Ballon d'Or shortlist: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi the favourites with Gareth Bale and five Premier League stars named

Five Barclays Premier League stars and one Briton - Gareth Bale - have been named on FIFA's 23-man shortlist for the 2014 Ballon d'Or.

Current holder Cristiano Ronaldo and four-time winner Lionel Messi are again the favourites but there is no place on the shortlist for former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who was banned for four months in July for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

Six members of Germany's World Cup-winning squad have been nominated, making them the most represented country on the list. 

The five players based in England on the shortlist are Chelsea trio Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois, Manchester City's Yaya Toure and Manchester United's Angel Di Maria.

However, once again there are no English players nominated. 

Bale tweeted: 'I'm honoured to be included on the shortlist for the #BallondOr this year among so many world class players. Good luck to everyone!!'

It appears Suarez's World Cup bite on Chiellini is what has cost him a place on the Ballon d'Or shortlist despite a prolific season for Liverpool before the tournament.

The FIFA guidebook for selecting the candidates reads: 'The selection criteria for the players of the year (men's and women's) are: sporting performance as well as general behaviour on and off the pitch from 30 November 2013 until 21 November 2014.' 

BALLON D'OR SHORTLIST 

Gareth Bale (Wales), Karim Benzema (France), Diego Costa (Spain), Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Mario Gotze (Germany), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Toni Kroos (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Paul Pogba (France), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Arjen Robben (Holland), James Rodriguez (Colombia), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast).

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid and Wales)

Bale has taken the immense pressure that comes with being the world's most expensive player in his stride, helping Real Madrid to Champions League glory. The Welsh wizard scored a vital extra time header in the 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid to set Real on their way to their long-awaited Decimatriumph. Bale also scored a glorious individual goal to win the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. He ended the 2013-2014 campaign with 22 goals and 16 assists in all competitions.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid and France)

It was a season of domestic glory for Benzema too, who scored important goals as Real Madrid lifted the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. He scored against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final and set up Angel Di Maria's opener in the Copa del Rey final. 2014 has so far seen him score 12 club and three international goals.

Diego Costa (Chelsea and Spain)

One of the world's deadliest strikers, Costa has defied injury problems and the pressure of a £32m transfer fee to transfer his rich vein of scoring from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea. The Spain international has adapted effortlessly to the demands of the Premier League, scoring nine times in his first nine matches, after helping Atletico to the La Liga title as a parting gift. Who knows if they could have won the Champions League final had he not succumbed to injury.

Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea and Belgium)

A big year for the Belgium international, who is gradually establishing himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers. His loan spell at Atletico Madrid ended with the La Liga title and an appearance in the Champions League final, having knocked out his parent club Chelsea along the way. Little wonder the Blues wanted him back over the summer and Courtois is now firmly established as their No 1.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal)

Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or back in January and is odds-on to repeat his triumph following another exceptional year. The Real Madrid megastar scored 29 goals for his club during 2014 and that tally grows higher with every passing week. So far this season, Ronaldo has scored a remarkable 22 goals in 15 appearances for club and country and is simply going from strength to strength.

Angel Di Maria (Manchester United and Argentina)

It's been a sublime year for Di Maria, who helped Real Madrid to the Champions League, scoring and earning the man of the match award in the final, and then led Argentina to the final of the World Cup. Though that ended in defeat, his ability to create chances persuaded Manchester United to part with £60m for his services over the summer and it's already proving to be money well spent.

Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich and Germany)

Not only did Gotze help Bayern underline their domestic dominance with a league and cup double, he made it a treble of winners' medals by helping Germany to World Cup success. Gotze settled the final with Argentina with an extra time volley. Gotze's all-round excellence makes it easy to forget that he is only 22.

Eden Hazard (Chelsea and Belgium)

Hazard's consistently brilliant performances for Chelsea led to him being named the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2014 and he was also the club's Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. His fine attacking performances are integral to Jose Mourinho's team and their positive start to the new campaign.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint-Germain and Sweden)

Though Zlatan may have been missing from the World Cup, he still enjoyed domestic success, leading PSG to another French title. One of the best strikers in Europe, he has scored 16 goals so far in this calendar year for the Parisians and his audacity and improvisation with his forward play is admired the world over.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona and Spain)

Iniesta has been an ever-present on this shortlist over the past few years but 2014 wasn't his most successful year. Barcelona missed out on silverware and Spain flopped at the World Cup. Nonetheless, Iniesta continues to dictate every match in which he plays with his clever movement and incisive passing.

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid and Germany)

Kroos was a central part of Germany's World Cup triumph, setting up four goals and scoring twice in the semi-final demolition of Brazil. He was the top-ranked player on the Castrol Performance Index, scoring 9.79 out of 10 for his performances. Prior to that, he had helped Bayern to league and cup success and moved to Real Madrid over the summer.

Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich and Germany)

The captain of the World Cup-winning side certainly deserves a place on the list and Lahm has certainly enjoyed an excellent year. He lifted the World Cup trophy in the Maracana and then announced his international retirement after 113 matches for his country. This will only give him more time to concentrate of helping Bayern Munich to more silverware.

Javier Mascherano (Barcelona and Argentina)

Mascherano played every single minute of Argentina's World Cup campaign as they came within a whisker of lifting the trophy. He made the most tackles of any player at the tournament (30) and the third-most passes (576 at an accuracy rate of 89 per cent). Although Barcelona failed to win a trophy in 2014, Mascherano signed a contract extension with a buy-out clause of £78m, which shows how much they value him.

Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina)

His streak of Ballon d'Or successes may have come to an end last year - and 2014 has been by no means his best year - but Messi continues to dazzle for club and country. He scored 27 times for Barcelona during the calendar year and four more for Argentina, including goals in all three of the World Cup group games. Alas, his dream of lifting the World Cup did not come to fruition but he was named the tournament's best player. Messi now stands on the verge of breaking all manner of scoring records in La Liga and the Champions League

Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich and Germany)

Muller's five goals were vital in Germany's World Cup success and earned a place in the tournament all-star XI in addition to his winner's medal. The 25-year-old has matured into one of the world's deadliest strikers and he proved this with 26 goals for Bayern Munich during their double-winning 2013-2014 campaign.

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany)

Undoubtedly the world's No 1 goalkeeper at present, Neuer enjoyed another wonderful year with World Cup glory following Bayern's domestic successes. He deservedly won the Golden Glove award for his performances in the finals in Brazil and his shot-stopping and reflexes are great to watch.

Neymar (Barcelona and Brazil)

Neymar's importance to the Brazil team at the World Cup was underlined by their capitulation in the semi-final with Germany, when he was absent with a fractured vertebra. Until that point he had been their talisman, scoring four goals and looking their most dangerous player. Neymar has also adapted well to life at Barcelona, scoring 12 club goals in the calendar year so far.

Paul Pogba (Juventus and France)

The former Manchester United midfielder is starting to realise his potential as one of Europe's best players and was instrumental in leading Juventus to another Serie A title. He then performed impressively for France at the World Cup, the 21-year-old being named the tournament's Best Young Player.

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain)

Ramos has been a model of consistency for Real Madrid over the last few clubs and chipped in with some massive goals as well. He scored two headers in Real's 4-0 Champions League semi-final win over Bayern Munich and rescued them with an injury-time goal in the final, also scooping the man of the match award. Unfortunately his World Cup with Spain wasn't quite as successful.

Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich and Holland)

Holland surprised and thrilled many with their third-place finish at the World Cup and Robben was a key part of this, scoring goals against Spain and Australia, as well as in the quarter-final shoot-out defeat of Costa Rica. This great performance at the World Cup followed another very successful season with Bayern.

James Rodriguez (Real Madrid and Colombia)

Rodriguez was the revelation of the World Cup, scoring magnificent goals for Colombia and winning the Golden Boot award for top scorer. His volley against Uruguay in the second round was one of the best goals every seen in the World Cup. It was enough to earn a dream move to Real Madrid from Monaco and Rodriguez looks every inch the Galactico at his new club.

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich and Germany)

The midfield general was a major factor as Germany lifted the World Cup, with his exceptional range of passing to the fore. Joachim Low rewarded his displays by handing him the captain's armband following Lahm's retirement. This, like many of the other German players on this list, came after another year of success with Bayern Munich.

Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)

Toure was City's talisman as they won their second Premier League title in three seasons, producing a succession of commanding performances in midfield and contributing 24 goals in all competitions. He captained his country at the World Cup but they failed to advance beyond the group stage.

FIFA WORLD COACH OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST 

Meanwhile, three Premier League bosses - Manuel Pellegrini (City), Jose Mourinho (Chelsea) and Louis van Gaal (United) - are on the 10-strong shortlist for the manager of the year award.

The award ceremony takes place in Zurich on January 12.

THE SHORTLIST IN FULL 

Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid), Antonio Conte (Juventus/Italy), Pep Guardiola (Bayern Munich), Juergen Klinsmann (USA), Joachim Low (Germany), Jose Mourinho (Chelsea), Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City), Alejandro Sabella (Argentina), Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Louis van Gaal (Holland/Manchester United).

Angel Di Maria arrives at Manchester United's Carrington training ground ahead of £59.7million move from Real Madrid

Angel Di Maria arrives at Manchester United's Carrington training ground ahead of book

Manchester United hope to formally announce the signing of Angel di Maria on Tuesday after agreeing terms on a British record transfer fee of £59.7million plus add ons with Real Madrid.

United officials held meetings with their Real Madrid counterparts on Sunday evening and resumed talks on Monday as they bartered down the £75million asking price.

The scale of the extra fees due from United will depend on performances and the prospect of Di Maria winning the Ballon D'Or.

The Argentina international posed with fans at Madrid airport on Monday afternoon prior to flying into Manchester on a private plane to meet up with United manager Louis Van Gaal late last night.

Van Gaal had been at Carrington overseeing the first team squad's 4pm warm-down session and training ahead of tonight's Capital One Cup second round tie at MK Dons.

Di Maria's arrival will give the club a welcome lift following a disappointing start to the season that has delivered just one point from their opening two Premier League games but there is concern that his signing, as stellar as it is, fails to address United's real needs and Van Gaal is pressing the club to deliver two more players over the coming days.

Ajax utility player Daley Blind and Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal are among those being considered.

Madrid are also agreeing terms over United right-back Guillermo Varela. The 21-year-old Uruguayan only joined United a year ago from Penarol but will move to Real Madrid's B team Castilla to play under Zinedine Zidane. The deal is likely to be a loan with a view to a permanent £3million transfer.

Di Maria will join up with his new United teammates at training on Thursday and the club hope to formalise his work permit and registration by 12noon Friday if he is to figure against Burnley on Saturday.

A work permit, however, has yet to be arranged for his compatriot Marcos Rojo with the Bank Holiday helping to delay the process.

Di Maria, hailed as the best player in Spain, 'surpassing even Lionel Messi' according to former Argentina coach Cesar Luis Menotti, has at least got United supporters excited. 

A need for more such names is underlined by the fact United face MK Dons tonight in the Capital One second round without seven first-team players. Chris Smalling has joined Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Rafael da Silva on the sidelines.

Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez and Shinji Kagawa are set to be involved from the start, with youngsters Reece James and James Wilson also in contention to play. Juventus have made an enquiry about the availability of Hernandez after Arsenal stalled on the proposed loan of Lukas Podolski.

Welbeck remains a target for other clubs with Everton, Tottenham, Newcastle and Sunderland rivalled by Turkish club Galatasaray.

Man Utd to make £32M bid for Fiorentina star Cuadrado today

Manchester United are making a major bid for Fiorentina for Juan Cuadrado this week.
With a deal for former Sporting CP defender Marcos Rojo now wrapped up, United will focus on the Colombia international.
Florence sources say United will offer £32 million today with the view to signing Cuadrado before Saturday.
The wing-back has been managed carefully by Fiorentina since his return from World Cup duty and did not take part in their glamour Warsaw friendly against Real Madrid on the weekend.
United boss Louis van Gaal wants a deal agreed and Cuadrado registered in time to face Sunderland this weekend.

BEAT THE BAN! Barcelona scramble to sign Reus, Cuadrado

Barcelona are moving to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus and Fiorentina wing-back Juan Cuadrado.
Barca are scrambling after their transfer ban - to begin in January 16 - was upheld by FIFA upon appeal yesterday.
The Catalans intend to sign both Reus and Cuadrado in the coming days before loaning them immediately back to their respective clubs for the season.
They want both players tied up now, rather than risk losing them during the next two transfer windows.

Angel Di Maria is Real Madrid's 'best player', claims Diego Simeone (yes, even above Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale!)

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has raised eyebrows by claiming that Angel Di Maria is city rival Real's best player, above the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Simeone watched from the sidelines as his Atletico side held their Madrid rivals to a 1-1 draw in the Spanish Super Cup first leg on Tuesday night.

Di Maria's late introduction from the bench changed the game, with the Argentina winger - a target for Manchester United - setting up an the opening goal for James Rodriguez. Atletico levelled the tie through Raul Garcia with just two minutes remaining.

 

Simeone hailed Di Maria's impact after the game and insisted it did not surprise him that his compatriot was so effective.

'The game changed with Di Maria,' Simeone said. 'It's logical - he's the best player they have.'

When pressed whether Di Maria deserved to be singled out above Real's so-called galacticos - Ronaldo, Bale and Rodriguez chief among them - Simeone insisted: 'He's the player most likely to create openings in the opposition half.'

It seems the Atletico manager has a point, as his fellow Argentine - while well behind Ronaldo and Bale in terms of goals scored - created the most last season, 22, compared with 11 made by the Portuguese and 16 by the Welshman.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti would seem to disagree with his Simeone, however, having started the game with Di Maria on the bench.

 

But Louis van Gaal is desperate to add Di Maria to his paper-thin squad at Old Trafford following United's opening-day Premier League defeat at home against Swansea.

United are prepared to commit as much as £100million to their pursuit of Di Maria. Van Gaal needs world-class additions and has told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to do all he can to bring the 26-year-old winger to the club.

It is understood United have told Di Maria that, with performance-based incentives, they will pay him around £200,000 a week. Over a five-year deal that would take the club's investment to £100m when a transfer fee of around £50m is included. 

 

 

Marcos Rojo and Sergio Aguero fell out during the World Cup... and now they will face off in the Manchester derby

Manchester derbies may have an added degree of spice with Argentina World Cup team-mates Sergio Aguero and Marcos Rojo squaring up to each other on November 2.

Rojo sealed a £16million move to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday and the two World Cup finalists were said to have exchanged angry words earlier in this summer’s tournament after Rojo invited a friend of his, Argentina pop star El Polaco, into the dressing room after one of their wins during the group stage.

Trouble is that El Polaco is the former partner of another Argentine pop star, Karina La Princesita, whom Aguero has been dating.

 

 

The two pop singers, who are big Cumbia stars, a popular Latin-music style, split acrimoniously last year but have a four-year-old daughter from their relationship.

According to Argentine paper La Gaceta, Aguero was unimpressed with Rojo inviting the singer into the team dressing room and had angry words with his team-mate.

Aguero himself was previously married to Giannina Maradona, the daughter of Diego, and they have a six-year-old son from their relationship.

Aguero and Rojo seemed to have managed their differences through the rest of the World Cup, with both appearing in the semi-final and final team together, once Aguero had recovered from injury. 

Nevertheless, there may well be a degree of extra interest in the handshake between the compatriots when the two Manchester teams meet at the Etihad Stadium.

 

 

 

Manchester United must sign more than just Marcos Rojo to bolster Louis van Gaal's squad... or Ed Woodward's job is on the line

Marcos Rojo is on his way to Manchester United, we are told. He needs to be. Not just for Louis van Gaal, as the deficiencies in his squad bite.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward must also start landing the big ones if he is to remain in his elevated role at Old Trafford. The buck won’t stop with the manager this time, if United fall short.

After Woodward’s dramatic intervention last season, United cannot continue sacking highly paid coaches to cure dysfunction. Sooner or later, they have to address a wider issue: the capability of the man charged with making the signings.

Woodward got away with it under David Moyes. He failed to deliver in his new role every bit as much as the manager, but had huge credit with the Glazers from his previous work at the club. It was easier to remove Moyes and keep the executive who had almost doubled United’s commercial revenue.

Van Gaal’s track record, however, makes him an unlikely fall guy. There was no prior evidence that Moyes was a title-winning manager, but that is not true of Van Gaal.

History suggests that given the tools, he succeeds. This time the blame rebounds on his floundering facilitator.

The Glazers will not wish to lose the services of the admired Woodward - but they may prefer him to return to his area of expertise. Last summer was a bust, the winter bought Juan Mata at vast expense and now United are running out of time again as the window closes.

There has been no transfer activity since June and, even allowing for injuries, United’s weakened state is troubling. It was never going to be easy to replace Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, but at least the club had lead time. It has been known for eight months that Vidic was leaving and Ferdinand’s performances increasingly represented the end of an era.

There should have been planning. Rojo and Daley Blind of Ajax, should have already been in the team come Saturday’s match with Swansea City.

The pursuit of Angel di Maria would appear to be a recent, opportunistic request by Van Gaal. After an outstanding season with Real Madrid, few would have thought he would be available this summer. It makes sense to take advantage of Madrid’s overcrowded roster.

Yet replacing Vidic and Ferdinand? That should have been done long ago. Shorn of European competition this season, Manchester United have been reduced to paying outlandish sums and can ill-afford another season out of the Champions League.

Yet they are already playing catch-up on their rivals.

The worry, if the defence cannot be overhauled successfully at this late stage, is that they end up with what is available, rather than what they need. Woodward has to get his business done, and quickly.

If not, the consequences for the club, and their executive vice-chairman, are potentially status-changing