The Belgian football team have the potential to be a really top class side in a few years. They have so many young and talented players, more than I can remember them having in my lifetime, and with plenty of time to grow together as a national team, it wouldn’t be a shock at all if they went far in a major tournament years down the line.

Georges Leekens

The coach. The man responsible for moulding these players into a unit that can compete against the world’s big nations. No stranger to the international scene, Leekens was in charge when the Belgians beat the Republic of Ireland in a play-off to go to France 98 (heartbreaking for me I must say).

Vincent Kompany (24 years old)

One of the better known players in the team. Outstanding for City this year and looks like he’s worth a lot more than the £6m payed for him. Capped as a 17 year old, and 6 years on has a good amount of international experience for one his age. Could play for another 10 years too at CB- the cornerstone of the defence.

Thomas Vermaelen (25 years old)

Again, another player we know all about. Was brilliant for Arsenal upon arrival. Looked solid at the back and scored goals for fun as a defender. Named in the PFA Team of the Year that season but injuries have hampered him as of lately.

Steven Defour (22 years old)

Skipper of the national team and only 22 years old. Has admirers all over the world, from Rafa Benitez to Alex Ferguson. Captain of Standard Liege at only 19 years of old (a bit like Reo-Coker in that respect but thankfully for his sake he’s got a bit more about him). Tough player that can pass, tackle and do a bit of everything in the middle of the park. His main asset seems to be his leadership. An inspiration in the midfield, and the driving force of this team.

Marouane Fellaini (23 years old)

A player who divides opinion. Cost Everton £15m and United were in for him too. Tough tackling, an aerial threat, and again a decent level of experience on the international scene. Should only get better, and there has reportedly been interest recently from Real Madrid and Chelsea

Jan Vertonghen (23 years old)

Left sided player that can operate in defence or in midfield. Versatile as you can see, a big strong lad and has been praised as a fantastic prospect by no less than Johan Cruyff. Unlikely to stay at Ajax for long.

Axel Witsel (22 years old)

Another member of that Standard Liege side that pushed Liverpool all the way in the Champions League qualifying round a few years ago (along with Defour and Fellaini). For those who don’t remember, Liverpool were on the ropes until Dirk Kuyt bailed them out very late on. A bit of a fiery temper, but a good footballer nonetheless. Pacey and a threat going forward, his versatility is another bonus to the Belgians.

Eden Hazard (20 years old)

“Eden who?” you might ask. 2 time young player of the year in France. Wanted by nearly every club out there but looks likely to go to Arsenal, despite being personally recommended to Real Madrid by Zidane. Lightning quick, ability to beat a player, good set piece delivery, and doesn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities. All the credentials to be the superstar of this team and one of the most exciting players in the world

Romelu Lukaku (17 years old)

17 years old but bullies defenders that are unfortunate enough to come up against him. An absolute beast of a…. man? Already 10 goals in 18 games in the league this season; this kid is the real deal. When his services become available, expect Anderlecht to make a fortune off him and expect whoever payed it to have money well spent. Already prolific at this young age, has been touted as the next Drogba. Also has a younger brother who is apparently making a name for himself already.

The list goes on. Moussa Dembele (23) who has been great for Fulham this year, young Dedryck Boyata (20) at Man City, Anthony Vanden Borre (23) etc. As you can see they have many talented footballers. Another thing worth noting is that as well as being able to play good football, every player I mentioned bar Hazard is 6 foot or over. A lot of them are good headers, and so as you can see with little Hazard on set piece duty, they are a threat from these set plays. The lack of a truly top class goalkeeper is the biggest concern for this team.

This is a golden generation for Belgium, better than their team of the late 80′s. It would be a shame if they don’t live up to their promise, but I think they should be knocking on the door in the latter stages of major competitions in this years to come.

Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!

Liverpool and Man United are set to enter a bidding war for highly rated Standard Liege star Steven Defour who is tipped to leave his native Belgium this summer. The goalscoring midfielder has been a long term target of Sir Alex Ferguson but now Anfield director of football Damien Comolli has identified the creative youngster as a target.

Comolli may see Defour as a potential long term replacement for Steven Gerrard and the Standard Liege captain’s leadership skills and the Merseyside club have reportedly made enquiries into the availability of the 23 year old and it seems the Belgian side are ready to cash in on their prized asset.

Manchester United and Liverpool are just two sides who are keen on the Mechelen born Defour and the likes of Benfica and Napoli are also both said to be readying moves to sign the stylish midfielder who is part of Belgium’s new golden generation.

Since Kenny Dalglish’s return to Anfield Liverpool have improved greatly and whilst Raul Meireles has chipped in with some crucial goals and Lucas has become more and more consistent the club could still do with another midfield option and Comolli has been monitoring Defour’s progress this season.

Having spent a prolonged period of time out with a foot injury the Standard Liege captain is back in form and ready to deliver on his very obvious potential. Man United boss Ferguson is known to have sent Defour a letter of encouragement wishing him the best in his recovery and that led many to believe a bid would come from the Premier League giants sooner or later and it appears this summer may be the time to act.

Ferguson has been looking to bring in new additions to help the freshening up of a squad that is experiencing something of a transition from the old to the new. With Gary Neville and Edwin Van der Sar set for retirement and the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are nearing the end of their glittering careers and having brought in the likes of Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez last summer and will continue to look to bring in long term replacements.

Defour is in many ways the perfect long term fill in for Scholes and it appears two Premier League rivals are ready to fight it out for a player who is considered one of the hottest prospects in European football.

Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!

Liverpool Tickets Available from Tixdaq.com

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing long term Manchester United target Steven Defour. The Standard Liege and Belgium star is a player who Anfield Director of Football Damien Comolli has registered a keenness to bring to the Merseyside club and an offer may be in offing to beat Sir Alex Ferguson to the punch.

The 22 year old has been out with a long term leg injury but it said to be set for a comeback in six weeks and the near proximity to the ending of his spell on the sidelines has reawakened interest in a player that many believe is one of the hottest prospects in European football.

£15m rated Defour was of course famously sent a letter by Sir Alex Ferguson encouraging the talented midfielder to keep positive during his lengthy injury problems and that has led many to believe that a tacit agreement is already in place that would see the Liege man move to Old Trafford, but the player’s club have been quick to play down such talk and have in fact tied the player down to a new contract back in June that is due to run until 2015.

However many feel that the signing of the new deal was in many ways something of an insurance policy to ensure that when the box to box midfielder is sold then the Liege club would get a better fee for a player who has very much outgrown his surroundings.

Comolli is known to be an admirer of the former Racing Genk man who has a knack of scoring crucial goals as well as possessing the ability to run things in the midfield and has been compared to Paul Scholes in the past.

Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!

Bet on Man United with Sportingbet.com and get a free bet worth up to £50

Man United Tickets Available from Telegraph Tickets

MANCHESTER UNITED believe they have found the new Ryan Giggs in teenage Belgian star Eden Hazard.

But Sir Alex Ferguson faces a tough battle to land the 19-year-old wing star who plays for French side Lille – because Jose Mourinho wants to take £20million-rated Hazard to Real Madrid.

Arsenal, Liverpool, ­Barcelona and Inter Milan are also on ­Hazard’s trail but United’s ­interest is strong with ­Ferguson’s European scouts virtually ever-present at Lille games this season.

Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has ­recommended Hazard to his former club but Ferguson’s track record of ­giving gifted youngsters a chance at Old Trafford is seen as a key ­component of United’s efforts to sign Hazard. He is the only star ever to have won the French Young Player of the Year trophy twice and is out of contract in 2012, but Lille know they will be unlikely to hold on to the winger beyond next summer. (Sunday People)

Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to build a new generation of Old Trafford talent and has begun the process with signing the likes of Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling and making a move for Eden Hazard makes a great deal of sense but the Man United boss will have to fight the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal to sign the young Belgian.

Hazard is considered one of the hottest prospects in European football and Lille appear to be prepared to cash in on a player that has outgrown the club who he has helped to the top of the Ligue 1 table as the French league reached it’s winter break.

The stylish wide man would be a natural replacement for Ryan Giggs, as this source suggest, and by all accounts Ferguson is also keen on Hazard’s international team-mate Steve Defour and after the best part of two years trailing the Standard Liege man the Scot will make an offer in the summer.

The 22 year old has been a player on Ferguson’s wish-list and the Man United boss even went as far as sending the youngster a letter wishing him well during his long injury lay off and is now ready to make a summer move for the £15m rated central midfielder who has been likened to Paul Scholes.

Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!

Newcastle v Man City tickets available from Tixdaq.com

Bet on Tottenham with Sportingbet.com and get a free bet worth up to £50

Edin Dzeko, Manchester City’s principal target in next month’s transfer window, has written to the club to say he wants to make the move happen and effectively ask if they will sign him, increasing the possibility that he will arrive as either a replacement or a new partner for Carlos Tevez.

The prolific Wolfsburg striker sent his letter to a senior executive at Eastlands earlier in the season, expressing his admiration for the club and his gratitude for their efforts to buy him in the August window. Talks broke down at that stage because Wolfsburg would not lower their asking price, in the region of £45m, whereas City valued him closer to £30m. However, City have maintained their interest in the Bosnia international and their information is that Dzeko still feels the same about the possibility of becoming the club’s latest big-money transfer.

City are now hoping to reach a compromise fee with Wolfsburg to resurrect the deal. It may still need some prolonged negotiating, with the German club having obvious misgivings about losing such an important player in the middle of the Bundesliga season, but City are increasingly optimistic after inviting some of Dzeko’s representatives to watch the Manchester derby last month and showing them round their training ground. (The Guardian)

Sometimes football appears to be stuck in the dark ages.

Every deadline day clubs receive faxes instead of emails, but there is at least a reason behind that. It is the fastest way to receive a signed contract anywhere across the globe.

Whether it is Sir Alex Ferguson sending Steven Defour a “get well soon” note or Edin Dzeko’s plea for Manchester City to sign him, letter writing still seems peculiar though in this digital age.

The Dzeko transfer makes a lot of sense for Roberto Mancini’s side though.

Not only is there the very real possibility of Carlos Tevez’s exit to consider, but only one side in the Premier League is yet to score a header.

I’m sure we don’t need to tell you that team is Man City, and with the 6’3″ Dzeko one of the most feared forwards in the air worldwide, he would undoubtedly rectify that situation sooner rather than later.

Join the Best Football Manager game now! It’s Free!

Bet on an English Team to win the Champions League Join Betfair and get £25 free!

Liverpool Tickets Available from Tixdaq.com

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is reportedly looking to beat arch rivals to the signing of impressive Belgian international Steven Defour as the Anfield boss makes plans for January acquistions.

Sir Alex Ferguson famously sent the Standard Liege a letter during his long term injury lay off wishing him well and that started speculation that the Old Trafford boss wanted to snap up the talented young attack minded midfielder.

Now with the boost of new owners at the Merseyside club, Liverpool will look to sign a player that many have dubbed the “New Steven Gerrard” and whilst such comparisons are next to impossible to live up to the 22 year old does play in a similar style to the Liverpool captain and does have a great deal of potential that appears to eclipse what he can achieve with his Belgian side.

Despite strong links to Manchester United, Steven Defour could be on his way to Liverpool, who are suddenly reveling in monetary salvation at the eleventh hour.

NESV, the new owners of Liverpool, are apparently looking to make an immediate impact once the books become a little more balanced, aiming to sign three or four new players in the next transfer window. Roy Hodgson is also an admirer of Defour, and would willingly fork out £10m for the prodigious midfielder.

But if Hodgson is to be sacked (highly probable in the event that Liverpool lose the Merseyside Derby) then that situation may change, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson free to claim Defour with the promise of regular Champions League football.

Ultimately, United remain firm favourites to sign Defour as they look to revolutionise the under-performing midfield, and only by withdrawing interest (an impossibility itself) will Liverpool become the new favourites in the race to land one of Belgium’s few significant talents. (Transfer Tavern)

Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!

Bet on Real Madrid to win the Champions League Join Betfair and get £25 free!

Man United Tickets Available from Tixdaq.com

Reports in the Belgium press suggest Standard Liege are set to sell their prized asset Steven Defour this January after a disappointing start to the season. The club are already 8 points behind leaders Racing Genk. This follows on from an awful 2009/10 when the club finished 9^th a massive 46 points behind the champions Anderlecht. Manchester United have been monitoring the Standard captain’s form after he returned from a long-term injury and Sir Alex Ferguson is known to be a keen admirer.

Defour was the driving force behind the club in the last few seasons as Standard won back to back league titles in 2008 and 2009. This form led to interest from the Red Devils who see him as the natural successor to veteran Paul Scholes. Just like Sir Alex did with Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Ferguson contacted the player personally following his serious injury with a letter.

He wrote, ‘You must be feeling quite down and are no doubt asking yourself all sorts of questions. But don’t worry: everything will work out. You will have to work hard to come back and I am going to follow your performances. I will remain in contact with Standard. I am writing this letter because one of your fans drew my attention to your injury.”

Defour was quick to play down speculation that this letter meant he would definitely join the Red Devils but it does show United’s interest is real. The player said told Het Laatste Nieuws, “I don’t want to talk about it too much.”

“I would like to make it clear that he [Ferguson] followed the official procedure, i.e he went through Standard. It’s a really nice gesture but I wouldn’t want people to get the idea that I think I’m already a Manchester United player. Far from it.”

Due to injuries, Defour only played 13 league games last season (12 starts) and his absence played a big part in the failure of Standard’s campaign. The 22-year-old star certainly put himself in the shop window with his European displays against both Merseyside giants Liverpool and Everton in Europe in the last few seasons. The player obviously impressed David Moyes who made at least two official moves in the past to sign the young starlet.

Defour will be more than aware that Standard are not even in Europe this season and a poor start domestically has increased speculation that he will be actively seeking a move now he has proved his fitness to Manchester United scouts.

It’s of little surprise as the 5 ft 8 playmaker’s career has gone from strength to strength. Defour is now a permanent member of the Belgian national side with 26 caps and 1 goal to his name despite his tender years. He also won the 2007 Golden Shoe award as most outstanding player in the Jupiler League. These achievements perfectly illustrate why Manchester United view him as the ideal signing to eventually take over from Scholes in the Red Devils midfield..

Defour is of a similar mould to Manchester United veteran Scholes in terms of physique and style which explains Sir Alex Ferguson’s interest with Michael Carrick falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford. Defour is very good at dictating the tempo of his team’s play which would be of great benefit to Sir Alex’s side which has relied heavily on the older guard of Scholes and Ryan Giggs this season.

The Belgian has started all nine league games and scored three goals and if he can maintain his form and fitness, a £16m January move to Old Trafford is expected to be completed.

Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!

Bet on Manchester United to win the Champions League Join Betfair and get £25 free!

Join the Free CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League and Win £20k! CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League – PIN Number 1312

Manchester United are lining up a last ditch move to sign Standard Liege star Steven Defour. Sir Alex Ferguson has long been an admirer of the Belgian international and is looking to secure a deal to sign the 22 year old as soon as possible.

The Old Trafford boss is so keen on snapping up the talented adaptable tigerish midfielder that he is willing to loan the player right back to the Jupiler League side for the current season. Ferguson is looking to rejuvenate his midfield and is looking to bring in young additions as he looks to put together a side for the future as the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes near the end of their illustrious careers.

Defour missed last season through a long term foot injury and received a letter from the United manager offering him encouragement to get through the long period on the sidelines, something the youngster reportedly greatly appreciated.

Having seen his former team-mate Marouane Fellaini quickly adapt to life in the English top tier, Defour has been champing at the bit to get back to full fitness and is now hoping to secure a long awaited move.

A move for the former Genk man would set the Premier League side back around £16m but as chief executive David Gill has been quick to reaffirm, despite the well publicised financial concerns surrounding Man United, money is available for Sir Alex to spend on new players.

Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!

Bet on Liverpool to win the Europa League and get £25 worth of free bets!

Join the Free CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League and Win £20k! CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League – PIN Number 1312

Skysports.com understands Manchester United are weighing up a move for long-term target Steven Defour.

The Standard Liege midfielder has attracted the interest of United in the past with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson even sending a letter to the player last year to wish him a speedy recovery after he suffered a serious foot injury.

A number of clubs across Europe have been credited with an interest in Defour, but United are keen to lure him to Old Trafford.

In a bid to steal a march on their rivals United could step up their interest in the Belgian international befoe the close of the transfer window.

Defour has previously expressed his desire to move to England and United could be in the market for a new midfielder as doubts continue to surround the long-term future of Owen Hargreaves. (Sky Sports)

Steven Defour signed a new contract for Standard Liege in March that theoretically committed him to the Belgian club until 2015. However, the contract is believed to include a release clause that will allow him to leave should one of the top teams in Europe target him.

Manchester United, undoubtedly, are one of those teams.

Having captained his club at the age of just 19, Defour has a leadership and desire to succeed rare in today’s game. If Manchester United do cough up the cash to buy him, it would be Michael Carrick fearing most for his future. The Belgian international can do everything Carrick can do, but with a better engine and tackling ability – not to mention sense of urgency.

Last year Defour broke his foot, prompting Sir Alex Ferguson to send him a letter of encouragement.

“Dear Steven, I heard that you have a serious injury. You will have to work hard to make your comeback, but then I will follow your performances closely. I will certainly keep in contact with Standard, and I hope that your mental strength holds out.”

Manchester United hope a bid of around £12m would secure the services of one of the most promising young players in Europe – and at 21, Defour could give Manchester over a decade of service.

Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!

Think Chelsea will win the Champions League? Join Betfair and get £25 free!

Join the Free CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League and Win £20k!

As Inter Milan prepare their first bid for unsettled Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, manager Roy Hodgson has stepped up the search for his replacement.
The Liverpool boss was due to watch Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour in Belgium last night and is considering a £10million bid for a player who is also a target for Manchester United.

So keen are United on the 22-year-old Belgium international that manager Sir Alex Ferguson wrote him a letter of encouragement when he broke his foot last year and has since kept an eye on his year-long recovery.
With Mascherano expressing his desire to leave Anfield, Hodgson and the Liverpool board will not stand in his way but they are determined not to sell him on the cheap to former boss Rafael Benitez. (Daily Mail)

The moment Defour reaches full fitness it seems likely a move will be made to bring the Belgian international to the Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson has of course made a very public push for the midfielder, going as far as to write him a letter wishing him a speedy recovery from his lengthy injury.

Roy Hodgson is now hoping to use any money he looks to get from the likely sale of Javier Mascherano to reinvest in his midfield and a move for the 22 year old ball winner would be a wise one.

The Standard Liege man is two different types of player in one. He has the ability to put in crunching tackles and win possession but also has a creative footballing brain that helps force attacking forays into the box and he gets his fair share of goals and assists.

Clearly the only big issue is whether the youngster can make the huge jump from the decidedly average Belgian Jupiler League to the English top tier, it seems that many believe he can and a number of Europe’s elite are seeking to snap up the talented battler.