held in much higher regard not only in the Premier League, but across Europe as well.

The new star of the east end has not only shown some real glimpses of quality through his crossing ability and set-piece expertise this season, but he has also played every minute for West Ham in the league this term to a truly efficient degree. Aaron Cresswell’s consistency therefore has to see him involved in Roy Hodgson’s England squad before his chance on the international scene ultimately comes and goes.

In light of such a positive take on the left-back’s achievements this season then, it would seem somewhat questionable as to why the West Ham man was not included in the 2014/15 PFA team of the season. With all things considered, even though both Cesar Azpilicueta and Ryan Bertrand (the eventual winner of the left-back spot) have both undoubtedly had strong seasons so far this campaign, it could be fair to suggest that Cresswell deserves the credit above his counter-parts for several different reasons.

The 25-year-old not only had to make the difficult transition between the Championship and the Premier League this summer – which he achieved in surprisingly impressive style – but he has been forced to operate largely under the radar within a team that just haven’t gained the same level of attention as either Southampton or Chelsea have managed this season. He has still nevertheless shone brightly on nearly all given occasions.

Cresswell’s arrival as a somewhat unknown entity should have arguably been enough to deserve further praise with everything taken into account.

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Yes, he may certainly need to work on that right foot of his, yes, the odd mistake from a positional point of view has seen the defender caught out once or twice this term, and yes, his side might have drifted off dramatically throughout the tail end of the current season – but ultimately Aaron Cresswell still could have been involved in the final PFA team selection purely for being one of the most impressively exciting, yet surprising, new stars of the 2014/15 campaign.

As such matters invariably make little impact on the week-to-week progress of such players however, the entire Premier League will likely be keeping tabs on the West Ham man throughout the course of 2015/16, regardless of his exclusion, with an illustrious move elsewhere still potentially on the cards for Aaron Cresswell.

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Liverpool’s situation with their forwards has not been ideal this season. Balotelli cannot find the back of the net despite that being his job, Rickie Lambert has disappeared into the footballing wilderness and Daniel Sturridge has struggled to maintain fitness. His current injury will see him sidelined until September this year, a month into the next Premier League season. So should Liverpool be worried?

His current ailment – a hip injury – required Sturridge to undergo surgery in New York. This injury seems to be his most serious to date – but this is one of many. Sturridge missed out on games from September to January after picking up a thigh injury. In order to recover, he flew out to America for rehabilitation.

Sturridge did pick up injuries last season, but none that have kept him out for this long. This is putting huge pressure on Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers. With Luis Suarez gone, Sturridge is their next best forward. With him gone, it’s a bit of a shambles. This leaves Rodgers with an uphill battle in order to secure an efficient forward in the summer.

Daniel Sturridge has scored just four times this season, along with one assist. Compare that to his numbers for last season – 21 goals and 7 assists and it is easy to see why there is cause for concern. Add that to the fact they are missing out on around 30 goals without Suarez, it’s no wonder Liverpool have dropped down the table this year.

Liverpool should be worried about the fitness of Daniel Sturridge. The player needs to be fully prepared when he does eventually make his return to football, but at just 25, these types of injuries raise alarm.

Rodgers must be smart about who he brings to Anfield this summer. He needs back up going forward, because who knows how things are going to turn out with Mario Balotelli. When Sturridge is fit, he is vital for Liverpool. When he is not, he is hard to replace, so a return to form for Sturridge next year is what everyone at Liverpool will be hoping for.

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An interesting season awaits for Newcastle United following the appointment of Steve McClaren as manager, replacing the hapless John Carver.

Any squad that only manages to escape relegation on the final day of the season is one that is clearly in desperate need of strengthening, yet with club owner Mike Ashley seemingly more interested in lining his own coffers rather than oversee improvements in the team, another disappointing summer for the Toon Army is still very much within the realms of possibility.

Ashley has, however, promised funding for the new boss in the transfer market. Providing he sticks to his words, which players should the Magpies target?

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Charlie Austin, QPR

The QPR striker had a hugely successful campaign despite the Rs succumbing to relegation, scoring an impressive 18 Premier League goals. Austin is clearly too good to be playing Championship football next season and it would come as a great surprise if he is not lining up for a top flight side come August.

Still only 25, he would provide some much-needed quality and goalscoring ability to a Newcastle frontline that is crying out for a prolific hitman – Papiss Demba Cisse was the Magpies’ top scorer last season with just 11 goals.

Austin recently tweeted that no-one would be able to beat Newcastle club legend Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goals total of 260, to which Shearer replied by saying that he should make the move north and give it a go.

Should Austin take up the challenge, it would certainly generate a lot of excitement on Tyneside.

Will Hughes, Derby County

Regarded as one of England’s brightest young talents, Will Hughes played under McClaren during the Newcastle manager’s time in charge at Pride Park last season.

Instantly recognisable on the pitch due to his peroxide-blonde hair, Hughes is a technically skilful player who said that he bases his play on Barcelona midfielders Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

With Newcastle’s midfield a particularly weak area of the team – question marks remain over Cheick Tiote’s commitment, while Vurnon Anita has failed to light up St James’s Park – Hughes could slot in alongside Jack Colback to form a dynamic central midfield partnership.

The 20-year-old may feel it is time for him to make the step up and prove himself in the Premier League. Working under his former boss at Newcastle could give him the opportunity to do so.

Demba Ba, Besiktas

During the first half of the 2011/12 campaign, Demba Ba was one of the hottest strikers in the Premier League as Newcastle confounded all expectations by challenging for the top four.

While the arrival of Papiss Demba Cisse in January of that season saw the goals dry up somewhat as the new signing took over goalscoring responsibilities, the Senegalese duo nevertheless formed a highly successful partnership as the Magpies finished in a highly commendable fifth place.

Should Newcastle fail in their efforts to bring Charlie Austin to the club, they would be wise to consider Ba, who is currently at Turkish side Besiktas.

The prospect of a revival of the Ba-Cisse partnership is an exciting one, and may bring out the best in Cisse, who has not looked the same player since his compatriot left St James’s Park for Chelsea in 2013.

Ron Vlaar, Aston Villa

Only QPR conceded more goals in the Premier League last season than Newcastle.

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The Magpies defence needs an almighty shake-up, and while the club is never going to be able to attract a world-class defender who will transform their fortunes overnight, there are plenty of cheap and effective options on the market who could do a good job of improving the backline.

Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar has been tipped to leave the club this summer with his contract running out; strong, disciplined and authoritative, the Dutchman could form an experienced centre-back pairing with Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini, while also knocking some sense into the club’s under-performers.

Aaron Lennon, Tottenham Hotspur

There is also a glaring lack of quality out wide in Newcastle’s squad. Gabriel Obertan is, quite frankly, useless, Sammy Ameobi is too raw and inexperienced, while Yoan Gouffran is far too inconsistent.

The Magpies need a proven Premier League winger with enough skill, pace and trickery to prove a threat on the flanks. Step up Aaron Lennon; the England international is seemingly surplus to requirements at current club Tottenham Hotspur, and a move to St James’s Park would at least offer him guaranteed first-team football.

However with Everton also interested, Newcastle would need to pull out all the stops to secure his signature.

In the world of football it’s good to keep your finger on the pulse. Knowing what’s happening is key whether you’re analysing your own team’s chances of success, keeping an eye on the opposition or just debating the biggest issues with your friends.

One area in which all football fans share a uniform interest is the ‘next big thing’. Emerging players are always a source of attention, with fledgling performances too often going under the radar when top tier action dominates the headlines.

One talent we’ve been particularly impressed by is Spurs’ Marcus Edwards, who has been shining for both club and country at youth level for some time now.

However, seeing as he doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page, information on the 16-year-old attacking midfielder isn’t easy to come by, so with that in mind here are FIVE things you need to know!

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Has a real shot on him

Video of @marcusedwards__ second goal of the tournament. #THFC pic.twitter.com/niIEt1MuNv

— Tottenham Academy (@THFCacademy) May 13, 2015

Wow! Not a bad effort, right! Young Edwards sent this amazing strike crashing into the net at the European U-17 Championships earlier this year against the Republic of Ireland… and it turned out to be the winner. The teenager swivelled well on the edge of the area before wrapping his right foot around the ball, and the following shot left the ‘keeper helpless.

Really impressed at the U-17 Euros

In the very same tournament in which he rose to prominence with the goal (previous slide) against ROI, Edwards really impressed. Even though the Three Lions were eliminated in the first knockout game against Russia, the Spurs man netted twice through the competition, and earned himself a spot in the team of the tournament. Only one other Englishman, Chris Willock, made it in.

Sherwood approves

Tim Sherwood divides opinion. His brash, ‘centre-of-attention’ ways on the touchline irk many, but underneath the bravado lies a pretty competent football manager – after all, he impressed while in charge of Spurs and kept Aston Villa in the Premier League last season while getting them to an FA Cup final. Like or loathe ‘Tactics Tim’ his opinion counts, and it seems that he’s a big fan of Edwards. Writing in the Independent, Sherwood said:

“Currently in the academy at Spurs there is a 15-year-old, Marcus Edwards, who is already playing for England Under-17s. He is the kind of player who, as a coach, makes you look forward to walking out on to that pitch in the morning. Everyone in development football has heard of Marcus. He is a gifted technician with a low centre of gravity, who can pass off either foot or dribble past opponents.

“When I was at Spurs, I would persuade anyone and everyone at the training ground to come over to see him train. He is a joy to watch. Again, he is the kind of player who might not always get a game. There might be a bigger boy who could be more effective on that given day, but in time Marcus has the potential to be a great player, a make-the-difference footballer. He can win you a game. These are the kind of talented players that we must not neglect.”

A glowing reference.

Barcelona have been looking…

As is the case with any young payer now, the biggest sides are aware of Edwards’ progress. Catalans, Barcelona, are believed to be looking at him as they plot for the future, which is high praise indeed considering their famed ‘La Masia’ academy set-up has produced and nurtured some of the finest talent on the planet for quite a while.

He has a lot of love for Cyprus

With Edwards still just 16 he remains some way from representing England at a senior level, but he is a regular in youth action. And in his playing time he’s already encountered some ‘heartstring-tugging’ when he netted against Cyprus, his mother’s home nation.

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Speaking to the FA’s official website after scoring against the Mediterranean side in Euro qualification action, he said:

“It was a weird feeling,

“And I didn’t really want to celebrate as I’d discussed it with my family and friends at school beforehand.

“I didn’t think I was allowed, I’d have been told off by my aunties – so I just jumped with the nearest person to me.

“But afterwards they were just saying how proud they were.”

It would be fair to say that Victor Lindelof struggled in the early stages of his Manchester United career.

There was that pretty terrible performance at Huddersfield Town, and at that point, the Swede was facing criticism from a number of quarters.

Lindelof has certainly improved in recent weeks, however, with the summer signing from Benfica taking advantage of the absences of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo during stages of this season.

In fact, whilst almost all of his fellow United defenders have spent time out of action, Lindelof has been available for head coach Jose Mourinho.

The 23-year-old, who is valued at £19.8m by transfermarkt.co.uk, again played at right-back during United’s 2-0 win over Everton on New Year’s Day.

A solid and professional performance from Lindelof helped his team claim all three points, and the United supporters hailed the defender after the match.

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A selection of the best Twitter reaction to Lindelof’s performance can be found below:

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has spoken of Ayoze Perez’s importance to the team following a goalscoring run.

The 24-year-old was subjected to plenty of criticism from fans during the first half of the season.

The Spaniard struggled in front of goal, which prompted some supporters to call for his axe from the team.

In 20 Premier league appearances, 14 of which have been starts, Perez has only managed to find the back of the net twice.

However, the attacking player has now bagged three goals in his last two outings in all competitions.

A brace was scored at the weekend in Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

Prior to that match, Perez netted in the Magpies New Year’s Day win over Stoke City.

Goals have been hard to come by for Benitez and his team, having scored just 20 in the top-flight all season.

With the second half of the campaign now underway, the manager is hopeful that Perez has found a new lease of life.

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According to The Shields Gazette, Benitez said:

“I think he will be delighted, because scoring in the league and scoring here in a good game – in the first half we did some good things – he will be really pleased. It’s always positive for strikers to score and gain some confidence. Perez is important for the team and it’s important for a striker to score goals. The team created chances, and Ayoze will be happier than others.”