Such is the level of speculation surrounding Louis Van Gaal and the Manchester United job, it seems to be more of a question of when rather than if. Indeed, some newspapers are claiming he may even be appointed this week.
Van Gaal inherits a Manchester United side in need of a major squad overhaul.
A 7th place finish in the Premier League this season constituted United’s worse finish for 24 years. There will also be no European football at Old Trafford next season.
With the players themselves undoubtedly taking some of the blame for United’s poor season, fans can expect to see at least seven leave.
To say it has been a tough season for Tom Cleverley would be an understatement. The midfielder saw an online petition started, banning him from going to the World Cup. To date it has over 19,000 signatures.
While Hodgson rubbished the petition, Cleverley did not make the England squad for this summer’s tournament in Brazil.
Having been in the team at the start of the qualifying campaign, missing out will be a bitter blow for the 24-year-old.
Like Rafael, Cleverley’s major plus point is his age.
There is time for him to develop, but United and the player may feel that this could be done away from the spotlight of such a big club.
Newcastle are amongst clubs linked with a move for the England international, with Alan Pardew desperate for more fire power.
Mike Ashley knows he HAS to produce the funds, and he already has £19m from the sale of Yohan Cabaye.