Klassieker: A rare goalless draw between Ajax and Feyenoord yesterday represented bad news for the two main pursuers of leaders PSV at the head of the Dutch league standings. Both sides needed a victory to put just the slightest pressure on runaway leaders PSV, who now have a six-point advantage over champions Ajax and 14 points over third-placed Feyenoord. It was only the second time the great ‘Klassieker’ fixture of the Dutch season had ended in a goalless draw. The previous time was in 1978.
Mayuka: Zambia’s lead striker Emmanuel Mayuka is set to return to Southampton after a double groin injury effectively ruled him out of the African Nations Cup in another blow to his country’s hopes. Mayuka, who has played just 49 minutes of Southampton’s impressive Premier League run this season, hurt himself on Thursday when Zambia lost their second group game in Ebibeyin to Tunisia.
Fletcher: Darren Fletcher, 30, could be on his way out of Manchester United after coming close to agreeing his release from the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford. The Scotland midfielder is set to sign for West Ham United on a three-and-a-half year deal according to the media. West Brom also showed interest in Fletcher but given the terms in the West Ham offer, he is likely to join the Hammers if the transfer is completed this week.
Djordjevic: Lazio’s Filip Djordjevic will be out of the game for at least three months after fracturing his right ankle during Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Milan. The Serbian striker will require surgery which reports said will likely be conducted tomorrow. Djordjevic was stretchered off in agony, replays showing his ankle turned very badly during the fall. The 27-year-old has scored seven Serie A goals this season.
Nyland: Everton are engaged in talks to sign goalkeeper Orjan Nyland this month and reports yesterday suggested the transfer deal could cost the English Premier League club around £5.5 million. Nyland, 24, has been identified as the long-term successor to Tim Howard at Goodison Park. He has played 69 times for Molde since his move from Idrettslaget Hodd in 2013.