Suarez targets 'change of environment'

Luis Suarez insists he is ready for a "change of environment" as doubts over his future at Liverpool remain.

PA PhotosSuarez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid 

Suarez, 26, has attracted interest from Real Madrid, with the striker claiming on Wednesday that he is ready to quit English football due to the criticism he has faced from sections of the media.

• Walsh: Lessons learned?

Although the Uruguay international has oft reassured Liverpool of his commitment to the club, Suarez admits this summer would be the best time for him to move overseas.

"I do not know when I'm going and I do not know if I'm staying," Suarez said at a press conference ahead of Uruguay's friendly against France. "Obviously the club want me to stay, but I've talked to the coach (Brendan Rodgers) and he knows what I want.

"He was a player and my team-mates understand that my situation is difficult. It's a good moment for a change of environment because of all I've been through in England, where I haven't been judged as a player but based on other things.

"I have only words of thanks to the club, the fans of Liverpool, but the treatment I received from the rest of England in recent weeks has been tough. It (Liverpool) is a spectacular club, but they are aware of the way that the press treats me."

In an interview with Uruguayan radio station Sport 890 on Wednesday, Suarez suggested a move to Real Madrid could help save his public image, although there have been no talks with the Spanish giants.

"My family, my image - that's what matters to me most," he said. "The coach and some colleagues know that I suffered, I was treated badly and I did not feel comfortable and they know perfectly.

"It's nothing against Liverpool, on the contrary, I feel very comfortable at the club, but I have a daughter and I do not want to hear bad things about her father. In England they talk about many things and in some ways I feel uncomfortable.

"If I stay it is because it is a great club but also in turn I know that it is difficult because of the harassment I get from the press."

Suarez added: "England and Spain are the best leagues in the world. It is normal that it is impossible to say no to big teams for which one always dreams. Yet I have nothing, I have not spoken with Real Madrid nor with Liverpool.

"My agent has not told me anything either and that leaves me alone, but they (the media) are speculating. Every time you do something is becomes big. I just said I'm very happy at Liverpool and I'll be forever grateful to this great city and this club made me grow so much, where I still have a contract."

Ready or not, Brazil will be the world's stage

Yasuyoshi Chiba/Getty ImagesFonte Nova Arena in Salvador, Bahia will host three Confed Cup matches. But questions remain about other arenas.

There was fresh embarrassment for Brazil's World Cup organisers at the end of May when a part of the roof in Salvador's expensively rebuilt Fonte Nova stadium gave way after heavy rain. The images went all around the world -- including a frankly pathetic one of workers trying to drain excess water from another part of the roof using little buckets, like children at the seaside. Inaugurated at the start of April, Fonte Nova will host three matches in the Confederations Cup.

True, this is a time for tests -- and something worse happened during the final of the 2005 Confederations Cup in Germany. Then, the elements forced a hole in the roof during the game and water poured onto the pitch.

Report: Friendly back on despite concerns
Press Pass: Dante, Luiz Gustavo called up
Video: Tough test for England

But we have to factor in the key concept of context. Brazil's stadiums have been delivered late and have run over-budget. But teething troubles (the Fonte Nova incident was apparently down to human error) aside, they are modern and impressive, and should form a fine legacy for Brazilian football.

But there is precious little legacy for Brazilian society. The city of Salvador provides us with an example. It started building a subway system thirteen years ago -- which is still not operational -- and there is a race against time to have a stretch of track up and running in time for the World Cup. (Reports of a judge canceling Sunday's friendly with England due to safety concerns at the newly renovated Maracana have provided a fresh point of shame, even though the game appears to be back on.)

A local TV show on which I make regular appearances,Redacao Sportv, recently went round all the twelve 2014 host cities. It was almost the same message from all the correspondents; the stadium was behind schedule, but at least it was there. Meanwhile, many of the urban transport projects, where the population has most to gain, have been scaled down or forgotten about.

Andre Rizek, the show's authoritative presenter, expressed his indignation. "I have no problem with state investment in events like this as long as there is some return for the population," he said. "And that return seems increasingly far away. I'm lamenting years and years of misspent public money. And at this moment Brazil should be the happiest country in the world. We're weeks away from staging the Confederations Cup and just over a year away from hosting the World Cup, here in the land of soccer. But I'm pessimistic."

So where did it all go off the rails?

Much of the answer lies in the fact that the discipline of competition was removed. Brazil received the World Cup unopposed, on the basis that the competition should be rotated around the various continents. This was a measure devised to enable FIFA President Sepp Blatter to make good on his promise to take the World Cup to South Africa. The vote -- narrowly and controversially -- went against him on the 2006 tournament. For 2010, then, he was taking no chances. It was declared to be Africa's turn. 2014 was the next turn of the wheel, and for the first time since 1978, the World Cup would return to its continent of origin, South America. 

Ingrid Cristina/Brazil Photo Press/LatinContent/Getty ImagesThe historic Maracana has been freshly renovated though not to the satisfaction of a Rio judge, who has canceled Brazil's friendly with England due to safety issues.

This was announced in March 2003. CONMEBOL, the South American Federation, almost instantly announced that Brazil was its only candidate (Colombia later broke ranks and flirted with a separate bid, but never with real aims of winning). And so when the official announcement of the 2014 hosts was made in October 2007 there was no tension or surprise -- the only name that could come out of the envelope was that of Brazil.

One might have thought, then, that detailed planning might have taken place – that host cities might have been decided, for example. After all, all of the countries bidding for the World Cups of 2018 and 2022 -- when the process once more became competitive -- had the obligation to present their plans to FIFA's Executive Committee. But in Brazil's case nothing had been done.

Brazil had not even chosen its host cities. Worse than that, it would not choose. Seeking to keep things simple, FIFA wanted 8 cities. Brazil successfully lobbied for 12 -- and then handed over to FIFA the responsibility for nominating them. Years and years were thrown away.

Anyone acquainted with Brazil will be aware that all of this has a cost. "A man in a hurry will always be unhappy in Brazil," wrote Peter Fleming some eight decades ago, and much of that remains true today. And the situation was made worse by -- in marked contrast with South Africa -- the lack of government representation on the Local Organising Committee (LOC). In an unprecedented accumulation of powers, the president of the Brazilian football association was also in charge of the LOC. 

Rodrigo Arangua/AFP/GettyImagesSepp Blatter was successful in steering the World Cup to Brazil though FIFA has done little in the years since to help get the nation up to speed or monitor its progress.

Difficulties of co-ordination, political in-fighting, excessive bureaucracy, plain old incompetence -- they all came into play. Costs went up, and the return to society went down. At the start of the process Brazil's population was explicitly told that all of the money to be spent on stadiums would be private, leaving public funds for much needed infrastructure projects. It always looked like a dubious claim, especially as four of the stadiums would seem to have questionable viability. And as it has turned out, almost all of the funds spent on stadiums are from the public purse – with urban mobility projects taking a back seat.

This is not to say that the 2014 World Cup will not be a success. I sincerely hope that it is. The game needs a truly great World Cup -- and there is no reason to doubt that next year's competition will go down well with the hundreds of thousands who attend the matches and the billions watching on television. There may well be problems here and there but Brazil has more than enough to enchant its foreign visitors, and the sheer exuberance of the competition should create a lively atmosphere.

But "was the thing a success?" is only one of the two major questions that need to be asked about this kind of event. The other is more unforgiving -- was that success worthwhile? And with just over a year to go to Brazil 2014, the tournament already has two truths -- it is costing Brazil's taxpayers more than it should, and giving them back less than it could. 

It's Pellegrini time

After weeks of excruciating speculation, piece by piece the puzzle is beginning to be put together. After a scare over the weekend, when the Portuguese football press stated that FC Porto had lodged a firm proposal with the Chilean's agents and were more than hopeful that he would see worth in their own football project, it seems that the man City had set their sights on some months ago is about to step out of the shadows and confirm his next place of employment will indeed be north west England. 

- Pellegrini in 'verbal agreement' with City
- Isco keen to follow Pellegrini 

It has been widely reported that Manuel Pellegrini, a man of honour and one who remains true to his word, would not talk on this subject until season's end with his current club Malaga. It appears also that he did not want to talk about offers from other clubs, such as this one from FC Porto, because of a verbal agreement already in place to come to City. Being a man of his word, Pellegrini appears to have been more than content to stick to his first decision, despite a growing list of admirers as the season has come to an end and various clubs have dispatched under-performing coaches. 

To those thousands of City fans who have watched anxiously for real signs of a commitment, that is now at hand. Jesus Martinez, Pellegrini's agent, has said that his client's next port of call will be Manchester City. The Chilean himself has uttered the words that the fans have been waiting to hear: "I have a verbal agreement with City. I hope to sign very soon....". Music to the ears of those who have listened to rumour and counter-rumour since Roberto Mancini's dramatic departure after the Cup Final. With the fans' heartfelt farewell to the Italian sealed with yesterday's Gazetta dello Sport advertisement (to which this correspondent readily contributed), eyes and minds turn to his successor, the man who ADUG believe can take City on towards the very ambitious targets mentioned by Ferran Soriano to the backdrop of New York's Manhattan skyline. 

With Pellegrini edging towards the well trodden welcome mat at the Etihad, another rumour of the past days will be revisited: that of Malaga playmaker Isco and his apparently imminent transfer to Real Madrid. The sports paper Marca, Real's mouthpiece in Spain, offered the news that Real had met with Isco's agent and father, letting it be known that another hero of the fatherland was about to land feet first on the plush Bernabeu turf, but subsequent utterings from the player himself paint a different picture. "If Mr. Pellegrini, my football mentor, wants me, I would be more than happy to follow," he has said. Let it be said at this juncture, from supporters who have this week learned how to communicate very successfully through the continental press, that the gathered support of Manchester City would be more than delighted to welcome both men to sunny Manchester. We await developments with baited breath.

Mou will be a 'disaster', Chelsea warned

Jose Mourinho is on the brink of a return to Chelsea, but the Blues have been warned that the Portuguese will be a 'disaster' if he returns to the Premier League.

GettyImagesJose Mourinho has a history of animosity with Barcelona

• Lythell: Mourinho's return
• Hasselbaink: Mou best option
• Ba excited by Mourinho

Mourinho is to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and a report claims he has already signed a contract to return to Chelsea.

The seemingly imminent return of Mourinho has been warmly welcomed by the club's fans, but Barcelona vice-president Carles Vilarrubi claims the appointment will bring "nothing positive" to the English game.

"It is not good for English football," Vilarrubi is quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph. "Chelsea maybe think they had a good time from him in the past. But you will see the real Mourinho now.

"If he behaves like he did in Spain it will only be an unhappy relationship. A disaster. And at his age he is not going to change."

Barcelona and Madrid are bitter rivals in Spain but Vilarrubi claims the relationship has nothing to do with his views on Mourinho.

"My position is not because he was the coach of a rival, but because of who he is and what he did," Vilarrubi said. "His three years in Spain he only creates disagreements, arguments, there is nothing positive he brings.

"You can learn good things about life from watching people in football, or the circus, or the opera. There was nothing he brought that was good. There was no positive balance. I cannot see anything good about him. Not one thing. In sporting terms, maybe I am not the person to ask. But in cultural terms, he was a disaster.

"Apart from his aggression to the coach of Barca, the ambience he creates everywhere he goes, the relations with the players, with the press are absolutely terrible. I am happy that he is leaving. And so is everyone in Spanish football."

Perez: Bale 'born to play for Real'

Real Madrid's courting of Gareth Bale has continued, with president Florentino Perez saying the Tottenham star was "born to play for Real Madrid", while he also lavished praise on Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

- Perez: No offer for Ancelotti

Both Bale and Suarez have been heavily linked with a move to Madrid in recent days, with the Tottenham winger’s agent suggesting his client would be open to a transfer, and Liverpool striker Suarez himself talking about how difficult it would be to turn down an offer from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu club.

Speaking on Spanish radio station COPE on Wednesday night the Blancospresident said he must respect Bale’s current club but suggested the Wales international would be perfect for Madrid.

"He is a very good player who plays at Tottenham, a team we must respect," Perez said. "He is magnificent and was born to play for Real Madrid."

When Suarez's comments about maybe moving to Madrid were put to Perez, he admitted to being interested in the Uruguayan, but said other forwards including Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski and Napoli’s Edinson Cavani were also options for his club's new coach and sporting director Zinedine Zidane to evaluate.

"Luis Suarez is a great player and of course everyone would like to have him," he said. "I like him, and others too like Lewandowski and Cavani, they are all very good, but there is not room for them all. About Lewandowski I only know that he scored four against us, but we have two of the best forwards in the world already. I saw him in Dortmund and congratulated him in the dressing-room."

Perez was also asked about a possible move for Barcelona’s Thiago Alcantara, who is thought to be available for just €18 million this summer after the playmaker’s release clause fell temporarily due to a lack of gametime this season. The renowned 'galactico' collector recalled it had been difficult to sign Luis Figo from Barca in 2000, but he had done it.

“I have no ‘war’ with Barca,” he said. “We had that episode with Figo, it was real and we did it. If there is a player who Barcelona do not want, it seems good to me that he comes here. If Barca are not interested in him [Thiago], and we are, of course we would do it.”

Madrid’s primary concern however, once Perez is confirmed as club president for another term in the coming days, is to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to ignore interest from elsewhere and sign a new contract to keep him at the Bernabeu for the rest of his career.

"I will do everything I can to extend [Ronaldo's] contract," Perez said. "He has two more years on his current deal, he is the best in the world, and we would like to make a sporting drive with him as our leader, our emblem. I would not sell him, not even for €1 billion, we are not a selling club. If he wanted to be here until the end of his career, that would be perfect. But we will begin speaking about Cristiano after the elections. He will be the first."

Madrid's failure to capture Neymar could be a blessing in disguise

La Liga has yet to draw its curtains on the current campaign, but newly crowned champions Barcelona have already seemingly produced an ace from the pack ahead of next season's title battle with Real Madrid. 

The Spanish duo have long been battling for the signature of much sought-after Brazilian forward Neymar, of Santos, but that soap opera ground to a staggering halt this week with the player, Barcelona and Santos all confirming he would be plying his trade at the Camp Nou from next season. 

- Agent: Bale 'would listen' to Real offer
- Neymar tipped to be 'best in the world' 

Catalonia has been the 21-year-old's expected destination for a number of months now but Madrid, in typical fashion, did not give up on the wonderkid until all paperwork with Barca was signed, sealed and delivered. 

First things first -- Madridistas had long been licking their lips at the prospect of Neymar pulling on the all white of their club. He fit the bill for Madrid and for president Florentino Perez. A Galactico. Not just a superb, world-class player, but the popularity off the pitch, too. Good for the image of the club and good for profit. See Ronaldo, see Roberto Carlos, see Zinedine Zidane and see Luis Figo. One of the game's current top, top players. 

Madrid, and Barca, had been linked with the player for not just a matter of months, but years. There were reports the attacker had passed a medical in preparation for a move to the Bernabeu as far back as 2011. Others, now looking more on the money, said Barca had put a down payment on the player in the same year. 

His agent, as agents normally do, made all the right noises, too, saying at the time: "If he was my son, I would take him to play at Real Madrid. That is the best option to play in Europe, because the president of Real Madrid is already rich and runs the club with passion, and I cannot say the same about Barcelona's president." 

Maybe -- probably -- it was all said to stir up some more interest from Catalonia, and to ramp up a bidding war. For sure, both Barcelona and Madrid were desperate to land the superstar and his move to Barca marks an impressive victory for president Sandro Rosell over Perez. A big boost going into the 2013-14 season. 

But while Perez and Madrid may be licking their wounds from the defeat in the transfer market, they must now turn their attentions to make the most of the silver lining that will come from losing out. Where one opportunity closes, others, and plenty of others, open. 

"He's a fantastic player, but signing him would have broken the ecosystem of the club. He would have cost us €150 million," Perez said in an interview after Neymar's move to the Camp Nou had been confirmed. 

The details of the transfer are still not 100 percent clear. Taking into consideration the transfer fee was not only paid to Santos, but also to a number of other parties, reports have suggested the fee paid by Barca could be anything from £50 million to £100 million. His wages won't be cheap, either. 

While you'd think if Neymar brought his form from Brazil to Europa and La Liga, and it's a big if, he'd be worth every penny, Madrid has to move on to try to turn that negative into a positive -- or plenty of positives. 

A lot of money would have been paid out to secure Neymar, and Los Blancos will now be able to use that money to recruit elsewhere, in much-needed positions. While bringing the Brazilian to the Spanish capital would have been seen as a huge boost for Madrid, it also would have put paid to many of their summer targets that are already in place. 

Think Gareth Bale, Isco, Edinson Cavani, Daniel Carvajal and Jesus Navas to name but a few. Think Falcao, next season, if reports suggesting he'll spend a year at Monaco before returning to Madrid the following year are to be believed. 

Think Cristiano Ronaldo's future at the Bernabeu, too. His contract has been much talked about this season, but Perez is desperate to see the Portuguese remain with Madrid. "I would like Cristiano Ronaldo to be the best-paid player in the world," he said. "We're going to do everything at our hand to make him happy." 

All that may not have been possible if Madrid broke the bank to sign Neymar. All the eggs would have been placed firmly into one basket. One expensive basket at that. 

The club is already looking to sell players to boost the coffers ahead of a summer spending spree for the new incoming manager. Gonzalo Higuain is one player expected to depart, with Juventus leading the chase, while Madrid may also try to cash in on players such as Fabio Coentrao and Luka Modric. 

So to risk everything on signing Neymar, however brilliant his talent, could be seen as bad business sense from Madrid, and with failed big-money transfers not exactly being uncommon under the Perez regime, missing out on the Brazilian may well be a blessing in disguise.

Martinez to open Everton talks

Roberto Martinez is expected to begin talks on Wednesday to become the next Everton manager after his decision to leave Wigan, ESPN understands.

• Jolly: Martinez leaves in credit
• Blog: Really gone this time?

The 39-year-old is the leading candidate to replace David Moyes, who is taking charge at Manchester United following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Martinez told Dave Whelan at a meeting on Tuesday that he wished to end his four-year stint at the DW Stadium, and the Wigan chairman then confirmed that he had given Everton permission to speak to the manager.

Whelan also revealed that he wants around £2 million compensation to release Martinez from his contract, which has 12 months to run.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, who has considered a number of candidates for the job, will now meet the Spaniard.

Kenwright has interviewed three members of Everton's coaching staff for the job - Alan Stubbs, David Weir and Duncan Ferguson - as well as departing club captain Phil Neville, who has just ended an eight-year playing stint at the club. He is also understood to have sounded out Porto manager Vitor Pereira - but Martinez is the chairman's first choice.

Martinez led Wigan to the FA Cup for the first time in their history as they beat Manchester City 1-0 in the final at Wembley on May 11.

But he was unable to keep them in the Premier League, with their relegation confirmed three days later as they lost 4-1 at Arsenal.

Whelan had hoped to keep Martinez at the club to lead a bid to gain promotion from the Championship next season.

But the manager, having asked for more time to consider his future after an initial meeting with Whelan last Thursday, told the chairman on Tuesday that he wished to move on.

Whelan insists that he is keeping an open mind as to who will replace Martinez at the DW Stadium.

Departing Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen and former Bolton manager Owen Coyle are among the early favourites with bookmakers.

Hodgson bemused by Cole uproar

England boss Roy Hodgson has defended stand-in captain Ashley Cole's absence from a pre-game press conference as the Three Lions prepare to face Ireland.

• Hodgson predicts Sturridge rise
• Keane relishing clash
• Palmer on 95
• Maher on rivalry
• Preview: England v Ireland

Cole has been named skipper for Wednesday's clash in what will be his 100th appearance for the national team.

The decision to give Cole the armband was met with some criticism, and confusion, following his abusive tweet aimed at the FA last October. This feeling was fuelled when the Chelsea defender did not front the media on Tuesday.

Hodgson, though, failed to see the fuss over the issue.

"Why are you so anxious to see Ashley?" he said. "It amazes me that such an event can cause such consternation, first of all.

"The symbolism here is that a player, who's been a fantastic player for two football clubs and England... normally speaking, the player who gets the 100th cap captains the team.

"He won't be the first player across the world to get his 100th cap who isn't the captain normally. You're making a bigger thing than we are. We would like him to be captain on his 100th game."

So, Cole will lead England out, toss the coin and wear the armband for as long as he happens to be on the pitch.

"I suppose it is odd in some ways in the sense that Ashley is not the person who likes to stand in front of a large group of journalists and take on the responsibility of having to speak for the team," said Hodgson.

"As as a result, he has never actually been considered for (the) captaincy despite the fact that he has played over 100 games."

Information from the Press Association was used in this report.

Moyes' joy of Cesc

GettyImagesCesc Fabregas has failed to win a regular starting spot at Barca

David Moyes certainly hasn't wasted any time. His contract at Manchester United doesn't start until July 1, but as news emerges that the Red Devils have made enquiries over the availability of Cesc Fabregas, it seems the Scot is attempting to construct his team already.

Fabregas returned to Barcelona in 2011 as a favourite son who had been dearly missed. The move ended several years of speculation and seemed like a perfect fit at the time. In reality, Fabregas was put into direct competition with some of the best midfielders in history, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, and has struggled to hold down a place.

- Manchester United keen on Fabregas
- Thiago plays down Man United links

Barca are still deciding what to do next with a signing that has been a relative failure and United, who have lacked established quality in midfield for some time, are looking to capitalise on the situation.

Although Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley performed admirably in the recent title-winning campaign, neither provides the sumptuous quality Fabregas is capable of. Moyes will also be aware how Carrick was completely overrun in two Champions' League finals against Barcelona.

United's midfield is more threadbare than usual, with Paul Scholes retired and Darren Fletcher still unwell, with no comeback in sight. Anderson has had his sixth disappointing season on the trot and Nani continues to frustrate. They could both be sold.

Wayne Rooney was played in central midfield several times towards the end of last season and showed glimpses of great vision from his deeper role on the pitch. However, it is unclear at this stage whether or not he will be continuing at United and the rumours regarding Fabregas could have him shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

At Arsenal, Fabregas captained the side with distinction and has the kind of thrusting personality that can drive games forward. He has the requisite quality to thrive at United and would no doubt link up well with former team-mate Robin van Persie. Arsene Wenger is unlikely to be happy at that possibility and with Arsenal believed to have first refusal on Fabregas he could yet throw a spanner in the works of any potential deal.

A fee of £25 million has been mooted for Fabregas, but his Barca team-mate Thiago Alcantara could be available for much less. The La Masia graduate's buyout clause has decreased from €90 million to only €18 million due to Barca failing to use him for the required 60% of playing time this season. The youngster would be another good option.

But there is no doubt that Fabregas would be welcomed by the United supporters and he represents the kind of big-name signing that fans crave. There is the possibility, however, that this is all a ruse to flush out Rooney's intentions. Either way, it appears that Manchester United's new manager is on the job already. And that can only be a good thing. 

Bale yet to open Spurs talks as Real lurk

Gareth Bale’s agent has revealed that the player has not begun contract renegotiations with Tottenham Hotspur, as Real Madrid firmly believe they will bring the Welshman to the Bernabeu this summer.

PA PhotosBale has made no secret of his desire to play abroad

- Ramos: Bale would be a success

The player’s representative, Jonathan Barnett, also told Marca TV on Tuesday night that it would be an “honour” if Real president Florentino Perez were interested in Bale, but he did “not know if there has been an offer”.

Sources in both Madrid and London, however, have told ESPN that the Spanish club’s plans are much more advanced than that. Real official Zinedine Zidane has immersed himself in the project, and is utterly confident of making Bale the marquee signing to accompany Carlo Ancelotti’s pending appointment.

His comments about the player at the weekend were seen as part of a wider charm offensive. The bullishness of Real’s confidence is akin to the insistence they would sign Luka Modric last summer, and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

Given how delicate the situation is, it is also seen as hugely significant that Barnett would choose to speak on the record to a media outlet with such close connections to the Spanish club.

When specifically asked on Marca's television station about reports of Bale’s contract renegotiation, Barnett answered: “No, we haven’t spoken to anybody.”

He added: “If someone like Perez was interested in Bale it would be a great honour, and we would listen. I don’t know if there has been an offer. What I do know is that the player has three years left on his contract.”

The 2013-14 season, however, would also be Bale’s third consecutive season without Champions League football. Despite his obvious happiness at White Hart Lane, as well as an exceptionally strong professional and personal relationship with Spurs boss Andre Vilas-Boas, that lack of elite football is now known to be a huge issue for the player’s camp.

There is the increased feeling that a player of his talent needs to make the most of the top stage for as much of his career as possible. What’s more, Bale’s first choice if he were to ever leave Tottenham has always been Real Madrid. It is a personal ambition to eventually play at the Bernabeu for the Spanish club, even it does not happen this summer.

For their part, Spurs are still hopeful of keeping Bale, and the player would feel an element of regret about ending a professional relationship with Villas-Boas after just one campaign.

Tottenham have also stepped up their plans to greatly enhance the squad following last season’s Champions League disappointment, and are in negotiations for the £18 million signing of Internacional forward Leandro Damiao. A significantly lower bid was rejected by the Brazilian club last January.

8. West Bromwich Albion - Matthew Evans

Hero and Villain 

Hero of the season is Gareth McAuley. He was up there for player of the season at West Brom last year but he has got even better this term. McAuley has been streets ahead of any other defender at West Brom and must be one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League. He has also contributed some vital goals, none more so than the first goal in a smash and grab 2-0 win at Liverpool earlier in the season. McAuley doesn't do anything fancy, he's a defender in every sense of the word. He goes about his business quietly but effectively, which is a bit different compared the Villain of the season, Peter Odemwingie. Probably the easiest of the choices to make in this end of the season review. It's a shame that Odemwingie's relationship with the club and fans is going to end like this, but the whole QPR affair and subsequent fall out has left a bitter taste in the mouth.

Defining moment/turning point of the season
There hasn't really been a turning point of the season at West Brom so for defining moment I will choose the opening day win over Liverpool. There was a lot of doubt concerning the appointment of Steve Clarke so it was vital he got off to a good start and he certainly did that with the 3-0 win over his former employers that also gave Baggies fans their first look at the potential of Romelu Lukaku.

Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Yes. For a side like Albion to have stayed in the top nine for the whole season is an outstanding achievement, particularly when based on the wage bill they should be more like 15th. However, it is disappointing that West Brom haven't really kicked on from their outstanding start of the season.

Managerial masterstroke/fail
Steve Clarke's contacts at Chelsea seemed to play a large helping hand in securing a loan deal for Romelu Lukaku this season and the Belgian forward has not let Clarke down, excelling as the campaign has developed. Clarke has made some mistakes too, but the biggest was probably the rotation he used in the games with Swansea and Stoke in November. He picked the right teams but for the wrong games, meaning Albion lost both.

Goal of the season
Back to the opening day for this one (that seems a long time ago!) and it was Zoltan Gera's volley against Liverpool to give Albion a 1-0 lead at half time. After his struggles with injury the previous season, it must have been a sweet moment for Gera to smash in a goal like that on his return.

What needs to change?
West Brom need to add some wingers to their squad. It is clear that Clarke favours a 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation, with the two wide men pushed high up the pitch. Peter Odemwingie and Zoltan Gera did this well in the first half of the season but for different reasons, neither have really been viable options for Clarke since January and this is probably the main reason for the slump in form.

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9. Swansea City - Max Hicks

Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesMichu was clearly Swansea's hero this season, but was anyone else close?

Hero and villain
Swansea's hero this season might most obviously be Michu, the Premier League's signing of the season. Next in line might well be Michael Laudrup, the man who brought Michu to South Wales, and whose tactical savvy transformed the previously one-dimensional Swans into a more dynamic side. However, perhaps the Swans rightful hero is Huw Jenkins and the rest of the board - the men who brought Laudrup in to replace Brendan Rodgers in the first place. The Swans success this season has all been as a result of Jenkins's perfect managerial appointment.

It is harder to pick a villain. Possible candidates might be Scott Sinclair, for wanting away to Manchester City, or Brendan Rodgers, for poaching Joe Allen. However, neither player has been missed, and the money from those deals has paid for half a team of superior players, so who's complaining? Perhaps the real villains this term have been the referees. Swansea have not been given a penalty all season long, which must be some kind of record. It's just not believable that any side can play 37 games and not be fouled once in the box. Matija Nastasic's blatant poleaxing of Michu in front of a home crowd at the Liberty Stadium is perhaps the most obvious example yet of a penalty that should have been given and wasn't.

Defining moment/turning point of the season
Clearly, Swansea winning the club's first major silverware in team history was the defining moment of this season. Although the 5-0 final victory over League Two Bradford was somewhat one-sided, the Swans' masterful elimination of Chelsea over two legs in the semi-finals was a real achievement. The Cup win means European football next season, which is perhaps the biggest part of the reward for the players, staff and fans. It also means the club can now use European football as a lure for fresh talent in the summer transfer window, which could be significant.

Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Swansea have certainly fulfilled their aims this season. A better finish than last term's 11th place and a cup win show real progress, and at the top level of British club football. Swansea had the chance to finish in eighth on the final day of the season, and might have secured it prior to that were it not for Roland Lamah's incorrectly disallowed goal in the 2-1 defeat to West Brom on March 9. Had the goal stood, the sides would have drawn, and Swansea would be ahead of their mid-table rivals, rather than behind. However, a top ten finish has to represent a successful season.

Managerial masterstroke/fail
Michael Laudrup's influence on the Swans is difficult to under-state. He has brought tactical evolution, got the best out of Wayne Routledge, taught the team to park the bus when necessary, and improved team scoring and chance creation significantly. His transfers in to the side have nearly all been excellent, with Michu and Chico representing unmatched value at £4 million for the pair. Laudrup's occasional use of full-back Angel Rangel as a defensive winger has also paid dividends and given the Swans small squad new flexibility.

If there is a criticism of Laudrup's first season in charge, then it might be the side's woeful set-piece performance both in attack and defence. Off the field, Laudrup's inability to replace Danny Graham after he sold the striker late in the winter window put a cramp on the side's attacking output. Michu scored 13 of his goals before the transfer, when he was played in the hole more often than not. Used predominantly as a striker since Graham's departure, Michu has only netted six times. Given a frontman to play behind for the whole season, who knows what heights the Spaniard might have reached? Maybe next season will tell.

Goal of the season
The Swans have a knack for constructing beautiful team goals, multi-pass masterpieces rather than the kind of individually spectacular 30-yard volleys that usually win goal of the week / month / season awards. However, that said, Ben Davies's magnificent individual effort against Stoke is, for me, the most memorable goal of Swansea's season. The 19-year-old left-back, filling in all season for the injured Neil Taylor, has gone from raw, mistake-prone youngster to well-rounded, capable Premier League wing-back, with even more potential in his locker. His goal, when the slight defender surged forward, received a lay-off, skinned three of Stoke's biggest and burliest (Jon Walters, Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth) and finished with a striker's touch, is his only career goal to date at this level, and it was a beauty.

What needs to change?
Swansea's set-pieces have to improve. The side sit dead last in goals scored from set-pieces, and are somewhere near the bottom in goals conceded from set-pieces, too. If the Swans can reverse that trend for next season, it might be worth ten points in the standings. It seems baffling that a creative football mind such as Laudrup's has not developed a more imaginative approach to this part of the game; he certainly has the talent at his disposal to do something unexpected. A different tack is certainly needed, since the Swans lack enough collective height to capitalise on the classic approach.

In defence, many of the set-piece goals conceded have been the result of poor marking (I'd like to see strict man over zone at set-pieces) and again, that height issue. If the Swans can improve their set-pieces at both ends of the park, their most obvious weakness might even be turned into a strength. Oh, and the side who scored most from set-pieces this season? Champions Manchester United, who put two set-piece goals past the Swans in their recent 2-1 victory, but couldn't score any in open play. Surely that says it all.

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10. West Ham United - Peter Thorne

OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty ImagesSam Allardyce followed his own path this season, to the detriment and benefit of West Ham.

Hero and villain
Like the closing episode of 'Twin Peaks' - sorry if you haven't seen it, but you really should make the effort - it seems Sam Allardyce is our own BOB, being both hero and villain in equal measure over the season. Castigated in some quarters for dull football, lack of imagination and the selling of the soul of the West Ham academy, Big Sam has - as you'd expect - done his own thing all season, shrugging off criticism to ensure the results were all that mattered.

Dark mutterings came to a head just after Christmas when West Ham had their (some say customary) slump, with some even suggesting the Hammers were going to be late players in the relegation scrap. That was never really likely though - it's just that the second-half of the Premier league will often, as this season, be spanned by seven or eight points. As West Ham started to pick up points in the spring there was a discernible change of attitude with even the most vociferous critic conceding that to not renew Sam's contract would be the ultimate in face disfigurement.

Nevertheless, Sam is only ever a result or two away from abuse and the promotion of former Hammers' darling Paolo Di Canio to Sunderland was touted as a move that West Ham could have made had they been 'braver'. Actually I think the brave thing is to stick with a man who doesn't necessarily eschew the old West Ham traditions - after all, they haven't really brought much success in the last 30 years have they? - but who has an uncanny knack of getting results... even if not many of them are away from home!

Defining moment/turning point of the season
Beating Chelsea 3-1 at home in the first week of December. West Ham had been largely outplayed during the first half but Sam Allardyce introduced the 'resting' Mo Diame after the interval and the ex-Wigan man put in one of the season's most defining 45 minutes as the Hammers tore the Blues apart in the second half. It proved the manager could spot where things were going wrong and change things and, almost as importantly, West Ham had players who could hurt the opposition regardless of the opponent's quality. With a number of good results already under their belts, I would say that West Ham were safe from relegation from this game on.

Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Fully. A top-half of the table finish was probably more that the club could have asked for.

Managerial masterstroke/fail
The aforementioned introduction of Diame against Chelsea and the signing of Andy Carroll - although injured for part of the campaign and probably not being the productive goal-scorer it was hoped he might be - ensured that West Ham were prepared to go big to ensure their safety and the psychological impact on squad and fans was worth any loan outlay alone.

The final six weeks of the season and the settling into the mid-table / top half have helped some of the fans come to terms with what has sometimes been a difficult season for Allardyce. Claims that West Ham are a long-ball team have been hard to dispel, even though there really isn't anything to prove that is the case. Despite claims that it's the Hammers inability to play attractive football and a more expansive game that would be viewed as a failing, I feel Sam's major issue this term has been the ability to get the best out of his team away from home. West Ham have one of the worst records in all four divisions in terms of goal scored and this needs to be sorted out as a matter of urgency.

Goal of the season
Mo Diame's curling strike from just outside the area against Manchester United that put them 2-1 up on the night, was voted as the club's goal of the season but I preferred Andy Carroll's ability against West Bromwich Albion in a 3-1 home win. In the 80th minute a lofted free-kick from James Collins was seized on by Carroll, who allowed the ball to drop over his shoulder before volleying in. It was sheer class and the type of goal that deflates the opposition.

What needs to change?
There's a strong need for a more clinical finisher and a someone able to dictate play in the middle. Too often West Ham get bogged down and seeing the aerial prowess of Carroll meant it was too easy to play the ball up safe in the knowledge that the Geordie would probably win it. West Ham's successful pass rate was beaten in too many game's and this needs to be addressed if the Hammers' want to pick up more points away from home.

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11. Norwich City - Paddy Davitt

Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesMichael Turner overcame a shaky start at Norwich and won his teammates' appreciation.

Hero and villain
Michael Turner fulfilled both roles in a truly memorable debut season for the club. The simple fact he was awarded the players' player-of-the-year was a triumph over early season adversity. Turner's first game in Norwich colours ended with a humiliating 5-0 opening day defeat to Fulham. By the time Luis Suarez had mesmerised him at Carrow Road in a 5-2 win for the Reds the following month, Turner had to be pulled out of the firing line by Chris Hughton to spare him any more punishment. Not only did he return to the ranks, he became an indispensible cog in the machinery until a groin injury prematurely ended his campaign.

Defining moment/turning point of the season
Victory over West Brom in the club's final Premier League home game ultimately secured a third consecutive season of top flight football. But Hughton himself always points to the landmark 1-0 win over Arsenal in late October as a key staging post. City's first Carrow Road league win of his tenure was a watershed moment. It underpinned a club-record unbeaten 10-match run up until Christmas that formed the backbone of Norwich's successful survival bid.

Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Chris Hughton's only remit after succeeding Paul Lambert was to maintain Norwich's Premier League status. To finish 11th massively exceeded expectations and was even an improvement on their comfortable mid-table finish in Lambert's solitary campaign at this level - their first in the top flight since 2005.

Managerial masterstroke/fail
The purchase of Sebastien Bassong from Tottenham. Bassong was crowned the supporters' player-of-the-year after a superbly consistent season at the heart of the Canaries' backline. Hughton has since labelled his acquisition one of the best pieces of business he has done in his managerial career. Bassong not only shored up a leaky defence, but also exuded a calm authority that made those around him in the backline appear even better players. On the down side, Hughton's cautious approach at times and defensive outlook led to a series of drab, drawn affairs against the likes of Reading, Fulham, Newcastle and Southampton, which could have ensured a smoother passage to safety.

Goal of the season
Jonny Howson cornered this market with two sublime goals in the final two games of the Premier League season. His rocket from the edge of the area sealed a 4-0 win over West Brom that guaranteed survival, before a solo effort that took him beyond four Manchester City players prior to a cool rolled finish past Joe Hart for a classy match-winner on the final day. Given the surroundings and the significance of the goal in propelling Norwich further up the final Premier League table, Howson's solo strike at the Etihad probably shades it.

What needs to change?
Ricky van Wolfswinkel's club record purchase from Sporting Lisbon is a major signal of intent. Hughton has spoken candidly about the search for goals to embellish the Canaries' defensive resolution. A proven striker who can operate in his preferred lone frontman system is a must to turn Norwich from serial survival scrappers to Premier League mainstays. Norwich supporters would expect further attempts at attracting fresh firepower over the summer recess.

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12. Fulham - Phil Mison

Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesIt could be argued Dimitar Berbatov's 15 goals saved Fulham from relegation.

Hero and villain
Luring Dimitar Berbatov to Fulham proved a master stroke. On his day, Dimi still looked the real deal. Some feat when not surrounded by a side of megastars wearing red. His 15 goals eased the pain of losing Clint 'The Deuce Dempsey and ultimately saved the club from relegation. Whoever would have thought little old Fulham could beat a host of Europe's top clubs to his signature? He was even seen to track back at times and defend the odd corner - remarkable!

As for the villain, it's Dimitar Berbatov again. How come? Being clearly Jol's 'untouchable' in the side, the Bulgarian's team ethic was non-existent, his petulance on the park and intolerance of other's shortcomings was unprofessional and insulting. Running the Bulgarian close however was the enigma of our season, Bryan Ruiz. Fulham's most expensive signing looked too often a bit-part player. Lackadaisical, limp and infuriating. I remain to be convinced Fulham can accommodate the Costa Rican and Berbatov in the same eleven. Bryan continues to polarise opinions at the Cottage like no other.

Defining moment/turning point of the season
What should have been a routine three pointer at home to a Sunderland side on the skids started the rot in November - always a notoriously poor month for Fulham. Captain Brede Hangeland draws a red card from Lee Probert after 30 minutes for a rash challenge on Lee Cattermole. Sensing this might be their night, the Black Cats score first after the interval, but Fulham level and are right in the game. Scorer Mladen Petric unfortunately takes a gash to his leg hitting the equaliser. While off the pitch, and with Fulham now down to nine, Sunderland go back in front with a very soft headed goal from a corner. Stephan Sessegnon pulls a blinder out of nowhere on the run and the Whites go down 1-3. An early signal that Craven Cottage was no more 'fortress Fulham.'

Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Undeniably not. The rug got pulled back in the transfer window when both Dempsey and Moussa Dembele were lured over to Spurs. Alongside other summer departures the club had prepared poorly for re-shaping a slow and ageing squad. January brought little relief as the board tightened the purse strings and Jol was left scavenging for bit-part players where he could find them. Although Fulham never quite got sucked into relegation peril the club went backwards in Jol's second season - three places lower in 12th and nine points fewer. Although the away record stood comparison with WBA and Everton the side conceded 60 goals. Relegation form!

Managerial masterstroke/fail
With Fulham experiencing two long barren runs, losing more home games than fans expect to see, and the side playing pedestrian and unimaginative football where some games saw not one single effort on goal the jury is still out on the manager and his future remains uncertain as I type. While Jol was himself no doubt frustrated, and deprived of two key individuals for the run-in (Steve Sidwell and Ashkan Dejagah), his tactics were muddled and his ability to motivate the side seems questionable. May ultimately be damned for some indifferent signings too. The defeat at the worst club in the league, QPR, was truly shocking, and Jol could find no words to explain it.

Capturing Berbatov was a coup however, without question. The gaffer also takes credit for bringing Sascha Riether to the club - Fulham's standout Player of the Season.

Goal of the season
Berbatov's volley against Stoke that proved the match-winner. The scuffed winner at Spurs was special too - depriving Tottenham of the Champions League after nicking the club's two best players. Sweet!

What needs to change?
Fulham have considerable rebuilding to do with strengthening required all across the pitch. Early signs, however, are encouraging that the board have realised this and already moved early in the market. More pace and power is urgently needed to transform the slowest and oldest squad in the Premier League. And, above all else, the side must find a new midfield general in the mould of Danny Murphy.

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13. Stoke City - James Whittaker

Bryn Lennon/Getty ImagesAsmir Begovic has stayed focus in what has been a difficult Stoke season.

Hero and villain
The hero would be Asmir Begovic; the one positive Stoke are able to take from this season. Asmir is widely expected to be named Player of the Season at the Annual Awards and rightly so. Having seen his name in the papers linked with Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and even Barcelona he has stayed focused on what has been a very difficult campaign for the team and this week pledged his immediate future to the Potters.

Villain? That would have to be the manager, Tony Pulis. Always a divisive figure since his return to Stoke, he has continued to frustrate and annoy. Many who had previously backed him are now starting to tire of the same mistakes being made season after season. With Stoke narrowly avoiding relegation, those frustrations have come to a head and the focus of the fans is very much on what will happen at management/boardroom level in the close season.

Defining moment/turning point of the season
The Boxing Day victory over Liverpool when Pulis returned to the formula that saw his team get to an FA Cup Final and Europe, playing two wingers and Kenwyne Jones/Jon Walters up front. I say this was defining as it illustrated just how far away Stoke have been from that winning approach since those heady days. With that team not being selected before that match, or indeed again that season, despite everyone holding that game up as Stoke's best performance, including the manager, speaks volumes.

Stoke have been on a downward spiral in respect of their league performances for the best part of two seasons and the manager's insistence on using Crouch would have seen that continue were it not for Coloccini's elbow. Following Crouch's injury, Jones came back into the side and kick-started the season, helping to amass 13 points in a nine game period, without those points, quite simply, the Potters would be down.

Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Absolutely not. With the amount of money spent, the signing of playmaker Charlie Adam and not having Europe as an excuse, the stage was set to finally push on, but what followed was a continuation of the form and manager idiosyncrasies that saw Stoke bottom, or thereabouts, of every offensive table you could find.

Managerial masterstroke/fail
Charlie Adam. It was a managerial fail to bring him in with little idea of how he would be used, shoe-horning him into his archaic and rigid system and expecting the 20 goal return he had at Blackpool. The 'masterstroke' would be bringing him back into the side when Stoke were truly up against it and entirely devoid of inspiration and creativity on the pitch. Adam has been a revelation over the last month or so and was key in those two games won against QPR and Norwich. I put masterstroke in inverted commas as the very fact the club needed to bring him back into the side was in no small part due to him being poorly managed for the majority of the campaign beforehand.

Goal of the season
That would be Cameron Jerome's strike against Southampton. An absolute belter that nearly took the roof out of the net, such was the venom it was hit with. You could tell there was a lot of frustration behind that shot due to his continued exclusion, despite his impressive cameos, so I'm glad that he has since been given the chance to play more of a role these last few weeks - putting firmly to bed the myth that he is solely an impact player.

What needs to change?
The Manager. Whether that would be my preferred option of removing him in favour of someone who would attempt to win games as opposed to not lose them OR if he has to stay, the current manager changing many of his frustrating ways. Either way, change is critical this summer to address a number of areas on and off the pitch and there is a lot of work to be done, whoever it is that oversees that.