Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey wonders whether the ‘this country!' brigade would oppose ManuelAlmunia's switch to the England national team should the Arsenal keeper takethe necessary steps. Manuel Almunia has spoken of his interest in representing England at nextsummer's World Cup in South Africa. The Arsenal goalkeeper, who is eligible to gain British citizenship, hastold The Guardian…

Football FanCastcolumnist Rob Facey says that Fulham cannot afford to lose Brede Hangeland at any price on the eve of the season.Roy Hodgson has told Arsene Wenger to stump up or shut up inthe chase to sign defender Brede Hangeland.The Daily Mailclaims that Hodgson has slapped a £15m price tag on the imposing Norwayinternational.Wenger has funds at his disposal but,…

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey says that Cesc Fabregas can not be sold at any price - but Arsenal must repay his loyalty with silverware.Cesc Fabregas is said to be the subject of a £25m bid from Barcelona according to reports.The Times is claiming that Pep Guardiola's men are turning to theArsenal captain after failing to lure Javier…

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey looks at the latest Man City transfer attempt gone awry and wonders what Mark Hughes needs to do convince star players to join. Matthew Upson is reported to be the latest target for Manchester City, who have turned their attention to the West Ham defender after appearing to give up their…

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey ponders what David Moyes' response will be to Man City's £15m bid. Manchester City have launched an audacious bid to sign Joleon Lescott, despite David Moyes' warning that no Everton player will be sold this summer. Mark Hughes has bid £15m for the England centreback who is thought to be his second choice behind Chelsea's…

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey looks into his crystal ball and sees what the future holds for his beloved QPR. Writing a QPR season preview for 2009/10 is like trying to predict next week's lottery numbers such was our erratic form last year. But (I hope) the omens are looking good so far. In two pre-season games we have already…

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey wonders whether United have missed a trick in walking away from one of the game's hottest prospects. Man United have halted their quest to sign Brazilian wonderkid Douglas Costa after being confronted with numerous agents and add-ons. The Times is reporting that, despite Sir Alex Ferguson saying that they would not buy any more players,…

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey says that Man City's new acquisitions show that Mark Hughes' men mean business next season. Mark Hughes has hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson's criticisms and remained defiant that he does not have to justify Manchester City's huge spending spree this summer. With Roque Santa Cruz, Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez already at the club, and…

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey ponders the real motives behind Emmanuel Adebayor's stalling tactics. Emmanuel Adebayor has stalled signing a contract at Man City and has asked for more time to think about his future. He claims that the move, from one of the Big Four to one of the chasing pack, may be criticised in his native Togo although…

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey wonders whether Stewart Downing can replace Gareth Barry at Villa Park. Stewart Downing is close to finalising his £12m move to Aston Villa and will undergo an extensive medical today - but is he the man to replace Gareth Barry? Although they play in slightly different positions - Downing is obviously a natural winger -…